Grenada has largely avoided any hint of fast-paced commercialism and therein lies much of its charm. Breathtaking beaches that would be flanked by swanky hotels anywhere else remain virtually untouched here, whilst excursions around the island yield waterfalls, spice plantations and street markets, rather than casinos, shopping malls and championship golf courses. The spotlight here is on lush scenic beauty and an unhurried way of life; the days primarily tranquil and the evenings drawing to a close quite early.

Yet things are definitely happening in Grenada. The island’s existing five-star hotels continue pulling out all the stops to ensure they can compete with the best in the Caribbean, and English celebrity chef Gary Rhodes still has his only overseas restaurant here. And an exciting selection of new arrivals are also making their mark on this sleepy island thanks to high-profile visionaries like Peter de Savary, with more world-class resorts planned for the future.

Yet despite these burgeoning international influences, Grenada remains delightfully laid-back and intrinsically West Indian in style. Activities are focused upon the water with scuba-diving and sailing both popular choices, although landbased options such as excursions to Grand Etang lake and Concord Falls give them a run for their money. And of course even the food here tends to be a Grenadian affair, the freshly-caught seafood and cosmopolitan favourites usually flavoured with the local spices that give the ‘Spice Island’ its nickname.

BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIGHTS OPERATE FROM GATWICK TWICE WEEKLY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS AND ONCEWEEKLY DURING THE SUMMER. AS THEY STOP IN ANTIGUA ALONG THE WAY, THE FLYING TIME IS ABOUT 101/2 HOURS. VIRGIN ATLANTIC FLIGHTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON THURSDAYS. YOU MIGHT LIKE TO CONSIDER COMBINING YOUR STAY ON THE ‘SPICE ISLAND’ WITH A WEEK OR SO IN BARBADOS, ST. LUCIA OR ANTIGUA AND WE’D BE DELIGHTED TO SUGGEST SUITABLE HOTELS.