Warm-up Liming

After months of preparation, there are many events to attend at the National Stadium in the days leading up to the big celebrations. On August 8th, there is the National Queen show, where young women from Grenada compete for the title of Carnival Queen in categories including cultural performance, costume, and evening gown. August 9th and 10th showcase the sounds of the island; the 9th is the SMC/LIME Soca Monarch Competition, and the 10th is the Panorama Night of Pan and Soca, paired with a Steel Band Competition. The pre-Carnival festivities are topped off on the 11th is Dimanche Gras, the final event leading into Carnival. After four days of music and competition, the party is really ready to get started with the three main events of Spice Mas.

Photo credit: Joshua Yetman

J’Ouvert

The official kick-off to Spice Mas, J’Ouvert begins in the wee hours of the morning of August, May 12th. The hours before sunrise is the time that the devils of the night come out to play; street theater-in-motion, J’Ouvert combines Grenadian, African, European history and expresses it through dance, masks, costumes, and chants. The Jab Jab dancers take either the traditional costume of being painted in molasses, motor oil, grease creosote or mud, or the modern one of  being coated in bright colors of purple, yellow, blue, or red. The dancers wear horned helmets and make their way through the streets dancing to the Ole Mas band’s music, spreading their colors onto bystanders as they go.

Insider tip: When attending J’Ouvert, wear clothing that you don’t mind getting ruined. The colors and oil of the dancers are hard to wash out after you receive a friendly hug.

Photo credit: Joshua Yetman

Pageant Mas

Once the sun comes up on Monday it is time for Pageant Mas, also known as “Fancy Mas”. Each Parish has its own style of traditional Mas including Short Knees, Vekou, and Wild Indians. The most prevalent style band of the three, the costumes of Short Knees are armored with tiny mirrors to reflect enemies, and they wear ankle bells to make music. Wearing knee-length pants, Arab-like head coverings, batwing sleeves and jumbo collars, the Short Knees carry talc powder as a symbol of appreciation, sprinkling it on those who do not make cash donations. The nearly-identical dancers make their way from their own parishes down to St. George’s, dancing and leaving a trail of powder in their wake.

Photo credit: Joshua Yetman

Following the traditional Mas bands come the modern parade of costumed bands, dressed in dazzlingly glitzy costume as they march across the stage of the National Stadium and down the streets of St. George’s. Dancing to popular calypso music, participants sway and shake to the beat.

Insider tip: Keep your ears open for the same song to be replayed throughout the day. This is the basis for the Annual Road March King Competition.

Photo credit: Joshua Yetman

Monday Night Mas

The parades turn into a party during the Street Jump-Up of Monday Night Mas, during which limers (partiers) mingle in brightly colored clothing, waving glowsticks and dancing through the streets.

Insider tip: Have a great time and enjoy yourself, but allow yourself enough rest Monday night to get up and do it again on Tuesday!

Photo credit: Joshua Yetman

Carnival Tuesday

After a long day (and night) of celebrating, Tuesday’s festivities start much later in the day to give participants a chance to recover. Tuesday’s Mas includes the parade of bands through the streets of St. George’s, followed by one last jump-up with street bands to cap off the event.

Insider tip: Don’t forget your sunscreen! Many stores are closed for the Spice Mas celebrations, and we’d hate for you to get a burn!

The helpful staff at Laluna Resort will be happy to assist in arranging transportation to and from Spice Mas celebrations, as well as tell you the best places to be during each event. Following the revelry of Spice Mas, we recommend detoxifying with a yoga session, massage, and long nap in your suite’s luxurious king sized bed.

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Laluna has partnered with a local sailing school to offer sailing lessons . In an effort to serve all needs, two packages are available to choose from: Basic Sailing and Advanced Sailing.

Basic Sailing

Through Sailing School Grenada, participants in the Basic Sailing course will learn the fundamentals of sailing. Over the five day course sailors will be introduced to sailing and will be taught everything needed to handle a sailboat up to 32 feet. Sea terms, the parts of a boat, rope work, sailing and helming on all points of sail and under power, the rules o the road, and emergency equipment and safety precautions will all be covered.

Advanced Sailing

Designed for those who already know the basics of sailing and would like to expand their knowledge, Sailing School Grenada’s Advanced Sailing course is more in depth. Participants practice docking and anchoring, learn how to read a nautical chart and how to navigate, as well as practice a man overboard maneuver.

