Caribbean vacation

Grenada, Caribbean Travel Guide: Luxury Resorts, Top Attractions, and Insider Tips
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Grenada, Caribbean Travel Guide: Luxury Resorts, Top Attractions, and Insider Tips

Travel Blog written by Mollie Mandell, Travel Agent @ Herricks Travel, a full-service travel agency.

The island of Grenada, located in the eastern Caribbean, may fly under the radar, but this hidden gem deserves a top spot on your Caribbean travel list.

Known as the Spice Isle, Grenada is a lush tropical escape with a laid-back vibe where emerald rainforests meet powder-soft beaches. Arrive with ease via nonstop flights from New York and other major cities, unwind along Grand Anse Beach, and scuba dive the wrecks and reefs just offshore. Wander the colorful capital, St. George’s, with its horseshoe shaped harbor, pastel colonial buildings, and lively market stalls overflowing with cocoa, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Throughout this refreshingly uncrowded island, we experienced the warm, welcoming spirit of Grenadian culture.

Infinite pool stretching from the entrance to the beach at Silversands Grenada Grand Anse Resort

WHAT TO DO IN GRENADA:
Beyond postcard perfect beaches and water sports, Grenada offers endless adventure: snorkel or dive the Underwater Sculpture Park; hike through Grand Etang National Park to spot Mona monkeys and crater lakes; and cool off beneath the waterfalls of Annandale or Seven Sisters. For cultural emersion, enjoy a taste of local flavor at a nutmeg plantation; learn about the production of local chocolate from bean to bar at the House of Chocolate Boutique, Cafe & Mini Museum; visit the historic River Antoine Rum Distillery; and explore St. George’s colorful market.

Annandale Waterfall and Forest Park on the island of Grenada
Entrance to House of Chocolate Boutique, Cafe and Museum on the island of Grenada, Caribbean
Signage at the House of Chocolate on the island of Grenada

WHERE TO STAY IN GRENADA:
Silversands Grenada – Luxury on Grand Anse Beach
Set on the island’s crown jewel, Grand Anse Beach, this top-notch luxury resort, Silversands Grenada Grand Anse Beach, blends barefoot luxury with a sleek, modern design, and world class amenities. The open-air lobby stands at the foot of the Caribbean’s longest infinity pool. Lined with private cabanas, it stretches towards the resort’s beach and turquoise waters. Chic suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic ocean views, while multi bedroom villas wrap around private pools for the ultimate luxury experience. Indulge in gourmet dining: Asiatique pairs locally sourced ingredients with Asian themes and Grenadian Grill serves Mediterranean cuisine and freshly caught seafood. The expansive Spa is a must — book the coconut milk scrub or coffee granule polish for an island-inspired glow. Ending the day with a sunset rum cocktail at the Beach Lounge was our nightly ritual.

Main lobby and infinite pool at Silversands Grenada Grand Anse Resort
Cabanas pool side at Silversands Grenada Grand Anse Resort
View from the deck of a Ocean View Suite at Silversand Grand Anse Resort
Sunset view over the pool of a private Four Bedroom Beach Villa at Silversands Grenada Grand Anse

Silversands Beach House – Boutique Caribbean Charm
For a more intimate stay, Silversands Beach House, sister property to Silversands Grenada, offers 28 canopied rooms and suites — some beach side with direct access to the sand, and some perched atop the highest point of the resort overlooking the sea below. Despite its petite footprint, the resort delivers elevated services: signature spa treatments and dining at Azzurro where Caribbean flavors blend seamlessly with Mediterranean cuisine. It was easy to shuttle back to Silversands on Grand Anse where you can make full use of their facilities.

Sunset view from Beach Front Bungalow at Silversands Beach House Grenada
Sunset view from Ocean View Room at Silversands Beach House Grenada

Six Senses La Sagesse – Sustainable Luxury in Grenada:
Located on the island’s serene southern coast, Six Senses La Sagesse focuses on sustainable luxury. Atop a cliffside perch sit 56 pool suites and 15 villas set between the ocean and the bay. Accommodations feature private plunge pools, natural décor, and expansive open air living spaces. Upon arrival, we were welcomed with a personalized tea ceremony in the open-air lobby, setting the tone for a restorative and mindful island escape. A few days at this eco-luxury retreat left me feeling refreshed, rebalanced, and fully relaxed and (almost!) ready to return to reality.

Welcome Tea Ceremony at the Six Senses Grenada
Luxury Accommodations at the Six Senses Grenada
Relaxing pool side at the Six Senses Grenada

