Whenever i returned home from a

Whenever i returned home from a business getaway my youngest son said "What's Daddy doing here" and that was basically my sign on the wall of which my business life had overtaken my personal life. During a Sunday early morning walk my wife urged that living in a heather shack would be much better than having no time for the family. Therefore i decided to give up my well compensated executive life and started to groundwork the ultimate destination. Main considerations exactly where: a nice climate, safety, natural beauty together with nice people. While I checked out the earth my oldest daughter saw a characteristic partyband frankfurt on Grenada on Dutch TV SET and enthusiastically proposed it as any destiny.

I almost scientifically contacted my mission to check out the ultimate place to live. I evaluated political steadiness, safety and [lack of] discrimination by talking to people that were living on my short list destinations. Grenada scored highest on all points, so I chosen a visit -during which- I was sold. I even decided to check out possible properties for our dream: to build a little, sustainable resort. Five months afterwards we came to Grenada and complete the purchase of eight wonderful beachfront acres on the Southeast cost of Grenada and decided to call it Paradise Gulf. The government appeared to be very responsive to the plans to build a resort together with committed to cooperate in all aspects. Paradise These types of Resort opened in 2007.

After the island was liberated by the U. S. from a communist coup and democracy was restored in 1983 the island developed positively and is now regarded as one of the most stable political climates in the area. More than corruption, favourism is the less severe version that rules here -like in many other places in the world knowing the proper person always helps to get facts done-. Grenada and the sister island destinations Carriacou and Petit Martinique own about 98, 000 inhabitants but have ministries on all vital elements. The government welcomes foreign investors and even grants special facilities such as tax credits (usually 10 years no revenue tax) and duty free credits on building materials and equipment intended for approved projects. The Grenada Commercial Development Corporation (GIDC) handles every inquiries in a professional and quick way.

Life in Grenada reminds me to how people dealt with one another in small Dutch villages many years ago, People always greet one other and when they ask how you are they really mean it. When I return from a trip abroad people see how it was and welcome you once again wholeheartedly. When I organise tours meant for visitors I always include showing precisely how people live; it is an eye opener for numerous that have been living in a cold, impersonal atmosphere for too long. Grenadians are very eager to talk to visitors. It is no surprise that several of our hotel's visitors started out thinking of retiring here and/or using a second home in Grenada. Within Grenada there is absolutely no discrimination: all contests live together in perfect harmony.

Caribbean people are laid back which is a appeal on one hand but if you have to work with all of them it can be less charming. When people promise to come to work on a particular day or time you should not be surprised if he or she don't show up: they may had a thing more important to do and would even say that afterwards. When it rains they would highlight later at best. They will rarely call: "my phone giving me trouble". The average work speed is at the very least half of Western standards. Sometimes staff try to "speed up the work" getting into their job different -and a lesser amount of good- than ordered; especially structure workers have this habit which can cause big problems.

Theft is an concern here -like elsewhere in the Caribbean-: offer the occasion and thieves could grab it. Violence however is extremely rare in Grenada; I have do not heard of armed robberies of gas stations or shops. Violence towards guests is also unheard of. With violent crime on the increase in many Western states it comes as no surprise that people are recorded the lookout for a safe haven. Grenada is definitely a great, save place to reside.

Hard drugs are very rare right here, but marijuana is rather common; many people on the countryside simply grow that in their backyard. Although formally forbidden, smoking marijuana is generally not seen as a crime and consequently there is also no similar violence. In my observation, problems brought on by alcohol are more severe than tobacco use marijuana.

The Caribbean has the image of being a beach destination. Not surprisingly because beaches belong to the most attractive in the world. Some islands have indeed bit more to offer than the beaches, sailing and even snorkeling. For most visitors, this is adequate. But there are islands like Grenada that have a fascinating hinterland to offer. Jungle hikes are an experience that handful of ever had in their lives. I have been doing many hikes in Grenada and most visitors saw these as their most fascinating experience.

