Grenada Travel Guide

GRENADA T R A V E L

G U I D E

THE SPICE OF THE CARIBBEAN SUSTAINABLE

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M A G A Z I N E

A GUIDE TO TRAVELING IN GRENADA. IMPORTANT INFORMATION. WHERE TO STAY. WHAT TO DO & SEE. PLUS MUCH MORE. SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL GUIDE: GRENADA

THE SPICE OF THE CARIBBEAN WELCOME TO THIS SPECIAL GRENADA TRAVEL GUIDE, A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GRENADA TOURISM AUTHORITY AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE. The Grenada Tourism Authority is the national tourism organization for the three-island destination of Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. Our vision statement says that through purposeful collaboration, we will consistently strive to develop Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique, as the premier tourism destination of choice, strategically promoting our niche offerings and uniqueness.

Our brand is ‘Pure Grenada: the Spice of the Caribbean’. As a destination, we are about authenticity, wellness, experiences, and rejuvenation. We have identified five niches which attract many of our visitors which are adventure, sailing and yachting, cruising, romance, and diving.

In September of 2018, Grenada banned the importation of Styrofoam, and in February 2019, we banned the importation of single-use plastic bags with handles. The government is also working on other single-use items such as plastic straws and cutlery. We also encourage our stakeholders to implement green initiatives in their operations, and we’ve seen a lot of that happening. The research shows that many visitors, when 2 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

they are looking at their next tourism destination, are conscious about sustainability and protecting the environment.

Our people are friendly, warm, and go above and beyond to deliver great service.

We encourage visitors to go out and join in our festivals, meet the people, eat local food, and immerse themselves in the Grenadian way of life. Tourism really drives community growth. Recently our Ministry for Tourism and Civil Aviation has been going into the communities and seeing what each one has to offer which could be developed by local people to create revenue and sustainable livelihoods.

We have a Tourism Awareness Campaign which seeks to educate persons about the tourism industry and motivate them to get involved in the industry and protect the environment. The tagline is ‘Tourism Is Everybody’s Business’. Whether you’re a farmer, or a student, or a banker, everybody has a role to play. We distributed a booklet (Tourism and Me) to students between the ages of 8 and 12, educating future generations about tourism and disposing of litter properly. On completing

that program, the students receive pins marked ‘Tourism Ambassadors’.

We also give advice to prospective investors in the tourism industry and people who want to create an experience or business. They are supported with advice on what they need to have, assistance with developing ideas, and they are pointed in the direction of suitable funding, from organizations such as the Grenada Industrial Development Corporation.

Presently in Grenada, the sale of food or products in Styrofoam has been completely banned and in February 2020 plastic bags with handles should not be found on island. We are looking forward to the day when we completely ban single use plastics. We will be focusing more on sustainable tourism, and how we can get more of our stakeholders to implement sustainable tourism practices. We also plan to focus more on community tourism, getting communities involved in developing and implementing experiences that can add to our product, and continuing to work with students and schools, encouraging young people to get interested and involved in the tourism sector.

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TRAVEL GUIDE: GRENADA

WHERE TO START GRENADA KEY FACTS

YOUR CELEBRATION Capital:

St. George’s

Population: 111,454 Language(s):

English

Currency:

East Caribbean dollar (XCD)

Time zone:

UTC−4

Dialling code: +1-473 Major resort areas: Saint Patrick and Saint Andrew

Saint John and Saint Mark

Saint George and Saint David

Carriacou & Petite Martinique Tourist season:

May - August

Annual visitors: 528,077 Annual tourism earnings:

499 million US$

Avg. temperature: 88 °F (day),

75 °F (night) Highest point:

Mount St. Catherine 840 m (2,760 ft)

KEY ATTRACTIONS KEY REGIONS

Beach

River Antoine Rum Distillery

Botanical garden

Seven Sisters Falls

Saint George and Saint David

Carriacou Museum

Shakespeare done Carriacou-style

Saint John and Saint Mark

Concord Falls

Snorkel on Sandy Island

Saint Patrick and Saint Andrew

Forts of St. George’s

Sunset City Food Fest

Carriacou and Petite Martinique

House of Chocolate Museum

Turtles hatching at Levera Pond

Mount Saint Catherine

Underwater sculpture park

Mount Hartman Dove Sanctuary

Wreck of the Bianca C

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TRAVEL GUIDE: GRENADA

VISIT A BOTANICAL GARDEN Saint George and Saint David are home to several botanical gardens with a variety of indigenous tropical plants. Seek out Palm Tree Gardens, Laura’s Herb and Spice Garden, Sunnyside Garden, or Hyde Park Tropical Garden. Just make sure to arrange your visit with a tour guide or at least call ahead, to ensure you won’t clash with a cruise visit.

WHAT TO DO IN...

SAINT GEORGE AND SAINT DAVID RELAX ON A BEACH Grenada’s best-known beach is Grand Anse Beach in Saint George’s – and for good reason. A mile and a half of white sand, the beach is skirted by several excellent small restaurants, and Grenadians and tourists mingle together in the shade of the ubiquitous palms. Alternately, try Morne Rouge, or La Sagesse beach in Saint David for a taste of quiet romance.

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DIVE TO THE WRECK OF BIANCA C For advanced scuba divers only, the Bianca C shipwreck is sometimes referred to as ‘the Titanic of the Caribbean’. Named by The Times of London as one of the top ten wreck diving sites in the world, the 600-foot cruiseliner sank in 1961 with one fatality, and today, accomplished divers can see eagle rays, nurse sharks, barracuda, moray eels, and Atlantic spadefish – and go for a swim in the ship’s pool!

ALSO IN SAINT GEORGE AND SAINT DAVID - Explore the forts of St. George’s - Tour the House of Chocolate Museum - Visit the Grenadian doves at Mount Hartman Dove Sanctuary

DOING IT RIGHT

THE CAREFUL ATTENTION GIVEN TO OUR CLIENTS AND THEIR BOATS IS FILLING OUR BOATYARD TO CAPACITY AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO OFFERING YOU THE SAME SAFE AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE. Tucked into the sheltered inner corner of Woburn Bay on the south coast of Grenada, Clarkes Court Boatyard and Marina is located at 12o0'1"N 61o44'43"W. Boats are hauled and launched using our state of the art Italian built 242 ton Boatlift, maximum beam of 37’ and draft 13’, affectionately known as “The Hulk”. A 32 ton Roodberg submersible trailer handles vessels up to 55’ LOA, maximum beam of 25’ and draft of 7’.

Divers check sling positions on every lift. All boats are strapped down and cradles and clamped stands are available on request. There are marina slips for boats with up to 12’ draft and 80’ length, and a working dock for vessels up to 120’. Power supply is 220v & 110v at 50Hz and there is a 24 hour security service.

Clarkes Court Bay Road, Woburn, St. George, Grenada, W.I.

CREW FACILITIES • Restaurant, Bar & Luxury Apartments • Laundry, Hot Showers • Taxi & Shopping Bus Services available from the yard • Customs & Immigration and Fuel Supply are close by • Onsite Chandlery ON SITE TECHNICAL SERVICES • Project Management & Consultancy • Yacht Brokerage and Guardianage • Rigging, Sail Making and Canvas Work • Metal Fabrication • GRP & Composite Fabrication • Fine Wood Work & Carpentry • Electrical Installation & Electronics • Diesel & Outboard Engine Installation & Repair • Bottom Painting, Waxing & Polishing • Life Rafts, Safety Equipment & Inflatable Dinghy Repair

1 (473) 439 – 3939 info@clarkescourtmarina.com www.clarkescourtmarina.com SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE | 7

TRAVEL GUIDE: GRENADA SAINT PATRICK AND SAINT ANDREW TOUR BELMONT ESTATE Visit a historic, beautiful 17th century cocoa plantation and see the chocolate-producing process up close. Learn about cocoa and chocolate products, enjoy an organic chocolate tasting, and finish the tour with a meal in the Belmont Estate restaurant, much of which is prepared with ingredients grown on-site.

