CARIBBEAN soul warming

Swap winter chill for a trip to the beautiful island of Grenada in the West Indies

- RORY BUCCHERI

Grenada may be last in the chain of Windward Islands, but with its tempting cuisine and generous hospitality, it deserves to be your first choice destination. Known as the spice isle of the Caribbean, it offers palm-shaded beaches and nature-filled activities, giving options for relaxation and adventure.

Spice Isle

A former colonial outpost, Grenada was used to grow tobacco, coffee and spices. Today, food producers - from chocolate farms to rum distilleries - still dot the island, and much of their amazing wares are on show at the spice market in St George's, the capital. There's row upon row of cinnamon, nutmeg, mace and cloves, turmeric, cacao, hibiscus and rum. Grenada's best-known export, nutmeg, was introduced from Indonesia and was once used as a currency between colonial nations.

For a typical taste of Grenada, try its national dish, oil down, made of callaloo (a spinach-like leaf), breadfruit, green bananas and salted cod, all soaked in spice, with chicken and pork. If you're keen to learn more about local cuisine, Home Hospitality offers a cooking class led by Chef Kennedy, who'll teach you to make this and other local favourites (£90pp, hhgnd.com).