Our resort is located amidst thousands acres of gorgeous nature and I warmly recommend visitors to walk either North or South out of beach to beach; up the hillside - down the hill and every quarter-hour a new beach and different nature: Right from gently sloping hills -that tell to Ireland- via cactuses to be able to mangroves. These not too strenuous walks can be done by most people. More strenuous are the rainforest walks in addition to hikes, although there is one exception: some sort of walk that starts at a water water tank high in the mountains which leads to a virgin forest in less than 10 easy minutes. Grenada has many water falls to choose from, very easily accessible, some requiring a stroll or hike. (For my article, Google: hiking in Grenada)

After which, there are the beaches. On the leeward West Coast the water is peaceful and confirms what people have in mind to be a Caribbean Beach. The two mile long Grand Anse white sand beach is known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Carribbean. On the Atlantic side the ocean is more rough, yet quite ALL RIGHT to swim in. The scenery of the water playing with the stones is fascinating. And as Grenada is not really overrun by tourist the shorelines offer much space.

The Caribbean is a known snorkelling and diving scuba paradise and Grenada is growing quickly to become a major diving destination, tested by the fast growing hotels within house dive shops. Sister island Carriacou is also great for snorkelling and scuba diving; many take day excursions to go there. There is no history of person being killed by fish therefore it can be considered a safe activity. Most scuba shops also offer dive classes.

Slightly north of Carriacou are the Tobago Cays, best reachable by marining, which is a top ten snorkelling and plunging destination. There are weekly 2-day sailing trips to the Grenadines from Carriacou.

Sailing in this area is immensely popular; many hotels offer boats to rent. Grenada's West Coast, Carriacou and the Grenadines are the most peaceful waters. The Grenadines consist of lots of small islands, most of them inhabited and are also considered by many as the ultimate Carribbean sailing experience, let alone barbecuing using one of these Robinson Crusoe islands. That's where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed.

Whale watching is offered year round having best chances during the migration season (December through April) from concerning 8 miles outside Grenada's West Coast. But, you need to be lucky; Ankle sprain had times when we did not also see a dolphin and also when there was clearly so many whales that we lost count number at 38, with one following the other jumping. Dolphins are lively and often swim with and jump in front of the boat.

Sport fishing is also a big thing in the Caribbean and even Grenada is one of the better places as it has deep water close to shore; fishing starts after 15 minutes. Quite a few small charter boats operate through Grenada. Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna and Dorado are normal game fish, in addition to the widespread Barracuda and other smaller species. Carriacou also offers sport fishing with typically scaled-down fish caught.

On a small area one cannot expect the same alternatives as in a metropole. But, there are several nice cultural activities. Steel artists which usually play in groups of various dozens -some of them surprisingly adolescent children- are not to be missed. A very good place to see them is the every week festival Fish Friday in Gouyave at the North West Coast, in which fishermen sell anything from species of fish cakes to lobsters. But the cultural highlight of the year is definitely Brazillian carnival in the second week of September. While it may not compete with big carnivals such as in Rio de Janeiro it has an atmosphere that many prefer. When you want to come and discover the Grenada Carnival, make sure that you generate flight reservations early as many expat's come home then.

I often take guests to local bars precisely what gives them a good idea on how people live and think. One nightclub is located in a welding shop where they also bake bread and show films to their clientele from time to time. Another exciting thing is going to a "Bloggo", a casual party that can be organised by any individual at a shop or on the street with this recipe: loud Soca and Calypso music, rum, beer and barbecued chicken. Simple, but nice.

Ahead of the economic depression, Grenada seemed to be in good shape. Earnings were rising and almost everybody can find the money for to have a TV. Construction was booming with new hotels and next home resort communities under design. Grenada was mentioned in the 08 Annual Wealth Report by up-market property consultant Knight Frank together with Citibank, listed Grenada as one of the top ten second home markets being leading suspects for future growth. The reason why can be found in this article... moreover the real estate rates are far lower than on other islands that have far less to offer than Grenada.

