Brides: Great Escapes: January 2009

IN THE BLUE CORNER...

A new generation of chic young hotels are slugging it out with the CARIBBEANS’S old-school CHAMPIONS – but can they land a knock-out (rum) punch?
Grenada

Breathe deeply – Grenada is known as the spice island because nutmeg groves outnumber hotels. Staying here also gives you the chance to experience the Caribbean in one island. There are colonial towns, white sand beaches and rainforests.

· The defending champion
Although the Spice Island Beach Resort has recently been refurbished, the state-of–the-art offerings (Philippe Starck fittings and plasma TVs), don’t detract from its old-world charm. Regulars also applaud the green focus (solar panels, chemical-free pools, leftover bathroom soap reused to wash uniforms) and high-quality all-inclusive dining. The hotel’s location on Grand Anse, one of the island’s most popular beaches, is another bonus.

· The young challenger
Just 16 cottages on a quiet beach... The same architect who designed a villa for Sting created Laluna in Balinese-meets-Italian style. Expect flawless attention to detail. Soaps are made in an Italian monastery, beds crafted in Bali, and the prosecco is always perfectly chilled.
*Mr & Mrs Smith (mrandmrssmith.com) offers cottages from approx £195 a night, room only. Flights not included.