SAINT JOHN AND SAINT MARK EXPLORE THE UNDERWATER SCULPTURE PARK The Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park, created by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, was the world’s first underwater sculpture park. Constructed using environmentally safe materials which encourage the growth of marine life, and partly intended to divert tourists away from nearby reefs, the sculptures can be visited by snorkelers, scuba divers, or seen through glass-bottomed boats.

HIKE MOUNT SAINT CATHERINE The tallest peak in Grenada, Mount Saint Catherine’s summit is accessible by three routes. The climb takes about four hours each way for a moderately fit climber. Find a guide in Victoria, and they will show you untouched native vegetation and lead you to the Tufton Hall Waterfall, Grenada’s tallest waterfall, on the way up. Try to climb on a clear day, to take advantage of the pristine views.

SEE NUTMEG BEING PROCESSED The Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station, owned by the Grenada Co-operative Nutmeg Association, offers short, inexpensive tours, where visitors can watch local workers sort nutmeg by hand and purchase a variety of spice products. A fascinating glimpse into the history of an island which remains, despite its size, the second-largest producer of nutmeg in the world.

ALSO IN SAINT JOHN AND SAINT MARK - Enjoy a quieter pace of life - Eat local food at the Sunset City Food Fest - Venture out to the Concord Falls 8 | SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

TREK THROUGH THE RAINFOREST AT GRAND ETANG NATIONAL PARK AND SEE THE SEVEN SISTERS FALLS High in the mountains Grenada’s interior is Grand Etang National Park. A rainforest centering on a pristine lake, you can explore the park for a few minutes or go on a trek lasting for hours. One highlight is Seven Sisters Falls, a relatively straightforward hike, about an hour from the entrance center.

ALSO IN SAINT PATRICK AND SAINT ANDREW - Visit the River Antoine Rum Distillery - See the turtles hatching at Levera Pond (SPECTO)

Tel: 473-439-1412 grandansepalace@gmail.com www.grenadabeachpalace.com

Grand Anse Beach Palace Hotel Inc. and Car Rental

So close “Heels on the property and toes on the beach.”

Step into paradise THE PALACE WELCOMES YOU WITH THE BRIGHT CARIBBEAN SUN AND GENUINE HOSPITALITY. We are located on the northern end of the Grand Anse beach only steps away from the waters edge. The Palace beachfront apartments are all air conditioned, with lovely balconies and a fantastic view of the grand Anse beach, you can soak up the sun on the lovely white sand or take a dip in the blue calm water. The perfect location for persons seeking business and pleasure. Just 15 minutes away from the airport and 5 minutes to the town of St.George's, the capital of Grenada.

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Embracing Grenadian Culture

...One Guest At A Time!

1-473-456-4323 / 1-747-200-9072 | rickfeld1@me.com | www.grenadavillabeachcliff.com

TRAVEL GUIDE: GRENADA

CARRIACOU AND PETIT MARTINIQUE SEE SHAKESPEARE DONE \ CARRIACOU-STYLE Carnival in Grenada is a special experience, and nowhere more so than Shakespeare Mas on Carriacou. Scheduled for February 24th-25th 2020, masqueraders dressed in petticoated costumes recite speeches from Julius Caesar and strike one another (mostly gently) with sticks when they forget their lines, with the festivities getting wilder throughout the day.A oncein-a-lifetime experience for visitors.

SNORKEL ON SANDY ISLAND The almost-uninhabited Sandy Island is the perfect spot for peaceful snorkeling. After a short water taxi, you’ll see a wide variety of colorful fish, and you’ll likely have the island almost to yourself. Just ensure you wear reef-friendly sunscreen, as shade is almost non-existent.

