This Island Was Just Voted Top Caribbean Destination Of The Year

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Dreaming of a Caribbean getaway this winter but you’re not exactly sold on another Cancun all-inclusive with crowded beaches, or the soaring crime levels affecting Jamaica put you off visiting?

We have just the perfect alternative for you:

Tucked away in the Eastern end of the turquoise sea, Grenada is an island-nation rich in tropical nature and fringed by crystal-clear waters, and it’s just been voted top Caribbean destination of the year by Caribbean Journal, one of the leading news sources in the region.

More specifically, it has claimed the top spot in the Caribbean this year out of 35,798 votes at their Traveler’s Choice Awards.

What can we say? Between the deserted beaches and the peaceful atmosphere, there’s nowhere we’d rather be heading to ourselves for our next vacation:

Is This The Last Hidden Gem Of The Caribbean?

Grenada is an offbeat archipelago-nation comprised of three main islands that you might not have heard of unless you’re yourself keen on escaping the overtouristed, overpriced side of paradise:

• No to monumental, luxurious resort complexes, yes to smaller, charming boutique listings that prioritize wellness over numbers.
• No to highly-developed coastlines lined with hotel towers as far as the eyes can see, yes to verdant parks, and truly unspoiled marine reserves.
• No to overemphasizing entertainment and nightlife, yes to nature-based activities, cultural immersion, and more authentic experiences.

Its three islands Grenada (the main one), Carriacou and Petite Martinique are home to around 126,000 people, and for their own sake, and the sake of their identity, they have no interest in becoming the next Cancun.

So, what does a Grenada vacation look like?

Well, lots of hikes, visits to historical sites, and of course, some much-needed relaxation, if that’s what you seek.

Lush Nature Everywhere You Look

Tourists often start at the Grand Etang, a patch of lush rainforest that’s been made into a national park, centered around a large, water-filled volcanic crater, with numerous tourist-friendly walking trails, and serving as a haven for thriving wildlife.

From iguanas, to Mona monkeys, to the native Grenada dove, you should keep your eyes peeled for the elusive creatures nestling amid the greenery, and without question, the best and safest way to explore the sprawling park is booking a guided tour.

This private, guided visit of up to 2 people costing $180, or $90 per person, includes pickup and drop-off, insightful commentary from a knowledgeable guide on the surrounding nature, a moderate hike through the jungle, and swimming in a natural pool.

Waterfalls, Epic Hikes & Sculpture Parks

Grenada is a small island, at only 134.6 square miles, but it is by no means lacking in natural diversity: other than the Grand Etang, you’re free to hike up to Concord Falls, one of the most beautiful cascades in the entire Caribbean, emptying into a crystalline pool.

When it comes to beaches, there are plenty of unruffled stretches of white sand to pick from, with Grand Anse, Morne Rouge, Pathway, and an aptly-named, picture-perfect Magazine Beach all offering great swimming and snorkeling opportunities.

If you’re visiting this winter, you shouldn’t miss the hottest new attraction in Grenada: ‘World Adrift’, an underwater sculpture park depicting a fleet of 30 boats, and their haunted sailors, resting at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Carriacou.

It is a welcome addition to the already-famous Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park, where tourists have snorkeled in for years.

An Underrated Cultural Destination

As it pertains to culture, Grenada’s nationhood is a blend of African and Amerindian roots, as well as French and British colonization, all evidenced in the genetic makeup of its populace, the architecture seen in cities, and the cuisine.

The national dish, Oil Down is a hearty stew with dumplings, the native callaloo (a Caribbean plant), meat and veggies, and it’s widely served in restaurants around the capital St. George’s––for traditional and seafood, as well as ocean vistas, check out Sails Restaurant & Bar.

The capital itself is probably the Caribbean’s greatest unsung cultural gem, with its 18th-century townscape, historic European-style forts, and the impressive state of preservation of many of the Georgian-era landmarks.

Oh, and don’t forget to pay the River Antoine Rum Distillery a visit: the oldest water-powered distillery in this side of the world, it is where all of Grenada’s finest rums originate from––sampling tours start from $115.75 per person.

Beachfront Hotels Are Cheaper Here!

Grenada is not exactly dirt cheap, with guided excursions and services being on the pricier end, but in general, it is more affordable than the Mexican Caribbean or somewhere super trendy like Punta Cana or Montego Bay.

That’s partly due to how affordable accommodation is, with the overnight rate for a double room at Siesta Hotel, near Morne Rouge Beach, starting at $76, while a superior one-bedroom apartment in La Heliconia & Day Spa, in St. George’s, will set you back by $120-a-night.

Naturally, there are far-pricier, 5-star listings with world-class amenities, with the Blue Horizons Garden Resort ($270) and the Royalton Grenada ($322) to name a couple, but the point is, Grenada is yet to shun budget-conscious vacationers, unlike a growing number of Caribbean competitors.

An inclusive price range is to be observed, and all budgets are welcome.

How Safe Is Grenada?

Last but certainly not least, Grenada features as one of the safest Caribbean destinations this winter, thanks to its Level 1 status, as awarded by U.S. authorities.

This means Washington officials have not identified any security concerns that would put American guests at risk, be it higher levels of petty crime, organized crime, or gang activity, meaning Grenada is as safe as it gets.

Recently, the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique have been hit by the devastating Hurricane Beryl, and are still in varying stages of the recovery process, so services may be more limited compared to the Grenadian mainland, and that’s the only side note shared by authorities.

This winter, Americans can fly nonstop to St. George’s in Grenada (GND) from New York-JFK, Miami, Boston and Charlotte with either American Airlines or JetBlue.

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.