Check In

My girlfriend and I arrived at Grenada airport and after a short wait to get through customs, we were on our way. We did not check bags, so we went directly to the curb and a driver was waiting for us. It was an easy 10-15 minute drive from the airport to Calabash. We were greeted by a few friendly staff members upon arrival. Our bags were taken immediately and we were given a brief tour of the property. We were then shown to our room and given a tour of our room. There was no formal check in process and this was nice to not have to deal with credit card/check in formalities.

Room

We booked a junior suite and were given a one category upgrade to one of the superior suites (#3) which was on the second floor and very close to the beach. Our room had a living room, balcony, bedroom, and spacious bathroom. The king bed was very comfortable. The room was simple, not overly flashy or modern, but it had a Caribbean charm. The air conditioning worked great and kept the room cool. The perfect break from outside, as it was quite hot and humid throughout the day.

Service

The staff is what really stands out about Calabash and what makes visiting such a memorable experience. At the pool, beach, in the restaurants, and any other time, all of the staff members that we encountered were incredibly welcoming friendly. The service was anticipatory rather than reactive in the sense that it didn�t require us flagging them down to fulfill our requests as much as it as them preemptively asking if there was anything they could get us or help us with. There was a cocktail hour that the GM and the majority of the staff were at, inviting guests out to mingle which was very nice with out feeling forced.

Dining

The food at Calabash is incredible. The rate we booked included half board and we are certainly happy we chose to do this. For breakfast you are given the option to have it served on your balcony or at the Beach Club. Three of our four breakfasts we chose to have on our balcony. The other breakfast we chose to have at the beach club. Lunch is only served at the Beach Club and the food was excellent from the chicken roti, the shrimp taco, the fish and beef burgers, and the salads it was all tasty and fresh. The service was also friendly and prompt at the Beach Club. Dinner was served in the Rhode Restaurant for three of our nights and in the Beach Club for one of nights. In the Rhode Restaurants there were plenty of choices. Some of them did not change on a nightly basis, but others were specials, fresh for each night. Particular stand outs for us were the calamari gnocchi, the seared shrimp starter, the chicken tandoori, and the pork tenderloin. For dessert the molten chocolate banana pudding with homemade caramel ice cream was an absolute stand out. As we spent more nights, our preferences became known by familiar staff. The staff would have extra bread waiting for us after the first night when we requested additional helpings of bread. For dessert they knew I ordered three scoops of the sorbet the first night, so then from then on when I ordered sorbet they always brought me the three scoops when it typically came with two. In the mornings my girlfriend preferred her coffee iced instead of hot, and preferred soy milk rather than regular milk and the staff had these preferences ready each morning for breakfast. Details like these can make a hotel stay that much better because the attention to preferences� and personal touches from the staff go a long way. Calabash hit a home run for us on this.

Location

Calabash is nicely secluded and away from the hustle and bustle. It is only a 10-15 minute drive from the airport depending on traffic. The beach (L�Anse Aux Epines) is small, but very quiet. At times we had the entire beach to ourselves. There are lounge chairs set up and spaced out across the beach allowing everyone to have the space and peace and quiet they were seeking. There are large trees on the beach which puts about 2/3�s of it in shade, but for those seeking some sun, there is plenty of space for that. The beach itself has fairly soft sand, but it is certainly not world class. The trees leaves fall on the beach (which the resort cleans up every morning), but this could be a downside for those looking for an absolutely picture perfect beach. The water was warm and calm making it very swimmable, however there is a good amount of sea grass on the bottom of the ocean. This didn�t stop us from swimming quite a ways out into the bay though. The beach is not technically private, however it is pretty difficult to access it publicly, so there was no issue of non-hotel guests crowding the beach or even coming to the beach at all. Non-motorized water sports are available and we chose to use a kayak as well as a hobie cat. These outings into the bay were just enough activity for us during a trip that put a premium on quiet time and relaxation.

Pool

We split our time evenly between the pool and the beach. We enjoyed both of them very much. The infinity pool is fairly and simple, but there were large periods of time where we were the only guests in the pool making it perfect to swim laps and just enjoy the solitude. Our room did not have a private plunge pool, but we visited a couple�s room that we met on the trip who did have one and it was great for a quick dip, but we found the resort pool was better served for spending extended time in. Drink service at the pool was prompt and the attendants we�re very helpful.

Overall

We were very pleased with our decision to stay at the Calabash Hotel for 4 nights. The service and food (in that order) were outstanding to us. The resort is quite small, but for some that can be a plus (as it was for us) as it is very intimate and peaceful. For those looking for great service, great food, and a great deal of privacy and peace and quiet then the Calabash Hotel may be just the place for you.