Caribbean holidays: Grenada serves up a relaxing break with rum and Rococo chocolate

Add to My Stories Share Im normally a Cadbury Dairy Milk kind of girl. I like my chocolate cheap, in large quantities and preferably served up alongside a larger-than-average glass of wine.
So nibbling on a slab of 60 per cent cocoa during a tasting session at an organic Grenadian plantation is about as far away from my usual chocolate experience as you can get.
This is chocolate as it is meant to be - rich, slightly sharp, but still with that melt-in-the-mouth quality. And eaten by the square, not the kilo.

Chocolate heaven: The high cocoa content makes Grenadian chocolate richer than our milk alternativesBut while this is a revelation to my Cadbury-accustomed palate, it seems Grenada has been in on the quality-cocoa game for years. The aptly-named Grenada Chocolate Company has supplied trendy London-based chocolatiers Rococo since 2002 (give or take the odd hurricane).
Add in the second-largest export of nutmeg in the world, as well as its fair share of cinnamon, and it is easy to see why Grenada has earned the nickname 'Spice Isle'.
This tiny emerald speck, plopped into the Caribbean Sea, grows more spices per square mile than anywhere else in the world not bad for a landmass the size of the Isle of Wight.
But Grenada still seems to fly under the radar compared with its near neighbours.
Simon Cowell and his celebrity followers head for glitzy Barbados, and carnival lovers descend on the chaotic parties of Trinidad and Tobago - leaving Grenadas sugar-white sands to those who prefer privacy, relaxation and a hint of indulgence.
Of course, Hollywood stars do holiday in Grenada, and the island has plenty of millionaire visitors mooring their yachts in the Port Louis Marina. But somehow it all feels more low-key.
Instead of mega resorts complete with their own shopping arcades and entertainment complexes, the coastline is dotted wi! th chic retreats which encourage visitors to head off-compound to explore the real island beyond the resort walls.

Beach bliss: Grenada's stunning coastline is full of empty stretches of sandWhich is how I find myself trotting through the steamy rainforest, attempting to keep up with a sprightly 70-year-old who could give Usain Bolt a run for his money.Deceptively diminutive Telfor knows the island's walks like they are his own back garden. Which, effectively, they are. As we walk, he points out plants used to make bush tea, and bark which can be burnt as incense.With the flash of a devilish grin, he also recounts tales of his many 'lady friends' and mountain walking adventures - before skipping off, leaving me to follow his bobbing form as he dashes through the undergrowth, managing to avoid the roots and vines which seem to have set their sights on breaking my ankles.The forested peaks of the island are a world away from the baking beaches. Mists swirl around my head and mona monkeys dash through the trees. Every now and again the air clears to reveal Grenada in all its glory, a verdant marvel surrounded by clear waters as far as the eye can see.
While Telfor assures me that he walks everywhere on the island, in the wake of my exhausting ramble I decide to retreat to the comfort of a car to see the other tourist hotspots.

From rambling to rum: Grenadian guide Telfor leads energetic walking tours through the Grand Etang National Park (as long as you can keep up with him) - where mona monkeys scamper through the treesIt is easy for holidaymakers to rent cars in Grenada, and almost as easy to find your way around. The streets are safe and relatively simpl! e to nav igate. But if you would rather relax, many resorts offer group or private tours.I return to driver John, the man behind my chocolate revelation, to show me the other highlights of his island - and find myself at the Clarke's Court distillery, home of Grenada's iconic rum brand.The tour around the former sugar factory is interesting, but it is the rum tasting at the end that sends the tourists home merry.
If you are looking for a more authentic rum experience, try the many 'rum shacks' which seem to dot every street corner.

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When I innocently ask John about the busy little buildings, his eyes twinkle and he deftly flicks the steering wheel to bring us to a standstill outside the closest kiosk for an informal sampling.The huts are local convenience stores where you can also order a very generous shot of 70 per cent proof rum alongside your groceries, for that added boost to your day.I had struggled enough with the rich, smooth spirits served at Clarke's Court. So when it comes to gulping down a quarter glass of pungent, clear liquor served out of an unmarked glass bottle, I positively gag.But, truth be told, I leave the shack with a spring in my step, despite my burning insides.

Ultimate calm: Sarah's favourite class was the yoga session in the specially-built pagoda

In truth, all this chocolate tasting and rum sampling hardly ties in with the wellness vibe that is supposed to be the overall theme of my break. I am staying at the La Source resort, which offers outdoor activities and sports classes alongside inclusive spa treatments and healthy food.But hotel manager Mark, who finds me recovering on a sun lounger, insists that I can do as little or as much! healthy living as I like during my stay. If I want to do nothing but drink hard spirits and indulge in spa treatments, that's fine.And all sorts of activities are on offer, from sailing and windsurfing to hiking and Thai Chi on the beach. First thing in the morning, I spot the energetic set heading off for a hike. Somewhat later, I manage to drag myself to a yoga session, held in a pagoda set back from the beach.If there is one class to join at the resort, it is this one. The gentle instruction is made all the more soothing by the hummingbirds quietly buzzing around the nearby bougainvillea, and the trickle of a water feature in the lake opposite.It may induce you to take a quick snooze. But I can guarantee that, afterwards, you'll be ready for that next cocktail and a cheeky square of chocolate.

Travel Facts

A seven-night break in Grenada, staying at the 4V La Source resort, costs from 1899 per person with Virgin Holidays (0844 557 3859; www.virginholidays.co.uk) - including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Grenada, all-inclusive accommodation and transfers.The price is based on two adults sharing a room - and on departures during September 2011.
For more information on Grenada, visit www.Grenadagrenadines.com.