Grenada lifestyle

From exotic spices to duty-free goods, Grenada offers lots of excuses to spend. Popular purchases range from brightly coloured batiks and screen-printed textiles to woodcarvings and leather bags, and there's more temptation by way of the perfumes, cosmetics and rum sold at duty-free shops on St. George's main street, Carenage. Other hotspots include the boutique- and gallery-packed Grand Anse and Le Marquis malls, and don't miss St. George's market, laden with spices, trinkets and fresh food stalls.

American, European, Caribbean - you name it, Grenada has it in terms of cuisine, with many restaurants around the island serving Italian, Mexican and favourites like burgers and steaks. Most hotels offer international food and Grenadian dishes, many revolving around fresh fish, jerk and Creole sauces and homegrown spices like cinnamon, vanilla and nutmeg. Try oildown an appetising dumpling stew and calaloo, a hearty spinach-style soup. Seafood is everywhere, with popular delicacies like Grenadian caviar and fresh conch, a succulent white mollusc meat. And don't leave without enjoying some Grenadian rum and Carib, the excellent local beer.

There are plenty of lively nights to be had wherever you are in Grenada. Many restaurant-bars hold regular beach barbecues to the lilting sounds of reggae and calypso, whilst in all the towns and villages, you'll find friendly bars perfect for sipping rum punches and mingling with locals. Most hotels offer regular live music, dancing and cultural shows and around Grand Anse and St. George, jazz clubs and late-night discos provide entertainment. Otherwise, do as many visitors do - linger over a starlit dinner on a balmy restaurant terrace before enjoying exotic cocktails on the beach as the waves lap your toes.