For forty-nine years, docile Grenada slept peacefully without any major hurricane devastation. Suddenly, on September 7, 2004, Hurricane Ivan slammed into the southern coast as a Category 4 and left the island battered and bruised. At least 90 per cent of the island homes were destroyed, Ivan claimed 39 lives, left 18,000 people homeless, historical nutmeg plantations were decimated and damages were estimated at over $800US million. Ten months later, on July 14, 2005, Hurricane Emily pummeled the north of the island and created over $110US million in damages. The stunning 18th century Government House was destroyed as were many other historic buildings and sites. Hospitals, schools, churches and the main prison were severely impacted and utilities such as water, power and telecommunications were disabled.
The major industry of Grenada has been their aromatic nutmeg which was first introduced to the island in 1843. They were second only to Indonesia in importation of the world’s supply. At the time, nutmeg accounted for 80% of the island’s agricultural exports. All of their agricultural crops such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, mace, ginger and banana were destroyed. Before Ivan, the “Isle of Spice” had more aromatic spices per square mile than any other place on the planet.
But with a show of sheer determination and national loyalty, Grenadians literally shouldered the storm and, with a generous helping hand from the worldwide community, they quickly rebounded and completed the strenuous and costly rebuilding process. Ivan could not stop the bottling process at the River Antoine Rum Distillery, and even the new marina and luxury duty free shopping mall, which opened one month after the hurricane, accepted cruise ships brimming with passengers during those early days of devastation and reconstruction. The historical catastrophe actually became a tourist draw for curious cruisers and their presence kept the tiny island afloat while Grenada regrouped.
According to Pancy Cross, Executive Director of the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association, the disasters of 2004 and 2005 actually turned The Spice Island into “a better product than before.” “Buildings and properties which were due for renovations were forced to do so and in the process, applied higher standards and stronger reinforcements in compliance with newer Hurricane Building Codes.” The rebirth was campaigned as “Build Back Better.” So not only did major hotel properties receive the cosmetic face lifts they may have needed, but they are stronger and less prone to disaster during strong winds which the island will inevitably face again in the future. Optimistically, Grenada hopes that it will be another forty-nine years before that happens again.
The major support for renovations came from the United States in $40US million in aid. But the hundreds of smaller organizations that stepped up to the plate were overwhelming and did their part to fill the cracks, so to speak. Aid came in many forms, from workers, building supplies, medical supplies and food. James Post, owner of Paradise Bay Resort, hand carried a suitcase full of seeds from Canada to help the local farmers start fresh. Mr. Post had just started construction on his resort and spa when Ivan the terrible tumbled in, so patience was required in completing his dream eco resort. Paradise Bay Resort appeals to tourists who are concerned with their carbon footprint on the world. Taking his sustainable mission very seriously, Mr. Post has made his lovely resort internationally famous by becoming the first in the world fueled by wind energy. In addition to that, the resort utilizes solar water heaters, energy saving lamps and equipment.
In a recent interview, Mr. Post described his role in initiating the “Recovery Grenada Council”(RGC) , “an initiative that acted as a platform with one of the objectives being to avoid under- and over-serving” the beleaguered post Ivan community. The RGC was actively involved in distribution of relief supplies to the needy, supplying vitamins to all children and adults under the poverty limit, supplying seeds to ensure no one would suffer from hunger after relief ended, rebuilding homes for those who could not do so on their own and organized the community on an island-wide basis. RGC, and the dedicated Mr. Post, served as the main point for identifying those islanders with the most critical needs and provided meals and food supplies to those individuals. Mr. Post even opened the cupboards of his own restaurant to sustain these ravaged families.
By the December 2005, the island’s hotel properties were back in operation and receiving their holiday season guests, a major accomplishment to be proud of. Then, just when the island needed a strong economic boost, in walked multi- millionaire Peter de Savary, referred to by many as “PdeS.” British born Mr. de Savary is known throughout the world for creating unequalled luxury resorts such as the St James Clubs, Scotland’s Skibo Castle (which hosted Madonna’s wedding), and Bovey Castle in the UK.
PdeS saw an investment opportunity in Grenada and he quickly struck deals to bestow the island with exceptional properties such as Mount Cinnamon on Grande Anse Beach, which offers 125 beautiful rooms. A two bedroom villa runs $800 a night, including breakfast. His next project was the Arabian Nights looking retreat known as Azzurra Castle which can be secured for $25,000 a week. Also included in PdeS’ portfolio of Grenadian properties are Mount Edgecombe Plantation and Tufton Hall, another ancient plantation which has been rebuilt as a “house party style eco-spa.”
International investors are watching Mr. de Savary’s every move and realize that where PdeS invests, a goldmine is sure to follow. But you have to be very quick to follow this energetic entrepreneur as he keeps a private 13 seat turbo-prop, known as “Nutmeg One”, on call at all times.
But the real jewel in the crown of PdeS’ Grenada adventure is the Port Louis development which includes a five-star luxury hotel, 280 multi-million dollar cliff side residential properties and the Port Louis Yacht Club built to accommodate 280 foot mega-yachts. This half-billion dollar project also includes shopping, bars, spas, apartments and luxury villas overlooking the capital city, St George. The new development will host the Port Louis Sailing Festival Jan 30-Feb 3, 2009.
Spice Isle Villas, named one of the World’s Top Villa Rental Specialists in 2006, 2007 and 2008 by Conde Nast Traveler, is another new player on the field in these post Ivan boom days, offering very exclusive private properties throughout the island ranging from $1000 to $8000 a week , accommodating from 2-12 guests.
With offerings like these available, it is clear to see that Grenada is becoming the premiere destination for those seeking a second home in paradise. Lying far below the normal hurricane belt, and with only 90,000 inhabitants in 250 square miles, Grenada is one of the least crowded nations in the world. Married with the natural beauty, mountains, waterfalls and extraordinarily friendly inhabitants, “The Spice Isle” is breaking new grounds in the tourism industry by setting some new benchmarks in sustainable tourism.
Rebirth is not only taking place in the tourism sector but on the political scene as well. July of 2008 a new Prime Minister was elected, giving the island citizens even more optimistic expectations. And the new Minister of Tourism, Peter David has recently launched a marketing campaign entitled, “Feel Reborn in Grenada.” Tourism PR Director, Mr. Edwin Frank said that in spite of what clearly is a financial meltdown abroad, Grenada has laid a secure foundation with its new projects and enhancements, to sustain the island during these uncertain economic times. The new government’s emphasis on tourism speaks volumes about their commitment to the island’s future.