ALSO IN CARRIACOU AND PETIT MARTINIQUE - Venture out to tiny Petit Martinique - See Carriacou’s first telephone at the Carriacou Museum - Explore the Oyster Bed Mangrove

VILLA BEACHCLIFF. GRENADA. A VACATION VILLA MAKING AN IMPACT, ONE GUEST AT A TIME. When my wife Karen & I first visited Grenada in 2009, we were impressed by the authenticity of the island, it’s culture, and it’s people.

We experienced the true Caribbean, and it’s one of the key factors that convinced us to build our vacation villa business, and our lives here. We weren’t interested in a place where the 1st world was simply transplanted into a developing country for the sake of accommodating tourists.

Villa Beachcliff offers accommodations for up to 11 guests, where families & friends can soak in the stunning 360 degree views, and breezes of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Caribbean Sea. It features an adobe design, with unique lounging & dining spaces, and finely crafted architectural details. We have 150’ feet of beachfront on the Caribbean Sea, along with 2 swimming pools, an outdoor jacuzzi, an elevated lookout, and a multitude of spaces for guests to celebrate life together, or escape for complete solitude.

It has always been a passion of ours to ensure that our guests have an authentic

experience, and see the real Grenada.

It’s how we help sustain, preserve, and celebrate Grenadian culture. We provide all our guests with free concierge service, and work as ambassadors to promote local small businesses, and provide recommendations for Grenada’s best: • Organic Dark Chocolate • Historical Island Tours • Hikes And Tours Through The Grand Etang Rain Forest, And Our Many Waterfalls • Local Churches • Local Art, & Galleries • Musicians • Lobster, Crab, Roti, Jerk Chicken, Oil Down, And Waters (Soups) On The Island • Local Rum Shops, Including Sampling “Under The Counter” Proprietary Mixes • Beach Restaurants, Featuring Local Catches, And Fish Taco’s • Beaches, Diving, & Snorkeling • Roadside Food Vendors, Fruit And Vegetables, And Treats • Local Plants, Fruits, Fish And

Spice Markets • Cultural & Sports Events - Ie. Carnival, Cricket, Sailing Regattas, And International Billfish Tournament • Local micro brewery Here’s a link to our “Activities & Adventures” page on our home website, where you can find 45+ things to experience in Grenada. https://www.grenadavillabeachcliff.com/ en/1251649/activities-adventures Internationally there is a great emphasis on sustainability in business, and the environment. We’re 100% behind it, and do our part, on behalf of the 100’s of guests we host at Villa Beachcliff each year. We like to think that we have been intentional in implementing our systems and controls, so that our guests can simply enjoy our villa, and experience the Spice island. Some of the measures we have in place are: • On Demand Hot Water With Solar Backup • Variable Speed, Programable Pumps For Our 2 Swimming Pools

• Motion Detectors To Shut Off Our High Efficiency Air Conditioning Systems When Not In Use • Rain Water Collection in our 35,000 Gallon Cistern • Energy Efficient Appliances • Water Saving Dual Flush Toilets • Photocells Controlling Perimeter Lighting • Mosquito Traps Vs. Chemical Fogging We’re constantly on the lookout for new ways which we can conserve, preserve, and enhance our resources, environment, & delicate island home.

We know that, when our guests taste, see, hear, and experience the beauty of the real Grenada, they too will embrace Grenada as we have.

Your hosts, Rick & Karen Feld

www.grenadavillabeachcliff.com

TRAVEL GUIDE: GRENADA

A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS Spice Mas is also a perfect time to try some of Grenada’s national food and drink, including rum punch, spice cake, and Oil Down—a spiced, coconut milk-based stew usually made with vegetables, breadfruit, and salted meat. Oil Down is a uniquely Grenadian dish, and while the exact preparation varies from person to person, it is always made from local ingredients and the island’s famous spices.

Grenada is well-known for its vibrant culture, extravagant celebrations, and unique festivals. Whenever you’re traveling to the ‘Island of Spice’, you’re sure to find a unique carnival, celebration, or event just around the corner.

