Grenada offers new attraction

Belmont Estate has existed in St. Patrick, Grenada for over three centuries. However, just recently, the 300-year-old plantation opened its doors so that tourists can experience the rich history that fills this land. Guests are now privileged to take a journey back in time to discover the pace of another era and absorb a unique look at traditional Grenadian plantation life.

The plantation sits on over 400 luscious acres of rolling green hills, serene rivers and some of the island´s most beautiful flora and vegetation.

The estate, which has been in continuous operation for centuries, still produces nutmeg and cocoa. In the case of the cocoa, processing is still done the traditional way, resulting in world-class quality beans for export.

Indeed guests are sure to experience all that embodies traditional Grenadian country life at Belmont Estate. Here, they can explore the cocoa fields and learn the story of chocolate making from the most primitive to present day methods, as well as take a walk through the fermentary and savor the sweet smells of drying cocoa as it fills the air.

They can also indulge themselves with fresh cups of hot cocoa tea and learn to dance the cocoa (a traditional way of polishing the beans). After enjoying the tantalizing taste and smell of cocoa, guests can stroll through the gardens and experience another sweet scent, that of the estate´s tropical plants, flowers and trees.

And then there´s lunch where guests can participate in the delights of Creole foods and natural fruit juices at the estate´s plantation buffet (lunch is by reservation only.)

After lunch, it´s possible to visit the plantation´s many acres of untouched land filled with native vegetation, bursting with colors and scents as well as its friendly animals such as "Lipstick" the donkey, "Princess" the horse, or "Cutie" the monkey, along with several rabbits, goats, cows, sheep, ducks, and turkeys. While out in the field, guests can also venture through the remains of an 18th century sugar cane garden or take a donkey cart ride around the property.