ShoreTrips says...

We know first hand that you can lose yourself in the rainforest - because we did!

You will find the subtle scent of spice in the air when you arrive on Grenada, known as the Spice Island. Nutmeg is one of those seasonings that seems to be everywhere you turn. The lush rainforest with its waterfalls are mesmerizing and you can get lost in it. What is wonderful here is that, unlike some of the other Caribbean islands, this one is unique in its production of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and allspice, and chocolate. And of course, nothing is better for a community than to have a commodity that helps employ and support its locals. The island's spices are so popular that they are exported to other countries where they are used for many different purposes such as for use in patent medicines, top restaurants and beauty products.

With more spices in Grenada per square mile than anywhere else on the planet, it's hardly surprising that spice plantations make up such a large part of the tourism industry. Not only do the spices taste good but many of them have healing properties which make them even more popular with tourists and locals alike. You can find anything from nutmeg oil, which is good for aches and pains, to clove, which can help ease the pain of toothache.

So you might consider touring the plantations and processing plants on Grenada and leave some of the water sports and activities for other stops. One of your stops, the Douglaston Spice Estate, is a historic monument providing a window to the island's past. Here most of the spices are grown and then receive primary processing before moving on to their final finishing which determines their use. Since the island accounts for approximately one third of the world's supply of nutmeg, you may want to pick some up to take home.

Another stop on this tour is one of the chocolate processing plants, one of Grenada's authentic local plantations and factories. Your nose will tell you when you are close, as it is impossible not to be forewarned of your arrival. There is no doubt that the quality of the chocolate produced here will surprise you. The old plantation still processes cocoa beans in the traditional manner from beginning to end. The tour, though short, will be very informative and the end result is the best part. Time to bring some of this tasty stuff home.