As all other tourism destinations Grenada also suffers from the decline within the number of tourists and the average investment property. The construction also faces a slow down due to halted projects. As travel and leisure and construction are the two major motors of the economy the sadness is clearly felt here by simply most people. This may however be a way to revitalize agriculture as currently most of the produce and most chicken and beef are imported. Obtaining financing to understand such projects will be a decisive thing.

Being a small tourism destination it is an option to focus on niche markets. In example, we recently bought a small sailing yacht and now offer All inclusive holidays guests not only walks, hikes and excursions, but also a mini vacation to the Grenadines, without extra cost. A further market with opportunities is the honeymoon market, where Grenada is putting more and more focus on. Grenada is also a good way for destination weddings where the personal attention a big resort (a. k. a. wedding factory) cannot give is a big plus.

The government's main income comes from duties upon imported items. Income tax starts around 2, 000 US$ per month and it is levied at 30% over the excessive. Only few people pay income taxes; the typical income is about 850 US$ a month. The prices of imported products are therefore rather high. Cars and petrol are about double the US cost. Local produce, fish and beef are quite affordable. Most people have no trouble making ends meet because their expectations aren't as high as their Western counterparts, who definitely are generally, less happy.

Grenada includes a modern airport in the South West part of the island and a cruise terminal which can handle 3 ships at the same time. The main roads are good for Caribbean specifications and are fairly well maintained. There are however almost no road signs so along with fuzzy explanations by locals booking a car -although widely available- is not really always the best option; taking tours is more preferable and can be less expensive.

Thanks to the presence of the university (primarily medical) with more than 4, 000 primarily American students together with a growing expat population, yacht- in addition to second home owners, the availability of American goods is much better than most other Caribbean islands.

When you decide to come and dwell permanently in Grenada the most affordable option is to buy or rent a house in a residential area unless you wish to be in the much better -very expensive- neighbourhoods. If you chose to live here part of the year it is a better option to take a villa or perhaps apartment in a resort (community) because you then have no concerns about secureness (theft) and maintenance (leaking water ranges can be very expensive) in addition of getting rent for the time they do not occupy their home. Search villas Paradise Bay Grenada on YouTube to see a video.

If you think of creating a house here, think again and to start with read my article on this (Google: stop the construction carnival). When you still want to build a house after reading the article, read it again...

Good amounts is available from licensed doctors; additionally there is a good private clinic.

Living in Grenada is relaxed and once you understand Herman Wouk's statement: "The West Indian is not exactly hostile to change, nonetheless it's not much inclined to believe throughout it" and do not try to change all of them you will be relaxed too. Most citizens regularly spend time abroad for browsing, family &amp; friends, theatre and being reminded why they want to return to Grenada. Airlines regularly have special offers.

Like most places, when you want to do work that can also be performed by local people, you will not be allowed to work here. For all those professions not competing with local people or in case of a shortage you should be able to get a work permit. If you look into to move here and wish testosterone levels have an opinion feel free to contact me. If you be a good, broad-oriented maintenance male and want to change life, I am on the lookout...

Income over here is generally substantially lower than in Western hemispheres, a lot depending on the occupation. If you intend to start your own business and need local staff to perform you must have a lot of patience and be prepared to take over work from absent personnel on a regular basis unless you "over"hire.

Air Jamaica operates direct flights from Nyc and flights from major North American cities via Montego Bay. United states Airlines flies 3 times a week by means of Miami with additional flights by means of San Juan. Air Canada functions a winter flight from Toronto. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic in addition to Monarch Airways fly direct by London Gatwick with connections to Europe. Condor flies direct coming from Frankfurt with connections to Germany and Austria. Airlines additionally include indirect flights, mainly via Barbados with connections via local airline LIAT, who operates inter-island travel arrangements within the Eastern Caribbean. There are in season charter flights. Generally, flights are usually cheap in the low season (May : July, September - November), whilst it is recommended to book early to get Christmas and August as many Grenadians living abroad come to visit.