by A week in the sunshine can do wonders for the mind and body. Much of it is found in the Caribbean. As Grenada’s least explored island, Silversands luxury resort promises to leave you with more than a healthy glow.
Where?
The sandbar lies on an idyllic, secluded spot on Great Anse Grenada beach. The resort’s location on the South West tip of the island means it not only benefits from the consistently warm Caribbean sea temperatures (as opposed to the cool North Atlantic waters to the east) but also benefits from the best. sunset on the island.
In the early evening and the sky turns amber, the beach is dotted with the silhouettes of newlyweds and families sipping frozen Daiquiris before heading out for supper. On a stretch of sugar-white sand, Grand Anse beach has excellent beach bars with Umbrella’s, Esther’s Bar, and Coconut Beach all within a fifteen minute walk from the hotel. You’ll find a mix of local specialties such as salted fish fritters and oildown (an aromatic Grenadian stew made with breadfruit, local spices and coconut milk worth trying) as well as elevated beach-style plates including local spiny lobster with garlic butter or jerk chicken burgers with mango chips. It is worth noting that coconut beach throws an excellent barbecue on Sundays, complete with live music and a very good rum punch.
Style
Complimentary hotel transfer is always a nice touch. Bonus points if the car has legroom and air-con. Silversands meets its guests with Tesla. As the car slams its doors like a bird of prey outside the polished hotel reception, I can’t help but hear the Bond theme tune humming in the back of my mind. This is travel in its most glamorous form.
It’s clear that a lot of thought went into the design of Silversands. Every inch is a flawless combination of comfort and style. Blackout blinds, bathroom lights and even the muslin curtains that slide around the king-size beds in four-poster fashion are controlled by slim buttons built flush to the wall. Wardrobes, drawers and the well-stocked mini bar are enclosed behind soft sanded wood panels that automatically light up to a warm tungsten glow when opened.
The crown jewel of the property is undoubtedly its wonderful pool. The longest in the Caribbean, it stretches an impressive hundred meters all the way from the marble lobby to the ocean (a few lengths and you’ll be approaching Olympic strength). Framed by the avenue of palm trees, the sight of the shimmering turquoise sea is endless except for the luxury catamaran or super mentioned from time to time.
“It’s always like this,” says Marlena (Silversands Business Development Director) as I slip into a hypnotic trance gazing out at the ocean during our hotel journey. I joke about the jet jump and the long flight but in truth I am in awe. I have never seen water like it. Consistently calm and clear, it reminds me of the kind of place I dreamed of as a child when someone said “think paradise”. But this is not in my imagination.
I am horrified. I have never seen water like it. Consistently calm and clear, it reminds me of the kind of place I dreamed of as a child when someone said “think paradise”. But this is not in my imagination.
Which room?
The rooms at Silversands are understated luxury. All follow the same sleek design with neutral tones, king-size beds and marble-paved bathrooms with rain showers and almost-soaking bathtubs. There is no doubt that the sea view rooms have the best views but there is a certain charm to the garden. -levels of rooms with private paths leading directly to the beach.
The penthouse suites (all with ocean views) stretch out to include luxurious living space and elevated spa-style bathrooms. But if you want to splurge, or are traveling as a family or group, the Silversands Villas are The One. There are nine villas to choose from with three or four bedrooms. Although the word bedroom is perhaps too small. Each bedroom has its own private entrance, ensuite bathroom, outdoor sitting area and those without sea view make do with a heated pool. “There really isn’t a bad room,” declares Marlena.
Of course, Silversands has thought of everything (and I mean everything) that the guests might need. The kitchen is stocked with fresh fruit, indulgent snacks and all the basics as well as any special requests guests may have upon arrival. There are board games for children, the latest Sonos sound system (which can be conveniently controlled from your mobile via the Silversands app). Everything from private chef dinners to personalized yoga sessions can be arranged.
Food And Drink
Silversands has two main restaurants, The Grenadian Grill and Asiatique. Open for lunch and dinner, the Grenadian grill serves a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a Mexican twist. There’s something for everyone here, from the Grenadian Grill burger to the grilled catch of the day. The lobster tostada is particularly good, and should be ordered at least once. A whole lobster tail arrives juicy and slathered in chili butter and chipotle mayo on top of a corn tostada, alongside a delightful avocado lime salsa. If your sunbed seems too delicious to leave, the entire menu can be ordered directly to the comfortable shade of your beach umbrella.
