Where to stay in Grenada?

Old Mar 16th, 2006, 09:53 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Where to stay in Grenada?

Hi,
I've been reading everyones' posts here and based on all the info (thank you all), I'm thinking that Grenada would be a good choice for our anniversary trip in November.
I'm interested in 2 hotels: Spice Island and LaLuna. I'm leaning towards LaLua (but having trouble finding any recent reviews of this place)and it sounds like the beach for Spice Island is a favorite. We tend to like places that feel more "natural" and the pictures of the rooms at La Luna are great -- love the outdoor bathrooms with lizards -- but also like AC.
If anyone can offer any recommendations, it would be appreciated. (NYC Tiger and Laby, this kind of goes along with a previous post you both were on... )
Thanks,
Leslee
Leslee is offline  
Old Mar 17th, 2006, 03:46 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,066
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I haven't stayed at either, but have wandered by both. La Luna is more isolated, Spice Island is pretty much in the middle of Grand Anse beach. You will either need to rent a car or take a cab to get pretty much any where from La Luna.

With the caveat that I haven't seen either property since Ivan, La Luna certainly has more visual appeal to me. I look at it and think, "this is where I would stay if I was going to splurge". When I look at Spice Island I think, "I can't believe they can charge the kind of prices they do". This is purely based on 'walk by' observations, I haven't been in the rooms.
JeanH is offline  
Old Mar 17th, 2006, 08:05 PM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Jean,
Thanks for your feedback. Still working on this.
Sincerely
Leslee
Leslee is offline  
Old Mar 18th, 2006, 02:54 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have stayed at Spice Island (pre-hurricane), and I agree to a large degree with JeanH.

We used to stay at higher-end properties, but discovered that, for the most part, the extra cost did not translate to additional value received.

Grand Anse beach is VERY lovely, but there are other nice properties sharing that beach which are much less expensive.

We stayed in an oceanfront whirlpool suite at Spice Island, and the whole resort is wonderful and the staff superior, but not worth the $$$ in my opinion...UNLESS...

For a once in a lifetime vacation or a honeymoon, $500+ per night resorts that offer amazing amenities can be great. As often as we travel to the Caribbean, we have found that we are gone for the vast majority of the day, and don't get to enjoy what we are paying all that extra money for.

If the main focus is to relax and unwind and stay largely on the resort grounds, either La Luna or Spice Island would be great. (I'd lean toward La Luna simply for the "boutiquey" feel of the place. )

We were on Grenada in November, and the weather was delightful. Congrats, and I think you have made a great choice!

Diana is offline  
Old Mar 18th, 2006, 11:19 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Diana
You've posted a lot of helpful info on this website.
I have been leaning towards LaLuna.
Crazy thing is... as often happens... the more I read, the more undecided I become.
As of today I'm considering: Anguilla (Cap Juluca); Turks & Caicos (The Palms or Parrot Cay); Grenada (LaLuna and SI) and St. Lucia (Ladera). I realize these are all a little pricier but I imagine we'll be spending a good amount of time at the resort. (And it's our 15-yr anniversary.)
We enjoy beautiful beaches with green vegetation, a pool, fitness center, scuba or snorkeling and a more relaxed, earthy feel. So I'm still happy to receive any advise.
Thanks again
Leslee
Leslee is offline  
Old Mar 18th, 2006, 12:03 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi again Leslee,
I have been to all of the places in your most recent post.
I think you would be very happy at any of them.

I'll give you some more info (to further confuse you ) :

"We enjoy beautiful beaches" - Anguilla, Turks and Caicos, Grenada

"with green vegetation" - Grenada, St Lucia

"scuba or snorkeling" - Turks and Caicos, St Lucia

and a more relaxed, earthy feel - Grenada, St Lucia

If I were you, I'd probably go with Cap Juluca and Anguilla. Just my opinion. We are divers and like the lush islands, but the beaches and the resort and the excellent dining on the island were wonderful. Very romantic and so relaxing.

