Grenada: the land where winter is forgotten

Chillin’ in St. George: The Coyaba Beach Resort, a perfect paradise along Grand Anse Beach.

By Jennifer Olvera

There are plenty of excuses to plan beach vacations to Grenada this time of year. Tropical and swept by northeast trade winds, temps average a heavenly 84°F (29°C) right now. Situated at the southern tip of the Grenadines on the postcard-worthy, electric-blue Caribbean Sea, it’s dubbed the “Island of Spice” for its bountiful of mace and nutmeg crops, and it offers everything from diving to yachting, spas and a hopping nightlife scene.

As if the weather and order-of-the-day activities don’t offer enticement enough, there are other lures, starting with the Spice Island Billfish festival in late January. Providing anglers with an opportunity to compete for top catches in great fishing waters from Jan.25-29, it functions on a on a tag and release system. Tournament points go to white and blue marlin and yellowfin tuna. Wahoo and mahi mahi are allowed, but they compete for weight prizes alone. But remember: Anglers lose points for underweight catches.

Then, Grand Anse Beach sees the kick-off of the Port Louis Grenada Sailing Festival — a workboat regatta — occurring Feb. 3-5. But it’s about more than a festive float. Races, barbecues and Mount Gay Rum-saturated gatherings take place. There will also be live, waterside music, multiple island-bent dinners and cocktail specials throughout, too.

Not to be outdone, Grenada’s Independence Day celebrationoccurs on Feb. 7. This year marks the 38^th year of festivities. Expect islanders to hit the streets wearing national colors — gold, red and green — amid air fragranced by “oil down” (the national, coconut milk-based stew with breadfruit and saltfish). Plus, there’s calypso and soca music reverberating at every turn.

Naturally, Grenada hotels — like the Coyaba Beach Resort — are part of the attraction, too, what with their white-sand beaches and proximity to dive sites. So, get planning that Caribbean travel during winter’s darkest days.

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Jennifer Olvera is a Chicago-based author, editor and food enthusiast, who travels often — usually in search of her next great meal.

Tagged: Caribbean