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True Blue Bay Resort and Villas is a small treasure trove of sea-facing rooms and self-catering accommodation set on a large bay on the south coast of Grenada. The small resort sits in sloping gardens, its rooms looking down to the waterfront and bay, and to the heart of all the activity, the hotel’s excellent bar and restaurant. Family-run and friendly, True Blue is fairly low key by day, but in the evenings it has a lively atmosphere, partly because of its guests (many of whom are sailors and divers and themselves add a touch of colour), but also as a popular watering hole and eatery with Grenadians and island residents. True Blue is funky, relaxed and young at heart, an excellent base for independent travellers.
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Style: Bright Caribbean colours, easy living in a friendly atmosphere for Grenada vacations
The Beach: True Blue is on a lagoon. The nearest beach is five minutes drive
The Rooms: 42 rooms, including suites and self contained villas
Key features: Low key and welcoming Grenada hotel with a keen following, centred on its popular lively restaurant and bar (some entertainment). Two pools, some watersports, diving on property.
Children: Welcome, some facilities
Staff: Daily maid service |
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If the Caribbean is best known for its beachfront resorts, its best secret for independent travellers is its small and stylish inns. True Blue is firmly in the second category, a striking property set in attractive, open gardens above one of Grenada’s many south coast coves. It jangles with tropical colours, yellows, blues and earthy terracotta off-set by the tropical greens of the gardens. The small resort is quite lively, with a crowd of interesting visitors, but its character also comes from the fact that it is family owned and run, by Russ and Magdalena Fielden, which gives it a strongly personal flavour and, for the guests, an easy sense of belonging. While True Blue is not on the beach (though there is a man-made section of sand), it is within a short drive of Grenada’s best beaches and beach bars as well as much of the island’s activity, so it is ideal for independent travellers who like to explore but who also enjoy an amusing crowd.
The resort is just a short ride from the airport and as you arrive you find yourself looking down a hillside that sweeps down to the bay. Reception is beneath you and the rooms, which overlook the sloping gardens from their balconies and terraces, are scattered in clusters to the right. The focal point of the resort is True Blue’s restaurant and bar, which sits right on the water’s edge just beneath Reception. It has a classic Caribbean feel, set on a very pretty deck painted in the True Blue’s main colours, blue and yellow. It is open-sided and made entirely of wood, with criss-cross balustrades and stylishly rustic beams supporting a tile and canvas roof. It looks particularly good at night when it is fringed with fairly lights and the water in the bay is inky black and calm.
While there is a bar within the restaurant, the main bar, the Dodgy Dock, is set at the end of a boardwalk leading out into the bay (which also acts as jetty for dinghies from the yachts at anchor in the bay). As well as the focus for guests, the bar and restaurant are a gathering point for Grenadians and residents. It is particularly lively on weekend evenings. The current dock is temporary and will be reconstructed when planning permission is granted.
By day you are likely to be spending most of your time around your room or at one of the two pools. There are 39 rooms in different styles of accommodation (hotel rooms,self-catering apartments and villas) and they are built with the best of the Caribbean in mind, as well as a touch of Mexico (Magdalena is from Mexico). There are verandas with hammocks in which you can spend a languid afternoon, and doors that can be flung wide to get the view and the breeze. In addition to the lively colours, the buildings are literally festooned with bougainvillea and hibiscus. The interiors reflect the same bright and funky colour scheme, with the familiar blue and yellow (muted a little to ochre) and comfortable furniture that includes four-poster beds with brightly coloured drapes. There are also striking primitive paintings on the walls and some sculptures.
The bay on which the resort sits is quite busy (well, relatively). There are some villas dotted around the shoreline and Grenada’s University is directly opposite. Part of the resort is a small marina, which has some activity. There are usually quite a few yachts at anchor in the bay – whose passengers like to come in to use the bar at True Blue. It is possible to kayak and snorkel in the bay, with equipment from the hotel and the next door dive shop. Back at Reception you will find the Trueblutique, which offers island wear including the True Blue line and a collection of Caribbean-made clothing, alongside souvenirs, t-shirts and a variety of essential items.
