Three Spicy Grenadian Babymoon Spots

I arrived home from Grenada on Monday with a bad case of the end-of-vacation blues. The symptoms were unmistakable -- a heavy heart, a furrowed brow and a deep-rooted dread of unpacking and getting back to "normal" after a gloriously relaxing trip to the West Indies. Yuck!

Unfortunately, the only way to relieve the symptoms of these blues is to tell and retell everyone back home what a great time you had. (In other words, spread it around). So, in the spirit of making myself feel a little better, here is a little info about Grenada and three hot babymoon spots on the Caribbean's Spice Island.

Visiting Grenada
Grenada's turbulent history (a US invasion to route out communists in 1983 and mass destruction resulting from Hurricane Ivan in 2004) has kept this place relatively off the radar for most American tourists. And despite the fact that Grenada's capital, St George, is a stop of for several cruise lines, this bustling town is the real deal. Its maze of steep narrow one way lanes is lined with a mix of the tourist shops you might expect but there's also plenty of local markets and shops mixed in. An excellen diversion is a visit to see with your own eyes just where Grenada's famous spices and cocoa actually come from. Bet you didn't know that nearly 1/3 of the world's nutmeg supply comes from Grenada? The island also produces cloves, gineger and cinnamon.

Babymoon Hotspots in Grenada
Mount Cinnamon
Beautiful views, designer villas and a very responsive staff equals an intimate, customized stay compliments of English entrepreneur Peter de Savary. Mount Cinnamon's fresh, citrusy villas are perched very nicely above Grand Anse beach with a private path leading down to the resort's private beach club.

To avoid a lot of extra climbing to and from the beach, babymooners will be most comfortable in the two bedroom garden suite (with private plunge pool) or one of the one-bedroom hacienda suites. Ask the helpful staff to book you on an island tour with Cyril from One Dog, One Bone who will take you around the island with a stop at Belmont Estate -- a 300 year old plantation that produces nutmeg and cocoa. A visit to Belmont Estate isn't complete until you try their unique chocolate tea.


Spice Island Beach Resort



For babymooners looking for a little bit of Southeast Asia style close to home, check out the five-star stylings of Spice Island Beach Resort directly on Grand Anse beach. This intimate all-inclusive resort features beautiful beachfront and private pool suites that are easily the most lavish on the island. The onsite spa - Janissa's Spa - provides a wide variety of pampering options. And although families are welcome at Spice Island Beach Resort, the higher-end restaurant on property, Olivers, is limited to adults only in the height of the season. (Not such a bad thing for people who will soon have more than their fair share of kid-friendly dinners.)

La Luna
It's difficult to find a more meditative environment in Grenada than La Luna. These secluded, exotic cottages hang from the side of a steep slope like little pods on a nutmeg tree. Italian-owned, this little gem is a versatile boutique resort featuring daily yoga classes, an Asian-inspired spa and a secluded beach. La Luna really knocked our socks off with its casual chic, Asian design and a private plunge pool for each cottage. La Luna's authentic Italian cuisine will not disappoint but if you do decide to eat in town try BB's for dinner or Nutmeg for lunch. The ride into town is stunning as you'll pass another of Grenada's beautiful beaches -- BBC Beach -- on your way.


We can't wait to start sending babymooners to Grenada so if you're looking for a little guidance, we're happy to help.

Contestant's Row Friday: Cookie's Mother's Day Sweepstakes

Who needs another reason to love Mother's Day?

I have one...Cookie Magazine's Mother's Day Sweepstakes where the grand prize winner receives a trip for four to Caneel Bay, a Rosewood Resort, in St. John, USVI!

The winner will also receive a year's Basic membership to Indagare.com, the high-end travel advisory service, and a $1,500 gift certificate to Vivre.com, an exciting and eclectic lifestyle, fashion and jewelry retailer.

Enter now....

Trick of the Trade: CARES Safety Harness

Nothing dampens a good old-fashioned case of wanderlust quicker than dashing through an airport to make a connection with a huge, bulky car seat. It's not only completely unfun to carry your kids car seat around; it's nearly impossible to maneuver the seat, the stroller and carry on luggage (oh, and the kid!), especially when you're traveling solo.

Although it's mighty tempting to go au naturale, that nagging voice in the back thinks that airplane lap belt just might be up to snuff in the event of any significant turbulence. That's why I really like the FAA-certified CARES safety harness which is designed specifically for aviation use for children age 1 and older who weigh between 22 and 44 pounds.

The Toddler is super squirmy so I have to admit he did fuss a bit when we first used it on a flight from Newark to Orlando. However, it's not like he's a big fan of the car seat either. And, the CARES has the added advantage of being a lot lighter than a car seat (just one pound!) so it definitely doesn't make Mom and Dad as cranky!

Order your CARES safety harness by clicking on the Amazon link in the right hand column.

Trick of the Trade: Tide Stain Stick

We're on Day 2 in beautiful Grenada and I can't believe how many times I've already used my Tide Stain Stick!

