Mount Cinnamon, Grenada: a magical Caribbean resort for solo-parenting vacations

Once kids start growing up, ticking off bucket list items feels more important, so Lisa McGarry and her son Dylan ticked the Caribbean winter vacation box in style at Mount Cinnamon Grenada.

Mount Cinnamon Grenada

Mount Cinnamon Grenada is made for a Caribbean winter vacation

It had been a decade since my son last dipped his toes into Caribbean seas, feeling the soothing embrace of bath-temperature water, a moment I’d been dreaming of, ever since we booked Mount Cinnamon Grenada.

We couldn’t have chosen a more perfect setting than this stunning boutique resort with 36 villas and suites nestled on a lush hillside overlooking Grand Anse Beach in southwest Grenada.

Just a 15-minute drive from the airport, it’s a world away from reality in the best possible way: part retreat, part adventurous paradise, it’s one of those places that make you wonder why on earth you live anywhere else.

Beach Cabana restaurant, Grand Anse

Dreamy tropical beaches, gorgeous gardens and calm seas

Grand Anse Beach is truly spectacular: a long stretch of white sand with the resort’s exclusive section tucked at one end. Comfy loungers and wicker armchairs beckon, while the Beach Cabana and expansive tropical gardens add to the general loveliness.

The gardens offer plenty of activities, from giant chess and bowls to net games, or simply exploring the undergrowth with a big stick, which was Dylan’s default position when not in the sea. The views across to St George’s and the gentle mountain landscape prove addictive, and the southwest position brings epic sunsets.

Grand Anse’s calm and shallow seas are great for kids. You get a few waves on windy days, and we had fun messing about in the shallows with a boogie board, which is free, alongside paddleboards and other water sports equipment. We also swam out with our snorkels to the Grenada artificial reef project, about 30m from shore: great place for kids to learn about marine conservation.

Pool, Mount Cinnamon Grenada

A charming resort that’s all about doing things the right way

The original Mount Cinnamon resort was built in the 1980s, and this lends a classic charm, making me feel a bit like a Jilly Cooper character wafting around in silk kimono on my way to the yacht.

But extensive refurbishment has created sophisticated spaces which harmonise perfectly with the setting, and this eco-resort has a thoroughly modern feel.

Local architect, Irina Kostka, is behind the redesign of the restaurant, bar, lounge, and pool in the main resort building, where elegance combines with a welcoming Caribbean sense of place. There are bright color accents against the neutral palette, and Grenadian and Caribbean artwork celebrating farmers and suppliers. The restaurant flows seamlessly into the lobby and pool area, accentuated with incredible views, and beautiful lighting in the evening.

Mount Cinnamon is known for supporting Grenadian skills’ development through its association with the West Indies School of Hospitality (WISH), and the resort’s commitment to sustainable hospitality and passion for helping people achieve their true potential, really shone through during our time there.

Cinnamon Suite, Mount Cinnamon

Wake up to sunshine every day on this Caribbean winter vacation

The central path of the resort meanders up several levels through landscaped tropical gardens to the newest suites.

Ours had a beautiful terracotta balcony from which to enjoy the views, as well as two large and deliciously comfy beds, spacious wardrobes, a bathroom suite with roomy shower, and a cosy lounge area. Little touches like Nespresso and hand-labelled toiletries were appreciated.

We relished waking up to the surrounding island views, and strolling to breakfast through tropical flowers and birdsong was exactly how we’d imagined our Caribbean winter vacation.

Bigger groups may want to rent one of the villas, and the self-catering concierge options can order groceries in ahead of arrival as well as plenty of other luxurious concierge options.

Room service is available, and we ordered in on our last night, though we loved the vibe of the resort and enjoyed the rest of our meals in the restaurant, either poolside or view side.

Happy faces at breakfast, Caribbean winter vacation

A fresh approach to cuisine at Mount Cinnamon

Mount Cinnamon have recently hired Sophie Michell as their F&B consultant. A Barbados-based, British chef, her expertise in sustainable cuisine comes through in the resort’s farm-to-table approach.

We loved the elegant menus, which also catered nicely for kids. Local Belmont cheese popped up in creative ways, buttery lobster was heaven, and salads were fresh and generous.

We even had a cooking demo with wonderful chef Janice, and learned about the produce grown in the gardens and how to prepare it the Grenadian way. Needless to say, we wasted nothing on our plates.

Breakfast was included in our trip, with a choice from the à la carte menu, paired with a perfectly sized buffet. The spread featured fresh muffins, savoury tarts, cereals, fruits, and different juices brought straight to the table, with extras as required. The personal touch shone through in the little handwritten signs for the baked goods, and while it might sound sentimental, you could really feel the love and care in the details.

Lisa and Dylan, Mount Cinnamon

The Beach Cabana is a great hangout and lunch spot, attracting a glamorous yet laidback crowd, and hosting weekly barbecues with marshmallow-roasting bonfires and live music. Although lounger service is also available, so we had many happy lunches from a semi-reclined position, feasting on the daily catch, Grenadian dishes, and South American fusion.

The staff were all wonderful with Dylan, and I loved seeing him blossom through his Caribbean island freedom: a safe space but entirely educational, socially as well as environmentally.

House of Chocolate, Grenada

Trips out from Mount Cinnamon for waterfalls and chocolate

Grenada may be a small island, but there is a lot going on. We took a half-day tour with a private guide, where the first stop was Fort Frederick, overlooking St. George’s harbour, with panoramic views. The fort was built by both the French and British between 1779 and 1783: the two colonial powers struggled for control of Grenada for decades, yet never fired a cannon in anger.

Next stop was the stunning Annandale Waterfalls, for a rainforest walk and dip in the falls themselves, a blissfully cooling experience.

Just around the corner, our guide took us to a wonderful little spice garden where we learned how cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla grow, and then we headed to the House of Chocolate – a chocolate museum in St George’s where we had a demonstration of bean-to-bar processes, and learned about the history of cocoa farming. They have artefacts dating back to the Mayans, and seeing everything, including old photos of the cocoa farmers, was pretty incredible.

St James’s harbour; snorkel trip with Dive Grenada

Snorkelling the sculpture park on a boat tour with Dive Grenada

We were lucky enough to go on a two-hour snorkel trip with Dive Grenada, whose dive centre is right on the beach, to the Underwater Sculpture Park at Molinere Bay.

Dylan had never snorkelled and isn’t a fan of deep water, but I was impressed by how quickly he embraced the experience under our instructor’s guidance and, even better, how much he seemed to enjoy it.

The park is a breathtaking collection of stone sculptures resting on the seabed, the first underwater garden created by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor. Recognized as one of National Geographic’s 25 Wonders of the World, it left us suitably awed.

Also, on the return trip, we loved soaking in the pretty, pastel views of St. George’s harbour from the water.

The glorious gardens leading down to the beach

Mount Cinnamon brought harmony to our Caribbean winter vacation

Mount Cinnamon is a special place, and everyone seems to know it, especially children. I didn’t see a single sad face the entire holiday, and that includes my teenager. He discovered his best island self, relishing the freedom and soaking in the experience, and as a parent there’s nothing more gratifying.

Single-parent holidays often come with their share of disagreements, but this time, we were mostly harmonious, which was a rare and precious occurrence. So I’m sending heartfelt thanks to the universe for leading us to Mount Cinnamon: a spicy feast for the senses, and the perfect family trip.