In the few years that they have owned True Blue, Russ Magdalena Fielden have transformed every corner of the shorefront property, developing what was already a very successful operation. The small resort still has a strong presence among the best of Grenada’s small, personal hotels. Tucked away where it is, it is perhaps a little unexpected, but if you are not a slave to the beach, and instead you are comfortable in a cool spot with the chance to mix in with island life, then True Blue should suit you extremely well. |
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Stay/Sail
The bay is a hub of activity and a safe anchorage and so it makes True Blue a good option for a sail/stay holiday, combining time ashore and time afloat. Its position also makes it popular for those that want to moor in the bay and sail by day but sleep and eat on terra firma. The resort is also located within walking distance of the Spice Island Marina where they have a chandlery, yacht repairs and good haul-out facilities, so True Blue is a good place to stay if you have your yacht at the yard. |
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Beach & Swimming
There is a small man made beach at True Blue - for those who simply can’t do without sand between their toes - the shorefront on the bay is sandy but not very attractive for sunbathing. Grand Anse, Grenada’s most famous beach, is a short drive away, but in many ways the closer coves in the north side of the Point Salines peninsular are the nicest places to go. They are just a few minutes away by car and have some superb beach bars in which to spend the day.
True Blue has two swimming pools. The first, the Petite Anse pool, is a fresh water infinity pool that sits virtually in the sea and makes you feel as though you are almost swimming in the bay, without the waves and the salt. Located in front of the villas, it is surrounded by white sand, palm trees and has a good view of the marina. There are plenty of deck chairs for sunbathing and shaded spots with hammocks for chilling out with a book.
The second swimming pool, the Bay View pool, sits between the Bay View rooms at the top of the resort and the Waterfront and Indigo Apartments situated on the shoreline. There is a terrace and wooden decking around the pool with deck chairs and a fabulous view across the bay. Younger children will enjoy the waterslide and small playground.
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Sports & Recreation
True Blue has some kayaks which are available free of charge if you would like to paddle around the bay. There are a couple of small islands at the mouth of the bay near which there is a reef where you can snorkel. Equipment is available through the dive shop just along the waterfront. The dive shop also offers snorkelling trips and daily dive trips to nearby reefs and wrecks. Please see here for more on diving in Grenada.
Sailing is quite big on this stretch of Grenada’s coastline and the bay is a popular anchorage. There is a yacht charter company right next door who will let you take out one of their boats for a day sail (when there is a boat free between charters). They can provide a skipper, or if you are suitably qualified you can sail without one.
Marina
If you are sailing in the region, True Blue Bay offers an excellent anchorage, and you can take advantage of some of the hotel facilities when staying at the dock. Apart from a very good bar and restaurant, the on-site marina offers the usual services with water, fuel, ice, showers and electricity. True Blue is also located within walking distance of the Spice Island Marina where there are excellent haul out facilities, a chandlery and yachts repairs. If you are using the marina you can stay at True Blue who offer special rates for ‘yachties’. |
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Staff
True Blue Bay Resort is a family affair. It is run by Russ and Magdalena Fielden, who have owned it since 1998. Their staff are helpful and friendly and there is an easy-going sense of fun about the place. You will come across Randy Richard, a charmer with a big smile, in the restaurant (he is the restaurant supervisor) and Shineal Huggins, usually at the Front Desk. She started at True Blue straight out of school in 2001 (and has since completed a business course). Often alongside her is Kathleen Clement, who has an infectious giggle. She calls herself an expert amateur loo fixer and plunger, but actually she has a degree in hospitality and works as the Accounts Clerk. |
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The Rooms
The imaginative interiors and colour schemes are one of the things that make True Blue so individual. They are bright and vibrant inside and out, and evoke Mexico as much as the Caribbean, so Magdalena’s influence is apparent throughout. You will find rattan and sleek rich teak side by side with wrought iron scrolled bed heads, so an importance is placed on comfort as well as style.
