Grenadine House.
Kingstown Park, Kingstown, St Vincent.
The colonial splendour of Grenadine House is hardly surprising as it was built originally in 1765 as the residence of the British Administrator of Saint Vincent. The hotel is set in residential Kingstown Park, overlooking Kingstown and then across the sea towards Bequia.
The large swimming pool is surrounded by a broad terrace ideal for sunbathing, while the terrace at the front of the hotel has a large ornamental fountain and is a great spot for alfresco breakfast, lunch or dinner. There is also a garden, lounge, and the fitness room and spa.
Although named the West Indies Bar, at first glance the bar would not look out of place in an English country house. You wouldn’t get the same rum cocktails though! This is a favourite haunt for drinks, tea, coffee and snacks at any time of the day. For a more elegant dining experience, there’s the Sapodilla Room. This historic room dates back to the 18th century and provides a cuisine taking the best of Creole and Western influences.
The 18 bedrooms are well-appointed with period furniture, tiled or hardwood floors, air-conditioning, flatscreen television and an en-suite bathroom. A few rooms have a queen-size bed while most provide a choice of king-size or twin beds. The Garden View rooms have a private terrace and the Bay View rooms have a balcony tucked under the hip roof with views all the way to Bequia. The Deluxe rooms are especially spacious and each has a wide shaded terrace with views towards the famous Caribbean sunset.
Grenadine House is close to the heart of St Vincent’s capital, Kingstown so it’s handily placed for shops and restaurants, the National Trust museum, Montreal botanical gardens and Fort Charlotte. Of course anyone visiting Saint Vincent will want to see the island, either by hiring a car or taking a private excursion. The south and west coasts have the best beaches while windward side of the island is notable for the wild rocky shoreline and secluded pools. A trip into the interior will show the abundant flora and fauna on the slopes of the dormant Soufriere volcano, an unmissable hike for anyone who loves walking.