The Grenada Carnival—or Spice Mas—is a celebration synonymous with the Grenadian region and culture. Spice Mas takes place in August and is recognized as a public holiday. It features art and performances that can be linked to Grenada’s diverse Caribbean, African, French, and British heritage. The carnival includes street parades, beauty pageants, and competing live music from orchestras, calypso acts, and soca bands.

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For sweet-toothed visitors, the Grenada Chocolate Festival is a detailed exploration of sustainable chocolate-making. The week-long festival takes place in May, and explores cocoa as an ingredient, as well as sustainable cocoa-based beauty products and arts and crafts. Grenada is home to several chocolate producers, including The Grenada Chocolate Company—the first of several small batch, ethical, tree-to-bar chocolate makers to work from the island.

The island of Carriacou also has its own carnival, complete with street dancing, parades, and live music. Unique to the Carriacou carnival is Shakespeare Mas, which takes place on April 23rd—a date celebrated globally as Shakespeare’s birthday. Participants dress in colorful costumes,

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TRAVEL GUIDE: GRENADA

carry sticks, and challenge each other with renditions of the playwright’s most popular lines. A combatant must respond in kind, without fumbling or misquoting, or they will be whacked with the opponent’s stick.

Petite Martinique, an island approximately 2.5 miles from Carriacou, hosts the yearly Whitsuntide Regatta. The festival is one of Grenada’s most famous sailing events, and takes place on the seventh Sunday after Easter—a nod to the region’s history of Catholicism as well as its rich sailing culture. Whitsuntide is generally considered to provide the best conditions for sailing, and the regatta includes a combination of local boat racing, on-shore activities, and other celebrations.

The Pure Grenada Dive Fest is also extremely popular, and usually runs at some

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point in September and October. Sustainability is a key component of the festival, and sustainable diving is extremely important for both the diverse Grenadian ecosystems and the future of the sport. During 2018’s Dive Fest there were scheduled clean-up dives, educational presentations on good diving practice, and discussions on the tackling of invasive fish species.

Independence Day is February 7th, and is also a much celebrated occasion. It is an annual recognition of Grenada’s independence from the United Kingdom, including parades, parties, and ceremonies.

Festivals and events are a great way for travelers to immerse themselves in Grenadian culture and meet local people. Check online before traveling to anticipate the events that will be taking place during your visit.

A New Sustainable Boutique Hotel

mountedgecombegrenada.com

A HIDDEN GEM, NESTLED ABOVE THE CARIBBEAN SEA,MOUNT EDGECOMBE PLANTATION WITH 28 ACRES, DATES BACK TO 1763 WITH A UNIQUE HERITAGE. Early in the 17th Century French colonists established sugar plantations on Grenada. In 1763, when Britain took control of the island, the Cavalan family owned the Pointe des Orties plantation of 192 acres in the Parish of St. Mark’s. This was later divided within the family into a number of estates, which changed ownership after the Fédon Revolution in 1795-96. In 1801, the plantation estate is listed on a map of Grenada as Nettle Point after the rock outcrop nearby on the West Coast of Grenada. The 1819 Slave Register lists William Boyd as owner producing muscovado sugar, molasses and rum with 28 slaves. Slavery was abolished in the 1830s, and John Copland became owner, who changed production from sugar and rum to cocoa and nutmeg. His descendants ran the estate through to the 1940s. Grenada became the capital of the British Windward Islands in 1885, and the change of name to Mt. Edgecombe appears to be first recorded in 1891. Independence for Grenada from Britain was granted in 1974. Situated close to Gouyave (with its fishing port) and Victoria, Mt. Edgecombe provides local employment for hospitality, maintenance and agricultural staff.

Having been neglected for some years, the plantation has been re-established with organic management practices (rainwater harvesting and composting) adopted so the vegetables, fruit and

cocoa grown are certified as organic in both EU and US. Today, cocoa is the primary crop for sale to the local cocoa farmer co-operative who process harvested cocoa into chocolate with nutmeg and ginger at the Diamond Chocolate Factory.

