Emerging Grenada: Go Now for Fewer Crowds and Bigger Savings

by  Jaymie DeGaetano | Updated on Jun 14, 2019
Jaymie DeGaetano
Jaymie DeGaetano / Mount Cinnamon's beach club on Grand Anse

Northwest of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada is often overlooked in favor of its Southern Caribbean neighbors Aruba, Barbados, and St. Lucia, as well as other islands further north. However, the independent island nation — which consists of the main island of its namesake, as well as Carriacou, Petite Martinique, and other smaller islands — is on a sure path to become a go-to destination for American beachgoers. Here’s why you should get to Grenada now, before the secret gets out.

Grenada fares well during hurricane season. If you crave a Caribbean fix in the summer or fall, Grenada is a safe choice. Situated about 100 miles north of the South American mainland, the island is usually spared from direct hurricane hits.

Expanded direct flights, with low fares. JetBlue first launched its service to Grenada with only two flights per week. Now, the top-ranked carrier offers more frequent service from New York’s J.F.K. to the Spice Isle, making the trip five or seven days per week, depending on the season. Go during low season (late spring through mid-December) for as little as $329, round-trip. Fares during high season (late December through mid-spring) can double or even triple — in price.

Take advantage of discounted accommodations in shoulder season. Hotels and resorts across the island slash rates for summer and fall travel by as much as 65 percent. Sandals Grenada, the island's largest all-inclusive resort offers king rooms from $290 per person, per night. At the brand-new Silversands resort on Grand Anse Beach, book a suite with complimentary breakfast from $427 per night, 43 percent less than high-season pricing. On the other end of Grand Anse Beach, Mount Cinnamon's recently built Cinnamon Suites are available from $260 per night, $148 less than normal rates.

Enjoy one of the world’s top-ranked beaches, without the crowds. Grand Anse Beach is regularly listed in roundups of the world’s best beaches. It is no wonder — the sugary sand shores treat visitors to panoramic views of hilly capital city St. George’s and the Caribbean Sea. Plus, Grand Anse’s calm, shallow waters make for perfect swimming and stand-up paddle boarding conditions.

During our trip this past summer, Grand Anse was nearly crowd free. You could walk almost the entire main stretch and pass only a handful of locals and tourists. In prime season (from the year-end holidays through mid-spring), expect bigger crowds. And with major new properties from Silver Sands and Kimpton set to open over the next two years, numbers will certainly swell.

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