Petite Martinique offers peace and tranquility
To describe Petite Martinique as calm and tranquil would be a staggering understatement. Life certainly moves at a different pace and visiting the island is a serene experience for any tourist. In fact, Petite Martinique is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of Canada.
Petite Martinique is the most northerly island in the tri-island nation of Grenada, sitting right on the boundary that separates Grenada from the other Grenadine islands. It can be reached only by boat. It is easily accessible from Grenada as there are ferries running back and forth between the islands.
The island’s tiny population of about 900 people consists of some of the most friendly, easy-going people in the Caribbean. The island’s centerpiece is a mountain that offers a magnificent view of all neighbouring Grenadine islands from its peak. Given the island’s size, it is possible to walk or hike around its entirety in approximately one hour.
The island has a modest number of hotel rooms (approximately 20), but they are bursting with rustic charm. Seaside View Holiday Cottages offer self-contained one and two-bedroom beachfront cottages. This family-owned and operated property overlooks the harbour and has a spectacular view of neighbouring islands. The owners organize pick-up charters from Carriacou to Petite Martinique and back. They also organize charters to neighbouring Grenadine Islands.
Melodies Guest House will make you feel right at home. This family-owned group of luxurious guesthouses is located on the beach and is a three-minute walk from the main jetty. The restaurant serves a variety of local food and many fine drinks. You can dine indoors in air-conditioned comfort or outdoors in the shade of the trees and enjoy the cool sea breeze. During your stay, management can arrange sight seeing tours and day picnics to the neighbouring deserted islands of the Grenadines aboard their privately owned speedboat.
Boat building has been a tradition of the people of Petite Martinique since the mid-1800’s. It is an event that brings the island community together. The community works together in the framing, planking and launching of the boats. Visitors to the island can observe this long-standing tradition at almost any time during the year.
Not surprisingly, the island’s main means of income is fishing. The fish they catch are mostly sold in Grenada and some are exported to the US. Thanks to an abundance of fish in the waters surrounding the island, Petite Martinique boasts the highest per capita income in all of the Eastern Caribbean.
Petite Martinique is the perfect destination for your next Grenada vacation. The island has one church, one school, one bank, one gas station and one post office; we Canadians can only dream of a life so simple.
How to get to Petite Martinique from Grenada & Carriacou
Osprey Express ferry service runs twice each day between Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. For more information, please send inquiries to osprey@spiceisle.com
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Don’t miss out! Take advantage of these hot summer deals
Businesses across Grenada are offering a number of deals this season just in time for the summer holidays. The following is a listing of some of the bargains you can find in Grenada this summer:
True Blue Bay Resort and Villas: True Blue is currently offering deals on one week stays in its new tower rooms and two week stays in its new villas. Stay for seven nights in one of their new tower rooms and only pay for the price of six. The new rooms feature a truly spectacular view of the bay, especially from their private viewing tower equipped with comfortable chairs and a telescope. They are fully equipped with a kitchen, dining set, comfortable couch, king-sized four post bed, AC, TV and a large bathroom with a separate shower and Jacuzzi.
Stay for two weeks (14 nights) for the price of 10 nights in one of their villas. These 2 bedroom luxury villas are two floors and feature a splendid view of the bay and marina. The master bedroom comes equipped with a bath tub, dressing room, and romantic four post king-sized bed. The second bedroom has a shower, dressing room and twin beds. The first floor contains a plunge pool and patio, an elegant and fully-equipped kitchen, dining room and living room.
Offer runs until July 15, 2006. For more information, please visit www.truebluebay.com
Spice Island Beach Resort: An elegant, upscale hideaway located directly on 1,600 feet of palm-studded Grand Anse Beach, Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada delivers a Caribbean vacation experience with an unmatched level of accommodations and unprecedented brand of chic style and timeless luxury. In December 2005, the property completed a massive $12 million rebuilding and refurbishment project.
Even the ultimate in luxury offers value during the traditional Caribbean off-season. Fully-inclusive rates at the luxurious Spice Island Beach Resort in Grenada start at US$605 per room, per night, based on double occupancy in an Oleander Garden Suite. This rate is approximately $100 per night less than high season costs – so the savings off a one-week stay can be applied to the cost of round-trip air transportation to Grenada.
Offer runs until December 15, 2006. For more information please visit www.spiceislandbeachresort.com
Horizon Yacht Charters: Imagine relaxing on your own private yacht as you gaze out at the seemingly infinite ocean and feel the sun beating down upon you. It’s not hard to imagine because these great deals from Horizon Yacht Charters make renting a yacht more affordable than ever.
Late booking special offers for June 2006:
CATAMARANS
- Island Spirit 40 “Mathmos” with three spacious cabins and two heads offered at
US$2695/week
- Athena 38 “Ann Mary” with four double cabins and two heads (sleeps eight guests) offered at US$2920/week (a 25% discount!)
- Venezia 42 “Moana Roa” with three double cabins and two heads offered at US$2400/week
MONOHULLS
- Beneteau 413 with three double cabins and two heads available at US$1995/week
- Bavaria 42 was built in 2005 and features three double cabins and two heads at US$2245/week
- Bavaria 46 was also built in 2005 with four double cabins and two heads at US$2545/week
For more information, please visit www.horizonyachtcharters.com
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Carnival/Regatta Reminder
This is a reminder to all Canadians that Grenada has many festivals happening this summer. The most notable of which is its famous Carnival, taking place from August 13th to 15th, 2006. Grenada’s Carnival includes a variety of fun activities such as the National Soca Monarch Competition (dance competition), a costume parade through the streets of St. George’s, a calypso competition and much more.
Grenada’s Carnival is the single most important festival that happens on the island all year. It’s a very exciting time of celebration and an unforgettable experience for both locals and tourists.
Grenada’s sister island, Carriacou, will be hosting the 41st Annual Carriacou Regatta this summer from August 4th to 6th. Highlights include the Miss Aquaval Queen Show, Miss Wet T-Shirt Contest, Donkey Racing, Greasy Pole and numerous cultural and sporting events.
This regatta dates back to 1965 when it started as a local boat race using traditional fishing workboats. Since that time, it has evolved into a major Caribbean event and now includes keen competition among sailors from many islands - Grenada, Tobago, Martinique, Antigua, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Charter flights from Canada are available through GG Tours and Titan Tours. For more information, please visit www.ggtours.ca or www.titantours.com
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