Grenada At A Glance

Grenada know as the “Spice Island” is a jewel …sparkling bays that glisten in the sunlight over picturesque sandy coves…lush rainforests…exotic fauna…majestic mountains…staffed luxury villas…a wonderful undiscovered and largely unspoiled island.

Three inhabited islands and a few uninhabited islets comprise the nation: Grenada/the largest, Carriacou and Petit Martinique. The nation’s capital as well as the majority of the population is located on Grenada.

Lush rain forests and thick vegetation-provide an exceptional green beauty that few places in the world can match. Located in the Eastern Caribbean, the island is only 12 degrees north of the equator and the most southerly of the Windward Islands.

The island’s waterfalls, lush rain forests, volcanic crater lake, small villages, nutmeg and banana plantations, scenic hiking, pristine coral reefs and unspoiled beaches all contribute to make Grenada one of the most popular eco-tourism destinations for those seeking the off the beaten track natural beauty & charm. Indeed, 1/9 of Grenada’s land mass is preserved in the way of parks, natural sanctuaries and wildlife preservers. The island is, indeed, a haven for outdoor lovers of all types who will savor the peerless natural beauty of the island.

Idyllic coves & bays make the island a particular favorite with sailors. Grenada boasts some 80 miles of coastline, 64 bays and 45 white sand beaches-many of which are located in secluded little coves. All beaches are public and most are located on the Caribbean side of the island, south of St. George’s in the Grand Anse and L’Anse au Epines areas.

Visitors are overwhelmed by the sweet scents of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and vanilla that wafts in on the balmy breezes. There are more spices in Grenada per square mile than anywhere else in the world and the island actually produces almost about a third of the world’s supply of nutmeg, its most abundant spice. It is often referred to as the “Spice Isle” as Grenada is a major producer of nutmeg, cinnamon, cocoa and many other spices.

Popular souvenirs include small spice baskets filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, bay leaf, vanilla and ginger-they are widely available in almost every shop, market or even the vendors who stroll the beach in Grand Anse.

Grenada is known for the friendliest people in the West Indians providing a hospitable atmosphere that few islands can match.

St. George’s is the picturesque capital city with a busy harbor and several historical sites. One of the most authentic West Indian towns in the Caribbean it is dotted with pastel painted buildings that curve shore along the horseshoe-shaped George’s Harbor. Rainbow color houses rise up from the waterfront and dot the steep emerald hills. Rich in English, French and West Indian history, St. George’s is filled with beautiful and well-preserved examples of French and British Colonial architecture.

While visitors may find it difficult to tear themselves away from the spectacular beaches and pristine waters, the islands tropical landscape offers an array of fun and exciting inland activities and adventures.

Indeed, nature lovers enjoy the islands lush and mountainous interior which offers exceptional hiking, bird watching, waterfalls to explore etc.

Recreational sports enthusiasts will find the island offers an abundance of activities and facilities to keep them entertained. And, for those looking to experience the true essence and character of Grenada, sightseeing and historical sites abound as well as unique shops and outstanding cuisine.

Villa life in Grenada offers visitors the best of both worlds; the relaxed privacy of a home and the attentive service of a dedicated and pampering staff. Visitors can leave all of their cares behind and relax without any of the responsibilities back home.

Once guests have settled into their villa, a Villas Caribe representative is available to meet with you should you require any information on the island and is on-call throughout your holiday should you need assistance.

Grenada Airlines:

Air Canada
Air Jamaica
American Airlines
American Eagle
British Airways
BWIA
Caribbean Star
LIAT
US Air
Virgin Atlantic

Grenada Airport Transfers:
Grenada’s Point Salines International Airport is located on the southeast corner of the island, not too far from the capital St. George’s. Villas Caribe’s clients are met at the airport, assisted with securing their rental car and escorted on a complementary basis to the villa.

Grenada Activities:
Golf, hiking, swimming, sailing, tennis, horseback riding.

Grenada Area Code: 473

Grenada ATMS:
Are on island and may be found at banks in the St. Georges area.

Grenada Baby-Equipment Rentals:
Car seats, cribs, high chairs, playpens, strollers, cots and bed rails are all available for rental for additional fees.

Grenada Banks:
Banks on Grenada are open from 8 AM –3 PM Mon.-Thursday and from 8 AM-5 PM on Fridays. Most of them have ATMS.