The Tree Top Suites (where the old restaurant used to be) sit just above the restaurant on the waterfront and have framed views of the bay though almond and mahogany trees and bougainvillea flowers. Inter-connecting doors via the balcony make them suitable for families with children (as are some of the Indigo rooms). The Indigo Rooms are on the ground and first floor of the buildings close to reception leading to the marina. They have views west and are a great place to catch the best of the sunsets.
The Bay View Rooms are at the top of the resort and have commanding views over the gardens, pool and the bay from their balconies. These are all at first floor level and are very popular with repeat guests. Then there are six more standard rooms called the True Blue rooms and a further three Tower Rooms, which have magnificent views of the bay from their balconies and their private viewing towers.
For a very grown-up experience, there are the new villas located behind the infinity pool and ‘beach’ area, looking straight out across the bay. Set on two levels, they are sleek and contemporary, with an open plan design. They can work just as well for a family as for groups of friends. On the ground floor, the master bedroom has a king size four poster bed – the curved lines of their black wrought-iron frames are set stylishly set against the terracotta washed walls and doors that open across the breadth of the room (onto a balcony, the man-made beach and pool to the sea). The large en suite bathroom is half tiled and has a Jacuzzi and his and her basins set into a beautifully made wood surface. The second bedroom has a king or twin beds and a shower room en suite. On the upper level there is a veranda with a spectacular view of the marina and the bay, a fully equipped kitchen with all mod cons, spacious living room with separate dining area and a high ceiling with wooden beams. There is also a small patio with a private plunge pool. |
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Dining
True Blue has an excellent restaurant, known as much for its friendly ambiance and romantic waterfront setting as for its good food. It sits on a wide wooden deck that extends into the bay. With a good use of plants and the bright colours of the resort, it is a funky and lively place for dinner. The nicest tables are in the small alcoves that reach out over the shoreline into the bay. Magdalena’s influence brings a touch of Mexico to the food as well as the atmosphere, which makes for good dining when combined with fresh local fish, chicken and all the fun of Grenadian spices and flavours. There is a good wine list.
Continental breakfast is included in the room rate with breads and pastries that change daily, including English muffins, pound cake and scrambled eggs (on Sundays). Full breakfasts are available at extra charge. In the evenings the regular menu is supplemented by themed specials – Tuesday is Grenadian night with steel pan music, Wednesday is a live music jamming session, Friday is Mexican night with Mexican décor and music to go with enchiladas and other specialities. Saturday is Romantic night, with a live band and on Sunday they have a roast beef special at lunch and in the evenings. Other notable specials are their tamarind shrimps or mango fish.
The Dodgy Dock
At the end of a wooden deck that reaches out into the bay from the restaurant is The Dodgy Dock (former Stuart's Bar), the ‘hot’ spot in True Blue terms, particularly on weekend evenings and holidays, when the locals come to chill after a hard week’s work (Grenadian style). There is a happy hour from five to six pm. There is entertainment watching small green turtles having supper before sunset. If you feel like having a light supper, the Dodgy Dock serves simple fare including hamburgers, nachos, quesadillas, fish and chips and calamari. It is just the right place for children that don’t want to sit still in the restaurant.
