If we’re being honest, you never really need an excuse to visit Grenada. The intoxicating ‘Isle of Spice’ is home to a diverse ecosystem that lends itself to an abundance of natural attractions—and it doesn’t hurt that a handful of the Caribbean’s most exclusive luxury resorts populate the pristine coastline. But in case you need that extra push to book your next luxury escape, here’s just a sampling of the accolades that beautiful Grenada has won in 2012 alone.
Dive Destination
In January of this year, Scuba Diving magazine named the island to its annual Reader’s Choice Awards, saying “Grenada should be high on any wreck lover’s list,” and awarding it top honors as the Best Wreck Diving and Best Advanced Diving spot. Not certified? The island offers plenty of places to get full PADI certification or just take a refresher.
Sculptural Wonder
Speaking of diving: in a National Geographic special edition in March, the magazine unveiled its Wonders of the World list, giving a nod to Grenada for the incredible Underwater Sculpture Park that lies just offshore. The brainchild of visionary artist Jason deCaires Taylor, the marine park is one of the island’s most popular attractions—and it’s easy to see why.
Tropical Paradise
This summer, Grenada also took home top honors at the annual Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower show, earning the gold medal for its authentic collection of flora including gingers, anthuriums, orchids, and rainforest plants. Don’t know what any of that means? The island is gorgeous, and it’s every bit as alluring on land as it is under the sea.
Ready to go? You’ll find no shortage of airlines operating multiple daily flights directly to and from the island, including American Airlines, Delta, and Air Canada; and it’s easy to find connections through Miami or San Juan on a variety of other regional carriers, such as LIAT and Caribbean Airlines.
For lodging, you can’t miss with Laluna—a Fodor’s Choice property and winner of this year’s TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards in the category of Relaxation and Spa. Through April 6, 2013, kick back in a chic Cottage Suite—one of just 16 oceanfront villas on the intimate property—and enjoy five-star amenities, thoughtful appointments, and your own private plunge pool, all for $495 double occupancy.