A Tropical Grenada Honeymoon for Chocolate Lovers

Located in the eastern Caribbean Sea about 100 miles north of the Venezuelan coast, this hilly island country is lush, tropical and inviting. A Grenada honeymoon will appeal to newlyweds looking for white-sand beaches, water sports, waterfalls, aromatic and colorful orchids, and tropical fruit trees. Nicknamed "The Spice Island," Grenada is equally well-known for its production of spices and chocolate.

Ready to plan your tropical getaway? Here's the inside scoop.

Is Grenada Good for a Honeymoon?

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"Grenada is a Caribbean destination that many honeymooners don't consider, but should," say Kara Bebell and Harlan deBell, co-owners of The Travel Siblings.

Allison Tolbert, a trip designer with Reco, agrees, describing the country as an under-the-radar destination that's a departure from the traditional Caribbean honeymoon. Amidst flowering shrubs, waterfalls and forests, couples can visit rum distilleries, as well as spice and chocolate plantations. As could be expected for an island in the West Indies, Grenada offers gorgeous beaches, water sports and luxurious resorts. But what sets it apart from other spots is that it also provides a more tropical, jungle-like experience.

Pros of a Grenada Honeymoon

Grenada provides newlyweds with a mix of active water sports and hiking plus serene spa treatments and beach-going. Foodies will appreciate the farm-to-table experience of seeing where spices, rum and chocolate come from. Although this destination feels exotic, it's only about a four-hour flight from the East Coast of the US. Airline carriers offer nonstop flights from New York, Miami, Atlanta and Charlotte into Maurice Bishop International Airport.

Cons of a Grenada Honeymoon

The nightlife in Grenada is quite sleepy, say Bebell and deBell. "Most honeymooners who travel here are content to enjoy a late dinner or evening nightcap at their hotel." Plus, they add, shopping options for luxury seekers are lackluster.

The Best Times of Year to Go on a Grenada Honeymoon

Try to visit between December and early May, suggest Bebell and deBell, and avoid hurricane season, which takes place from June through November. That being said, couples who want to experience two of the country's biggest annual festivals (plus lower prices) might consider traveling in the summer—the Chocolate Festival takes place in July and The Grenada Carnival (known as Spicemas) occurs in August. Just buy travel insurance if you take that risk, Bebell and deBell say.

Places to Visit in Grenada

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St. George

The capital city features Georgian buildings, colorful homes, shops and restaurants. While there, couples shouldn't miss Fort George, which dates back to the 18th century and offers dramatic ocean views. Divers and snorkelers will want to check out St. George Underwater Sculpture Park, an art gallery submerged under the sea.

Palm Tree Gardens

Learn about Grenada's diverse vegetation with a botanical garden tour, suggest Bebell and deBell. Couples can tour two acres with more than 300 plant species and a pond featuring red-footed tortoises.

River Antoine Rum Distillery

This privately owned rum distillery is one of the oldest functioning water-propelled distilleries in the Caribbean. Couples can take a guided tour for a mere $2 per person.

Things to Do During a Grenada Honeymoon

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Head to the Beach

Grenada is renowned for its white-sand beaches. "The most well-known on the island, Grand Anse, has a long stretch of pristine beach," Tolbert says. It's perfect for runners, with uninterrupted flat sand and views for days, she adds. In addition to the 2.5-mile-long Grand Anse Beach, Bebell and deBell recommend Tyrell Bay Beach. There, couples can admire boats passing through the bay.

Hike and See Waterfalls

Adventurous travelers can hike into the forests of Grand Etang National Park or take the moderate trail on Mount Saint Catherine. While trekking, couples can visit the country's famed waterfalls, such as the 70-foot Royal Mount Carmel Falls, 30-foot Annandale Falls or 65-foot Concord Falls.

Tour Cacao Farms

Grenada is known for its production of spices and cacao. To learn how cacao pods are transformed into chocolate and to taste the end result, couples can visit the House of Chocolate Grenada Museum, Grenada Chocolate Company, Jouvay Chocolate or Belmont Estate. At Belmont Estate, newlyweds can take a Bean to Bar Chocolate Tour, then enjoy a lunch featuring fruit and chocolate produced on-site.

To watch spices being grown and processed, it's also worth stopping by Dougaldston Estate or The Gouyave Nutmeg Processing Station.

Boat, Snorkel and Scuba Dive

Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Grenada offers every type of water sport. Rent a sailboat or motorboat, snorkel or scuba dive. Divers will appreciate the reefs and nearly a dozen shipwrecks, including the Bianca C. Often called the "Titanic of the Caribbean," this luxury cruise liner sank in 1961.

Best Hotels in Grenada for a Honeymoon

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Calabash Grenada

This family-run luxury boutique hotel is a member of Relais & Chateaux. Some of the 30 rooms and five villas include private balconies.

Silversands Grenada

With the longest pool in the Caribbean, say Bebell and deBell, this stylish and tranquil resort on Grand Anse Beach includes both rooms and villas. Rooms are large, and villas offer private swimming pools.

Spice Island Beach Resort

Located on Grand Anse Beach, this eco-friendly resort features non-chlorinated pools, solar heating and lighting, and organic gardens. The suites are beachfront and offer breathtaking ocean views.

Sandals Grenada

Formerly LaSource, this new all-inclusive, adults-only resort is in the heart of Pink Gin Beach. Book a South Seas Honeymoon Villa, which offers a private pool and outdoor sundeck, soaking tub for two, and butler service. The resort's honeymoon package includes a bottle of sparkling wine, turndown service with flower petals, and breakfast in bed.

Laluna Grenada

This bohemian beachfront property includes 16 cottages, an Italian restaurant, and an Asian spa with an open-air yoga pavilion.

Mount Cinnamon Resort

This eco-luxe hideaway is perched atop the hillside on Grand Anse Beach. The resort consists of 37 luxury villas and suites, each with its own veranda. Cinnamon Spa offers a variety of spa treatments, including hot stone massages.

What to Pack for a Grenada Honeymoon

"Swap your heels for flip-flops, and opt for chic summer looks in linen or cotton that can take you from the beach to a resort dinner in a flash," say Bebell and deBell. Sunscreen and swimsuits are also a must.