grenada
“ WE DIDN’T SEE A SAD FACE ALL HOLIDAY, AND THAT INCLUDES MY TEENAGER’S ”
Grand Anse Beach is a spectacular stretch of white sand with the resort’s exclusive section tucked at one end. Comfy loungers and wicker armchairs beckon, while the Beach Cabana and expansive landscaped grounds add to the general paradisical air. The gardens offer plenty of activities, from giant
chess and bowls to net games. Alternatively you could simple explore the undergrowth with a big stick: Dylan’s default position, when not in the sea. Views across to St George’s and the gentle mountain landscape prove to be addictive, and the southwest position means epic sunsets. The sea at Grand Anse is calm, shallow and great for children. You will get a few waves on windy days, and we had fun messing about in the shallows with a boogie board, which are free at the resort, along with paddleboards and other water sports’ equipment. We also swam out from shore to snorkel round the Grenada artificial reef project: a great way for kids to learn about marine conservation. The original Mount Cinnamon resort was built in the 1980s, and this lends a classic charm, that made me feel a bit like a Jilly Cooper character, wafting around in a silk kimono on my way to some yacht. But extensive refurbishment has created sophisticated spaces which harmonise perfectly with the setting and, as an eco-resort, it has a thoroughly fresh feel. Local architect, Irina Kostka, is behind the latest redesign of the restaurant, as well as the bar, lounge, and pool in the main resort building. Her style combines elegance with a welcoming Caribbean sense of place; bright colour accents offset a neutral palette, and thoughtfully curated Grenadian and Caribbean artwork celebrates local farmers and suppliers. The restaurant flows seamlessly into the lobby and pool area, all of which are accentuated with incredible views, as well as beautiful lighting in the evening. Mount Cinnamon is known for supporting Grenadian skills development through its association with the West Indies School of Hospitality (WISH), and both the commitment to sustainable hospitality and helping people achieve their potential really shone through during our stay here. The central path of the resort meanders up several levels through the gardens to the newest suites. Our Hacienda Suite had a beautiful terracotta balcony, two large beds, and a cosy lounge. Little touches like a Nespresso machine and hand- labelled toiletries were welcome and we relished waking up to views of the surrounding islands, and our stroll down to breakfast through tropical flowers and birdsong. Villas are also available for larger families, and the self-catering concierge option lets you order groceries ahead of arrival, and also includes a range of other luxurious services. Mount Cinnamon recently hired Barbados-based British chef Sophie Michell as a consultant, and her expertise in sustainable cuisine informs the resort’s farm-to-table approach. Flying Fish, the new main restaurant, serves
ISLAND LIFE Clockwise from top left: view from Mount Cinnamon; Dylan and Lisa; House of Chocolate; Grenada mission statement
I t was a decade since my son last dipped his toes into tropical seas, feeling the soothing embrace of bath- temperature water and I’d been dreaming of this moment ever since we left London’s grey skies behind. We couldn’t have chosen a more perfect escape than Mount Cinnamon Grenada, a stunning boutique resort with 36 villas and suites nestled on a lush hillside overlooking Grand Anse Beach in southwest Grenada. Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, it’s like another world: part retreat, part adventurous paradise. In short, one of those places that make you wonder why on earth you live anywhere else. A single-parent trip with teenagers can be tricky, but Lisa McGarry and her teenage son found harmony in paradise at Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort in Grenada
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