The current Dodgy Dock is a temporary construction and will be reconstructed when planning permission for their new bar comes through. The intention is to build it so that there is not a single level surface. Dodgy indeed. |
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Weddings
Weddings are quite popular at True Blue because of the excellent and extremely picturesque setting. They are also good at putting it all together, using their own celebrations manager who will work directly with you (or your travel organiser) to ensure that your day is organised exactly as you want it. Whether you would like a low-key affair for the two of you or the full works for up to 120 people, everything is planned on an à la carte basis. Although they offer is a basic wedding plan, you can tailor it with almost anything you wish, such as a photographer, videographer, steel pan music, extra tiers to your wedding cake, reception lunch or dinner with all the trimmings including colour coordinated themes and flowers. |
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Children
True Blue is well set up for children and they are welcome year round. The only caveat is that some room categories (for example the Bay View, Apartments and the Tree Top Suites) are not suitable for younger children because of the verandas. There are two playgrounds, one by the restaurant and one by the Bay View pool. There is also a small kids’ library. Children’s movies are available on request. Babysitting can also be arranged. |
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Useful Hints
You will be disappointed if you are looking for immediate access to a classic Caribbean strand with lots of beach activities. True Blue can get quite lively in the evenings, especially at weekends, but it is never until late except for the odd special occasion like Sailing Week or New Year. The hotel is also quiet close to the airport, so be prepared for the odd plane overhead on certain afternoons (though this is hardly Heathrow or JFK). |
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Practical Facts
Annual Closure Dates: No annual closure dates
Dress Code: Casual by day, casually elegant in the restaurant at night
Facilities: Reception, two swimming pools, gift shop/boutique, restaurant and bar, snack bar, dive shop and store, marina, kayaks, hobie cats, 2 playgrounds
Complimentary: Continental breakfast included in the room rates. Coffee, tea, sugar, cream in the rooms. Gilchrist & Soames shampoo and soap products in all bathrooms, plus body wash in the villa bathrooms. Use of hobie cats and kayaks. Manager’s cocktail held every other Monday. Cooking lesson every Thursday afternoon at Dodgy Dock.
Other Services: Concierge service, limited room service with a specific room service menu (EC$15 charge + tax and service charge), conference room that can seat 30 persons (max). Catering can be arranged. Internet access, fax, and photo copying service. On site dive operator and yacht charter company. Car and bike rental
Weddings: A welcome gift awaits you on arrival and a time is arranged to meet the resort’s celebration manager the next day. The basic ‘package’ costs approximately US$750 and includes the services of the celebration manager, escort to the registry to obtain your marriage licence and later your marriage certificate, all associated transport costs, legal and notary fees, paperwork and magistrate plus a bridal bouquet, groom’s buttonhole, a single tier Grenadian wedding cake and a bottle of champagne
Children: Welcome
Rooms: 39 rooms
Accommodation: Common to all rooms are en suite shower rooms, balconies with views of the bay and sea, kitchenettes, A/C, ceiling fans, cable TV, hair dryers, irons, safes and phones. The Club Villas have full kitchens. Maximum occupancy 3 persons per room/four in the Club Villas and Bay View Cottages. 3 Tree Top Suites: generous balcony, king size bed or twin beds, a small kitchenette with microwave. 12 Indigo Rooms: at ground or first floor level with a balcony or terrace, twin beds or king size four-poster beds. 5 Bay View Rooms: all at first floor level, good size balcony, king size bed or twin beds plus a kitchenette. 6 True Blue Rooms: king or twin beds, spacious terraces and kitchenette. 3 Luxury Tower Rooms: second floor with spacious all in one room, four poster bed, living room, kitchen, dining table, en suite with Jacuzzi tub, view of the bay from generous balcony and a private viewing tower. 5 Club True Blue Villas: on two levels with Master bedroom (king size bed), bathroom en suite with Jacuzzi, 2nd bedroom (king or twins) with shower room en suite at ground level with a small courtyard patio with plunge pool. Upstairs is a large open plan living room with dining area, fully equipped kitchen, and veranda.
Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard and American Express |
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Rates
| | 16 Apr- 14 Dec 2009 | 15 Dec- 15 Apr 2009-10 | 16 Apr- 14 Dec 2010 | | Indigo Rooms 1-2 persons | 147 | 242 | 160 | | Bay View & True Blue Rooms 1-2 persons | 147 | 242 | 160 | | Tree Top Suites 1-2 persons | 147 | 242 | 160 | | Club True Blue Villas 1-4 persons | 357 | 594 | 393 | | Tower Rooms 1-2 persons | 209 | 369 | 225 | | Additional person | 45 | 55 | 45 | All rates are in US$ per night, include continental breakfast buffet and are subject to 8% Government Tax and 10% Service Charge. All rates are subject to change without notice. Visiting yachties with yachts in for repairs at Grenada Marine or moored at True Blue can request a discount if they wish to stay at the hotel. Deposit & Cancellation Policy: A three night deposit is required (or full payment if staying less than 3 nights). In the event that you cancel your reservation within 7 days of arrival the deposit will be forfeited, regardless of the reason for cancellation. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance incorporating cancellation insurance. |
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Special Offers
December Holidays Special
Book 7 nights accommodation to include 12 December 2009 and receive a FREE US$100 dollar voucher to spend at the hotel's annual True Blue Craft Christmas Bazaar.
