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Grenada schoolgirls |
Location
The three islands of Grenada (Grenada, Carriacou, and Petit Martinique) are located in the Eastern Caribbean at the southern extremity of the Windward islands, only 100 miles north of Venezuala. To the north lie St. Vincent and the Grenadines; to the south, Trinidad and Tobago.
Currency
The official currency of Grenada is the Eastern Caribbean (EC) dollar. Approximate exchange rate: $2.70 EC per $1.00 U.S.
Climate
Average temperatures range from 24C/75F to 30C/87F, tempered by steady and cooling trade winds. The lowest temperatures occur between November and February. Because of Grenada's remarkable topography, the island also experiences climate changes according to altitude. The driest season is between January and May, but even when it rains, the showers are little more than quick, intense bursts — the sun will return to brighten your day soon enough. Also worth noting—hurricanes rarely hit Grenada — the island is too far south to bear the brunt of most storms.
Diving Info
If you're not already certified to dive, you can learn while on vacation in Grenada for about $75. A basic scuba dive costs about $40 per person, and equipment rental will run you $10; snorkeling trips average $16-20.
Getting Around
Grenada has a good international airport, Point Salines, and it is an easy island to get around on, with plenty of car rentals, taxis, and minibuses. Cars drive on the left in Grenada, and the roads can be steep, narrow, and twisty, but local drivers are very polite.
To Carriacou
To get to Carriacou, take a short, 20 minute flight from Grenada's airport (Region Air, Helen Air, or Airlines of Carriacou fly round-trip for about $50) or a one-and-a-half-hour hydrofoil trip (Osprey Express, $28 round-trip) from the Carenage in St. George's, the capital.
Accomodations
Among the various beach cottages, villas, luxury resorts, and budget hotels, here are a few places to try:
LaLuna
Located on the southwestern tip of Grenada, this romantic, Italian-style resort offers 16 private cottages, each laid out to take best advantage of the tropical climate and the ocean views. Enjoy gourmet Italian cuisine and fine wines.
Rates: $4301,000 per night, depending on occupancy
Contact: Call 473-439-0001 or check out www.laluna.com
Spice Island Beach Resort
For beachfront property, it's hard to beat Spice. Set up residence in a "Whirlpool Beachfront Suite" and you'll be on Grand Anse as soon as you exit your room. The resort recently underwent an impressive multi-million dollar renovation and expansion.
Rates: $346896 per night, depending on season and occupancy
Contact: Call 473-444-4258 or check out www.spicebeachresort.com
Cabier Vision
For a quiet retreat with an ocean view and access to great hiking and biking, this is an outstanding option—and an amazing bargain as well.
Room Rates: $3545 per night; $200250 per week for extended stays (three weeks plus) or large groups; $600 per week for a self-catered, self-contained villa (sleeps 46 people)
Meal Rates: $68 for breakfast; $12 for dinner
Contact: Call 473-444-6013 or check out www.cabier-vision.com
For More Information
Grenada Board of Tourism
317 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Tel: 212-687-9554 / 800-927-9554
Fax: 212-573-9731
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