This little beauty definitely comes in handy when you're attacking random stains resulting from a long plane journey with a toddler who alternately demands Cheetos, chocolate and cookies throughout two three-hour flights.

So if after a long hard-fought journey, you'd much rather spend your time on the beach than doing a full load of laundry, don't forget the stain stick!

Contestant's Row Friday: Win a Custom Travel Activity Kit

We're just about 48 hours away from wheels up on our family trip to Grenada. The list of things to do and to pack is overwhelming. Getting ready for a big trip always gets a little hectic around here. There are just so many things that we're on the verge of forgetting.

If you can relate, check out this week's timesaving Contestant's Row giveaway from Travel Savvy Mom (TSM) -- a Custom Travel Activity Kit from Kids Travel Happy.

"We Just Got Back" Declares Hershey Offer a Deal

If you're pondering a late Spring / early Summer getaway to Hershey, Pa., take a look at today's 'Deal or No Deal' feature on We Just Got Back.

These family travel experts have declared this offer a Deal with possible savings of $149 per night!

I'm all for hygeine but has it really come to this?

Strolling in the mall today, I spied a cheerful, chubby little baby in his stroller. Just as I began to smile and think, "isn't he cute?", I saw this conspicuous red octagon hanging near his head.

Before I had a chance to fully process these words of warning, I briefly thought the infant might be dangerous. Alas, it turns out that it's me who apparently wishes to do him or her harm.

I'm not a baby toucher but I am just going to come out and say that I think this stroller tag is over the top. I'm sure that the folks who created this tag, My Tiny Hands, had the best of intentions. I'm no medical expert but I can see where this warning would make sense for preemies or babies with compromised immune systems (or if you live in an area where people are completely incapable of keeping their hands to themselves).

However, I'm a little saddened that this passive aggressive piece of plastic trumps a kind smile, a thanks for admiring a new life and a diplomatic explanation of why a touch might not be such a good idea. Maybe I should create and market a yellow tag for strangers who do wash their hands that says, "I've washed my hands. Now let me touch your baby."

Contestant's Row Friday: April Showers From Glow Mama

The mom advocates at Glow Mama are giving away a Market Sling by Serena & Lily and a delicious Glow Mama Mocktail kit.

To win all you gotta do is share with us your most creative mama shower idea, register your opinion on showers for second children, or make them laugh.

How Walkable Is Your Next Vacation Destination?

I think I may have just come across the best neighborhood research tool ever.

It's called Walk Score and it calculates the walkability of an address in the United States by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. Walkability in this case is defined as the ability to live a car-lite lifestyle.

Although Walk Score is marketed as an exceptionally good house hunting tool, it's a brilliant way to check in on a vacation destination / hotel / resort that claims to be centrally located.

If you're like me and you prefer to vacation in walkable areas and be a little less dependent on rental cars or hotel shuttles, check out Walk Score's list of America's Top 40 Walkable Cities to determine your next city vacation destination.

Timing Is Everything

As soon as the Toddler started showing a faint interest in exploring parts unknown, the Mr. and I pondered the possibility of a spontaneous family getaway.

So earlier this week when we learned that The National Cherry Blossom Festival was only a few days away, we loaded the Pack N Play into the trunk and pointed the car South for a four hour trek to Washington DC.

What a beautiful weekend!

The blossoms were at their peak and the sun shone bright. The Toddler agreeably cuddled his most grotesque looking dinosaur while The Mr. and I were happily learning that we could still enjoy a last-minute trip even with a two year old.

Contestant's Row Friday: Free Night Stay with Hyatt

Travel Savvy Mom is giving five lucky readers a one night stay at the Hyatt hotel of their choice as part of Hyatt's The Big Welcome promotion.

To win one of five free nights:
1. Visit Travel Savvy Mom's Hyatt giveaway before April 15
2. Leave a well-mannered comment

Also check out The Big Welcome promotion on Hyatt's web site for more chances to win!

In Good Company: Have Kids Will Travel's Top 20 Family Travel Blogs

We were thrilled to see our name on Have Kids Will Travel's Top 20 Family Travel Blogs list and equally excited to see a collection of some of our favorite family travel blogs in one spot for easy bookmarking.

Make sure to cruise over to HKWT to check us out -- the site is an excellent resource for parents who refuse to let a little kid gear stand between them and a meaningful travel experience. And since I'm a person who loves a good to do list, I especially love the handy 'checklists' section.

National Geographic Traveler's List of Hotels that Create a Sense of Place

We were catching up on a little old-fashioned magazine reading this weekend and fell in love with National Geographic Traveler's 2nd Annual Stay List (April '09).

Traveler's Stay List features "hotels that don't just reflect their surroundings -- they help define them."

We were pleased to see a few of our favs on the list:

Hale Ohia in Volcano, Hawaii (The Mr. and I spent part of our Hawaiian wedding / honeymoon here!)
Ti Kaye Village Resort in St. Lucia
Casablanca Hotel in New York, New York
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort in Tofino, British Columbia

If this list sounds intriguing, pick up a copy or visit online.