Dee&Dino

Hello, In the process of planning "the perfect honeymoon"...hope you can assist.<BR>We are looking for Caribbean vacation that is quiet, laid back. Been to T&amp;C, Bahamas, DomRep, BVI... I guess we're looking for something similar to BVI-beaches, good sailing conditions, minimal night life (no casinos).<BR>Please let us know you're experience on Grenada so we can decide if it's right for us. We'd appreciate all thoughts-positive and negative.<BR>Thanks so much. Peace to all!!

Eva

Congrats on your upcoming marriage! When planning my own honeymoon a dozen years ago, I wish I knew what I now know about the Caribbean. If I did, I would have gone somewhere like Grenada instead of the island I did choose.<BR><BR>Yes, Grenada could very well be for you, especially if you liked the BVI (I have been to each 3x). There are many lovely beaches. Some, like Grand Anse (a beautiful 2-mile strand) are lively and sociable like Cane Garden Bay; others, like La Sagesse or Morne Rouge, are more secluded and off-the-beaten path, like Brewer's Bay. You will undoubtedly find a spot to call your own.<BR><BR>Sailing in Grenada is different than the BVI. You can do some sailing (including day-sails) in the area from Mt. Hartmann's Bay (where the Moorings base is) up through the bays in the southwest part of the island, through the Carenage at the main town of St. George's, BUT, except for sailing within those bays themselves, this is open ocean. To get to the islands beyond Grenada (Carriacou, the Grenadines) involves a 30+ mile open ocean crossing. Exhilirating and challenging to be sure, but not like the gentle, protected, line-of-sight stuff in the BVI.<BR><BR>Like the BVIs (other than Anegada), Grenada is a green, hilly island. But Grenada is far lusher (much more rainfall in the mountains) and geologically more active, so that in addition to the rain forest, you have volcanic crater lakes, sulfur springs, and waterfalls to explore. As well, there is a great deal more agriculture here (nutmeg, spices), so you can visit processing plants and dine on a cuisine which is reflective of the island's bounty.<BR><BR>Like the BVI, the people are warm and friendly (and, IMHO, friendlier than the folks in the TCI). <BR><BR>Tourism on Grenada is low-key and small scale. No establishment may be taller than a palm tree. You should be able to find a place to stay which suits your style and budget. Other than the arrival of smaller cruise ships a few times a week (you should be able to avoid the crowds), mass market tourism has yet to hit this island.<BR><BR>The only real drawback to traveling here is the travel time. My last trip, in December, 2000, took 17 hours from door to door (from Maryland), attributable largely to the 6+ hour layover in San Juan and the fact that American Airlines has discontinued jet service (substituting prop planes) to Grenada because the government refused the pay the extortionate sums demanded by AA. I think its worth the effort, and will return; indeed, it may keep the island as relatively unspoiled as it is.<BR><BR>If you want to read more about my 12/00 trip, visit my personal website at www.homestead.com/islandtime/MainPage1.html. Or drop me a note if you have any further questions.

joan

Dee&amp;Dino:<BR><BR>Eva's post is right on - I agree with everything she said. I would add a couple of small points:<BR><BR>The water there is not the miracle blue-green color of the BVI you may be expecting. It's a deeper color, just as pure but maybe not quite as technicolor.<BR><BR>We made it a point on our trip (with our two daughters) to seek out the seven waterfalls we knew about. I think we got to five. That was lots of fun - just be sure to bring tip money for the local "guides" who come out of the woodwork - they're as friendly as can be, and even though you could easily find these falls yourself, it's fun to get the inside info.<BR><BR>Absolute must-see is the Saturday morning market. Grenada is a real garden island, and the market is wonderful. Get up early and bring your camera. There's a fellow who wears (I am not making this up) overalls made of straw! Lots of characters, and great shopping.<BR><BR>I better stop now, or next thing you know I'll be calling the airlines...

Christine

We had our honeymoon on Grenada it was perfect! We stayed at Spice ISland Inn - it was great - we had a private plunge pool with a high seclusion wall around it attached to our suite. They serve high tea every day at 4 Pm -delivering it to your patio. We spent the whole week in our bathing suits - even some nights for dinner - they brought it to our patio. We hope to go back some day - it was the trip of a lifetime for us.

Michelle

I'm wondering what Dee & Dino decided on?? We're in a similar situation - now assessing where we will go to be married and go sailing for a few days. We'll charter a catamaran - neither of our moms are big sailors so we're hoping this will be a bit smoother.<BR><BR>Has anyone had experience with pulling off a wedding in either Grenada or the BVI? We welcome your feedback. Thank you!