From forest to plate on Grenada

Guests staying at the luxury Maca Bana Villas on Grenada, now have the opportunity to learn about both agriculture and farming on the Caribbean Spice Island, as well as how to prepare a traditional Grenadian meal from locally grown produce, on a new tour entitled ‘From the Forest to the Plate’.

Owners of Maca Bana, Rebecca and Uli, have restored a 15-acre plot of agricultural land in the rainforest region of St David, which is part of a nutmeg plantation that had been neglected following damage caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Now local farmers are employed to cultivate crops on the plantation, which are then used by Head Chef, Uli, in The Aquarium Restaurant located on Magazine Beach just below the villas.

Guests who join the ‘Forest to the Plate’ tour meet the farmers, learn about traditional farming techniques and discover an array of tropical fruits and organic crops, which they may help to harvest and use later as ingredients in their own evening meal. Produce grown on this fertile stretch of land includes aubergine, avocado, breadfruit, bananas, callaloo (Caribbean spinach), cucumber, golden apple, herbs, lettuce, nutmeg, okra, sweet peppers and tomatoes.

In addition to the fresh mountain spring water that may be enjoyed during the tour, refreshments are provided, and those participants who wish to may also sample the local rum.

On return to Maca Bana, guests may opt for a private cookery lesson in the kitchen of their villa with a chef from The Aquarium who will prepare a meal using the produce they have collected, and share some well-kept culinary tips into the bargain. Alternatively, they may enjoy their meal in the restaurant.

The tour is designed to enhance mutual understanding between visitor and local, bringing the different cultures closer together and reconciling the traditional agricultural heart of Grenada with its economic future in tourism.

The two-hour guided trip into the countryside costs US$30 per person, payable locally. The meal is priced according to whether guests choose to eat in the restaurant or to have a private cookery lesson.

Overlooking the pristine white sands of Magazine Beach in the south west of Grenada, accommodation at Maca Bana is in luxury one- and two-bedroom villas fitted with the best quality Miele kitchens, private massaging hot tubs, four-poster beds and walk-in wardrobes; each decorated with unique murals and artwork by Rebecca.

Based on a special ‘7 nights for 6’ offer available in September, prices start from £1050 per person – saving £100 per person – for twin share in a one bedroom Ocean View Suite, and include return economy flights with Monarch Airlines, resort transfers, seven nights’ accommodation and Grenada departure tax.

For further details, visit justgrenada.co.uk.