Natural Beauty
GRENADA WEST INDIES Lush, hilly terrain full of blooming bougainvillea, rainforests, and waterfalls color this volcanic island, fringed by more than 40 beaches and water as clear as glass. In the late 17th century, the French took control, followed by the British in 1783. Nicknamed the Spice Island for its robust production of nutmeg and mace, Grenada became an independent nation in 1974 with an official language of English, though locals often converse in Creole.
164 Summer 2019
Also on the southern coast, the eight-bedroom Mediterranean-style Solamente Villa was designed by the renowned Mexican architect Manuel Mestre on 100 feet of private beach. The house comes with a 100-foot-long infinity pool; a Technogym-outfitted workout space with two Peloton bikes; a spa; a tennis court; and extensive outdoor spaces, including two large palapas and a private dock with a motorboat. Among the 15-person staff are three chefs, a trainer, five housekeepers, a security guard, and drivers for two SUVs. From $25,000/night, all-inclusive; solamentevilla.com The 80-acre Calivigny Island is a 10-minute boat ride from the mainland. This secluded hideaway can accommodate up to 40 people among its 3 cottages, 2 villas, 100,000-square-foot 10-bedroom French Colonial–inspired manse, and contemporary 9-bedroom beachfront spread. Amenities are endless with three beaches, two pools (including one with a swim-up bar), a nautical-themed tree house, tennis
and volleyball courts, and access to a catamaran, two Jet Skis, four kayaks, and four paddleboards. The owners bought the undeveloped island in 2000 and built the estate from scratch. They’ve rented it out to their friends, and friends of friends, for years and will open it up to most anyone willing to pay their asking price. $132,000/night, all-inclusive with a staff of more than 65. calivigny-island.com
Courtesy Images, From Top: Calivigny; Calabash; Solamente/Alex Guzman; Silversands/Magda Biernat. Opposite, Courtesy Images, Clockwise From Left: Grenada Tourism Authority/Dietmar Denger; Savor the Spice; True Blue Bay Boutique Resort
MAIN STAYS Opened in December, the sleek, modern Silversands (silversandsgrenada.com) graces the 2-mile-long Grand Anse Beach—a stunning stretch of powdery sand. Egyptian tech billionaire Naguib Sawiris first came to Grenada in 2012 to visit a friend with a vacation home there and says that the island’s beauty and the warmth of its people lingered with him long after he left. “Grenada had it all: gorgeous beaches, mountains, fantastic food, and welcoming locals,” he says. “The only thing missing was a topcaliber hotel.” So Sawiris built one with 43 generously sized rooms and 9 multibedroom villas in a chic, white aesthetic. With an emphasis on large outdoor spaces, the property’s centerpiece is a 330-foot-long infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The spa is a retreat in itself with a hammam, ice cave, and poolside cabanas. Book beachside yoga classes or choose from a long menu of treatments, such as a body scrub made of local coconuts or an energy-balancing massage with essential oils. The laid-back Grenadian Grill serves local dishes like pan-seared lionfish and the fine-dining Asiatique focuses on refined yet fiery Asian-influenced cuisine. From $800, including airport transfers and daily breakfast; silversandsgrenada.com
While not as luxurious and far older (it first opened in the 1960s), Relais & Châteaux’s Calabash, on the island’s southern coast, has 30 rooms decorated in clean, white tones. Its beach club (completely renovated last year) is the see-and-be-seen spot for a lunch of casual fare like tacos, pastas, and salads. From $525; calabashhotel.com