The sustainable management practices of the cocoa plantation have protected the wildlife on the estate. Grenada has over 160 recorded species of birds - an outstanding number considering the mainland is only 120 sq. miles. Some of the exotic bird species recorded on the estate to-date include: Spectacled Thrush, Bananaquit, Grenada Flycatcher, Grey Kingbird, Antillean Crested Hummingbird, Rufous Breasted Hermit, Tropical Mockingbird, Black-Faced Grassquit, Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, Orange-Winged Parrot, Yellow-Bellied Seedeater, Lesser Antillean Tanager, House Wren, Mangrove Cuckoo and Green-Throated Carib. Others have yet to be recorded. In the evening, after sun down, the amazing sight of fire flies has to be seen and the sound of tree frogs heard.

Recently established, the boutique hotel and restaurant offer a special farm to fork culinary experience for guests using fruit and vegetable produce grown in the homestead vegetable garden and fresh eggs from chickens kept on-site. A guid-

ed tour of the spice trail provides the opportunity to learn more about the native flowers, fruits and crops on the ‘spice island’.

The original Plantation House has been carefully restored keeping its original charm and provides a home away from home perfect for a family or special group vacation with four bedrooms and wrap around veranda overlooking the estate and sea. The four guest rooms in the original Nutmeg Storage House, with the cocoa drying tray beneath, have local handcrafted furniture and poster beds, and roof insulation to keep the rooms cool, with balcony sea views overlooking the cocoa groves. New for December 2019 will be three additional rooms with a separate pool overlooking the shimmering turquoise Caribbean Sea for exclusive use by guests in the new rooms. With the natural abundance of solar energy in Grenada, solar heaters provide hot water for the estate.

Its sheltered location enjoys cool sea breezes, amazing sunsets and panoramic views - the perfect location for an intimate wedding / honeymoon, or special group retreat or simply getting away from the hustle and bustle of life to relax by the two amazing infinity pools watching the yachts sailing to and from the Grenadines. c SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL GUIDE: GRENADA

TOP PICKS SBM TOP PICKS HOTELS

SBM TOP PICKS ACTIVITIES

La Sagesse Boutique Hotel, Restaurant, and Beach Bar

Scuba-Tech Grenada

YOUR ULTIMATE CARIBBEAN GETAWAY

ScubaTech is providing Scuba diving excursions, all level of diving courses, snorkelling-, sightseeingand Sunset Champagne Cruises.

We have the most personalized service on the island with small groups of 4 divers per Divemaster/Instructor. Located at the beach of the Hotel Calabash in L’Anse aux Epines (Prickly Bay).

Situated on the La Sagesse bay, the boutique hotel is just a few steps away from a palm tree shaded beach with a stunning view of the sea and the surrounding countryside. La Sagesse is a perfect blend of natural elements and contemporary comforts, featuring indoor and outdoor living in perfect harmony with nature.

Our tropical gardens are home to a dazzling array of plants, birds and butterflies that will tantalize your senses as you relax and rejuvenate at La Sagesse.

Call: +1(473)444-6458 Email: Reservations@LaSagesse.com or visit www.lasagesse.com

Grenada Grand Anse Beach Palace www.grenadabeachpalace.com Millennium Connection Guest House (Petite Martinique) +1 473 443-9243 Mount Edgecombe Plantation mountedgecombegrenada.com

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Grand Anse Beach Palace Hotel Inc. and Car Rental

Calabash Hotel, L’Anse Aux Epines, St. George’s 1-473-439-4346 | info@scubatech-grenada.com www.scubatech-grenada.com

Leatherback Turtle Tour with SPECTO +1(473) 405 8395 spectogrenada.com Clarkes Court Boatyard and Marina +1 473 439-3939 www.clarkescourtmarina.com Spice Island Marine Services +1 473 444-4342 spiceislandmarine.com

VISIT GRENADA FOR THE

C E L E B R AT I O N OF A LIFETIME

www.puregrenada.com

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GRENADA T R A V E L

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SBM Media Ltd, T: +44 (0)1603 516519 info@sustainablebusinessmagazine.net www.sustainablebusinessmagazine.net

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