Our Honeymoon Oct 25-nov2, 2004 Options

[Stella]

We had been planning our honeymoon at Bel Air Plantation for several months before Ivan because, well, everyone knows that Grenada doesn't get hit by hurricanes. We decided to go anyway because I really wanted to see the island and we had a great deal at Bel Air and changing plans seemed overwhelming with all else going on. So we went with somewhat limited expectations. Needless to say we had a great time, not that there weren't some minor disappointments that we tried to keep in perspective.

I think we were some of the first American tourists there. The "yachties" were there making repairs to their boats, but they were holding off the cruise ships. By now I suspect the cruise ships are back in port. In some ways being there early before the tourists are back was nice. The tourism industry is anxious for visitors to return.

It was hard to see the trees denuded, but there was green sprouting from the tree trunks (there are no branches). We did see improvement even while we were there (9 days). The many tarps on the roofs were disturbing because that means that they can't have electricity yet. No dry roof=no electricity being cut on. We saw low hanging wires but none that appeared to be dangerous. (Those are part of the reason that they held the cruise ships back - the touring areas weren't quite ready for vans of visitors. It was interesting to see how many Caribbean countries sent teams of people and military to help - Cuba, Trinidadd, Barbados, etc. It's also interesting that parts of the island were undisturbed. Hurricanes are fickle.

Bel Air was lovely. Rona upgraded us to a two bedroom cottage with a kitchen. It was spacious and beautifully decorated in an island/Crate and Barrel fashion. The view of the bay and marina were breathe taking. The pool was beautiful. There really isn't a beach there. Service was fine except one day the generator ran out of fuel. We were out touring most of the day so not a big problem. The Water's Edge restaurant was very pretty on the bay. The food was fine. Apparently the highly touted chef is away or gone. The cooks did a nice job but there is a limited menu for now. Occasionally we had a local fish option. Calaloo soup was good and the lobster was quite nice. No fruit, limited veggies. One dessert choice. I imagine this is just the Ivan aftermath and that the owner was away.

One of the best things that happened was being a bit further away at Bel Air meant that we needed a driver. We could have rented a car but didn't want the hassle. So we meet Cuthbert Alexander, Cutty. He took us around the island most days. He is a tour driver/botanist/friend. He was reliable and friendly. We told him to take us to the best places and he did. We saw Annandale Falls and Grand Etang. We tried to see the Grenada Chocolate Factory but it isn't back in operation yet. We did meet the manager and he sold us some of his last stock. One thing not to miss is one of the nutmeg processing plants. Very interesting. We went to the one in Grenville and had lunch at the Ebony Restuarant.

We had a great scuba dive with Phil at Grenada Scuba off Grand Anse. Went to La Sagesse beach - nice beach on a bay, quiet but the restaurant wasn't reopened when we were there. Also enjoyed the Nutmeg restaurant in St Georges and the Aquarium restaurant and beach. We took the ferry to Carriacou. Bubbles drove us around the island. If the weather had been better we would have taken a boat tour to the pretty little isles around the island.

I would encourage people to go to Grenada, but go with an adventurous spirit and ability to adjust and go with the flow. It is a beautiful island and has much to see and do.

[Anse]

Stella,

Thanks for the report, and all of the information contained within it. It is great that you were able to go and see Grenada, and that you had an open mind about it. The view from Bel Air is a fantastic one, and something the hurricane could not take away. I actually think it made it better, as it removed some of the taller vegatation that blocked the views. (IMG:http://grenadatravelforum.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[Stella]

Thanks, it was a great honeymoon spot. Yes, the views from Bel Air and around the island are spectacular. We were sorry to hear that Susan Fisher had an illness in the family, and of course family comes first. I hope she and her family are doing well. While Sandra and Rona kept Bel Air running relatively smoothly, we couldn't help but wonder if things might have even been a bit tighter if she was there. We did have a lovely relaxing time overall.

Stella

[Xplorer]

Hi Stella,
Congratulations on you wedding!

Seems like you went to Grenada with the right attitude and open mind, and weren't disappointed. I admire the fact that you decided to carry on with your plans so soon after Ivan hit, despite all of the devastation & uncertainty.

Thanks for the report, as you are one of the few visitors since the hurricane, and your report is so positive.