Grenada, Caribbean: a rum run on the Spice Isle

People gather for the latest ‘hash’ run

Groups tend to form where there are large expat communities. What makes
hashing here so special is the distinctly Caribbean flavour, from the food
(chicken and bakes), to the music (soca) and the people.

Trails are tough, but not dangerous, with streams to traverse, steep hills to
climb and vines and razor grass to negotiate. The day I took part, a trail
had been set in La Borie in the parish of St George’s for the more than 200
of us who turned up. I opted to walk, admittedly at a brisk pace – running
through dense undergrowth and up near-vertical riverbanks was not exactly
appealing. This was supposed to be a holiday after all. The hashers
themselves are as diverse as the terrain: American students from the nearby
St George’s University, British and German expats, locals young and old, and
tourists. We ranged in age from about seven to late seventies.

With the late-afternoon sun beating down like hot oil and a cry of “On, on!’’
we set off, trampling, slipping, running, walking, laughing and talking.
Routes vary from week to week and in La Borie the runners’ trail was some
2.75 miles and the walkers’ trail about 1.85 miles. “But add in the hills
and rugged terrain,” said Mike, “and it will take a good hour to an hour and
a half to complete.”

As well as being a sociable way to keep fit, hashing is also a cheap and
effective way of exploring parts of the island that would not normally
feature on any visitor’s itinerary. Hares, experienced hashers who set the
route, will try to take in historical sites as well as the beauty of the
island. “We have a saying in Grenada that there is a wow view around every
corner,” said Mike.

The soca music was blasting back at the rum shop, as we congregated, tired and
hot but happy at having completed the hash. We virgins were presented with a
certificate of achievement and the obligatory ritual soaking. The Hash House
Harriers love having new people join them on the hash – just beware the
beer.

See grenadahash.com

GETTING THERE

British Airways (ba.com) flies
direct from London Gatwick to Grenada twice a week (Sunday and Wednesday) in
winter, and once a week (Sunday) in summer. Returns from £643 per person.

PACKAGE

Tropic Breeze (01752 880880; tropicbreeze.co.uk)
currently offers seven nights in a one-bedroom suite at the Mount Cinnamon
boutique beach resort, room-only, from £1,449 per person based on two
sharing. The price includes return BA flight from London Gatwick and local
transfer, as well as a $100/£63 dining credit per person and $100 spa credit
per person. This offer is valid for holidays completed by December 20 .

INSIDE TRACK

For lunch fit for a king or queen, try a cookery masterclass with Janice, a
top local chef, at the Mount Edgecombe plantation house (mountedgecombegrenada.com).
You’ll get to roll up your sleeves and help prepare a lunch menu including
spiced polenta, lobster salad, fried fish and rum-laced Grenadian chocolate
mousse.

Port Louis Marina (00473 435 7431; portlouisgrenada.com)
on Lagoon Road, St George’s, is a good starting point for trips out to the
underwater sculpture park at Moliniere Bay. Designed by the British artist
Jason deCaires Taylor, the park features whimsical and thought-provoking
artwork.

The tourist board (440 2279; grenadagrenadines.com)
runs fascinating all-day tours with sights including the Concord waterfalls
and the Red River rum distillery. Just as your energy starts to flag, you’ll
stop for a buffet lunch agritourism-style at the Belmont Estate.

Head to De La Grenade Industries (440 3241; delagrenade.com)
in St George’s to stock up on nutmeg jam, guava jelly and award-winning rum
liqueurs.

 Nothing beats yoga by the beach at Grand Anse (415 2118; yoga.gd).
Whether it’s at sunrise or sunset, instructor and founder Mit Sukha will
have you stretched and toned as the ocean laps the shore.

WHERE TO STAY

Coral Cove ££
Clean, comfortable cottages set amid beautiful gardens and right by the beach
( 444 4422; coralcovecottages.com;
doubles from $110 plus charges to $150/£70-£98, self-catering).

Mount Cinnamon £££
Gorgeous, modern apartments with gym, swimming pool and all mod cons (439
4400; mountcinnamongrenadahotel.com;
doubles from $350-$600/£230-£395; room only).

Laluna £££
Italian-designed romantic boutique hotel offering yoga and an Asian spa (473
439 0001; laluna.com;
doubles from $365-$495/£240-£326; room only).

WHERE TO EAT

Petite Anse ££
The sumptuous view of the Caribbean Sea and the neighbouring Grenadine islands
is the prefect appetiser ahead of a meal of fish roti and home-made ice
cream (Sauteurs, St Patrick’s, 442 5252).

BB’s Crabback ££
Here you’ll find a refreshingly modern take on Caribbean staples such as jerk
chicken, crab back and grilled snapper, all served with lashings of reggae
music (Progress House, The Carenage, St George’s, 435 7058).

The Beach House £££
Family-run restaurant with international cuisine in a lush, tropical setting
offering delights such as pumpkin soup with ginger and coconut milk and
seared tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes (Portici Bay, Point Salines, 444
4455).

WHAT TO AVOID

Tunnel vision; there’s more to the island than the capital, St George’s.

The trek to the Seven Sisters waterfalls is quite a strenuous one – be
prepared.

 Getting stressed: buses do not depart until they are full, which can take up
to 45 minutes, so be warned.