Sun-drenched, tropical Grenada, situated in the Caribbean Sea at the southern end of the Grenadines and 100 miles north of Venezuela, consists of three main islands – Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinque.

Grenada, the country’s most southerly island – 21 miles (34km) long and 12 miles (18km) wide - occupies 133 square miles.

Carriacou, much less mountainous but with glorious sandy beaches, covers 13 square miles, and lovely Petite Martinque extends to little more than 586 unspoiled acres.

Known as the Spice Island, a percentage of Grenada’s revenue comes from growing ginger, cloves, mace and nutmeg – indeed, its delicious smell permeates the air, especially after a little light, refreshing rain. 

St George, the captial, with its waterfront bars, colourful red roofscape, towering spires and magnificent beach, is justly described as the prettiest town in the Caribbean. 

Lush, volcanic and mantled in rainforest, Grenada is also remarkably accessible. Less than an hour’s drive from Grand Anse, its main beach, is Grand Etan forest, home of mona monkeys and elusive parrots. And within a few minutes of St George’s bustling centre, sleepy villages nestle beneath giant ferns and tropical flowers, as fabulous waterfalls tumble from craggy peaks.  

Relaxed Carriacou – the Carib word for ‘land of reefs’ – is the Grenadines’ most populated island, renowned for its six-mile barrier reef and active underwater volcano, Kick ‘Em Jenny. Here you will find great diving, magnificent beaches and, everywhere, breathtaking sea views.

Life on Petite Martinique, one of the Windward Islands’ smallest inhabited islands is, if anything, even more laid back. Largely undiscovered, this is a paradise for all who seek get-away-from-it-all tranquillity and a generally slower pace of life.

If this makes Grenada seem quiet, that would be wrong. In fact, the welcoming locals will celebrate any event at the drop of a nutmeg, staging festivals throughout the year.

In the same way, they enjoy good food – especially fish – haggling at market and shopping in general. All of which gels well with the expectations of holidaymakers from Britain – Grenada is part of the commonwealth - and around the world.

The East Caribbean dollar, closely linked to the US dollar, is the local currency. ATMs are available at banks, where British pounds and Euros can be exchanged. Major credit and debit cards are accepted.