Why Working Remotely From a Beautiful Island Is a Must This Year
From ages 4 through 24, most of my summers were spent visiting family in Grenada. One of the southernmost Caribbean islands, Grenada is located about 515 miles off the coast of Venezuela, and just to the north of Trinidad. It is small in stature — only 21 miles long and 12 miles wide — and referred to as the “Spice Isle” on account of the fragrant, aromatic spices it exports all over the world.
My parents are both from this idyllic place. My grandparents and greats too. My aunts, uncles and cousins still live here. I have visited during various seasons: Carnival (or Spice Mas), which occurs every August; the Christmas season, filled with festive lights and parang music; and even kite season, a glorious time when the island’s blue skies are dotted with colorful kites raised to unspeakable heights by the powerful trade winds. I’ve traveled much of the world and still, after all of these trips, I find myself in awe of Grenada’s pristine beaches, lush topography and fresh seafood.
I also love the Grenadian people — their kindness and authenticity is top tier. It’s like an alternate universe when you land there: thoughtfulness and laid back energy abound, tempered by a shocking level of directness that keeps anyone from being a pushover. Grenadians actually speak their internal dialogue out loud; which can be disarming (at times, hilarious) and refreshing all at once. You’re gonna get all the love and truth you can bear. And when someone gives you a compliment, you’ll know it’s real.
A Great Place to Work Remotely
Now that my job has officially become a “work from anywhere” environment, Grenada was an obvious location for a remote work trip. It would allow me to enjoy family time and meet my work demands, all while delighting in the wonders of a tropical paradise.
With decades of personal history under my belt, I was not expecting my tiny yet beloved little island to hold any new or hidden treasures for me. On a recent trip there for New Year’s Eve, however, I discovered that I could not have been more wrong. And I can safely conclude that even without the familial connection, Grenada can be an ideal place for you to work remotely, as well.
Where to Stay For Work & Play
There are plenty of resorts on the island to choose from. In addition to strong Wi-Fi, a stunning view and proximity to lots of attractions made Radisson Grenada Beach Resort the optimal choice for me. First of all, the 20-acre resort is absolutely stunning. The intricate system of pools, tubs, bridges and waterfalls is complemented by ample umbrellas, chaise loungers and a full swim-up bar. Situated directly on Grand Anse Beach, the hotel is steps away from Grenada’s natural splendor and one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You know the screensaver of a beach that you look at wistfully in between your Zoom calls? Or the Google Meet background of the ocean that you use to disguise your actual surroundings? Well, compared to Grand Anse Beach your virtual meeting screens will fall “flat.”
I thoroughly enjoyed taking my meetings at the Radisson’s Sunset Bar (open from 10 a.m. until midnight). Instead of looking to a screensaver for inspiration, I could look no further than the blue-green ocean water itself, or the beautiful local children playing soccer barefoot on the fine, white sand. From the moment I woke up, the smell of the salty sea air and the sound of the crashing waves enveloped and caressed my senses, only adding to what my entire body already felt and knew: I am home. My workdays were productive and blissfully spent. And my demeanor mimicked the Grenadian way of life — more relaxed and less frenzied. I recommend starting the workday with a local fruit punch (i.e., a smoothie) consisting of blended local fruits like papaya, guava and watermelon. It’s made with the fruits that are available and in-season, so I promise you’ll never get the same smoothie twice.
I’m always amazed by the variety of fruits available when visiting the Caribbean and Latin America. Even though I’ve been traveling to Grenada my entire life, there’s always some new plant life to witness or behold. On this trip it was gospo, a bumpy-skinned citrus fruit that is indigenous to various Caribbean islands, eastern Africa and the Arabian peninsula. Also known as “bitter orange” it’s incredibly juicy and yet, incredibly sour. The Radisson waitstaff would sometimes serve it to me when I asked for lemon with my hot water; it has a similar taste. Apparently, the fruit has medicinal properties. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine for indigestion and nausea, and my parents recall being made to drink its juice as a digestive aid when they were children.
A full workday can certainly build up an appetite. My favorite meals to order at the Radisson were the Seafood Cobb Salad (think less Cobb and more seafood salad), the Catch of the Day served with local veggies, BBQ Chicken served with mash potatoes, Pepperoni Pizza, Chicken Roti, and their occasional dinner buffet featuring local favorites like roast pork and stewed fish. They also serve an amazing daily breakfast buffet — replete with pastries and fruits, local dishes like green fig and saltfish souse, bacon and sausage, and a full omelet bar — in the Tradewinds Restaurant (available from 7–10:30a.m.).
Happy Hour: Where To Go At Night
The nights in Grand Anse are just as impressive as the days. I actually found myself in a debate with a fellow traveler one evening about which was more plentiful: the stars above us or the grains of sand on the beach in front of us. When both are on full display — in either direction and for as far as the eye can see — one may be easily inspired to speak of such things.
The end of a long work day calls for a celebration and a walk along the beach leads to various bars and restaurants, all within walking distance of the Radisson. The hotel’s proximity to nightlife is particularly ideal for those concerned about ride sharing or cabs in the wake of Covid. Take a short stroll to the right and enjoy happy hour with a full beach view at Esther’s Bar. The liquid concoctions are creative, flavorful and only $15 E.C. dollars each. It’s no wonder Esther’s is known as the “best little bar on the beach” (proof of vaccination is required for entry).
On Thursday nights, continue past Esther’s to Coconut Beach Resort for wings night. And bring your dancing shoes (or better yet, no shoes): a DJ spins an intoxicating mix of local and American hits as the beachfront adjacent to the restaurant transforms into a full-on beach party. Only days into 2022, I distinctly recall dancing to the Patrice Roberts anthem, “Drink Water and Mind My Business.” I knew the song was special at the time. I had no idea it would go worldwide a month later!
You can also find live music on Sunday nights at Umbrellas Beach Bar (a short walk to the left of the Radisson). Also located directly on the beach, Umbrellas isn’t the place to go for local cuisine, but it does boast amazing American fare. I’m a huge fan of their fish tenders, deliciously fried to perfection and lovingly referred to on the menu as Carriacou Love Bites.
Back at the Radisson, head to the Bamboo Lounge a few nights a week for a festive karaoke night. Make sure to have your best songs prepared: during my stay, participants displayed a surprising degree of vocal talent with select Lauryn Hill and Whitney Houston classics.
Weekend Excursions
On the weekends, when you have a bit more time, consider hiring a driver or booking a tour in order to explore the island further. Tours can be by land or sea. By sea, snorkeling and diving at the Underwater Sculpture Park in the Molinere area of the island comes highly recommended.
By land, I suggest any of the following:
Sulphur Springs, River Sallee, St. Patrick, Grenada. Located on the northeastern side of the island, the River Sallee Sulphur Springs is a wonderful way to luxuriate in a natural spa setting. It is composed of five different sulphur springs. Each sulphur pool serves a different function and the knowledgeable staff is on-hand to guide you through the process, step-by-step. According to its Facebook page, bathing in sulphuric water has various benefits including detoxification, treatment of joint and muscle pain, and skin conditions such as eczema and acne. The entire day involves a massage, a full body clay mask, exfoliation and the opportunity to relax in each of the various springs. Following a final oil treatment, your exfoliated and detoxified skin will absolutely glow.
Concord Falls, St. John, Grenada. The island of Grenada is blessed with stunning white-sand beaches but also, breathtaking waterfalls with cool freshwater that you can actually swim in. The hike to one of the Concord Falls requires walking through private lands, across babbling brooks, and down sloped hillsides with sliding rocks. At certain points in the hike, each step becomes an exciting experiment in creativity, dexterity and balance. It’s the absolute best if you love the idea of adventure and physical exercise while on vacation! Along the way, you’ll see nutmeg and cocoa trees, as well as crops like cabbage planted in precise rows on various hillsides. Start out early to avoid making the majority of the hike in the blazing hot sun. When you reach your destination, I recommend having a guide lead you to the water of the falls as the rocks are incredibly slippery.
Petit Anse Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, St. Patrick, Grenada. According to its website, Petit Anse is “a small beachfront boutique hotel in Grenada set within five acres of lush tropical gardens.” Miles away from the hustle and bustle of the capital city of St. George’s, this hotel is an ideal staycation for locals, as well. A day pass gets you breakfast, lunch and a drink stipend, as well as access to a hotel room and the amenities (including the pool). The lobster is by far the best deal on the menu. The meat is firm, succulent and sweetened by the warm Caribbean Sea waters. Wash it down with a cocktail or two as you enjoy the soothing trade winds from the restaurant veranda.
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