These Achingly Hip Spots To Chill With The Locals In Grenada Are Giving Us Vibes

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Why the under-the-radar ‘Spice Isle’ should be top of your list to visit for a much-needed escape to paradise.

As anyone who’s been on a jaunt to the Caribbean will tell you, a Caribbean holiday isn’t any ordinary getaway - especially if you jet off to one of its hidden gems, like Grenada.

Known as the “Spice Isle,” Grenada - and its sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique - isn’t just pristine, Insta-ready stretches of white sandy beach and perfectly clear turquoise waters, although there’s plenty of that.

Whether you’re looking to relax on chic Grand Anse Beach or to meet with the locals in the vibrant capital of St. George’s, it’s an island that will delight the senses.

Just imagine the rainbow of colours and delightful smells wafting over from the spice market packed with fresh local produce and the tree-to-bar cocoa estates where you can walk on cocoa before sampling chocolate of your own creation. For a lesson in the tradition of how rum is distilled, there’s the water-powered River Antoine rum distillery, where you can sample 75% proof rum (a favourite with the locals) - if you dare.

Grenada is an idyllic place to wind down and reconnect with nature, to take in the lush landscapes of rainforests, waterfalls and beaches. There’s also plenty of opportunity for socialising and making new friends as you’re introduced to local customs and mouth-watering meals.

You can fly to Grenada with British Airways from London. The journey to paradise is shorter than you think (the flight’s roughly 10 hours), with a touch down in Saint Lucia.

When you fly British Airways, you can treat yourself to an enhanced in-flight experience with an upgrade to British Airways’ premium economy service, World Traveller Plus, and enjoy wider seats and more legroom, complimentary bar service and delicious in-flight meals, as well as a personal entertainment system with noise-cancelling headphones and more free baggage allowance. And you can book with confidence, safe in the knowledge that you can change your date or destination if you need to.

From the best places to sample crabbacks and national dish ‘oil down’ to the nature lover’s hot list, here are the top spots to head to on your Grenada getaway.

The place to eat: BB’s Crabback, Grand Etang Road, St George’s, Grenada

When in Grenada, eat local, delicious, super-fresh dishes like a spicy crabback appetizer (great for sharing, it combines spices like cloves, mace and thyme with fresh and land crab meat, garlic and breadcrumbs), as well as signature dishes like curried goat and callaloo. Callaloo is a vegetable a bit like spinach. There’s also ‘oil down’ (the national dish, it’s a stew comprised of salted meat, breadfruit and dumplings) at local fave, BB’s Crabback.

Drink it down with rum punch - yum - as you take in the glorious views of the Caribbean Sea. If you’re lucky, you might even get a selfie with local celeb and chef, Brian Benjamin, the super-friendly, chatty owner (who may even give you a few recipe tips while you’re there).

The snorkeling adventure to embark on: Molinere Bay Underwater Sculpture Park

Described as a “life-changing” experience by those who have done it, this is a snorkelling/diving experience unlike any other, as you discover Jason deCaires Taylor’s underwater museum.

There are 75 works of art to spot as you swim through this sculpture park (you can also get the benefit of the view from a glass-bottomed boat), which is helping to rebuild the reef after hurricanes damaged it. In addition to emotive works like Vicissitudes - a ring of life-sized figures, cast from local children, holding hands - there are plenty of fish to gaze at, too.

The sculpture park is just a 15 minute boat ride from Grand Anse Beach, Grenada’s biggest, most popular, beach, a stretch of white sand, breezy palms, Sea Grape trees and clear blue surf. Hello, beautiful.

The nature lover’s must-see: Grand Étang National Park and Forest Reserve

An idyllic spot for hiking, trekking, and exploring an exciting array of flora and fauna, from Mona monkeys to winged hawks to giant gommier trees. As you walk, you’ll discover spices and fruits along the way.

Centred around a lake - yes, you can fish - this eco-wonderland is home to four of Grenada’s highest peaks and the spot to have a dip in one of the island’s surging waterfalls, like Seven Sisters. Bonus points if you find the private, heart-shaped, “Honeymooner’s Waterfall” while you’re there.

The way to finish your day: West Indies Beer Co., L’Anse aux Epines

Sure, Grenada is the spice king, but it’s more than just an island of top-rate nutmeg and scrumptious chocolate. How about Grenada, craft beer capital? Oh, yeah. Head to the West Indies Beer Co., a local craft brewery with tap room and beer garden, which serves up gorgeous and unusual ciders and microbrewed beers, as well as snacks like mahi sandwiches. It’s a real hidden gem.

If your sweet tooth hasn’t been sated, not to worry: The Belmont Estate’s chocolate experiences give you the chance to taste the pure bliss that is Grenadian cocoa. Not had your chocoholic “happy fix?” There are four other artisan makers for you to seek out on the island. The one downside? It might turn you against all other chocolates for good.

Dreaming of a Grenada getaway? Book something to look forward to and secure your Caribbean holiday with a deposit starting from £75pp. Book now and change later with flexible booking options. ATOL protected. Find out more at ba.com/grenada.