Grenada Beaches:
Grenada boasts some 80 miles of coastline, 65 bays and over 45 white sand beaches, many of which are located in secluded small coves. All of the beaches are public and the majority are on the Caribbean side, south of St. George’s in the Grand Anse and L’Anse aux Epines areas.

Grand Anse is perhaps the loveliest beach on the island and offers 2 miles of gleaming sand lapped by gentle Caribbean waters while mature sea gape trees provide shady areas to escape the midday sun.

Morne Rouge Beach forms a half-mile crescent and has a small café that serves light meals during the day.

Grenada Boating:
Glass bottom boat tours are popular as well as theme cruises where passengers are able to swim, dance and party on the deck of a huge ship.

Grenada Budgeting/Costs To Rent A Villa on Grenada:
In addition to the cost of the villa on Grenada, the additional costs involved include but are not limited to the following:

Air Transportation
Car Rentals
Groceries & beverages:
Tip for the staff

Grenada Cancellations:
Cancellation penalties are incurred and will vary depending upon the specific villa chosen. Upon confirmation with our company, a written cancellation policy will be issued along with the written invoice for the booking.

Generally, cancellations incur a minimum of a 20% penalty on the gross weekly rental rate of the villa if cancelled up until 45 days prior to departure with no refunds within 45 days of arrival.

**Cancellation insurance is strongly advised to cover the cost of cancellation due to any unforeseen circumstances

Grenada Capital: St. George’s.

Grenada Car Rentals:
We highly recommend that clients rent a vehicle for their stay on Grenada. Taxis are expensive and most drivers do not know the locations of the villas. We would be happy to arrange a client’s vehicle rental.

Car rental rates are approximate as follows based on weekly rentals:
Suzuki, Samurai Jeep: 2 door/Manual/Soft-top/4WD-$265-$290/wk. depending upon the season
Suzuki Vitara Jeep: 2 door/Manual/Soft-top/4WD-$$280-$300/wk. depending upon the season.
Suzuki Vitara Jeep: 2 door/Manual/Hard-top/4WD-$2955-$330/wk. depending upon the season.
Suzuki Vitara Jeep: 4 door/Manual or Automatic/AC/4WD-$325-$360/wk. depending upon the season
Mitsubishi Lancer: 4 door/Manual or Automatic/AC-$295/-$320/wk. depending upon the season.
Suzuki Minivan: 7 pax./Automatic/AC-$335-$370/wk. depending upon the season.

Conditions of Hire:
All clients must be over 21 years of age but less than 75 years old and must have held a valid driver’s license for at least two years. It is compulsory to have a Grenada driving permit and our representatives are authorized to issue them at a cost of US $12.00 per permit. Children’s car seats are available for rental upon request. All rates are subject to change without notice.

Grenada Check-in/Check-out times:
Check-in time is generally after 3:00 PM and check-out time is 12:00 noon.

Grenada Climate:
Warm & sunny with temperatures between 75 F and 90 F year round. During the winter, the nights are slightly cooler and so it might be a good idea to bring a cotton sweater.

Grenada Communications:
The villas all are equipped with telephones and guests will be advised of the particular phone number of the property prior to departure.
Alternatively, phone cards are available for purchase at hotels, post offices, supermarkets and some shops. All of the public phone booths across the island accept phone cards and you may call locally or internationally from the phone booths.

Grenada Mobile Phone Rentals:
You may rent a Grenada mobile phone through Cable & Wireless.

Grenada Currency:
The Eastern Caribbean dollar is converted at the rate of EC $2.70 to $1.00 U.S. The EC dollar is fixed to the U.S. Dollar and does not fluctuate. The U.S. Dollar is widely accepted as well travelers checks, U.S. and Canadian currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted as well.

Grenada Deep-Sea Fishing:
Vast arrays of big game fish live in the oceans surrounding Grenada.
Several different companies on the island offer guided Grenada fishing excursions with a focus on big game fish.

Grenada Departure Tax:
EC $40 plus security charge of EC $10.00 for all passengers except children under the age of 12 years. Passengers age 2 yrs. to 12 yrs., EC $20.00 plus security charge of EC $5.00.

Grenada Deposits:
A 50% deposit is required to confirm a reservation.
Reservations made within 60 days prior to arrival during the winter season and 45 days prior to arrival during the summer/low season must be paid in full.

Grenada Driving:
Driving is on the left, British style. A temporary Grenada license costs US $12,00 and is obtainable from the car rental agencies upon presentation of a valid driver’s license from your own country.

Grenada Dress:
Due to the islands conservative British heritage, there is a dress code of conservative clothing. Light cotton dresses and light jackets and ties for formal wear and typical tropical wear during the day.

Grenada Documents for Arrival:
Every person entering Grenada should be in possession of a valid passport and a valid return ticket. A visitor who is a citizen of the United States of America or Canada traveling direct from these countries may be admitted without a passport for a period not exceeding three (3) months. However, that person will be required to produce proof of nationality, by means of an original birth certificate or citizenship papers, and photo identification.

Grenada Electricity:
220volts/50 cycles-visitors from the US will require adapters for their small electrical appliances (hair dryers, shaver etc.).
No adapters necessary for visitors from North America but European visitors will require one.

Grenada Golf:
Grenada offers one nine-hole course located near Grand Anse.

Grenada Golf & Country Club:
473.444.4128.
9 holes
Club rental, caddy service and a clubhouse offering snacks/bar available.

Grenada Grocery Shopping:
Visitors will find the supermarkets in Grenada are well stocked and offering an array of exotic and distinguished specialty foods for the good life. It is recommended that clients secure a pre-stocking of the villa prior to their arrival so that they and have food and beverage items upon their arrival.

After their arrival, they may sit down with the cook and plan the rest of their weekly menu. Throughout their stay, they may either grocery shop on their own or alternatively take the cook with them to select the appropriate items for their menus.

Grenada Hiking:
A variety of hiking opportunities exist on Grenada…Exceptional hiking exists on Grenada with the most popular area being located within the rainforest Grand Etang National Park and Forest Reserve which is located high up in the mountains of the island’s interior. Grand Etang’s varied elevations and terrains provide several different ecological subsystems. One of the most interesting paths to visit is the around the big pond in an extinct volcano.

Grenada History:
Columbus first sighted Grenada in 1498. He named the island Concepcion. Throughout the 1600’s, the island was the scene of numerous bloody battles between the indigenous Carib Indians and the French. The Carib Indians finally lost to the French in 1651, committing mass suicide by leaping off a cliff rather than submitting to the French.

The French eventually lost the island to the British in 1762. In 1967, Grenada became part of the British Commonwealth and in 1970 it achieved it’s independence.

As many may recall, in 1979 an attempt was made to establish a communist state in Grenada. In October 1983, at the request of the Governor General, the US, Jamaica and Eastern Caribbean States intervened military and in December 1984 a general election re-established democratic government.

Grenada Horseback Riding:
Several companies on the island offer guided tours that lead visitors through spectacular scenery as well as riding through the surf on deserted beaches.

Grenada Internet Cafes:
There are several Internet cafes on the island; one is located in St. George’s and there are few others in the different marinas. A new one is just starting up in the Grand Anse Hotel.

Grenada Language:
The official language is English spoken with a unique sounding Bajan dialect. The Bajan dialect is based on Afro-Caribbean rhythms tinged with an Irish/Scottish lilt. An amazing 98% literacy rate is a sign of the island’s sophistication.

Grenada Local Hazards:
Black Sea Urchins
Manchineel Trees-beware of the little green apples that fall from this tree, as they are poisonous to eat and toxic to touch. Do not even seek shelter under one of these trees during a rain, as you will get blisters.

Grenada Location:
Grenada is located in the Eastern Caribbean at the southern end of the Windward Islands and approximately 100 miles north of Venezuela.

Grenada Marriage & Weddings:
Getting married Grenada is relatively easy but couples must reside on the island for at least three working days, have valid passports/birth certificates and bring a notarized letter from a lawyer affirming that they are both single.

Both bride and groom must be 18 years of age. Magistrates are available after 4:30 PM to perform ceremonies and Protestant ministers are easily found. Catholics should have their home priest liaise with a priest in Grenada and allow six to eight months for the planning.

Grenada Nightlife:
Nightlife is somewhat limited to resorts that bring in musicians several nights a week.