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Now that we are back in chilly NY, I am dreaming of our second stop in the Maldives, Landaa Giraavaru. This stunning hideaway on a 44-acre private island is just as one would imagine: crystal clear turquoise waters, lush tropical foliage, and pristine white sand beaches. Choose between overwater villas and beachfront bungalows and immerse yourself in the natural environment. Sea life at the Four Seasons Kuda Hura. (My sons, Harris and Jack!) After a weekend layover in Doha, we arrived to our first island in the Maldives, Kuda Hura. Known for its lush tropical gardens and effortless barefoot luxury, amazing scuba diving, serene spa set on a separate island, and warm, personalized service. Located just a short speedboat ride from Malé. Next stop, a seaplane ride to our next island. Desert Adventure in Doha.... sand boarding, falconry, camel ride, riding the dunes, and a perfect sunset over the Inland Sea. Perched above the crystal-clear waters of Portici Beach, Grenada's Silversands Beach House is a sanctuary of modern luxury and Caribbean charm. This intimate retreat offers dramatic cliffside accommodations and beachfront toes-in-the-sand bungalows, each featuring a private canopied terrace that puts you up close with the island's beauty. Perched on Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach, this perfectly positioned resort offers ocean view rooms and gorgeous beach front villas. Loved the four bedroom villas’ open and airy layout and ample space to lounge with friends and family. This cliff top Caribbean resort on the south east coast of Grenada offers a serene and tranquil retreat with a spacious spa and fitness center. Loved the lush tropical landscape, spacious suites with private pool, and excellent dining with delicious local cuisine. Nonstop flights from JFK, ATL, MIA… Dubai does not disappoint! A global hub for business, tourism, and trade. A great stopover on your way to Africa, Asia, and beyond. Definitely worth spending a long layover of a few days to take in all of the sites, smells, and sounds! This resort outside Dubai, the @ritzcarltonalwadidesert offers amazing desert adventures.
Escape to Anguilla
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Escape to Anguilla

On our recent trip to Anguilla, we met many guests that return to the island year after year. After a week in this eastern Caribbean paradise, it’s not hard to understand! A British Overseas Territory, Anguilla is well known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and powdery white sand beaches. Although it boasts a laid-back vibe, it features plenty of top-notch resorts and restaurants giving you the best of both worlds – an escape from reality without sacrificing service, amenities, and a little pampering. Perfect for families, couples, or multi-generational travel:

How to get there…
You have a choice of flying to nearby St. Maarten and taking a 20-minute ferry ride or private boat transfer to Anguilla. Or, connect through a variety of cities, including Miami (American recently started offering nonstops from MIA and JetBlue may be following soon). Island hopper flights or private air can also be arranged from nearby islands.

What to do…
Rent a car: Although you may not be experienced driving on the left-hand side, it is very easy to rent a car and navigate around the island – there are hardly any traffic lights, and most roads are two lanes.

Snorkel and Scuba Dive: There are several snorkel and dive sites that will bring you up close to spectacular ocean life. Seven marine parks encircle the small island, and a Spanish galleon, sunk during the colonial years, is a great spot to explore – its cannons and cargo are still intact.

Day trip to a deserted island: Sandy Island is just off the coast of Anguilla and is a popular spot for a day trip with a beautiful beach, clear waters, and a few beach bars to explore — it’s a great place to be “shipwrecked.” Prickly Pear, an uninhabited island, is perfect for hiking and snorkeling.

Where to stay…
Aurora: Formerly the CuisinArt Resort which was closed in 2017 due to hurricane damage. Reopened as this all-suite world class resort, Aurora Anguilla boasts spacious ocean front suites and gorgeous multi bedroom villas, hydroponic farming for a true farm to table experience, an outdoor amphitheater, kids and teen clubs, a water park, golf course, well-appointed spa and gym. This graceful, spread-out property never feels crowded. With two gorgeous cove beaches, the property is separated into two sections, the Rendezvous and the Merrywing sides.

Four Seasons: This luxurious resort on Barnes Bay has a Miami-ish hip vibe with streamlined decor, spacious rooms and suites, a world-class spa, and several dining options. The reflecting infinity pool and the sunset bar are showstoppers, especially at the end of the day. Golf course and tennis courts round out the resort’s amenities.

Malliouhana: An Auberge Resort Collection property located on Meads Bay has an eclectic décor with a vibrant mix of celadon blue, mango and saffron accented furnishings. Yoga and fitness classes are offered daily and most rooms have an amazing view of the beautiful turquois water and beach below.

Zemi Beach House: Stunning resort on Shoal Bay on the East End of the island. With a Rum Bar, Cigar Lounge, upscale dining, adults only pool, there’s plenty of adult oriented amenities, but it also offers plenty of family focused services. The resort’s toes in the sand restaurant, 20 Knots, is the perfect place to unwind with drink in hand.

Belmond Cap Juluca: Boutique hotel on a pristine cove beach with lux rooms and suites and several restaurants. A new Guerlain Spa will be open in the next few months. The resort features Mediterranean style rooms many with private terraces and dining with a drop-dead views at restaurants Pimms and Cip’s — named for the hotel’s Italian sister hotel, Cipriani.

Quintessence: This Relais & Chateaux property is perfect for a secluded getaway. Set in a completely renovated tropical grand mansion, the Indonesian elements and lush surrounding gardens puts you in a very Zen state of mind.

Where to eat…
All the resorts listed above have outstanding dining choices and many with a view, so definitely make plans to visit those. Arrive early, grab a seat at one of their bars or lounges, and enjoy the sunset and a local rum cocktail.

Other independent restaurant options: For casual, beachside Caribbean inspired seafood visit Blanchards or Sunshine Shack. More upscale dining with a view can be enjoyed at Veya and Jacala. Or enjoy breakfast, lunch, or sunset dinner at Straw Hat.

It’s never TOO early to plan your next adventure. Email me: mollie@herrickstravel.com and find out about upgrades, complimentary breakfast, special amenities, and VIP service for all Herricks Travel customers. Become a SUBSCRIBER and receive all my latest articles right to your inbox: look for the “subscribe to this blog by email” box and then respond to the follow-up email. For more information on my trip planning services, please click HERE.