Highlights
- Exclusive eco-friendly villas.
- Beachside dining.
- Pristine beaches with nature hikes and world class diving.
- Tailored service.
- Personalized spa and yoga sessions.
Background
Maca Bana Resort is nestled on the Southwestern tip of Grenada along Magazine Beach. There are only seven villas clustered on a 2-acre hillside which is ideal for a private holiday for relaxation or romance. In addition to maintaining impeccable 4-star service, Maca Bana is also devoted to eco-luxury. The resort features renewable energy sources like solar power to reduce its impact on the lush environment. It also supports local organic farming which not only helps the local farmers but also provides the resort with the freshest ingredients to accompany the fresh-caught seafood.
Experience
The Maca Bana Resort is walkable from the International airport but the location on a hill surrounded by tropical greenery keeps the resort tranquil and isolated from the airport noises.
Walking into the resort is much like walking into a small village. I stopped by the reception where I was greeted by a helpful attendee who helped me register and guided me to my villa, giving me a brief tour and introduction to the resort on the way to my suite. The grounds really reflect to the mood of the resort, quiet and tranquil with lush gardens, stone pathways, and koi ponds.
I stayed in the one bedroom Rock Fig Villa, named after the rock fig fruit. The rooms were spacious with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and a large outdoor lounge and terrace with a hot tub! One of my favorite spaces was the adobe style covered outdoor dining area where I could enjoy a home cooked meal while taking in the fantastic ocean view. The staff even stocked my fridge and cabinet with a hardy breakfast. Though the villa is eco-friendly, it doesn’t fall short in terms of luxury. There was cable TV, air conditioning, wireless internet, and top of the line appliances. I was also given a mobile phone for my usage during my stay. The massaging hot tub and outdoor shower were supplied by solar water heaters.
Each of the seven villas are named for tropical fruits found on the island like the two bedroom Cherry Villa and Avocado Villa, the three bedroom Coconut Villa and the second one bedroom Paw Paw Villa. Each take full advantage of the unobstructed views of the turquoise waters which mean there’s no second tier room in the resort. The decorative theme varies in each villa but all are fully outfitted with contemporary rattan furnishings, a writing desk, queen or king size beds, hot tubs, totally private sun decks and sun beds. Basically the villas have everything you need for a perfect tropical holiday.
The Aquarium is the featured dining spot for International and Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant is just a 2-minute walk from the villas and serves international favorites like pork medallion wrapped in bacon as well as more local fare like jumbo shrimp coated in coconut and pineapple curry. All of the seafood is caught daily and the resort makes sure to get the best of what the market has to offer every morning. I recommend trying the Fresh Catch of the Day which lets the chefs get creative and showcase their culinary talent. The produce is also harvested from the resort’s organic nursery and to lower the resort’s eco-footprint the nursery is also nourished by compost provided by the restaurant.
Another option for dining is to stay in and cook in your own fully equipped kitchen. The resort even makes sure the spice rack is fully stocked for guests. For aspiring chefs, The Aquarium offers private cooking lessons with their master chefs in the restaurant’s kitchen or in your villa. This option is a particularly great group activity.
There’s also plenty to do for a little “alone time”. Maca Bana Resort offers spa and yoga sessions without having to leave your villa. The personalized experience lets guests enjoy their luxurious space to its full potential with a soothing massage or facial on their personal sundeck or inside the spacious living areas. There are also plenty of hilltop spots overlooking Magazine beach for private yoga sessions and guided meditation. And if there’s some time to kill between sessions the resort’s private Infinity Pool is a nice spot for a quick dip when there’s not enough time for a trip to the beach.
The Maca Bana Resort can also arrange something a little more adventurous for guests who want to explore the island. The friendly staff will gladly point you in the right direction for the best swimming spots, hiking trails and cultural sites. There are also a plethora of diving spots around the island where you can experience the diverse marine life up close. Just don’t forget an underwater camera!
Much like the culture of the Caribbean, everyone at the Maca Bana Resort was warm and friendly. The receptionists were very accommodating and took the time to help me arrange my tours around the island. They even suggested several spots I probably wouldn’t have discovered on my own. I also had a great chat with the General Manager about Grenada and the resort over a drink at the restaurant.
The Maca Bana Resort was everything a Caribbean vacation should be; relaxing, set in unblemished nature and luxurious. The apartment style villas are worthy of any 4-star resort around the world and are suitable for both couples and families. The beautiful turquoise waters, fabulous seafood and top-notch service make this resort an excellent choice for Grenada and the Caribbean as a whole. I would highly recommend the Maca Bana Resort for vacationers, honeymooners, and adventurers!
Contact
Maca Bana Resort
Address: Maurice Bishop Memorial Hwy., Point Salines, St. George, Grenada
Telephone: +1473 439 5355
Website: http://www.macabana.com/
Email: macabana@spiceisle.com