Grenada anyone?

Yes, we went a few years ago. Took family for my son's graduation trip. I've been to a number of Caribbean Islands, but it was by far my favorite. Why? English Speaking (former British Colony). Great food. Friendly people. Amazing beaches. Geographic diversity (beaches, waterfalls, rain forests). Clint Eastwood liberated them (ok, but watch Heartbreak Ridge, which was actually shot in Puerto Rico, but you'll get the story line of the actual invasion by the US!). Let me say upfront it won't be the poshest of islands (although there are very "ritzy" options on the island like the former Lasource (now a Sandals!). But I think it is one of islands that could give you "The True Caribbean Experience".

I created an album of some selected shots:

LINK

So, first things first. It's not the easiest island to get to versus others, nor cheapest. Maybe 4 hrs from Miami. It is in the part of the Caribbean that generally isn't in the "Hurricane Belt", so worry about the season won't be as high. High season will be like most islands, in the winter months through early spring.

I actually started corresponding through Trip Advisor with a woman that lived in Grenada and she gave me a wealth of information I could share later on. She owns an amazing Villa on Carriacou, Grenada (one of their smaller islands. Wow! Didn't go there, but would love to one day for the laid back lifestyle. Fishing. Snorkeling etc.)

Where to stay? Most tourists gravitate to the hotels around Grand Anse Beach. Really depends on your price point as there are many options.

She had a friend that owned the Blue Horizon. We loved The Blue Horizon! Full kitchen (food isn't cheap on this island generally). Walking distance to some grocery stores and shops. The world-renowned Grand Anse beach is only 300 yards from the resort and just 4 miles from the airport.

There are many beautiful beaches in Grenada. Maybe not "The Best In The World" types like the Turks and Caicos, but beautiful in their own right. We liked the Morne Rouge Beach(BBC Beach) best, and it was about a 20 minute walk over a hill from our hotel. The amazing Aquarium Restaurant is on Magazine Beach. We had lunch and spent the day here swimming, eating drinking etc. Great time.

Saint George's is the capital. We could get to there in about 20 minutes by catching what they call a "Reggae Bus" (An experience in itself! Imagine being about the only white person on a bus full of Grenadians bopping to soca music! Make sure to get some "Mr. Killa" on your playlist (a homegrown artist!).

I felt very safe in Grenada. Even had to take a "Reggae Bus" back into town at night to retrieve a credit card we'd left. (Now that was an experience, but I made it). Like any island, you'll have your crime, things like pick pockets, occasional cultural exchanges because your a white tourist (good and bad) etc. So research ahead, but it's safer than a lot of islands. They're a very proud people and take crime seriously (it was a former British Colony). To wit, you won't see many Americans (except possibly some med students). A lot of tourists come from Great Britain. China is increasing investments on the island as well.

In closing, there's so much to do we haven't even talked about. Had many good meals, including the Beach House, Aquarium, BB’s Crabback. Really liked Umbrellas. Went there 3 times. Took a car tour of the island one day. Hiking. Swimming near waterfalls. Snorkeled in a glass bottom boat. World class fishing with True Blue (I caught a 47 lb Wahoo BTW).

Grenada has it all in my book! Check out this site for more information: Grenada Explorer.

I have heard that the diving is really good at Carriacou. That is probably where we will go when we go to Grenada. We will spend a few nights on the main island, but dive on Carriacou.

Thanks for the responses. We would likely be staying at the southern end of he island near Grand Anse. sounds like a good place to me. We aren’t as interested in just being on a resort 24/7. Would want to visit a distillery or two while we are there. Also looks to be some good rainforest hiking and wildlife. I think we will probably do the trip.