Relaxed Tropical Resort Overlooking Caribbean Bay

On an October morning in 1961, the Bianca C, a cruise ship anchored off the coast of Grenada, caught fire after an explosion in the engine room. All but one of the nearly 700 people onboard survived, but the ship eventually sank. Today, spotted eagle rays, zebra-striped spadefish, and the occasional shark parade past the submerged hull, which sits at a depth of about 100 feet. It's one of many sites rewarding underwater exploration in Grenada, and True Blue Bay Resort is one of the only diver-dedicated resorts located in the tiny island nation. In addition to offering snorkeling and scuba diving, the resort provides Hobie Cats and sea kayaks for enjoying the water's surface.

Inside an eco-friendly waterfront suite or a True Blue room, a private terrace looks out over True Blue Bay and carefully cultivated tropical gardens. Designer teak furniture and fresh, bright colors reinforce the laid-back island vibe. The included food and beverage credit for $405 XCD—roughly equivalent to $150 USD—can be put to good use via room service or a visit to the locally popular Dodgy Dock Restaurant. International chefs use local seafood to whip up creative global fare, along with famous frozen Kahlua cake, served in a space overlooking the water. In the morning, a complimentary continental breakfast fortifies vacationers for swimming in the infinity and bay-view pools, paddling a kayak in the bay, practice sailing on Hobie Cats, or taking the resort’s complimentary shuttle to the celebrated sands of nearby Grand Anse beach.

Grenada: Pristine Beaches and Laid-Back Island Living

At 133 square miles, Grenada—a dot of land in the South Caribbean—is one of the world’s smallest countries. In the 18th and 19th centuries, indigo plantations populated the area where True Blue Bay Resort now stands. It was only in the 1960s that modern roads and resorts granted out-of-towners access to the region's mild weather and sparkling aqua waters. Some plantations from the colonial past remain, offering tours and a glimpse of history. Tours of a local chocolate-making factory provide a behind-the-scenes look at cocoa processing. At the end of the day, hungry explorers dive headlong into dishes seasoned with Grenadian spices at restaurants set right on the beach.