The Romance & Seclusion
Grenada is truly one of the most romantic islands of the Caribbean. Unlike many of the other Caribbean islands, Grenada has avoided becoming too overrun and “touristy” and has kept true to its spirit. There are many romantic activities on the island for couples to enjoy. Some of our favorites include hiking to secluded waterfalls, picnicking on one of Grenada’s “secret” beaches (ask resort staff to point you in the right direction), and, of course, couples massages from our Balinese masseuses. For a romantic moment that can’t be beat, watch the sun set over the Caribbean Sea with a glass of wine and your love by your side. We’ve been here for years, and it still takes our breath away.

The Beaches
The beaches of Grenada have been voted, year after year, as some of the best in the world. Across the island you’ll find a variety of types of beaches; from volcanic black sand, to white sand, to covered in shells or sea glass, to rocky, one could spend their entire vacation finding their favorite style of beach. The most renowned is Grand Anse beach, but for a private, romantic ceremony, we truly believe that our beach cannot be beat. Grenada was also named as one of the twenty must-visit locations in the world for 2013 by National Geographic Traveler. Grenada was given the fitting description of “Caribbean with a smile”.

The Ease of Travel
Flights to Grenada come and go regularly from the US, Canada, the UK, and around the Caribbean, and minimal documentation is needed to enter the country. All that most travelers are required to have is a passport and a return ticket. Once here, US currency is accepted as easily as our EC (Eastern Caribbean), so there is no need to worry about exchanging anything before arriving.

The Activities
There truly is something for everyone in Grenada. We’ve often heard visitors say that their favorite thing about the island is that it has so many varied landscapes; when coming to Grenada, it’s almost like a mini trip around the world. At Laluna, visitors get a taste of Bali and Italy; the landscape toward Grand Etang National Forest is often compared to that of Costa Rica; take a drive toward Gouyave and be transported to the Pacific Northwest; there are places on the Atlantic side of the ocean that could be compared to muirs. With the eclectic lay-of-the-land, there are so many things to do here! For those that enjoy getting out into the water, kayaking, snorkeling, and catamaran tours are a must. For active landlubbers there is hiking to waterfalls, mountain biking, and golf to be had. Those looking for relaxation need not go far: Laluna’s Asian Spa offers massage, facial treatments, and manicures and pedicures.

The Food
Oh, the food! Of course, Grenada’s seafood is hard to beat. The island’s fishermen bring in fresh Mahi Mahi, tuna, sailfish and more. Grenada’s rich soil is perfect for growing tropical fruit and vegetables; you’ll never taste anything better than a mango plucked fresh from the tree, still warm from the sun. Grenada is known as “the Spice Isle” for a reason; a major producer of nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger, the flavors from the island pack a punch. As a developing island, many local culinary projects have sprung up, including the Grenada Goat Dairy, which produces fresh, creamy, local goat cheese. Combine all of these wonderful elements in the masterful hands of Laluna’s Chef Daniele, and you’ll have the meal of a lifetime!

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons that one would choose to travel to Grenada, and they all come together to make the ideal destination wedding location as well. Imagine a weekend filled with fun, adventure, and relaxation with all of your closest friends and family, culminating with a ceremony on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, followed by toasting your nuptials at sunset and then sitting down to a romantic, artfully prepared meal. It’s memories like these that will last a lifetime.

Ciao,
Laluna

The post Why Grenada for Your Destination Wedding? appeared first on Official Blog of Grenada Hotel Laluna.

Photo credit: Joshua Yetman

Selecting the Photographer

Because Laluna specializes in destination weddings, we offer photography as a part of our destination wedding package. This allows our guests inside-access to the best photographers on the island, without having to go through a rigorous research and vetting process. Our wedding planning experts will be happy to communicate any special desires you have directly to the photographer to ensure you get every image you want of your special day.

Making a Photography Checklist

It is helpful to make the list of moments you want captured throughout the day. By compiling a list of the photographs you want to be sure to have, there will be less stress on the wedding day. If you have prepared a list, all you need to do is give it to Laluna’s wedding planner, and she will make it her mission to ensure that every shot is taken. If you’re having trouble coming up with your list, here are some shots that we recommend:

Prep

Be sure to capture all of the moments leading up to the ceremony. Pictures of the bride or groom getting words of wisdom from family members, getting a boutonniere pinned on by the best man, or receiving help from the bridal party to lace up the wedding dress are standby favorites. When preparing for a wedding at Laluna, some of our brides like to enjoy a side-by-side massage with their maid of honor, followed by a manicure and pedicure. Others prefer to take in a group yoga class with their whole entourage before getting ready. Grooms often enjoy a walk of the resort’s beautiful grounds, or heading out on a standup paddleboard for a chance to center. Whatever your prep style is, be sure your dedicated wedding planner knows your plans in advance so that they can make sure the photographer captures a few shots.

Breaking Tradition?

Will the groom see the bride before the big moment? The look on the groom’s face the first time he sees his bride is priceless; if you will be meeting up before the ceremony, the Laluna wedding planner will make sure that the photographer is on hand to capture it.

The Ceremony

Having a photographer familiar with the ceremony location is a big help. This way, they know where to set up  their tripod to get the best vantage point during the ceremony, and where to stand when the big kiss happens. Otherwise, you may end up with nothing but pictures of the back of your heads (and the officiant’s face). Be sure to communicate with your wedding planner about the kind of images that are important to you. Some couples want the image of the bride walking down the aisle, others want the groom’s reaction, and others still are want to be sure that all guests are included.

Photo credit: Derek Pickell

After the Ceremony

The time between the ceremony and reception, or during the cocktail hour, is a fantastic time to get photographs with guests. If you didn’t get any photos in with your new spouse before the ceremony, this is the time to do it. Ask Laluna’s wedding planner for their input as to the best places to capture photos of you. They may have something fabulous in mind that you never would have thought of! At Laluna, we recommend getting photos on our beautiful beach, in our lush organic garden, or lounging in a Balinese daybed.

At the Reception

Let your wedding planner know who will be making toasts, when the cake will be cut, and the bouquet will be tossed. If you have any unique traditions that you want to make sure to have caught on film, be sure to let them know about it in advance so that the photographer is not off taking shots of the sunset while it happens.

Trash the dress?

After all the time spent picking the perfect gown, many brides now choose to be photographed in it more than once in a “trash the dress” session. Occurring after the wedding, it’s a chance for the bride and groom to dress up again and get creative without having to worry about getting a little dirty. When getting married on an island like Grenada, the options are nearly limitless. Whether you’d like to stand under a waterfall, jump off a pier, feed a monkey or sail in a yacht, these sessions are a chance to capture the unique personality of the bride and groom, as well as the island. Our concierge services can help arrange any outing you desire.

Getting Your Pictures

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Start with a cocktail by the pool

When travelers to Grenada envision their stay on the tropical island, the daydream often includes a frozen beverage or two on the beach or by a crystal clear pool. At Laluna, Guests enjoy relaxation with a view; it won’t take long lounging on an Indonesian daybed and sipping on a fresh and fruity drink for fantasy to become reality. Ask our bartender to surprise you with an island favorite, or sample one of our specialties, including the Magic Mojito and Agave Margarita. Our signature Laluna Spritz it also a must-try; made with Aperol and Bluette, the drink is a taste of Italy in the Caribbean. To fully take in the experience, we recommend heading to the Laluna Sunset Bar and Lounge around 6 pm; facing the Caribbean Sea, the bar is the perfect place to take in a stunning Grenadian sunset before dinner.

Insider tip: if you really want a taste of the island, ask the bartender to pour you a shot of “under the counter”. This self-brewed liquor is basically the Grenadian version of moonshine and is sure to “put hair on your chest”.  Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Begin your meal with a unique glass of wine

Laluna has one of the most developed wine cellar on the island; stocked with delicious and hearty wines sourced primarily from Italy, our cellar has something for everyone. The carefully selected bottles match perfectly with our Chef’s Italian-Caribbean cuisine, with offerings including everything from sweet Rieslings to intense Brunellos. The cellar also includes a few Prosecco varieties and Roses, ideal for special celebrations or when enjoying a light seafood dish. Guests can pop a bottle before they eat, or pair a glass with a scrumptious meal at our beach-side restaurant. For those wishing to sip on a glass of wine while enjoying the view from their private patio, our room service will happily bring a bottle up to your suite.

