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 from OK Magazine -april 08
Got your mega yacht ready? Then head down to this super-exclusive Caribbean island for some R&R.
 Why should I go?
Trendsetters wanting to vacation at the next big celebrity hot spot should look no further than the island of Grenada. With over 40 beautiful white-sand beaches, lush vegetation and a casual chic vibe, this tropical paradise in the West Indies is fast becoming the ideal place for an A-list-style getaway.
The country’s somewhat turbulent history has kept it off the radar for most tourists. In 1983, Grenada was invaded by the U.S. because of its ties to communist Cuba (the government is now democratic), and in 2004, Hurricane Ivan caused enormous damage to the island, leaving its viability as a luxury destination in question.
Enter Peter de Savary. Two years ago, the English entrepreneur set his sights on building a real-estate and resort complex on Grenada. This month, he opened the first phase of his project, Mount Cinnamon, with 21 luxury villas and apartments. (De Savary’s other properties include The Abaco Club in the Bahamas, and Scotland’s Skibo Castle, where Madonna married Guy Ritchie in 2000.) The second phase of his project, Port Louis, is currently underway and will overlook the town’s new marina, which is set to have over 300 slips accommodating yachts up to 280 feet. The end result? With millions pouring into Grenada’s economy, many are expecting the island to become the St. Tropez of the West Indies.
Where should I stay?Mount Cinnamon resort sits on two miles of the gorgeous Grand Anse Beach, which is just a short drive from the capital of St. George’s. The oversized, citrus-colored, apartment-style rooms come with a kitchen, living room and flat-screen TVs. The mattresses are so luxurious that some guests have even asked to have them shipped back home! Since the area is still a bit of a hidden treasure, you’ll have no problem finding peace and quiet along the sandy beach and turquoise water — another reason this is sure to be a favorite celeb hideout! Divers and snorkelers can check out some of the shipwrecks and hidden sculptures that have been left in the water by local artists: A concierge at Mount Cinnamon can arrange a guided tour. The hotel portion of Mount Cinnamon will be built even closer to the beach.
What should I do?
Grenada’s capital, St. George’s, on the southwestern side of the island (and just a fiveminute drive from Mount Cinnamon), is a bustling city with open-air markets and shops. Grab a fresh coconut while you stroll — vendors will chop the top and drop in a straw for you. Another must-try: fresh spices. Grenada produces nearly one-third of the world’s nutmeg supply, as well as cloves, ginger and cinnamon; as soon as you land, the delicious smells hit you. If you’d prefer to pick your own, straight from the plant, head up to the Mount Edgecombe estate, a 200-year-old working plantation, for a spice and fruit walk.
Further inland, you’ll find Annandale Falls, one of Grenada’s most beautiful waterfalls. (About one-sixth of the landmass is preserved as parks and natural wildlife sanctuaries.) To get there, you must take a four-mile hike through cocoa and spice plantations, as well as rainforests. Once you’re there, be prepared to take the plunge by jumping; locals are happy to demonstrate how it’s done.
Another fun spot for the whole family is the Belmont Estate, a 300-year-old plantation that has, over the course of its history, produced coffee beans, cotton, sugar cane, cocoa, nutmeg and bananas. Today, the estate’s main crops are nutmeg and cocoa. You can scoop up drying cocoa beans and eat them during the tour, and don’t leave without buying a chocolate bar. And what is a trip to the Spice Island without trying some of the local cuisine? When you’re in St. George’s, be sure to stop by BB’s. The restaurant, located right on the water, serves delicious, traditional West- Indian dishes: Don’t forget to order their signature fried crab backs and curried goat. Also stop by Victory Bar & Grill in Port Louis for one of the island’s best burgers.
And back at Mount Cinnamon, Savvy’s Restaurant is a great lunch spot, which incorporates local spices in all the dishes (they even have nutmeg jam). It’s the perfect place to nosh before you head out to the beach or explore the island.
OK! Feature by Katie Caperton Travel Editor: Jacqueline Gifford
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