Laluna’s Sailing Package

The Laluna Sailing Package includes seven nights accommodation in a Cottage Suite with private veranda and plunge pool, five four-hour lessons, daily a-la-carte American breakfast, daily a-la-carte dinner (excluding beverages), and a Laluna Gift. Guests can choose from the Basic Sailing Package or the Advanced Sailing Package. View more sailing package details on the Laluna site.

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What types of fish swim through Grenada

Depending on location and ocean depth, there are many kinds of fish that frequent the waters of Grenada. Beginners and first timers often like to go after the blackfin tuna and el dorado species that tend to be a little smaller but still impressive. Bigger catch includes massive yellowfin tuna that can reach up to 250 pounds, or the giant blue marlin that can be close to 700 pounds at full growth. The distance from shore will determine the fisherman’s catch. Offshore fish (those found in deeper waters) include blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, and mahi mahi. In-shore fish (those found closer to shore and that feed on reef marine life) include wahoo, baracuda, blackfin tuna and skipjack.

The best times to go after the larger fish is through December to June; however, the fish bite year ’round, with Mahi Mahi abundant from April to September, and Tuna and Barracuda found throughout the year. Interestingly, unlike the barracuda found in more northerly waters, the barracuda of the southern Caribbean is edible, as it is not a source of Ciguatera poisoning.

El Dorado, also known as Mahi Mahi or Dolphin

Planning your fishing excursion

There are several ways to go about a fishing adventure in Grenada. Chartered half-day or full-day excursions are the most popular options, as these allow guests to relax and stay with their line while the boat is navigated by professionals. Laluna’s Deep Sea Fishing Package allows guest to head out for a half day of sailing; this can be paired with a snorkeling excursion to maximize the time on the water.

Marlin in the seas of Grenada

Laluna’s Concierge will be happy to arrange for your day at sea. The half-day Deep Sea Fishing excursion offered by the resort allows guests to head out on the sea with a custom picnic lunch; when they return, Laluna’s chef will specially prepare their catch for dinner.

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An Experienced Guide

Laluna’s concierge service highly recommends Lennox, a local Grenadian that has been offering tours for more than a decade. Originally from Paddock, St. George’s, Lennox’s favorite hikes are to St. Margaret’s Waterfalls (also known as the Seven Sisters, because the series of waterfalls includes seven individual falls), Concord Waterfall (whose main waterfall can be accessed from the road, with the smaller feeder waterfall within hiking distance), and Mt. Qua Qua (a trail that brings hikers to the top of a huge rock, giving a panoramic view of the town of Grenville and all of the east coast).

Lennox was recently featured in an article by the New York Times, whose author stayed at Laluna resort. Since the article published, even more guests are now requesting a guided tour by Lennox. We are proud to work with such a well-regarded, expert guide.

What to Expect

Resort guests have been taken into the depths of the rainforest and have hiked to remote waterfalls with the guide, and always return raving about their expedition. A favorite of visitors to the island, Lennox is sure to include a pit stop at Grand Etang to feed the wild Mona monkeys. With Lennox leading the way, the highly requested rainforest trip takes guests to hard-to-find waterfalls, including Honeymoon Falls, with Lennox pointing out local flora and fauna along the way. One of Lennox’s most special hiking experiences was coming across an exotic, unknown wildflower, which he has never been able to find again.

Lennox’s Mystery Flower

While in Grenada, it is easy to pass the time away relaxing on the beach and enjoying cocktails from Laluna’s beachside Sunset Lounge. For those wanting to see a little more of the island, contact the resort’s Concierge Service to arrange a hike with Lennox.

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Hashing in Grenada

Following age old hashing traditions, the local kennel (group) of Grenada Hash House Harriers knows how to give visitors to the island a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hashing takes place all over the Grenada-one weekend it might be near the Grand Etang Rainforest, and the next you might find yourself on the sandy shores of La Sagesse beach-and one thing is certain: you’ll get to see parts of the island that no tour guide would take you to.

What to expect

During the run, hashers shout key phrases including, “on on”, “on back”, “are you?”, and “checking” to help their fellows find their way. With two trails-an easier, shorter one for walkers and a longer, more difficult one for runners-anyone can enjoy a hash, regardless of fitness level. Whether running or walking, don’t forget to occasionally pause to take in the view.

Time to lime

If the motto “drinkers with a running problem” tells you anything, it’s that hashing isn’t simply about outdoor pursuit. In Grenada, “liming” is a term used to describe hanging out and having a good time. At a hash, it’s almost like a block party. Balancing liming with running, hashing is the perfect activity for those that like to get into nature while cutting loose. Once runners and walkers return from the trail-often mud-flecked, exhausted, and exhilarated-the party begins. With a DJ, barbecue, and drinks available, hashers enjoy unwinding and commiserating over a cold beer and piece of chicken.

What to pack for hashing:

• Shoes: Whether you prefer to hike in boots, Teva-style sandals, or Five Finger Shoes, wear something that will be comfortable wet, dry, or muddy and over any sort of terrain.
• Clothing: Wear something you don’t mind getting muddy. Hashes begin in the afternoon, under the warm Grenada sun, so shorts and a t-shirt are recommended. You may also want a hat or sunglasses.
• Cash: “Hash Cash”, which goes into the general hashing fund, is $2EC per person. Beer is steal at 3 for $10EC prices, and trust us-after a long hash, nothing tastes quite as good as a cold Carib. You can’t properly lime without food, and each hash is catered by local cooks. A hash is a great place to try local dishes; oil down, waters, and barbecued chicken with potato salad are standard fare, and run about $10EC a plate.
• A sense of adventure: Hashing will have you scrambling up mountains, sliding down hillsides, shimmying along waterfalls, and wading through creeks. If you’re up for anything, there is nothing more fun than hashing.
• A camera: You’ll want to be sure to catch all of the sights on your hash. From sweeping views to baby goats, these are memories you’ll want to capture.

To find out where the hash will be when you are on the island, and for more information on hashing in Grenada, join the Grenada Hash House Harriers group.

In our opinion, a Saturday filled with rigorous activity is best followed by a Sunday of relaxation and bliss. We recommend hitting up a morning yoga class, followed by a delicious breakfast in Laluna’s Italian restaurant and capped off with a Balinese massage in the resort’s Asian Spa.

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Unlike some of the other Caribbean destinations, Grenada has remained relatively under the travel radar, keeping it from becoming overrun by too many guests. While cruise ships do occasionally port on the island, they have a much less frequent schedule than seen on the other islands; during cruise ship season, helpful resort staff and locals can advise on the best days to visit popular destinations to avoid the crowd.

Image source: Grenada-Beaches.com

You won’t find massive hotels on the island; instead, visitors can choose from places like Laluna Resort that offer personalized attention and a boutique atmosphere wrapped in up paradise. Best of all, visitors to the island can enjoy Grenada’s stunning beaches without having contend with the crowds seen on other Caribbean shores, giving them the opportunity to truly stretch out and enjoy the tranquility of the island.

Untouched, beautiful nature

Due to Grenada being somewhat of a hidden gem, the island has maintained its untouched, well-preserved landscape. Lush tropical jungles and spans of sandy shores await the curious traveler. Much of the flora and fauna is maintained by park services so that guests for generations to come can hike trails, take tours, and immerse themselves in natural wonders.

Image source: GrenadaGrenadines.com

Locals welcome travelers with open arms

When on vacation, travelers interact with those who call that area home, be it on the streets, at restaurants, or in a hotel. Luckily, Grenadians are some of the friendliest people around and are happy to offer travel tips, directions, and a smile at any time of day. Take some time while in Grenada to get to know some of the locals, and use the knowledge offered by staff at Laluna resort to make your travels unforgettable.

Image source: Island Vibes Magazine

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Image source: GrenadaGrenadines.com

Best time to visit

Grand Anse is located near some of the popular cruising ports and docks, so going during the week may be the best time to secure a more secluded spot. If travelers prefer people watching, Grand Anse can be lively on weekends, full of tourists and locals alike.

Top beauty points of  Grand Anse

For prime time in the sun, the open sand near the ocean is a wonderful spot to get a little bronzed and have easy water access. For those trying to stave off sunburn, twisting sea grape trees grow at the edge of the beach; when ripe, you may see locals snacking on the tasty berries the trees provide. that provide shade for those trying to stave off sunburn. The waves tend to be gentle enough for travelers of all ages to go for a swim or splash around in the surf. Sunset is when Grand Anse Beach truly shines, as it offers an idyllic backdrop for a romantic walk along the gorgeous coastline of Grenada.

