Grenada is graced with unspoiled beaches and turquoise water, but stunning shorelines are only part of the story. This Caribbean island packs a punch of diversity into its diminutive size. It’s blessed with colorful flora, fauna and locals who warmly welcome visitors. The aroma of homegrown nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon delicately perfume the balmy breezes, earning it the well-deserved nickname, the Spice Island.
Grenada is now easy for New Yorkers to reach, thanks to new nonstop service (from $551/roundtrip) on JetBlue. Depart JFK in the early morning and in less than four hours you’ll touch down in paradise. Several of the island’s top hotels are only minutes from the airport. Book a room at Sandals La Source on stunning Pink Gin Beach or the elegant Spice Island Beach Resort on Grand Anse Beach and you’ll be luxuriating in the gentle surf before lunch.
You could gaze at the sea for hours, but the island merits exploration and its compact size makes it easy. Grand Etang National Park is nestled in the lush interior. This pristine rainforest and wildlife sanctuary is loaded with exotic birds, Mona monkeys and tropical vegetation. Refresh under the cascade of flowing water at one of Grenada’s scenic waterfalls. Annadale Falls are easy to reach via a paved pathway.
Lovers of libations will want to visit the River Antoine Rum Distillery, the oldest functioning water-propelled distillery in the entire Caribbean. Tantalize your taste buds at Belmont Estates. This organic farm and restaurant gives guests a first-hand glimpse of how passionate Grenadians are about preserving their traditional agricultural methods.
The Spice Isle is a diver’s dream, home to a magnificent coral reef and several dozen shipwrecks. The world’s first underwater sculpture park is here, so grab a snorkel mask and check out this artistic wonder.
Your hotel can provide transportation to all attractions or be adventurous and hop on the inexpensive local bus. To help plan your visit, go to www.Grenadagrenadines.com
Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributes travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She is fluent in Italian and Spanish and laughably adequate in French. Her background as an Early Childhood Educator gives her an added understanding of what it takes to travel with kids in tow. She firmly believes that the most important part of education takes place outside of the classroom, on the road, around the world. She never misses a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. Follow Allison at @gourmetrav.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram