Ian & Rachel visited Grenada in March 2010, and had a brief stopover on their return via Barbados.

Flights were in BA Club Class, both directions had aircraft with the new pod sleeper seats. Outbound we were diagonally adjacent, but inbound on the overnight flight we booked the two middle seats. The inbound seats allow the outer dividers to be raised, and then there remains an almost private double cabin, we both slept which is unusual.

We stayed at the Spice Island Beach Resort, Grand Anse Beach, which is a wonderful and all inclusive and exclusive private beach hotel. No accommodation is more than a few yards from the beach. The sea grape beach front villas being the most popular, they are literally right on the sandy beach. Many of the villas in the row behind are private pool suites, and the walled pool areas and patios offer a great degree of privacy. All are well appointed and everything you would expect from a property of this quality. Even entry level accommodation is of high standard, but lack the direct sea view, or private pools.

Low rise and very relaxed, the layout, operation, and amenities are contusive to a very relaxed stay. The big plus here are the absolutely fantastic staff. Everyone is very friendly, and many seem to know your names within hours of arrival. There is so obviously an emphasis on service here, and someone is doing an excellent staff training programme. This is the Caribbean and service can usually be a little relaxed, but here it was of a very high standard. Not a hotel for late nighters, despite some very good entertainment on some evenings, most folk retired early. A great hotel however for a relaxed unwind.

Sir Royston O Hopkin, his lovely wife Betty, his family, the manager Brian Hardy, and everyone, even including the gardeners, make you feel very welcome. The local population also seem very friendly, and even the beach sellers are easy going and not pushy. There is security on the beach day and night, but we didn’t get the impression they had a very arduous job. The beach in front of the hotel is lovely, but does have a dip which makes entry and exit a little difficult if the sea is a choppy. Grand Anse is a very long bay popular with locals and tourists alike, and due to its size never feels crowded, even at weekends.

See photos of Spice Island Hotel – Grenada

The ‘spice island’ is well worth looking around, and of course a visit to the Spice market in the local pretty capital of St George’s will solve the gift problems. The central section of the island has a rain forest, and cloud often hangs over this area, but never seems to stray.

Food at Spice Island was pretty good, and much use was made of local fruit and vegetables, fresh local fish, and local spices. There were options to eat internationally as well, even a roast on Sunday if you can’t do without.

We did visit La Source Hotel, which was a much livelier resort, larger and very suitable for either younger clients, or those wanting a bit more going on. Calabash with a Gary Rhodes restaurant has a long established repeat clientele, and is a more reserved option.

See photos of La Source Hotel – Grenada
See photos of Calabash Hotel – Grenada

On our return to the UK we took the opportunity to use a stopover in Barbados to visit the Crane resort and residences in Barbados. Situated on the southeast corner of the island, beyond the airport, this is a self contained village style resort. American in concept and feel, this offers an interesting style as an alternative to the more traditional Caribbean properties. The spectacular beach here has rolling waves and many were body surfing during our visit.

See photos of the Crane Resort – Barbados

All our arrangements were made by Caribtours, and everything went like clockwork.