Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel

Upon entering the property, the air of tranquility is immediately apparent. There is an overall spa-like feeling to the resort, with its clean lines, light colors and whites, and crisp, contemporary decor. The beach and gardens maintain a calm, quiet atmosphere -- one might even feel the need to talk in hushed tones, as to not disturb guests in the beachfront lounge chairs, who all seem deeply relaxed.

This family-owned and operated hotel is named after the calabash plant, a large, round gourd that grows on trees in the area. One unique feature the Calabash offers: Breakfast is served a la carte to each room, and set on your private deck or balcony. The restaurant also delivers a small plate of canapes to each room at sunset, included with your stay. These little, personal touches make the property feel extra special and sophisticated. The clientele is mostly older couples, but families with children are welcome as well, though the atmosphere is decidedly quiet. Those seeking a more lively atmosphere should check out True Blue Bay, or the Grand Anse beach area. While activities are available and there is a dive shop on site, most guests seem to come here for the peace, and the serene stretch of Lance Aux Epines beach.

The Calabash Hotel is located on a small cove in Prickly Bay, on the quieter south side of the island. It is sits on a small beach on a peninsula called Lance Aux Epines, about a 10-minute drive from the action at the popular Grand Anse beach area. The property is spread over 8 acres in a very quiet, private area with few other resorts close by (Lance Aux Epines Cottages down the beach is another small, quiet property) -- making it a peaceful, secluded experience. It is rather isolated though, there are a few local restaurants up the road, but nothing else is in walking distance.

Calabash is not far from the airport, just about a 10-minute taxi ride, and the occasional air traffic can be heard overhead. The quaint Grenadian capital of St. George’s is about a 20-minute drive away.

The 30 rooms at Calabash are arranged in horseshoe shape around a field of well-maintained green grass and palm trees, with paths leading down to the beach. Due to the layout surrounding the gardens and many trees on the property, the rooms generally do not have ocean views. (If views are a priority, consider the similarly priced Maca Bana.) All rooms are suites, with a comfortable living room or seating area. They feature breezy, contemporary decor in soft pastel colors, like lilacs and light blues. Rooms have names inspired by local flora, such as Ginger Lily or Prickly Pear.

Suites have large, airy bathrooms, with nice glass block showers and Elemis bath products, some featuring jetted tubs. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, DVD players, iPod docks, stocked mini-fridges, and coffee/tea facilities. Every room also has an outdoor space, either a deck or balcony, with nice seating areas.

The Pool Suites are the most spacious and updated, featuring beautiful, modern bathrooms accented in an unfinished light wood, reminiscent of a Swedish spa. The deck includes a private plunge pool and outdoor shower, as well as an outdoor soaking tub.

Breakfasts are served in-room, and guests fill out a little form and clip it to a board outside their door the night before to specify when they'd like it. The next morning, staff will deliver a lovely spread, set upon the room’s private deck or balcony, for a peaceful start to the day. Casual, creative lunch is served at the Bash Restaurant by Mark B, down on the beach, steps from the water. For dinner at the Rhodes Restaurant, chef Gary Rhodes serves upscale, locally inspired dishes. There are different meal plan options available.

There are two bars, one down at the beach in the daytime, and the second is connected to the Rhodes Restaurant and a lovely, plush lounge area with plenty of comfortable seating. There is a piano player or other live music a few nights a week.

The Heaven and Earth spa, up a set of steps at the end of the beach, offers the best views on the property. It has an open-air yoga room and elegant, dark wood style with ocean breezes. Activities include a tennis court, shuffleboard in the gardens, and water sports such as Hobie Cat sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. A fitness center with good equipment is located next to the pool. The medium-size pool is on quiet, sunny terrace, with several padded lounge chairs and umbrellas available. The Calabash gift shop has local crafts, clothes jewelry and other essentials.