As its name suggests, the food at Asiatique is inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asia. It’s a twist on the Thai classics using local ingredients. Think crispy fish with local callaloo leaf and kafir lime, and Thai green curry with chicken, sweet potato and breadfruit. For the second year in a row, Asiatique is also home to fourth generation sushi master, Yukio Kimijima.
My husband and I are lucky enough to get a seat (there are only four available at the time) to experience the fourteen course Omakase menu. Each plate seems to be better than the last, our cries of ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ peaking at a plate of toro (fatty tuna belly) with salmon pis. True, the decibels could be related to the third round of Mai Tais (whoever is making the cocktails deserves an award). But more than a good meal, this is a feast for all the senses and a rare opportunity to experience and taste such skill.
Breakfast is also enjoyed at Asiatique with the best seats on the spacious veranda overlooking the gardens and swimming pool. In addition to the obvious temptations (fresh buttery croissants, pain au raisin and banana bread still warm from the oven), Silversands manages to make even the ‘sensible choices’ look attractive. Two days in and I develop a healthy addiction to their Bali Cocoa Jar. I’m told it’s made from a delicious blend of oats, banana and almond butter. Except to me it looks like banoffee pie. Even the spinach I faithfully add to my omelette every morning seems to have more pep than it does at home.
Spa
One could happily spend the whole day and night (it is open 24 hours) at Silversands Spa. By blending ancient healing traditions and modern science, this is where the real magic happens. There is a sauna, hammam, ice cave – and for thrill seekers – an ice bucket shower. For those who prefer more downtime, there is plenty of room to flop. Beneath the rather striking installation of hanging lights is a relaxing hot pool surrounded by potted palms and plush daybeds.
The Great Sand has an extensive treatment menu and the Spa has partnered with cult beauty brand 111SKIN, the skin care regimen originally designed for astronauts to stop the accelerated aging process that occurs in space. I have a mental black book of lustrous celebrities who swear by the Celestial Black Diamond face and book immediately. Despite only hitting the gym twice during my stay, I leave my face with defined cheekbones that I didn’t have before and a glow that reminds me of the time at home when I ordered I accidentally four kilos of salmon and I ate it every day. a week.
Hungry for more, I book the spa again, this time for a Silversands massage. The 360 approach at Silversands means that every inch of the body is taken care of. After a salt foot scrub, I go on a silk draped massage bed. The bed, I learn, is made of rose quartz sand. The quartz is said to align the spine and can help manage everything from back pain to insomnia. It’s warm and feels lovely and I sink into a deep state of relaxation while my wonderful therapist works on my shoulder.
About an hour or so in I know a dripping sensation on my forehead. It’s not unpleasant and I linger somewhere between sleep and waking, enjoying the slightly herbal aroma of cinnamon and clove. The oil stream invigorates and ends with a deep scalp massage. I have just experienced my first Shirodhara, an Ayurvedic healing treatment designed to detoxify the body and calm the central nervous system. As I float to my day bed still woozy with zen, and enjoy my post-treatment cinnamon and ginger tea and chocolate chip cookies (raw and refined sugar free, mind) I feel glorious.
extra curricular
Known as the ‘island of spices’ for its rich cultivation of spices such as coconut, cinnamon, ginger and cloves, Grenada is a honeymoon destination for those who enjoy a culinary adventure. As well as the spice markets (you’ll find one just down Grande Anse Beach and a larger one at St George’s Market Square), the island is home to four rum distilleries and even has its own chocolate factory. The Silversands staff can easily arrange tours, but after spending most of the last three days horizontally, I inquired with the front desk if there are ‘any good hikes?’ Twenty minutes later I get a WhatsApp with our pick up time.
We make it to the top in good time (thanks to the extra plate of fried plantains and crispy bacon at breakfast) and reach the highest peak around Grand Etang lake in just under forty minutes. The view from the top is amazing. The lake is in the flanks of a now extinct volcano and is home to other greats around the world. On the way, we go abroad flora and fauna. I see cloves, cacao, and cinnamon trees for the first time. The photos do not do it justice but I feel elation that surely only comes with mountain climbing (or at least a very steep hill).
Best For
Elevated luxury with a side of adventure.
Double rooms available from £710 on a B&B basis. silversandscollection.com
