What it is

A natty, 30-room hideaway on a quiet south coast cove.

What it isn't

"Barefoot luxury." The hotel is just the right amount of formal (i.e. pack your glad rags for dinner).

What we think

If we were going to be adopted by another family, it wouldn't be the Vanderbilts—it would be the Garbutts, the extremely photogenic clan who have owned and lovingly operated this respite since 1987. Good thing, then, that they treat guests as one of their own, even addressing you by name. Rooms are just as welcoming, with white-and-blue-swathed interiors, iPod docking stations and patios where your breakfast will be served by your very own maid (or, if you prefer, on the beach). The Bed & Breakfast rate includes everything from welcome cocktails to afternoon tea to as much Hobie Cat sailing and kayaking as you can handle. The on-site spa has perfected reflexology and basalt stone massages.

You're here because

This being the Island of Spice, eating well is a priority, and at this food-obsessed hotel the chef will cook you whatever you like. Though with lobster tacos and callaloo & feta fritters on the Beach Club menu, you'll be too busy eating to ask.

The Moment

When you walk into the hotel's Rhodes restaurant for dinner, you're beyond glad you packed your finery to wear. When food is as decadent as this—slow roasted lamb shoulder with tomato chutney and grilled courgette; twice-baked lobster soufflé—you want to look decadent yourself.

Restaurants & Bars

Rhodes - Caribbean cuisine

The Beach Club - Lunch, tapas and cocktails

Location

On a shimmering inlet of Grenada's Prickly Bay, on a tranquil beach despite being just five minutes from touristy Grande Anse. The names of nearby lanes—Hummingbird Drive, Petit Valley Road and Reef View Drive—really say it all, don't they?