Sun, Spice and Everything Nice: The Fragrance of Grenada

Spice Island isn't just a nickname for Grenada, it's a promise. The moment you step off the plane and your feet touch the tarmac, you’re welcomed by the island’s sun-drenched breeze, carrying with it the heady scent of its ‘black gold’ – nutmeg. This warm and slightly sweet aroma, reminiscent of cloves and mace, serves as a fragrant reminder that spices have long been Grenada’s lifeblood. 

The climate and black soil offer the perfect conditions for growing herbs and spices, meaning the island is packed with tasting tours that allow you to follow the journey of its produce from the terrain to the table. The bounty on hand to smell and taste naturally depends on the time of year you visit, but you can see and hear the origin of the spices and how they’re processed during expertly guided tours of gardens, markets, estates and rainforests. Take trips that travel into the island’s interior, where nutmeg plantations extend like emerald carpets, visit more quaint spice and herb gardens where each step reveals a new scent, or head to estates of old where traditional processing methods are still on full display, allowing you to see - and smell - how these spices are harvested and prepared for export.

Packed with stalls brimming with fresh goods and an endless variety of spices, St. George’s is a sensory overload in the very best way, and the market to visit to purchase spices to take home with you. The sharp bite of turmeric, the warm heat of black pepper, and the smokiness of cloves not only reveal Grenada’s heritage, but they also offer a tangible connection to the island, meaning you can revisit it long after your holiday ends. 

Georgina Heyes – Destination Manager 

“You can explore Grenada from a variety of luxury hotels and resorts. I’d suggest Silversands, which recently featured in The Fortune Hotel TV series, or the iconic Spice Island Beach Resort. If you’re up for a touch more adventure, why not combine Grenada with Barbados or St. Lucia in a multi-centre escape?”

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