Have an authentic Italian dinner

The beach-chic ambiance of our thatch roof Italian restaurant sets the stage for an intimate meal full of culinary delights. The relaxed, open-air layout of the restaurant provides diners a wonderfully pleasant spot to listen to the ocean waves and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. To experience the bounty of the island, the Grenadian Pumpkin & Ginger Soup is an ideal appetizer, followed by the Sea Crab Linguine. For an even more romantic experience, the Laluna restaurant can even arrange a private dinner for two right on the beach!

Special events

While couples favor the restaurant for its private, romantic feel, the open dining area can also be arranged for larger groups or parties. Couples hosting their destination wedding at Laluna often choose to hold group meals at the resort’s restaurant, culminating in a reception following the ceremony. Please visit the Laluna website for more information on food and drink at Laluna, or to view the full cocktail menu, wine list, or restaurant menu.

Ciao,

Laluna

The post Plan Your Perfect Meal in Grenada at Laluna Resort appeared first on Official Blog of Grenada Hotel Laluna.

1. The Destination

It may seem silly to even mention, but choosing the location should be your top priority when beginning to plan a destination wedding. When first engaged, it can be fun to spend time flipping through bridal magazines and looking at dresses, but first and foremost, a destination should be selected before any planning is done.

Call us biased, but we find that Grenada is an ideal destination wedding location; in all seriousness, it really is, because it fill so many different needs. The small island nation is composed of sandy beaches, lushly forested mountains, and beautiful waterfalls, all perfect for saying “I do”. Adventure-seeking visitors to the island have even gotten married under the sea while scuba diving! While Laluna’s wedding package is designed for an on-resort ceremony, we allow for flexibility, and our helpful staff will work hard to make your dream a reality. For instance, if you’ve always dreamed of getting married next to a lake, we can arrange for the ceremony to take place at Crater Lake. Maybe you’ve got a future spouse that loves to sail; a chartered yacht could be a fantastic location to marry or enjoy a post-ceremony cocktail sunset cruise! The options are limited only by your imagination.

2. Know Before You Go

Whether you have two years to plan or two months, it’s important to start reaching out to potential locations as soon as possible. If time is an issue, you may need to be flexible with the day of the week you choose to get married. It is important to familiarize yourself with the travel requirements to enter your location of choice; for instance, are travel visas required, or does a passport suffice; are there any immunizations needed; will they take your national currency or will an exchange need to take place? To enter Grenada, guests entering from the United States, Canada, and Mexico need only a passport and return ticket. Be sure you (and your guests) have time to prepare everything needed for travel. While the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD) is the standard currency of Grenada, the American dollar is happily accepted at Laluna and around the island.

Also, be aware of the local laws of your destination; some governments require couples to spend a set amount of time on-location before allowing them to legally wed. Know what kind of documentation is required for you to get married; some locations require blood work, signatures from witnesses, or marriage license applications. When marrying in Grenada, the betrothed couple must be on the island for at least three days before getting married, and must bring with them valid passports, birth certificates, and a notarized lawyer’s note certifying their status as a single, marry-able person. For a full list of Grenada’s marriage requirements, the Laluna website has information on the legal requirements to marry in Grenada, as well as what is needed to travel to the island. Of course, should you have any further questions, our helpful staff will be available throughout the planning process to ensure you arrive with everything you need.

3. Guest Travel and Accommodations
Unless you’ve always dreamed of an intimate one-on-one ceremony, convenient travel and accommodations are a must. It’s important to consider whether your guests can easily travel to your dream location, especially if they will only be taking a long weekend to do so. Luckily, with regular flights from New York, Miami, Toronto, and London, Grenada is easily accessible to guests from around the globe; however, depending on the season, flights may book early, so you’ll especially want to give guests advanced notice if you are planning to wed during that time.

When it comes to accommodations, many couples decide to have their wedding guests stay on-site with them, allowing for easy mingling and group activities. Of course, some privacy is also desired, making resort’s such as Laluna an ideal location. With 16 private cottages to choose from, couples can enjoy one-on-one time enjoying romantic view from their private veranda, then meet up for a group dinner in the Laluna restaurant. We often have wedding parties buy out the entire resort, creating a big, inclusive atmosphere for the duration of their guest’s stay. Group cocktail hours, pool parties, and yoga sessions can turn the wedding weekend into an unforgettable memory. For larger wedding parties, our resort staff will be happy to assist in arranging nearby off-site accommodations for overflow guests, typically within walking distance.