Congrats! We had our 15th anniversary in 2004.
Diana is offline  
Old Mar 18th, 2006, 01:09 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Leslee. Of the resorts you've mentioned, we've been to Ladera (honeymoon in 2002) and Cap Juluca (2004).

IMHO, I'd definitely go with Cap Juluca if you're planning on spending alot of time at the resort. Ladera is really magical and unique, but in our experience CJ is definitely more luxurious.

Also, St. Lucia is such a lush and diverse island that it really begs to be explored at length, so it really doesn't lend itself to lounging at the resort. Anguilla is wonderful, but outside of great dining, there's not a whole heck of a lot to explore, so I think it'd be easier to justify sitting on CJ's amazing beach.

I'd save Ladera for a trip where you'd rather dedicate lots of time to hiking/exploring etc. (climbing Petit Piton is a must!).
NYCTiger is offline  
Old Mar 19th, 2006, 10:03 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Diana, NYC Tiger and JeanH
Thank you all for sharing your insights.
I feel like I'm trying to balance "nice enough resort to lounge there" with "still want to go exploring other beaches, restaurants, flora and fauna".
We travel quite often and I usually prefer to go places where we can "explore". We most recently went to Costa Rica Four Seasons, and as much as we loved the resort, it was too secluded (boring) for our usual tastes.
After Diana's last post I decided to further investigate Anguilla/Cap Juluca. I bought 2 more books and read more website reviews.
Unfortunately I came upon some current reviews of CJ saying the accomodations are worn and dated and service is reserved for regular clientele or celebrities.
Still thinking, still open...
Sincere thanks again
Leslee
Leslee is offline  
Old Mar 19th, 2006, 03:04 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It always is tough making these decisions isn't it

Allow me to defend CJ a bit. As far as the negative reviews of CJ (or any top-notch Caribbean resort for that matter), it's been my experience that, while some people genuinely have a bad experience, most of these reviews arise from improper expectations.

When we were at CJ in 2004 the furnishings, linens, etc. were far from "worn" and were wonderful. Is a CJ room going to match a Four Seasons room? Not usually, but most 4S rooms are not open-aired and exposed the rigors of the sand/salt air that exists in the marine environment. And, as anyone who's owned a boat can tell you, those elements do alot of damage over a relatively short time. So it shouldn't surprise anyone that CJ rooms might arguably not be as opulent as some other comparably priced hotels.

Also, wife and I are far from regulars/celebrities, but we were treated to near perfect service by ever member of the staff and were treated by even upper-management as valued guests. Couldn't have been better.
NYCTiger is offline  
Old Mar 21st, 2006, 11:22 AM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi all
Thanks for all your help.
I'm getting a better handle on things. Today I'm between Anguilla (now CJ and Malliouhana - leaning towards Malli) and Grenada (Laluna).
I'm a little leary about all the talk of fine dining in Anguilla. We're not "foodies". We like to have a great meal once in a while but I don't typically make food/dining a priority when planning travel. However, a nice bar setting on the beach with yummy cocktails is a priority.
There's just something more tropical / homey feeling to me about Malli and Laluna. The Rhum Runner Cruise (with fun locals) out of Grenada - rum punch and night cruise sounds fun to me.
Thanks again and if you think of anything else I should consider, please share.
Leslee is offline  
Old Mar 21st, 2006, 02:15 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 338
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Either Anguilla or Grenada will provide you with your desired "lounge at the resort"/"explore the island" vacation. Both islands also have a range of restaurants from the very fancy to the basic and simple - and great beachside bars. I wouldn't let Anguilla's reputation as a haven of haute cuisine deter you. There are numerous excellent inexpensive and moderate-priced restaurants, along with the more famous pricey ones.

