( Coastal Living ) -- The Little Dipper 's seven patio tables overlook a twinkling Caribbean . Tonight , the chef -- who 's also waiter and hostess -- prepares Creole fish with vegetables . Although the small restaurant is one of the best in Grenada , it 's the vista that stands out . Founded in the late 17th century , the capital city of St. George 's sits on the island 's southwest coast . Sailboats sway at anchor on Clarkes Court Bay , and lights blink on against dark green hills . The island 's hidden treasure is its views -- and not just from quaint seaside cafés . Take the nearby resort of Laluna , on Portici Bay . With 16 hillside cottages huddled around a private cove beach , it overflows with scenic panoramas . Founded by a former fashion consultant from Italy , Laluna is chic , but not pretentious -- a stylish retreat on one of the Caribbean 's quietest islands . Eco-inspired rooms feature fabric-draped four-poster beds from Bali , individual plunge pools , and bamboo-topped verandas . The most distant cottage sits 150 feet from the beach , making the resort a barefoot , lounging kind of place . Ultracasual dress code aside , Laluna takes meals seriously . Dinner comes prepared by an Italian chef who mingles his home country 's techniques with Caribbean flavors . You can start with octopus salad with potatoes and chickpeas , then make your way down the menu to pappardelle with a nutmeg cream sauce . It wo n't be the last time you see nutmeg on a menu here . Grenada provides a third of the world 's supply of the spice , which can be sampled as a powder , syrup , or jam . Almost every visitor brings some home , usually in a small basket also packed with cloves , cinnamon , mace , bay leaves , and ginger . The country may not claim flashy casinos or high-rise resorts , but Grenada grows more spices per square mile than any other place on the globe . Coastal Living : The other Caribbean . It takes a lush climate , such as the rain forest at Grenada 's center , to produce these flavors . Grand Etang National Park preserves the island 's tropical flora and fauna . Visitors can book guides to lead them through terraced banana farms and forests of giant gommier trees , teak , and wild orchids . From a mountain peak , 90 percent of the island is visible , vivid green after a midday rain . As one might expect , the cities here move at a sleepy , island pace . But the township of Gouyave on Grenada 's western coast jumps to life on Fish Fridays , which are part street-food festival , part outdoor concert , and part extended-family gathering . Beginning late afternoon , the fishing village 's streets and side passages fill with tables of seafood . Vendors sell sample-size servings of everything from lobster to jerked marlin to deep-fried fish cakes . Music lifts the spirit , as do the enthusiastic greetings of friends and relatives . Visitors to Gouyave are a little reluctant to leave . But eventually they 'll head back to Laluna , along a cliffside road illuminated by stars on a cloudless night -- yet another unforgettable view . Island Info . Laluna 's cliffside cottages start at $ 390 . Rates do not include meals , but all snorkeling and kayaking is included ; 866/452-5862 or laluna.com . Guided hikes from Henry 's Safari Tours cost $ 40 to $ 55 per person . Denis Henry offers trips tailored to your experience level . His taxi tours are also the best on the island ; 347/721-9271 or henrysafari.com . Reservations at Little Dipper on Clarkes Court Bay in Woburn can be made through Laluna , or by calling 473/444-5136 . From Laluna , a round-trip taxi to Fish Fridays in Gouyave costs roughly $ 100 . Food at the festival will run between $ 15 and $ 20 per person . Enter to win a monthly Room Makeover Giveaway from MyHomeIdeas.com . Copyright © Coastal Living , 2009 .
Grenada provides a third of the world 's supply of nutmeg . The casual , quiet island offers a wealth of spectacular views . It is also home to one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe and it has some of the best diving spots on earth.