By Michele Peterson

Soak up the rhythm of this lush Caribbean island at one of these refined resorts filled with character, style and sense of place.

This is a destination where your adventure begins with your first breath of spice-scented air. With the soft white sand beneath your feet, sea stars flitting across the ocean floor and tree frogs peeping at sunset, a trip to Grenada is an experience for the senses.

Located at the southern tip of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean and best known for its natural attractions, the lush volcanic island of Grenada, the largest of a tri-state that includes its sister islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, is fast developing a reputation for its growing crop of luxury resorts, a hotel scene that’s boutique-sized, chic and environmentally sustainable.

Here are two hand-selected choices for sumptuous stays on Grenada—each offering a perfect blend of luxurious amenities and personalized service—ideal for soaking up the essence of a Caribbean island unspoiled by mass tourism.

SILVERSANDS GRENADA

The island of Grenada is famous for its white sand beaches, clear blue waters and cuisine. Strategically set on the island’s best beach, Silversands Grenada features 43 suites and nine residential villas. Opened in December 2018, this upscale resort offers a distinctive luxury lifestyle experience that begins in the lobby. Here, your eye is immediately drawn to the sparkling swimming pool—the longest in the Caribbean—which leads to the azure waters of Grand Anse Beach.

This sense of sky and sea is mirrored throughout the property. Silversands Grenada was designed by the award-winning French international architecture and interior design firm AW² known for their innovative projects in Morocco, Jordan and throughout Asia. A sense of serenity and harmony with nature is seen in every aspect of the property’s gardens, courtyards and reflection pools.

Although there’s plenty of wow-factor, high-end luxury here is not synonymous with formality. Generous hand-crafted touches and natural materials make this chic and contemporary resort feel welcoming and relaxed. Cushioned chaise lounges invite guests to take time to unwind after exploring the nearby historic capital of St. George’s, visiting a centuries-old rum distillery or hiking the trails around Grand Etang Lake, set in the cone of an extinct volcano.

Full days wrap-up in one of the villas or elegant suites. The suite collection includes 16 garden view suites, 16 ocean view suites, seven penthouse level suites, three ocean view one-bedroom suites and a penthouse. The penthouse level suites feature breathtaking views from floor-to-ceiling windows in the sitting area and from the king-size platform bed decked out with a marble headboard and remote-controlled canopy.

Flooded with natural light, the spacious bathrooms are tiled in stone and feature a double vanity and decadent soaking tub with an exceptional view (and remote-controlled privacy curtains). A spacious terrace, flat screen TV, minibar, coffeemaker, comfy bathrobes, double closets and original artwork make these elegant suites a welcoming retreat, yet one that’s connected to nature.

This connection to Grenada’s natural beauty continues within Silversand’s two distinctive restaurants, the open-air beach club-style Grenadian Grill and upscale Asiatique, a stylish venue featuring Asian-inspired dishes with a focus on Thai flavours. One of the highlights of a stay at Silversands, is enjoying its ever-evolving menu of innovative and inspired cuisine.

Many of the dishes feature ingredients obtained through a partnership with GRENROP (Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers) which means the farm-fresh, organic and sustainably sourced flavours of Grenada shine in dishes such as sugarcane prawns with a rum butter glaze and sweet honey nutmeg chicken with callaloo, a popular local green.

Other menu highlights include the Greg Norman Signature 350-day, grain-fed Wagyu beef steak and indulgent desserts such as a Grenadian brownie featuring local chocolate with praline ice cream. At sunset, guests can unwind at Puro lounge with its boutique collection of rare rums or lounge beachside sipping cocktails to live or DJ music.

The local ingredient theme continues at the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit (complete with ice cave, sauna and experiential shower) and restorative treatments such as facials, wraps and couple’s massages feature Grenadian spices and botanicals.

CALABASH LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA

It would be easy for Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa to rest on its many laurels—including being voted the #1 Luxury Caribbean Resort of the Year by Trip Advisor for 2019—yet this posh boutique hotel continues to evolve.

Tucked amid the palms of secluded Prickly Bay and family owned since 1987, the resort recently completed multi-million-dollar renovations of its Beach Club, lobby, spa and pool zone, vaulting into the elite Relais & Chateaux collection.

Highlights of a stay in one of the Calabash’s hilltop estate villas or 30 suites include contemporary decor, stocked mini bar and Elemis bath amenities. Guests who opt for a pool suite, score an outdoor shower and soaking tub, as well as the opportunity to dip their toes in a private plunge pool and bask beneath the stars.

Located west of the property are four estate homes, with each villa featuring its own infinity pool, panoramic ocean views and five-star luxury. The spacious villas offer the ultimate in privacy and impeccable service for up to 10 guests.

Mornings begin with a full English breakfast served on the terrace of your guest cottage by your personal maid, followed by beach yoga or other outdoor activities on crescent-shaped L’Anse aux Epines, a beautiful beach dotted by lofty palm trees. Bliss out in a beach hammock, swim or play a leisurely game of croquet on the manicured lawn surrounded by foxtail palms, water lily features and cascading bougainvillea.

Sailing, snorkelling and other water sports are available onsite, but those looking to explore Grenada’s underwater scene in-depth, are encouraged to participate in an excursion to the Underwater Sculpture Park, the world’s first underwater sculpture museum, located in Molinière-Beauséjour Marine Protected Area.

Later, enjoy an elegant afternoon tea served on linen-topped tables set on the open terrace of the Piano Bar, where blue-crested hummingbirds flit beneath a canopy of tropical blooms. Rum punch cocktails and canapes or a champagne sunset cruise are other gracious ways to wrap up a day in the sun.

When the sun sets, the place to be is at the esteemed Rhodes restaurant, helmed by U.K. celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, where the menu showcases local ingredients in creative international and Grenadian dishes such as lambie (conch) with coconut salsa or creamy callaloo and goat cheese ravioli.

You can feel good about a stay here. The Calabash is Green Globe certified and is committed to sustainable tourism practices along with its five-star luxury.

With its beautiful natural features, welcoming spirit and upscale lodging options, Grenada has much to offer luxury travellers seeking an unforgettable and unique Caribbean getaway.