Words by Lydia Paleschi
True Blue Bay Boutique Resort is a charming eco-conscious retreat, within the capital parish of St George’s in Grenada – the Caribbean’s Spice Isle. Basing yourself here, expect to indulge in all that Grenada has to offer, including the white sandy expanses of Grand Anse beach, the tropical forests of the island’s interior, the world-renowned friendliness of the population and to immerse yourself within the local Caribbean culture.
Perfect for cruisers, the resort has its own small marina which can fit up to 26 vessels and 12 mooring buoys placed within the bay. For those travelling by air, Maurice Bishop International Airport is a five-minute drive away.
Hotel
A lovingly owned, family-run hotel, True Blue Bay Boutique Resort has 70 rooms and everything you could possibly want on offer. Brightly coloured buildings give it a vibrant feel, whilst the friendliness of the staff instantly makes you feel at home.
As you make your way through the complex, lush vegetation and tropical plants help you to feel connected to nature, whilst the views of True Blue Bay provide a constant closeness to the water. The multiple pools make it easy to go for a refreshing swim – whether that’s to do laps by the Cocoa Pods or to go for a dip and sundowner overlooking the bay.
A poolside bar and resident mixologist allow for relaxing early evenings and sunsets spent waterside, whilst pre-arranged tours and events enable you to make the most of your days.
We were attracted to True Blue because of its eco-conscious credentials. Over 30% of the resort’s energy consumption is provided by solar power, a biogas digester is used for cooking and fertiliser and a rain capture system has been implemented. There is an on-site recycling centre that is used to upcycle glass bottles into drinking glasses for the restaurant and a ban on the use of harsh chemicals on-site, including for laundry and in the kitchen.
Room
During our visit, we stayed in the ‘Caribbean chic’ Cocoa Pods. The rooms were light, airy and spacious and we were greeted with petals on the bed and a fantastic air con. The beds were huge and comfortable, whilst the two bathrooms made it convenient for getting ready to head out for the day or down the restaurant.
The balconies on both floors were a pleasant place to enjoy a nightcap in the evening and the kitchenette was ideal for putting together a quick snack or breakfast when we had early morning plans.
Food and drink
The colourful waterside hotel restaurant – known as the Dodgy Dock – provided a laid-back spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner spent alfresco. With views over the bay, it is a comfortable place to enjoy good food.
The menu included traditional dishes local to Grenada, as well as international cuisine and themed nights. During our stay, we enjoyed a ‘Fiesta Friday’ Mexican themed meal, whilst watching a fantastic local singer and band. Live music evenings take place four days a week and the restaurant is happy to accommodate vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
True Blue has its own on-site bakery, where you can pick up sweet treats, coffee and ice cream. There is also a pizza oven and 24-hour pizza service.
Spa
For true relaxation, it’s possible to book into the hotel’s Blue Haven Spa to both wind down and rejuvenate. All products are made on-site using local ingredients – including coconut oil, cucumber, chocolate, nutmeg, papaya and fresh mint. We were happy to discover you can choose from a number of beauty treatments and massages, or design your own tailor-made wellness package with the assistance of the True Blue therapists.
The resort has its own yoga studio – a vibrant and energetic space, which enjoys gentle breezes and sweeping views over True Blue Bay. Sankalpa Yoga Studio offers classes throughout the week, including Hatha, Vinyasa and Yin practices. All are hosted by a local yoga teacher.
To do
A small but culturally rich island, Grenada is an easy place to explore. True Blue Bay is close to the main town of St Georges and the Carenage, where you can pick up local fish, fresh produce, local SIM cards and anything else you may require.
The hotel can help to arrange local taxi services and even island bus tours – well worth doing if you’re interested in getting to know more about the history of the Spice Isle. Additionally, tours can be arranged to explore the stunning rainforest and waterfalls within the island’s interior or to take you to the long and inviting stretch of Grand Anse beach. The former offers an exciting introduction to the island’s rich and beautiful wildlife and foliage, whilst the latter is the perfect place to spend the day swimming and snorkelling.
For those with a sweet tooth, don’t forget to visit the chocolate factory, where you can treat yourself not only to locally made chocolate – but also learn more about the fascinating process behind cocoa production. For more information on exploring Grenada, the hotel staff are more than willing to help and host a number of exciting cultural experiences of their own.
Factbox
Rooms at the True Blue Bay Boutique Resort can be booked from $220 USD per person a night.
Address: Old Mill Road, True Blue Bay, Saint George’s, Grenada
Phone: +1 (473) 443-8783
Email: reservations@truebluebay.com
Website: truebluebay.com
