If you are seeking a first-rate experience at a quiet, refined (dare I say genteel) resort a bit away from the usual Caribbean all-inclusive, you can’t go wrong at La Source. I spent six wonderful days relaxing, enjoying spa treatments, eating delicious food, scuba diving, taking a meditation class and trying archery. Almost all of the guests are from the UK (there are direct flights from London on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic), and between 40-70 years in age (though very fit regardless). The atmosphere is a bit more formal than what most Americans are used to; very polite language, quiet conversations, and most people keeping to themselves.
Try to arrive early in the day (to take advantage of all amenities) and leave late (though you will have to pay extra if you want to stay for dinner). Upon arriving at the small Point Salines Airport, ask one of the vendors for a taxi (this is not like Mexico where you will get “scammed”). The ride takes 5 minutes and costs $10 US / $30 Eastern Caribbean [EC] Dollars. There is no need to convert US dollars to EC. Most of the UK guests “on holiday” at La Source stay for two full weeks. There are no televisions in the rooms, though there is one in the theater/internet room (3 computers) adjacent to the Terrace Lounge. You do not need to wake up early for breakfast. Room service is available for continental breakfasts.
The resort will have scheduled your daily spa treatments upon your arrival…as a first time visitor, I would recommend emailing/calling a few days in advance to request early afternoon appointments (this way, you will be able to attend the orientation on your first day at 10 am). Also, if you scuba dive, there are 2-tank dives that leave at 9am, with 11am and 2pm dives scheduled every other day or so. Wear the short robe to/from your room to the Oasis Spa for your scheduled treatments, and leave your underwear on (unlike most spas in the US). Inclusive spa treatments are the Silk and Smooth (body scrub); Float on Air Hand and Foot Ritual (this usually takes place at an outdoor pavilion); Full Body Swedish Massage OR Aromatherapy Massage; Hit the Spot Signature Back and Shoulder Massage; Restorative Facial; and the Point Salines Wrap (seaweed wrap). You are not allowed to repeat any of the treatments in a given week, though I was able to replace the facial for a back massage without problem. There are numerous other offerings ranging from hot stone massage to Balinese treatments available for a fee. The treatments overall were very good, though not as luxurious as say, the spa at a Mandarin Oriental. I especially enjoyed the back massage with Marlene.
You can visit Grand Anse Beach and downtown St Georges via bus (there is a stop just outside the resort) or by taxi (around $20 US each way). Some taxi drivers will let you borrow their Digicel cell phones so that you can call them when you are ready to return…a really nice feature, I thought. Grand Anse Beach is usually full of cruise ship passengers, though, but I had a nice lunch at Umbrellas beach bar, including the Grenadian Westerhall Rum and coke.
Dinners at the Great House and Oscars are served a la carte, so you can choose what you’d like from a menu. There is a buffet once a week (usually on Wednesday nights). The service is a bit slow but allows for leisurely dining. Some specialty items such as the giant Lobster Thermidor or Fillet Mignon (yes, the Brits spell it “fillet” and pronounce it that way), cost an extra $20-$35. Dinners at Oscars require a reservation (available to be made during afternoon tea); but lunch is first come, first serve, and just as nice. There is also a solo travelers meet-up arranged by a member of the activities staff daily…while I was there, about 8-10 singles dined together each night after a cocktail or two (we uniformly loved the sparkling wine, but I also enjoyed the Pimms and lemonade as well). Of course, if you’d prefer to eat alone, that was fine, too, but be prepared to be invited to join another table (several times).
While spending time at the pool/beach, complimentary drinks, cold towels and cut fruit and usually passed every 20-30 minutes. There is also a really nice afternoon tea daily at 4pm, with delicious cakes, cookies and finger sandwiches. There is also a nice selection of teas and coffee with an electric kettle, along with a small refrigerator and La Source logo water bottles in your room. The water in the room is perfectly safe to drink. There are also two lookout towers with a few cushioned chairs atop the cluster of buildings halfway up the “hill”…a nice place to watch the sunset with a drink (hint, hint).
The scuba diving was a good diversion, though not on par with the Cayman Islands. The boat moors directly adjacent to the resort, and the equipment was of good quality. The gym was rather small, but had a decent selection of treadmills and ellipticals, which was nice since there’s really nowhere to go running.
Most of the time at the resort, I wore a nice “designer” bikini and tunic cover-up (the Brits call it a “caftan”). Some people really got gussied up for dinner (there is an evening dress code at the resort). Most women wore dresses and heels; the men khakis and sport coats. Remember to take an evening bag for your room key and camera. There are also fewer activities/classes on Sundays.
Since Grenada is known as the Isle of Spice, the best souvenirs include bay leaves (known as Bois B’Inde), nutmeg, cocoa and cinnamon. They are available at the small Kachi Gift Shop at the resort, along with postcards (stamps require cash payment), snacks, and gift items. When coming back to the US thru customs, you will have to declare “agricultural items." Just note they are “spices from Grenada” and you should have no problems.
Take a beach bag to carry along reading materials (though there is a nice little library in the Terrace Lounge) and some CDs (there is a Sanyo RM-XCD400 CD Player/Clock Radio in each room). The rooms are a bit older with a colonial feel, but spacious and clean. The beds were very comfortable, with turndown service every night (they leave the next day's activities list). There is one US 110V outlet in each room behind the dresser (unfortunately, not very convenient to a mirror). Otherwise, take a British adapter. Also, there are no hairdryers in the room, so bring one if it’s really important to you. There are in-room digital safes and full-sized umbrellas in case of the occasional rain. Laundry service, though expensive ($15 US for a pair of jeans), is available. There is a small chipping golf course available along with rental clubs, as well as two tennis courts. The beautiful trees and flowers throughout the resort are worth an hour or so for photographs. Ask reception for a plant guide if you want to learn more about them.
Make sure to leave a tip for the Central Gratuity Fund with reception at check-out. Though gratuity is included, extra tips are appreciated (you can also tip individual staff discreetly, though it is certainly NOT expected). I thought it well-earned as there were no stains/tears in any of the chairs/beds/sheets, no maintenance issues anywhere on the resort, nor any trash seen throughout my stay. Silverware was polished, the glassware and dishes un-chipped and clean, and the staff always smiling and willing to assist. A special "thank you" to Kevin (pronounced "KAY-vun"), for your endless smiles and remembering my sparkling wine at the Terrace Lounge!
Note that camouflage clothing is illegal in Grenada (I felt uncomfortable from the stares I received just wearing olive cargo pants). Always say “hello” or “good morning/afternoon” when passing someone on the street. Good evening and good night are used interchangeably. The resort is for adults only…older children are only allowed during the summer (though probably not many even then).
Overall, a wonderful vacation…and there is NO EXTRA CHARGE for a solo traveler in my own room (no single supplement)! Now, how often can you say that about an all-inclusive?! Oh, and the resort has a >40% return rate as well…count me in as one who will be back!
- Lasource Grenada St Georges
- Lasource Grenada Hotel
- La Source Grenada
- Grenada La Source
