In our search to find the best ‘ Boutique hotels around the World ‘ we sent Sarah from Triangle Travel in Wallingford to Grenada to check out if the Calabash is one of the best ‘ Boutique hotels around the World ‘.
“It was mid- October, 31degrees, blue sky and sunny with fluffy white clouds and a warm breeze and I was on the beautiful Caribbean island of Grenada. Wow, how green the island looks with its abundance of spice and nutmeg plantations; it’s little wonder Grenada is known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean.
The island is 21 miles long and 12 miles wide and provides the perfect contrast to cosmopolitan Barbados. It’s also an excellent base in which to spend time after sailing through the Grenadines.
It’s an English speaking country and takes about 10 hours to get to via Barbados with BA or Virgin. At the moment ( Winter 2011) Monarch have a direct flight from Gatwick every Wednesday.
The journey from the airport to the Calabash took about 15 minutes by taxi. We were met on arrival by the extremely hospitable Manager Clive Barnes (the Barnes Beach Bar is named after him) and given a welcome drink. The rum punch was the best ever and went down well sitting in the rustic beach bar on L’Anse Aux Epines Beach. We sat and watched the yachts in Prickly Bay and the guests having their diving lessons at the Calabash’s PADI dive Centre, ScubaTech. The Calabash offers their guests free non motorized water sports and their sunset boat trip to Clover Island is a must!
Calabash
The Calabash is a boutique hotel with the rooms set out in a horseshoe shape overlooking magnificent gardens and the beautiful L’Anse Aux Epines Beach. There are 30 suites in ten 2 storey cottages, offering contemporary luxury in a relaxed atmosphere. I had a Jacuzzi suite – a spacious modern room with all the luxuries you can imagine, as well as a very private terrace with my own plunge pool. I had a comfortable living room decorated in a clean contemporary style with all the latest technology, including a selection of DVDs and books. Double doors opened up into the bedroom which leads on to the bathroom with a large whirlpool bath. The terrace with the plunge pool had beautiful furniture and comfortable sun loungers and the high walls gave a real feeling of privacy.
The Calabash is renowned for its service and personal touches. I will always remember being served breakfast on my terrace overlooking the gardens and the Bay (all suites have two terraces, front and back). Breakfast is chosen the night before and your own personal maid then makes it and brings it to you on your private terrace. The canapés at sundown were also a lovely touch, delivered straight to your room every day. Complimentary afternoon tea is also served between 3pm and 5pm. Of course the big culinary highlight of a stay at the Calabash is eating in the Rhodes Restaurant which is overseen by Chef Gary Rhodes. This is a large open sided restaurant with silver service, candle lit tables and beautiful hanging flowers, using seasonal local produce to deliver world class meals. Not to be missed!
The Heaven and Earth Spa is a lovely way to spend a few hours, whether you have a massage or a tailor made therapy. The treatment rooms have floor to ceiling doors that open up over Prickly Bay and the turquoise Caribbean Sea, giving you complete relaxation.
I thought that this was an amazing 5 star hotel offering excellent service. All the staff are so polite and helpful with many working for the Garbutt family for many years – there is more than one member of staff per guest. The food is exceptional and the setting very romantic, so ideal for honeymooners .The hotel suits couples who like modern luxury and a high standard of service. The rooms are exceptionally clean and attention has been paid to even the smallest detail. It’s relaxed and low key but the extra touches such as breakfast on your terrace and pre dinner canapés make it very special.
Gary Rhodes Restaurant
The Calabash is a hotel for those wanting a refined but relaxed atmosphere where nothing is too much trouble – everything is about the service. I would say that Calabash is definitely one of the best ” Boutique hotels around the World “.
Prices start from £ 1,349 per person in low season and £ 2,399 in high season, based on 2 adults sharing a west side suite, including breakfast, return scheduled flights and private transfers.
Sarah from Triangle Travel in Wallingford, visited Grenada in October 2011. If you would like further information please call 0844 854 6674 or email us.
Does Cap Maison in St Lucia give the Calabash a run for its monies in the category of best ” Boutique hotels around the World “? Why not read our report and make your own mind up.
