The Best Kept Secret In Grenada, West Indies

I was a little apprehensive because of stories I had read about the damage hurricane Ivan had caused. I checked the Grenada Visitor Forum and they were saying that Grenada was recovering faster than expected and the island had greened up. Grenada had been hit hard after a lull of 49 years of no hurricanes. I decided, after a very positive talk with the resort management and encouragement from the message board, to go there anyhow. After all, I did need the vacation badly, and I loved Grenada as a destination in the past. This is a decision that I will never regret.

What hurricane? It was difficult to find any evidence of it here at Bel Air. The conclave of colorful buildings sits on a pretty hillside overlooking St. David's Harbor. Cottages and villas are nestled among flowers and greenery that had been maintained and nurtured with great care by a terrific landscaper with input by the owner, Susan Fisher. She is the woman responsible for making the resort so wonderful and beautiful looking. I returned from Bel Air after a total of 26 days of luxurious comforts about which I just can't stop raving, but if you're willing, here we go.

I cannot stress enough, how fantastic the management and staff are at Bel Air. I arrived and was warmly welcomed into the office by Rhona, the Assistant Manager, who handed me a cell phone to use while there, gave me the key to a villa, then showed me there.

From the moment I arrived until the moment I left for home, it was the most comfortable and pleasant vacation I have ever had in Grenada, or for that matter, anywhere else in the Caribbean.

The housekeeping staff, which are perfectly overseen by a non-stop wonder woman named Cathy, are outstanding in every possible way. This resort is clean, no it is super clean everywhere you go. There is absolutely nothing you can't ask of the staff, and when you do, it magically appears that day and always with a big smile.

If you wanted to go touring or you needed a taxi, the office staff would gladly arrange it or anything else you wished. They even let me use one of their computers to do some tasks that I needed to do and that was kindly included at no charge.

I loved the luxuriously appointed villa so much that many times I just wanted to relax on the long verandah while listening to soft music on the DVD player, overlooking partially hidden villas and cottages in the trees, and watch several beautiful sailing yachts slightly rocking at anchor or moored in the harbor. A fresh cup of steaming coffee and the harbor lit up by a fantastic sunrise coming up over the hill behind me was the way to start the day.

What more could you ask for? The feeling I was being pampered was not imaginary, it was very real. The thick plump towels, even the soap was luxurious. Cushions were placed all over the villa, the fridge had been stocked with fresh baked bread, cheeses, crackers, and all kinds of other goodies. Even the ice cube trays had been filled, ready for an ice-cold drink. The coffee maker, toaster, dishes, cutlery, everything was top quality including the most comfortable bed I can remember in ages.

I ate many meals in the resort's Waters Edge Restaurant & Bar, which is of course, located at the water's edge, and laid out in all the best traditions I would expect to find in a top hotel, only better and beautifully decorated. That was great in itself, but then I ordered my first meal. It was served professionally, it looked great, and tasted even better.

The sunsets are magnificent from here. Now I knew that my wishes for a great holiday were well on the way to being granted.

Susan Fisher, the talented General Manager came over to introduce herself, and kindly asked me to join her and some friends for a drink after dinner. I did just that, and enjoyed the very positive and friendly personality that was immediately obvious in this lady while we conversed about Grenada. Susan couldn't have been more gracious if she tried, but she didn't have to try very hard because it came so naturally.

I was introduced to guests and met the staff. The guests and staff turned out to be a really great group of people that have since become friends. That is really fantastic, a five star resort with people who are totally laid back and genuine.

The friendly bartender, David and all the waitresses were eager to please at all times, and yet without being intrusive. I had many more meals at Waters Edge, and at times, a few drinks passed my lips. Everything here aimed for complete relaxation and good service. It was a good place to be.

There is a board games lounge over the restaurant with a great view where you could read or play a board game and ordering a drink here is no problem.

The resort sports a wonderful little store where you could buy snacks, groceries or gifts at very reasonable prices. I happened to notice some prices one day while in town, and they were similar to the little store in Bel Air. If the store in Bel Air didn't have what you wanted, the resort would get it for you on the next trip to the markets which was at least twice a week. That's special service.

I saved the best for last. After dinner on more than a few nights I would step into the large Jacuzzi tub filled with hot water, and relax in exquisite comfort for about an hour in my villa. A cool drink and the soothing hot bath capped off the day perfectly, and made for a restful sleep afterward.

I hope to return to Bel Air Plantation many more times, and the sooner the better.

Grenada Visitor Forum
Objective & Unbiased Travel Information About Grenada