4. Leave it up to the Experts

The best resorts, including Laluna, have destination wedding planning experts on staff to help guide you through the planning process. In our case, our experts have put together a special package of wedding must-haves, and allow them to be customized to suit the bride’s (and groom’s!) desires. At Laluna, we build upon the wedding package to create a truly personalized experience. We become your middleman; whether it is a special cake design, or specific song to walk down the aisle to, or special flower for your centerpieces, we will personally work with our list of trusted vendors to ensure that every detail is in place.

5. Reboot with some Vitamin D, Take a Breath & Relax
Whether your wedding is in your own backyard or thousands of miles from home, something unpredictable is sure to happen. Don’t let it ruin your big day.  Be sure to put on some sunscreen and get out in the warm Grenada sun. The boost of Vitamin D will instantly improve your mood, and there is nothing more beautiful than a healthy sun-kissed glow. Take a yoga class, have a massage, and be blissed out and ready to walk down the aisle. And hey, if you need the extra boost of liquid courage, our bartender will happily pour you one last drink before you head down the aisle!

Ciao,

Laluna

The post The Top 5 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding appeared first on Official Blog of Grenada Hotel Laluna.

Image courtesy of: Ingrid Abery

Known world-wide as an international leader of world-class cruising yachts, Oyster Marine yachts have been recognized for their quality, comfort, and performance since 1973. While the company has grown and the yachts have changed, their core values have remained the same: Strength, seaworthiness, and a bevy of practical, seaman like features. Throughout the years Oyster’s owner-exclusive regattas and events have become increasingly popular. This year, Grenada played host to an Oyster event: The Oyster Regata Grenada 2013.

Image courtesy of: Ingrid Abery

After the warm welcome laid out by Port Louis Marina – and everyone in Grenada – for the first Oyster regatta held on the island in 2011, Oyster decided to return to the island again. Hosted once more by Port Louis Marina, the Oyster fleet arrived on April 8th, 2013 to begin the event. The week’s activities included racing around the coast of the island, an overnight stop at Le Phare Bleu, and dinners and parties at some of the islands most exclusive venues, with a prize giving party and dinner at Port Louis on the final evening. For more information on the Oyster Regatta and  for results please visit the Oyster Marine site.

Chef Daniele prepares a feast for the Oyster Regatta Fleet

Laluna was excited to host one of the evening events of the regatta, where guests were treated to Italian cuisine by Laluna’s Southern Italian chef Daniele, with cocktails starting at the Sunset Bar and dining outdoors under the stars. The evening was rounded off by dancing the night away with live music from the Italian musician, locally known as Barracuda.

Guests partied the night away

Laluna was very pleased to take part in this prestigious event, and looks forward to many happy returns of the Oyster Fleet.

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The homemade and designed kites, called Flex Kites or Mad Bull Kites, can be seen (and heard!) flying overhead throughout the month of March, leading up to Easter weekend. A traditional island kite, the hexagonal, elongated kite features a bowed top section that forms a “nose”. The line that tensions to the nose is where the hummer or “Mad Bull” is attached; made of tissue paper or cello-tape attached to the bowline, the Mad Bull “sings” by vibrating in the wind. Often compared to the sound of a toy airplane or mosquito, you can ofter hear a Mad Bull kite before you notice it in the sky.

With long tails made of knotted fabric, kites are commonly flown with with two tails, sometimes including a third if the kite is especially long. Kites are decorated with colorful plastic sheeting, allowing them to survive a dip in the sea or a quick passing rain shower. Bamboo is commonly used to make the kite, as it is flexible but stable. On 1500 – 2000 feet of line, the kites can fly incredibly high if the wind conditions are favorable.

Although you’ll see kites flying in the weeks up to Easter, a major day for the activity is Good Friday. Children can be seen all around the island putting up kites and tying them off, leaving them to fly for the next week. There are even competitions around the island over Easter weekend, the largest ones being held in Ft Jeudy and the Golf Course in Grand Anse, which make a great family outing. If you are in Grenada over the Easter weekend and would like to fly a kite, they are often available for sale on the roadside to purchase from children that make them for some extra money for their Easter school holidays.