Image source: GrenadaExplorer.com

Things to do and see

Wade-in snorkeling is a must-do activity along this beach, as the water is crystal clear and usually very warm. Many like to jog on the sand or use the space to practice their yoga moves – perhaps incorporating what they’ve learned in sessions at Laluna Resort.

Many beach goers like to set up on the beach in front of a restaurant and bar called Umbrella’s, making it easy to grab a quick burger or mixed drink to take down to the beach. A little further down the beach is Coconut Beach Restaurant and Bar, whose beautiful on-the-beach location and delicious Creole-Caribbean fare has been known to inspire visitors to the island to move permanently. Wherever you decide to settle, comfortable beach chairs are available to rent from local entrepreneurs, or simply bring a towel and enjoy laying on the smooth sand.

Located near a shopping hub, visitors to Grand Anse Beach can take a break from the sun and head into Spiceland Mall for smoothies and shopping. With shops featuring artwork by local artists, book stores, and jewelry and clothing store, Spiceland Mall is a perfect place to pick up Grenada gifts for those at home. The local vendor’s market is also within walking distance from the beach, and is the perfect location to pick up some handcrafted souvenirs to bring home.

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The artisans

The Art Fabrik artist community is made up of 45 home workers and local contractors who make clothing and accessories for men, women, and children. Local Grenadian crafters are supported in their trade by combining batik with their specialty to produce unique and interesting products. The company also employs graduates from the School for the Deaf in Grenada as members of its production staff.

Image source: ArtFabrikGrenada.com

The process

Art Fabrik creates their batik masterpieces in the same manner that has been used for hundreds of years. Combining recycled wax, paraffin, and beeswax in a double boiler, the artist melts the mixture down to a smooth, flowing viscosity. Keeping the wax at a consistent temperature throughout the process, the artist dips a brush or tjanting – a classing batik tool – repeatedly into the wax, painting it onto the fabric as they go. The wax is applied in beautiful patterns and designs that will resist color when the piece is dyed. Once satisfied with their design, the artist will dye the fabric. To create a colorful, mutli-dimensional piece, the process is repeated again and again, drawing on wax on re-dying until the desired effect is achieved. All work is done by hand, and no two pieces come out exactly the same way.

Image source: ArtFabrikGrenada.com

About the textiles

To keep the wax from melting during the dying process, Art Fabrik makes their stunning textiles using only natural fibers that can be dyed with cold water dyes. When the process is finished and it comes time to remove the wax from the fabric, the pieces are dipped in boiling water and then plunged into cold water repeatedly, melting the wax out. The wax floats to the surface of the water and is scooped off to reuse.

Image source: ArtFabrikGrenada.com

Caring for your new piece

Especially for the first few times it is washed, it is important to separate it out from your other clothes and wash it individually by hand. For the first few washes, it is not unusual to see some color come out in the water. After that point, it can be washed in hot or cold water with like colors without bleach.

Image source: ArtFabrikGrenada.com

Where to find Art Fabrik

Laluna Resort is proud to support the local Grenada artisan community and offer a selection of Art Fabrik products in their boutique.

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Image source: Grenada Triathlon Association

The swim portion of the three-event race will take place in the warm, calm waters of the beautiful Port Louis Marina, with the bike and run portions being done along the island’s famous Kirani James Boulevard and into the Carenage. All locations give spectators the perfect view of competitors – so be sure to bring your cheering squad!

With creative, handcrafted prizes, winners are able to take home a unique piece of the island with them. For more information, visit the Tri de Spice website, or like their Facebook page to stay up-to-date on the event.

Image courtesy Grenada Tri de Spice

After the action
Of course, once the competition ends, participants and spectators will want a luxurious, comfortable place to return back to. Guests at Laluna Resort will have the option to relax tired muscles with a Balinese massage, stretch out with daily beachside yoga, and refuel with a hearty pasta dish. For those coming in for the long weekend, Laluna offers the special 3 night/4 day Laluna Escape package.

Laluna’s four handed Balinese Massage

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