From reading your posts, I'm not sure that LaLuna, with its isolated location, will satisfy your desire for nightime excursions (such as the Rhum Runner Cruise). You would have easier access to Grenada's nightlife if you stayed at or near Grand Anse than at LaLuna. Don't misunderstand - LaLuna's a beautiful romantic resort but it's not the ideal place in my opinion for a vacation that looks to do island and evening excursions.

Also, if nightime party cruises are important, you won't find much of that in Anguilla - at least not to the same extent as you'd find on other islands. But it's an ideal island to explore and you can enjoy wonderful island cocktails at a different beachside bar each evening while watching the sun set on the Caribbean (or Atlantic, depending on which beach you're at). Now that's paradise!
Laby is offline  
Old Mar 22nd, 2006, 01:38 PM
  #12  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks to you too Laby.
Still deciding!
Leslee is offline  
Old Mar 22nd, 2006, 02:13 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hello - I spent my 2002 Sept honeymoon at LaLuna and it was perfect. Quiet and secluded.
Bean4544 is offline  
Old Mar 22nd, 2006, 02:48 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi, Laby,
I don't think LaLuna's location would prevent anybody from taking the Rhum Runner or any other excursion. You'd just have to plan on taking a taxi. The taxis aren't cheap, but at night, I'd prefer a taxi to driving a rental car. We just got back from Grenada a few weeks ago. It is a beautiful island. We stayed at the Bel Air Plantation.
We rented a car for a week and got around fairly well. However, some roads are twisty, potholed, and have sheer drop-offs down the hills. So we did not drive at night.
marigold is offline  
Old Mar 23rd, 2006, 07:51 AM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Marigold,

I'm also trying to decide about Grenada, my choice is between there and BVI, have you been to BVI? If so, which of the two do you prefer and why?

Also, what did you all do on Grenada and how did you like the Bel Air? I'm trying to decide on Maca Bana & Azzurra castle any thoughts on these?

Thanks!

Jeannine
cookbound is offline  
Old Mar 24th, 2006, 11:52 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi, Jeannine,
We liked the Bel Air a lot. The location is beautiful, and the cottages are very comfortable and private. We loved sitting on our hillside balcony at tree level watching the birds and our beautiful view. The hotel beach is not great, but then we ended up going to La Sagesse a lot. The pool is lovely, and the food is good. However, it is very quiet and is a place for ultimate relaxation. We'd go back, but next time I think we'd divide our stay: One part at the Bel Air, and the other nearer the "action" just to sample more restaurants at dinner. I saw Maca Bana villas from the outside; they are atop a steep hill from the Aquarium restaurant and its beach.
I would be very tempted to stay there. It's not where the main "action" is on Grand Anse, but it's not far. The villa interiors looks great from the website.
We enjoyed having kitchen facilities on this trip.
marigold is offline  
Old Mar 24th, 2006, 01:02 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Marigold,

Thanks so much for responding, I appreciate your feedback. I'm the same way, we've been married a long time don't really need the romantic secluded environment and want to be fairly close to eat in town and everything.

Thanks again! If there is anything else you can think of sharing please do! I'm still going back and forth between BVI and Grenada.........decisions decisions!
cookbound is offline  
Old Mar 27th, 2006, 06:55 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hello, We are going to Grenada in May and I found a Grenada forum that has helped be TONS! http://grenadatravelforum.com/ ....the managers live in Grenada and keep all the information updated ( good post-Ivan info). They answered ALL of my many questions about places to stay and things to do on the island....I hope it helps you.
I can't wait till our trip
GOOD LUCK
vegasliz is offline  
Old Mar 27th, 2006, 08:41 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Vegasliz, excellent thanks for the tip! I'll check it out.
cookbound is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
joaniejd
Caribbean Islands
7
Mar 4th, 2009 07:20 AM
WeBo
Caribbean Islands
5
Aug 19th, 2008 04:48 PM
Island lover
Caribbean Islands
8
Jan 21st, 2003 02:46 PM
Betsy & Doug
Caribbean Islands
29
May 19th, 2002 11:37 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -