Prepare to be greeted by vibrant buildings and lush landscapes upon your arrival at the stunning Caribbean island of Grenada. Roughly the same size as the Isle of Wight, it's affectionately known as "the spice island" due to its exports of nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice and turmeric. The island is also renowned for its breathtaking white-sand beaches and wonderfully relaxed lifestyle. We quickly adjusted to "island time," savouring a rum punch sprinkled with cinnamon dust — with a focus on the punch!
At a high point on the island, there's a prison, and locals humorously claim that the inmates have the best views. However, the reality is that you'll encounter beautiful panoramas and friendly faces wherever you go. Even if you visit during the rainy season (usually June to December), there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained, such as the House of Chocolate museum in the capital, St George's. Our resort also offered a selection of massages and other beauty treatments in its luxurious spa.
Mount Cinnamon Hotel and Beach Club exudes a stylish, boutique vibe and, with the accommodation situated on a hillside, it provides awe-inspiring views. The suites offer seclusion away from the main pool and feature balconies overlooking the sea – ours even had a living area.
Every evening, freshly baked cookies were delivered to our door, which was a delightful touch. While the larger villas come equipped with cooking facilities, making them perfect for families, we had a mini fridge and an espresso machine with the option to order room service.
If you're looking to indulge, one of the villas perched at the top of the resort boasts a private infinity pool.
The resort can be a bit challenging to navigate for those with prams or pushchairs, or those requiring disabled access, but a shuttle bus is readily available when needed.
Mount Cinnamon offers a "garden tour" where you can learn about its farm-to-table ethos. The resort's open-plan restaurant serves breakfast accompanied by bird song and features a splendid walk-up buffet brimming with muffins, freshly picked pineapples and more.
For an extra charge, opt for the Caribbean dish of the day, ranging from swordfish to salt fish and plantain.
As the sun sets, the fairy-lit beach cabana becomes the hotspot. We thoroughly enjoyed the barbecue bonfire nights, feasting on fresh shrimp and s'mores while listening to a steel drum band.
We highly recommend the waterfall dining experience at the stunning Concord Falls – a culinary addition to your stay at Mount Cinnamon. We savoured a mouth-watering three-course meal paired with rum cocktails and champagne.
If you're marking a special occasion, you can also arrange a private beach dinner at the resort.
We spent a delightful evening at Dodgy Dock, which has a laid-back party atmosphere. Just a 15-minute taxi ride away, you purchase tokens on the night that cover your food and drink.
We relished jerk chicken and cocktails.
Admiring the sea from a sunlounger is one thing, but for a more immersive experience, Dive Grenada offers snorkelling, diving or kayak adventures. We opted for snorkelling, which included a speedboat ride to an underwater sculpture park.
If you prefer diving, a short course will get you qualified. The best time to venture out is mid-morning, before the winds pick up.
There are numerous rum distilleries on the island, or you can book a rum-tasting experience at Mount Cinnamon to sample several local brews.
There's no shortage of island tours. We chose a driving tour that included a visit to the national reserve, where we fed monkeys, and Belmont Estate, where we learnt about cocoa production.
This 17th-century plantation offers a unique blend of history, culture, cuisine and nature, encapsulating our unforgettable stay in Grenada.
Mount Cinnamon offers a variety of 'affordable luxury' packages, with Cinnamon Suites starting at £398 per night. For more information, visit the Grenada tourist board.