Grenada Pre-stocking:
Since the villas on Grenada include the services of a staff, it is advisable to have the villa pre-stocked for your arrival at the villa. By pre-stocking the villa for a guest’s arrival, it enables the staff to provide a meal on arrival for tired, weary guests.
The villas are stocked with a supply of sundry items at no cost to the clients. These items include toilet tissue, bath soap and dishwashing liquid.

Grenada Population: 93,000

Grenada Restaurants:

Aquarium Beach Club:
473.444.1410
Located by the sea, the views of the lights of nearby St. George’s dance across the water providing a romantic atmosphere. Reservations are required and open nightly. Closed Mondays.

Cicely’s:
473.444.4334.
Located in the Calabash Hotel, Cicely’s offers elegant dining in an old-world setting and offers impeccable service. The chefs are an award wining team including Graham Newbould who was formerly a chef to Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Reservations are required.

Coconut Beach:
473.444.4644
Located on Grand Anse Beach, Coconut Beach is a casual old beach cottage where waves lap at the doorstep. Reservations suggested-open daily except Tuesdays.

La Belle Creole:
473.444.4316
Varnished wood and candlelight provide a romantic setting fro this excellent restaurant. Reservations are required.

Mount Helicon Restaurant & Bar:
473.440.2444.
Located in the heart of the capital on one of the city’s highest points, visitors will enjoy dining graciously in a former greathouse with panoramic views of St. Georges and the harbor. Reservations are recommended.

Grenada Security Deposits:
The majority of the villas do require a security deposit to be paid along with payment for the actual villa.

Grenada Shopping:
Grenada offers a variety of shopping experiences from art galleries to those searching for exceptional jewelry. Since Grenada is second only to Indonesia in the production of nutmeg, most visitors bring home spices and even cosmetics and flavorings all made from the spices and spice oils.

The island offers talented local artists and offers locally made batik, pottery and basketry as well as their own local Westerhall Plantation Rum.

The duty-free merchandise is offered at prices 20%-40% less than in the U.S. or Canada. Popular items include cashmere, fine English china, tobacco and the island’s famous rum.

Grenada Sights/Activities
Grenada offers a diversity in sights and activities available to Grenada villa rental guests. Grenada activities include, and are not limited to, the following: Golf, hiking, swimming, sailing, tennis and horseback riding. If you are interested in more information regarding our selection of Grenada villa rentals, please click here for more information regarding Grenada rental villas.

Grenada Sports:
Cycling and Mountain Biking, Golf, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Sports Fishing, Diving, Parasailing, Sailing, Tennis, and Kayaking are all available on the island.

Grenada Staff:
The villas on Grenada all include in their rental rates the services of a full staff. At the very least, each property is staffed with a cook/housekeeper. The exact staffing for each villa is listed on the descriptive material on our website for the various villas.

It is appropriate to tip the staff of the villa on departure day and guidelines are listed below under the section of “tipping”.

Grenada Snorkeling & Diving:
Grenada offers exceptional close in snorkeling directly off it’s spectacular white sand beaches. Indeed, Grenada has been referred to as a “scuba diver’s Toys R U” with its endless reefs and bays. Famous dive sites include Boss Reef as well as a few wreck dives.

Grenada Tennis:
The majority of the large hotels and resort on the island have tennis courts that may be booked even if you are not a guest.

Grenada Time Zone:
Grenada falls in the Atlantic Time zone, which is one hour ahead of US Standard time. The island does not observe daylight savings time.

Grenada Tipping of the staff:
It is appropriate to tip the staff approximately $75 to $125US per staff person/per week for a cook and maid. Additionally, we recommend about US $35 to $60 US for the gardener/grounds men. Alternatively, you might figure 4-5% of the of the weekly rental rate of the villa as the total tip for the entire staff.

Grenada Topography:
Grenada offers 133 square miles of mountainous, volcanic terrain with the highest point/Mt. St. Catherine reaching 2,750 feet. The topography of the island provides one of the most varied in the Caribbean and a variety of plant and animal life.

Grenada Tourist Board Contact Information:
USA/New York Office: 800.927.9554.

Grenada Transfers
Grenada’s Point Salines International Airport is located on the southeast corner of the island, not too far from the capital St. George’s. Villas Caribe Grenada villa rental clients are met at the airport, assisted with securing their rental car and escorted on a complementary basis to their Grenada rental villa. If you are interested in more information regarding your Grenada villa rental, please click here to view our complete selection of Grenada rental villas.