Winter Special – Free Nights
Stay for 7 nights and only pay for 5. The 2 free nights offer is valid for stays between 09 December 2009 to 06 January 2010 – saving from US$484 up to US$1,188.
Early Bird Spring Offer
Book before 01 January 2010 for stays during 06 and 22 January and March 2010 and only pay the summer rate – savings from US$574 up to US$1,414 per week.
Offers are for new bookings only and may be subject to change without notice. |
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10th Annual True Blue Christmas Arts & Crafts Bazaar
True Blue Bay Resort in collaboration with The Creative Craft Association invites all to The 10th Annual Christmas Arts & Crafts Bazaar on 12 December 2009, at the True Blue Bay Resort Grounds, True Blue, Grand Anse.
It’s an opportunity to purchase local gifts and crafts for yourself, friends and family and to socialize and make new friends.
Books, Paintings, Craft, Pottery, Handmade Soaps, Jewelry, Candles, Incense, Cushions, Local Confectionary, Household Items etc. Delicious, Food & Drink on Sale Also.
Steel Pan and Carol Singing by Local Groups. All day music and fun for all.
OVER 40 LOCAL VENDORS WILL BE THERE FOR YOU TO SHOP TILL YOU DROP. COME EAT DRINK SHOP AND HAVE GREAT FUN
Open to the public from 10.00am – 8.00pm
Entrance - FREE
For more information call Debbie locally on 444 6842 or 403 6589 |
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How To Book
To make further enquiries or reservations for True Blue Bay Resort & Marina in Grenada, please use the WEB, TELEPHONE OR DIRECT EMAIL ENQUIRIES link at the top of this review. |
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UK Tour Operators
If you wish to book through a tour operator or travel organiser, please follow the TOUR OPERATOR link below. |
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Locality
True Blue is on the southern side of the Point Salines peninsular, the south-western tip of Grenada. There is quite a bit of development in the bay itself and some activities – directly opposite you will see St George’s University, which started as a medical school but which has not grown to include a number of different faculties. Right next door to True Blue you will find a marina and there is a very lively bar within walking distance.
You will find some of the islands prettiest beaches, and a couple of excellent beach bars, set in coves on the northern side of the peninsular. Farther afield there are basically two directions in which you can head, either north, passing Grand Anse and increasing development to St George’s, the island’s capital, which is the prettiest harbour town in the Caribbean. Or you can head east form the roundabout. You quickly come into countryside. On the South Coast there are some extremely pretty coves, also with excellent beach bars. |
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Airport Meet & Greet
If you are travelling independently taxis are readily available at the airport. The ride from the airport is less than 10 minutes depending on the traffic. Alternatively, if you would prefer to be taken care of from the minute you arrive at the airport, with a range of services that include airport transfers, a Concierge Service is offered by Caribbean Horizons.
If you are travelling with a tour operator/travel organiser then it is likely that you will be met at the airport by the company’s local representative. |
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Getting Around
While there are plenty of very good things to do in the area, True Blue is a little remote from much of the general activity of the island. It is also not on the bus route (the nearest stop is about 15 minutes walk away), so unless you are happy to take a cab on occasion then we recommend you book a hire car for your stay, particularly if you are intending to cater for yourself in any major way. A car is easily arranged if you would like to explore the island or to go off to Grenada's excellent beach bars by day. You can book through the hotel's in-house car rental service or perhaps in advance direct with Y&R Rentals who offer a 10% discount for online bookings. Be aware that in the winter season there is often a shortage of cars, so you are advised to book yours in advance. It is also advisable to book in advance if you want a car for a week or more as you will sometimes find pre-booked rates better.
Taxis are available through Reception, although you are advised to book in advance otherwise you may have to wait a while. |
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1_normal.jpg "Aerial view of True Blue Bay Resort & Marina, Hotels in Grenada")
