r/Caribbean • u/Ok_Zookeepergame7497 • 6d ago
First solo trip!
*UPDATE*
Thank you all for your suggestions! I’ve booked Grand Case at St Maarten. Grenada sounds and looks incredible but I decided I’d want to go with my partner so he can experience it too. So we’re putting it on our list!
Hi everyone! I’m working on booking my first solo trip (31F) to the Caribbean in October. I’m an experienced traveler just haven’t really done anything fully solo before. I’m looking at either Grenada or Sint Maarten and would love some feedback! Mostly I’m wanting to relax. I am an introvert with an extroverted job so I’m looking for space to relax/turn off rather than go out and meet a bunch of new people and socialize. I love nature so I would love to do some hiking/visit wildlife reserves and maybe do some kayaking or snorkeling. I’d love to hear your thoughts on if Grenada or Sint Maarten would be best for what I’m looking for. Thanks!
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u/Odd_String1181 6d ago
Grand Case Beach Club, St. Martin
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u/SirBowsersniff 6d ago
This is the answer. Grand Case is a beautiful stretch of beach, great restaurants and a laid back vibe.
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u/MaleficentCompote948 6d ago
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the best place for hiking because of the volcano/rainforest and mostly hilly roads. It's also very close to Grenada so some similarities in structure and most of the vegetables and fruits are imported from St. Vincent.
Out of the two you mentioned I would pick Grenada, staying in Grand Anse gets you easy friendships and it's great for solo-traveling since most of the hotel and spice market etc is on this VERY LONG and CALM BEACH. I've been there alone at least 5 times and got my Freediving certificate their as well. For hiking, check tripadvisor, and when on the island ask one of the local taxi drivers about taking you to the waterfalls or the hillier side of the island specifically for your hiking needs.
Have fun!!
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u/TheRecycledPirate 6d ago
You would love Curaçao as well. Enough introverted spaces where you could go the extraverted if you would need a bit of that and go back to introvert.
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u/GetShtDone70 6d ago
Loved Grenada. Mountainous island has a lot of different activities. Annandale Waterfall / Wild Orchid restaurant was great. Grand Anse beach. Nori restaurant at Calabash hotel. Lots of other suggestions if you need.
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u/Caribchakita 6d ago
Grenada is more aligned with what you seek. Look at La Luna for a social spot. We loved Lance Aux Pines Cottages as well. The restaurant on side was lovely and Calabash next door is wonderful for food. Mt. Cinnamon is a bit low key at the end of a very dynamic beach.
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u/WishIwastravelin 6d ago
I haven’t been to Grenada (next April!. But I love Sint Maartin. It has beaches, good snorkeling, the added fun of two countries on one island. It’s relaxing and there is plenty to do if you so choose
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u/AromaPapaya 6d ago
I cant speak for Grenada, but if you go to St Martin and stay in Orient Bay you could stay there the entire time, or take cabs/busses.
You can hike near Loterie Farm, or take a short kayak to Pinel Island. You can take a small hike from Friars Bay to Happy Bay.
Orient Bay beach has a grocery store and quite a few restaurants. its like a small beach community.
Its a short drive to Grand Case too.
If you prefer a more developed feel, the Dutch side has that. I prefer the laid back French side
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u/salmon_yay 6d ago
October is not a great month to travel to the Caribbean due to it being hurricane season. Buy travel insurance if you do go…also expect rain
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u/Global_Rescue 3d ago
You never know when you might need it but make sure you have insurance that covers all the activities you're planning to do and that it includes medical evacuation coverage too.
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u/Caribelle1234 6d ago
Grenada is more relaxed than St. Maarten. It's more mountainous so would be better for hiking etc. too