VUE

hen it comes to unlocking the unspoiled splendor of Grenada, I began my jour- ney at the country's most beloved boutique hotel, Spice Island Beach Resort. e small 64- room property is situated beside the white sands of 2-mile-long Grand Anse Beach, Grenada's most iconic shoreline. e all-in- clusive five-star boasts picturesque views of the country's capital, St. George's, and the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. But for me, visiting the renowned resort felt as much like a homecoming as it did a getaway. When I arrived at Spice Island in late 2018—which is just a short 10-minute ride from Maurice Bishop Airport—my eye was immediately drawn above to the resort's clas- sic white stucco turret and on down through the open-air courtyard to the gently crash- ing waves. Aer greetings from a few of the staff, a cold towel and a "Spice Island Classic" (their welcome cocktail fizzing with Sorrell and sparkling wine), I was whisked away through the tropical gardens to my pool suite. And before I could even unpack my bags (or jump into my private cedar sauna) it suddenly felt as though I'd never le, despite the fact that I'd never been there before. I'd simply never felt more at home, and it didn't take long to discover that the source of this déjà vu came from its incredible peo- ple. Sure, there are plenty of five-star hotels where the staff learn your name, but it was more than that—beyond simply noting my likes and dislikes. If I was headed out to Grand Etang Lake, Fabian Mitchell, Spice Is- land's Food and Beverage Director, had his team pack a picnic lunch. When I was feeling under the weather, Office Manager Hermian Griffith had the team bring me some home remedies. To be a guest at Spice Island was to be part of a large, close-knit family; one who would, with much discretion, cleverly sneak in and clean my private pool suite while I toured the island's cocoa plantations. V U E N J . C O M 116

• Cover