Grenada

Grenada is the "Spice Island" of the Caribbean - a lush, volcanic gem where nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and cocoa perfume the air, waterfalls cascade through rainforest, and Grand Anse Beach rivals any in the Caribbean. This small nation of three islands offers authentic Caribbean culture without the mass tourism.

Grand Anse Beach is a two-mile crescent of golden sand backed by sea grape trees, while the island's interior is a green wonderland of crater lakes, waterfalls, and spice plantations. St. George's, the capital, is one of the prettiest harbor towns in the Caribbean with pastel buildings climbing hillsides around a horseshoe-shaped harbor.

Grenada is also home to the world's first Underwater Sculpture Park, where artist Jason deCaires Taylor created haunting concrete figures on the ocean floor that have become thriving artificial reefs.

The best time to visit Grenada is the dry season from December to April, with sunny skies, low humidity, and calm seas ideal for beach and diving activities.

Dry season temperatures of 25-30°C are perfect. The Grenada Chocolate Festival (May) and Spicemas Carnival (August) are major cultural events.

The rainy season (June to November) brings lush vegetation and lower prices, but also hurricane risk. Grenada is south of the main hurricane belt, so risk is lower than northern Caribbean islands.