There’s something special about this island, something you realize the moment you step out the doors of Maurice Bishop International Airport. That’s because it’s in the air — literally. Fragrances of spices from nutmeg to cinnamon abound in the air,  reminding you that you’ve come to a unique Caribbean isle. So where do you stay? Here are the best hotels in Grenada. Planning a trip to the Spice Isle? Good idea! Here are our favorite places to stay on the island of nutmeg, chocolate and waterfalls: the best Grenada hotels.

Laluna The Caribbean meets Indonesia at this romantic 16-cottage resort near Morne Rouge Beach, where you can wile away the hours with your sweetie lounging on a teak day bed on your veranda or by the pool. Relax even more with a treatment at the Asia-inspired spa or restorative class in the oceanview yoga pavilion. In other words, this is the best hotel in Grenada and the crown jewel among all Grenada hotels.

Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa We like this 30-room family-run hotel for its tranquil south-coast location overlooking Lance Aux Epines; its elegant vibe; and personalized service that includes breakfast on your balcony and appetizers delivered to your room in the evening.

Petite Anse Hotel This hillside retreat in the relatively undiscovered island’s north is the perfect spot for travelers in search of simple Caribbean pleasures: a ruggedly beautiful beach; sweeping vistas from 11 ocean-view rooms; and a warm welcome and personalized attention from the gregarious owners.

Maca Bana There’s nowhere quite like this Magazine Beach hotel, mere minutes from the airport but with a whimsical vibe that makes it feel a world apart. The artist owner’s colorful work decorates each of the seven self-contained villas, and taking art classes with her is a popular activity. Tip: If your flight’s delayed, there’s no better place to wait than The Aquarium, Maca Bana’s beachfront bar and restaurant, among the best on the island.

Le Phare Bleu

This boutique hotel and marina is a charming mix of villas and apartments, some of which are set on the sand on Petite Calivigny Bay. It’s home to an excellent restaurant called The Deck and a green philosophy focused on sustainability.  Happily, all of the units come with kitchens.

True Blue Bay This colorful boutique resort offers a combination of villas and suites, with the latter boasting superb views of the hotel’s eponymous bay. The villas are the real stars, though, which come with two bedrooms and an infinity pool. There’s also a terrific spa called Blue Haven. It’s also got as broad an array of activities as any place to stay on the island.

Radisson Grenada Beach Hotel

The star of this hotel is the beach, the world-famous Grand Anse Beach, and this property’s got 1,200 feet of beachfront. There are 229 rooms and suites, a large swimming pool and even a PADI dive center. But the best thing about this hotel might be its affordability, a great value pick among Grenada hotels.

Mount Cinnamon Perched on the hillside above Grand Anse, this hotel is a good choice for families, who’ll appreciate the convenience of spacious suites with full kitchens. Walk down the hill to the marquee strand, where the resort’s beach club offers cocktails, lunch, and watersports.

Coyaba Beach Resort

This hidden gem has one of the best beachfront locations in Grenada, with a signature oceanview restaurant and amenities like a tennis court and special sea-view spa cabanas.

Blue Horizons Garden Resort Set a short walk from the legendary Grand Anse Beach, the family-owned Blue Horizons has 32 one-bedroom units (and one studio), along with a pool, a restaurant and a library. There are perks, too, from Free Wi-Fi to a kids’ playground to hospitality room for use after checking out.

Rumboat Retreat This is a simple hotel, but it’s got a huge heart. At the tiny, sea-view Rumboat Retreat, it’s all about celebrating the Caribbean, with an emphasis on the authentic, locally-owned Caribbean experience. That means everything from special rum tastings to ti’ punch classes. This is a place with personality, at home among the top Grenada hotels.