Spice Island Beach Resort - Reviews
Mystery Inspector's Reviews
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08 April 2011
Top 3 reasons to stay at the hotel:
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The Spice Island Beach resort is located on the gorgeous Grand Anse Beach which is probably one of the loveliest beaches in the Caribbean; a ribbon of white-gold sand lapped by the gentle surf of a turquoise ocean. And if you're staying in one of the Seagrape Beach Suites then the shoreline really is just steps from your bedroom door. How you enjoy the seashore is up to you. Relax on a lounger in the shade of a palm or seagrape tree while a beach attendant brings a cooling cocktail accompanied by cold towel. For the more active there are hobie-cats, kayaks and snorkeling equipment available from the dive centre. Or maybe just beachcombing along the golden strand of sand at sunset.
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Sundowners. Enjoy one of the resort's wide selection of exotic cocktails (my favourite was called Liquid Sunshine named after a local term for the occasional tropical showers) as you watch the sun go down from the Sea and Surf Terrace. Then as the evening warms sit back and listen to live music from a steel band and watch the lights of the capital St. George's twinkling across the bay before sitting down to a delicious meal laced with the fragrant aromas of nutmeg and cinnamon that makes the food of Grenada, the Spice Island, so delicious and distinctive.
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Service with Smile. The service at the Spice Island Beach Resort is perhaps some of the friendliest and most genuine you will come across. Nothing it too much trouble for the staff who take ownership of even the smallest request. I've been to other resorts where they take pains to address you by name, but it sometimes feels forced. Here, the staff seemed to enjoy making each guest feel like and individual and truly special.
Overview:
After we were met off the plane as arranged by our cheery driver it was just a ten minute transfer from the airport to the hotel.
There the check in process was friendly and efficient accompanied by a complimentary drink of sparkling white wine flavoured sorrel and a cool towel which were very welcome after our long journey. Unfortunately the airline had left one of our bags in Barbados and the check in staff were quick to take control of the problem reassuring us that they would follow up with the airline and keep us informed of progress.
We were conducted to our room by the welcoming Wendy who expertly explained all its features. The bedroom was light and airy with a cathedral ceiling and decorated in a contemporary Caribbean style; modern, uncluttered but comfortable. Our room also had a breezy balcony with a view across the lush tropical gardens to the ocean. Furnished with a table and chairs and a sofa this was a great spot to read and relax. One day when we didn’t fancy company we ordered room service and had lunch on our private terrace.
The bathroom was also spacious with a huge spa bath and walk-in shower. Frette linens and Molton Brown amenities added an additional touch of luxury. The housekeeping was also top notch. When our accommodation was turned down in the evening it was almost as if our room was being serviced all over again. Each night they also sprayed the pillows with Molton Brown's fragrance "Air of Sleep" - typical of the attention to detail shown by the Resort.
You could spend a week at the resort and never leave, if you so choose. The hotel's location on the gorgeous Grand Anse Beach is ideal. You can sunbathe and swim in the sea, or enjoy the fine free form pool if you prefer. There's a dive centre for the adventurous but it also supplies equipment for snorkeling, boating and kayaking. In addition there are tennis courts and complimentary bicycles. At Janissa's Spa you can choose from a range of treatments with a Spice Island twist and for those who require a little retail therapy try the upscale his and her boutiques.
Dinner is served in Oliver's Restaurant, an elegant space open to the warm tropical breezes. Most evenings dining is table d'hôte with a selection of international and Creole dishes which make the most of the local produce including sea food and the spices for which Grenada is famous. Each evening dinner is accompanied by live music and there's a carefully chosen and reasonably priced wine list. Breakfast is also served in Oliver's with a choice of local specialties including my favourite, the Fisherman's Special, a pancake stuffed with crab and seafood. Lunch is served á la carte in Sea and Surf Terrace which doubles as the main lounge and bar area - a great place to relax and enjoy a pre-dinner drink.
However the finest feature of Spice Island Beach Resort isn't the beautiful beach, the gorgeous gardens, the fine food or the array of activities. It's the people who run the hotel that it so special with some of the very best service to be experienced in the West Indies.