Bridal

BOLTHOLES

Laluna, Grenada

Italian Chic Blended with Caribbean Idyll

Honeymoon Heaven...

Heading down a dirt track, you may think you've taken a wrong turn until you glimpse a chic crescent moon sign and expectations rise. Laluna has all the panache of owner, Bernado Bertucci, a former consultant to Prada who orginally built the hotel as somewhere for his fashionista friends to hang out.

Honeymoon hideaways are in 16 thatched cottages in cute parma violet, refresher orange or minty green on the outside with your own wood veranda and plunge pool. Inside its serious chic from the designer who styled Giorgio Armani's villa in Pantelleria. Large Balinese beds have the softest white cotton quilts with tiny appliqué harking back to a 19th century Caribbean. The bathroom is semi alfresco with a funky shower framing the sea view. The main Balinese-style, open air lounge feels like your own tropical living room with the pool and beach just a step away. Tall-sided wooden daybeds with silky cushions are perfect for cuddling up together after a hard day's sunbathing. Pull down swaying bamboo blinds to shield the sun and order a long cool cocktail from the bar. There's always some cool sounds around from Mozart to Bjork and the staff are happy to play your own CDs. There's a cheeky edge to this hotel with well-endowed totem figures dotted around. The thatched dining room by the beach is minimalist but oh so inviting with twinkly lights and fabulous Italian food and wine.

For honeymooners looking for total relaxation and a large slice of Italian-meets-Balinese style, this is the perfect retreat. A serene spa will open soon. Treatments on your veranda are available now.

Out & About...

"If it's nice, you do it twice," is the advice from Grenada's taxi drivers. Spend your honeymoon in this tiny Caribbean island, known for its pretty harbour capital of St George's, heady nutmeg, lush mountains, lakes and waterfalls, not to mention some of the world's most beautiful beaches and there's no question you'll want to return for an anniversary visit. Grenada is packed with more than your average Caribbean attractions. St George's is a hubbub of island life and well worth a look for its hectic Saturday market where the hand woven bags and island spices are a steal, quaint museum and Fort George dating back to 1706 with spectacular views of the colourful colonial architecture. Grenada's south coast coves are particularly romantic but if you really want seclusion, ask your hotel to pack you a picnic hamper and take a boat to Sandy Island just off the north tip of Grenada. This immaculate strip of sand is totally Robin Crusoe. There's much more to Grenada than its beaches. Head inland to Concorde or Seven Sisters Waterfalls for a sexy refreshing dip in crystal clear water. If you fancy a trek through lush rainforest, The Grand Etang National Park covers 30 acres and features a spectacular lake 1740 feet above sea level with breathtaking views. Adventurous couples might like to take an off-road mountain bike tour. If you like scuba diving, Grenada is world renowned for the Bianca C, the largest wreck in the Caribbean and a must for more experienced divers at 130 feet. If you love messing about on boats, this is the place to come as the sister islands of Carriacou and Petit Martinique are waiting to be explored not to mention the Grenadine Islands. See why you need to come back for an anniversary visit?

Essentials...

Cottage suites cost from US$390 (low season) to US$730 (high season) per night.
A seven-night romance package for two costs from US$4025 and includes a accommodation in a deluxe cottage with private plunge pool, daily breakfast, daily dinner, a bottle of champagne, a four-hour guided island tour and Laluna gift.

The Finer Details...

For the best advice and service when it comes to arranging Caribbean honeymoons and weddings, the Bridal Boltholes' panel of experts recommend 'Caribtours', a small privately owned travel company with in-depth knowledge of the smaller and more exclusive hotels in the region and an emphasis on personal advice. They also frequently offer special services including free lounge passes and flight upgrades. Plus, Bridal Boltholes users who book with Caribtours can claim £50 cashback (see box below) and please mention Bridal Boltholes when enquiring.

Visit: www.caribtours.co.uk or Call: 020 7751 0660