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About the Goat Dairy

The Grenada Goat Dairy Project was started by Christine Curry in 2008 with the goal of getting local Grenadian farmers to produce high quality goats milk to be processed into fresh goats cheese, which is then sold to a local market. The Grenada Goat Dairy Project, also known as The Goat Dairy, is a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable agriculture production, education, and hands-on training to empower lower income farmers and their families to achieve to economic independence, food security, and fulfilling lives.

The first locally-produced and marketed goat dairy product in Grenada, the Goat Dairy’s popular Chevre is used by local chefs and restaurants, as well as sold in supermarkets. In 2012, the Goat Dairy had a goal of giving back further to the community by creating the School Project.

Bringing the Goat Dairy to Schools

The School Project started as a Kickstarter fundraiser by the Grenada Goat Dairy Project. The online fundraising effort was held to help raise money to bring the goat raising project to a local Grenadian school, with the intention of creating a sustainable program to teach children a solid, long-term foundation for community empowerment and income creation. A fully functioning goat farm, complete with barn and milk production capacity, would be built at St. Patrick’s Anglican Public School, with milk processing to be done at The Goat Dairy’s facility in Belmont Estate. Fundraising was completed in September, 2012, and exceeded the projected goal.

The Incentive

In addition to the warm feeling that comes from giving back, those that donated received special rewards depending on their level of contribution. Inspired by the project, Laluna offered a lunch or dinner featuring the Grenada Goat Dairy’s Chevre Cheese to those that pledged $200 or more. Laluna’s Chef created a masterpiece of a meal for the philanthropists. The meal started with a starter of fresh goat cheese rolled in sunflower seeds, and another rolled in bacon served on a bed of fresh rucola.

Diners went on to enjoy an appetizer of zucchini stuffed with goat cheese and fresh oyster mushrooms with roasted slivered almonds, served with sauteed locally grown oyster mushrooms.

Finally, guests were served the main dish of fresh goat cheese and pumpkin ravioli, served with Parmesan cheese.

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Laluna caters for family or inimate beach weddings
- Photo Joshua Yetman

Tropical paradise awaits you, your future spouse and guests

At Laluna Resort, the bride, groom and loved ones in attendance can all be treated to spacious accommodations, access to island activities, and onsite dining. Located directly on the beach, Laluna features some of the most incredible views on the island, with refreshing breezes and unforgettable sunsets highlighting the guest experience.

Laluna suites with Caribbean views

Choose an inclusive wedding package any time of year

With warm temperatures year-round, Grenada is the perfect location for a destination wedding. Laluna’s experienced staff has prepared the ideal wedding experience to suit guest needs. To make the wedding and honeymoon even more special, engaged couples can book the Wedding Program package to enjoy all of the resort’s standard amenities, as well as many special extras.  The package includes add-ons such as daily breakfast and dinner, a hired photographer, a couple’s Balinese massage, and accommodations in a deluxe cottage suite with private veranda. The bridal bouquet, minister, marriage license, and cake are also part of the all-encompassing package.

Let us take care of your special day
- Photo Joshua Yetman

A wedding wouldn’t be the same without people to share it with, and Laluna has truly thought of everything when it comes to pampering wedding guests. Doing all possible to make sure your loved ones’ time in Grenada is flawless and luxurious, Laluna offers special perks to add an extra romantic boost to the occasion, including candlelit dinners, sunset cruises, or a Spice Island gift basket.

Let the details be sorted by the expert staff

Although the Wedding Program covers almost everything, Laluna knows that there are special touches that each bride-or groom-may be dreaming of. The staff at Laluna are on hand to keep things running smoothly throughout your experience. For the bride, time can be reserved for hair, nails, and professional makeup sessions close to the resort, allowing for time away to relax and enjoy the excitement of the day. Professional planners can assist in choosing flowers, decorations, and anything else couples might have in mind for the ceremony and reception.

Laluna weddings 
- Photo Joshua Yetman

As one of the most romantic resorts in the Caribbean, you won’t want to leave once the ceremony is over. Take the guesswork out of planning a separate honeymoon and continue your getaway at the resort. When handled by expert resort staff, a wedding abroad is often the best, least stressful avenue to take when committing yourselves to a lifetime of happiness.

Marry at Laluna, stay for the Honeymoon
- Photo Joshua Yetman

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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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