Staying at True Blue Bay Resort: Grenada’s Eco Accommodation

Eco conscious practice meets boutique style in this uniquely Caribbean resort. At True Blue Bay Resort you can start your day with a yoga session, eat a ‘farm to table’ lunch, get massaged and wrapped in chocolate (after tasting some), and end the day with a cocktail at the rum bar. Alternatively, you can lay by one of their four pools and watch the palm trees sway.

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Staying in eco-accommodation is a great way to travel in a more sustainable way. We’ve stayed in some unique places around the world, from a zero waste hobbit house in Guatemala to a luxury eco resort in Jamaica, and a glamping tent in Joshua Tree, each with their own unique sustainable initiatives. Find out what makes True Blue Bay Resort a green choice when visiting the spice island Grenada.

Please note this Article has been updated in 2024 with the latest tips and advice for True Blue Bay Resort.

What is True Blue Bay Resort?

It’s a family business, the Fielden family are hands-on in the operation of this resort.

Each morning Russ, the owner, makes his way through the resort breakfast area. He is a passionate hotelier and environmentalist with his finger on the pulse of all things sustainable.

Russ is really setting the standard for environmentally conscious practice in Grenada. From mangrove restoration to solar power and battery charging capabilities, he is knowledgeable and willing to talk about all things green.

Apart from the immediate family, the staff themselves have a real connection to the resort. Many of them have worked on the site for years. Some have even been educated and trained through True Blue’s trainee program. The staff even use the words “True Blue family” in conversation.

A Big Resort With A Boutique Feel

There are 70 rooms and 4 different pools in the eco resort. It’s big for Grenada. But the staged expansion of the resort has resulted in some very distinctive areas and room types. With the separate pools, it feels like a series of smaller resorts within the one. This keeps the spaces and experiences unique.

A la carte or All Inclusive

The resort has options for adding an all-inclusive package your stay for USD$80 per person/per day. This includes unlimited local and international dishes, a buffet and a la carte breakfast, and unlimited house drinks.

Where is True Blue Bay Resort?

True Blue Bay Boutique Resort is situated close to the Grenada Airport. While this might sound like a disturbance, it’s really not. There are very few flights going in and out of Grenada daily.

Locality

• Airport – Approx. 10 minute drive
• Grand Anse Beach – Grenada’s longest and most popular beach – 15 minute drive
• Morne Rouge Beach – Equally (if not nicer) than Grande Anse but on a smaller scale – 17 minute drive
• Grand Etang National Park – Jungle mountains with waterfalls & monkeys – 40 minute drive

About Your Stay

Staying for a week in this resort we got to know it well. Keep in mind that everyone’s experience and expectations will vary.

The Welcome

• An open-air check-in counter provides seating and wifi for guests
• You can see the ocean and check out the unique Amerindian artifacts on display
• The staff are attentive and provide a holding area for bags
• Once checked in an electric golf buggy (manned by Dwight) takes you for a tour of the property. The cart flies around some pretty tight corners, so be sure to hang on.
• You will cover the ins and outs of the resort (there’s a lot to see)

The Room

There are three different room types on the property.

• Villas
• Suites
  • Cocoa Pod Suites
  • Tower Suites
  • Garden View Suite
  • Waterfront Suite
  • Honeybee Suite
• Rooms
  • True Blue Style Rooms
  • Indigo Rooms
  • Bay View Rooms

Each room type has its own unique amenities, style, and views.

The Cocoa Pod Suites

The new suites (2019) are called the Cocoa Pods. Their focus is on sustainability.

• Inside is very modern/chic
• The Cocoa Pod suites are two story rooms
  • Kitchenette/dining table/seating area/bathroom/deck & lounge on the bottom floor
  • Bedroom/bathroom/deck on the second floor
• Eco touches include:
  • Solar water heater
  • Energy-efficient appliances in the kitchenette
  • Garbage bins/recycle bin without plastic bags
  • Refillable bathroom products (no small, single-use bottles)
  • Ethically sourced wooden furnishing
  • The rooms are currently running on partial solar energy (but they are planning to run completely on solar in the future)
• The Cocoa Pod suite overlooks the other Cocoa Pod rooms & Pool, however from the second-floor deck you can see the bay

The Staff

The staff throughout the resort are very welcoming. They are all Grenadian and are knowledgeable about the local area, food, and customs. Whether you want to exchange niceties or chat in depth at the bar, the staff are accommodating and really enhance the experience

The management from each department attends a weekly green meeting. This ensures that best practices are being met across the board.

True Blue Bay Ammenities

The resort has a wide range of ammenities to cover the needs of their guests. These include:

• Restaurant/Bar
• Yoga Studio
• Spa
• 4 Pools (With Pool Cabanas)
• Gym
• Boat Marina/ Yacht Hire
• Water Sports
• Scuba Diving Boat

Dodgy Dock Restaurant & Bar

Built on a wooden deck over the water, Dodgy Dock serves up a mixture of local & international cuisine. It is a hotspot for hotel guests, local residents, and expatriates.

• Breakfast – The local chef cooks up eggs any style (best to get in early as there can be a line) with a section of sides and fresh fruit
• Lunch – There is a daily local dish special, as well as a mixture of pub-style food (wings, burgers, pasta, etc). There are a few great salads (made using locally grown ingredients) and vegetarian options.
  • Pizzas are actually available 24/7
• Dinner – The dinner menu is an eclectic mix from nutmeg spiced chicken to fresh fish dishes and chocolate flavoured pork ribs
  • There are daily dinner specials including things like ‘wings & beer’ night and ‘local street food night’
• Bar – With a great selection of local rum, the bartenders can whip up a variety of tasty cocktails. They also stock locally made gin and beers (as well as the international classics).

Weekly Night Specials

• Monday – Chicken Wings & Beer Special
• Wednesday – Local Street Food Selection
• Friday – Mexican Special
• Saturday – BBQ Special

Things to Do at True Blue Bay

There are plenty of fun things to do in Grenada, however, True Blue Bay Resort also has lots of amenities and activities on offer. Here are some of our favorite activities:

Swim in the Pools

True Blue Bay Resort does have a beach. But it’s more of a mangrove type of beach. Which is great for the local turtle population. But on-site swimming is generally reserved for the pools. Luckily there are four to choose from. The main pool actually has its own artificial beach that turns into an infinity pool overlooking the bay.

A colourful “Grenada” sign next to another pool makes a great photo opportunity. The other two pools are a little quieter and perfect if you want to have the place to yourself.

Get a Chocolate Massage

This is a truly unique experience that everyone should try at least once in their lives. Being covered in melted chocolate might not be something you’ve always dreamed of, but while at True Blue Bay Resort it’s a must.

There are a few different chocolate treatments you can have:

• Chocolate scrub – an exfoliation with chocolate. It really does feel amazing, especially the after-scrub smoothing (using cocoa butter)
• A chocolate wrap – Your body is coated in chocolate and then wrapped up to soak. The cocoa revitalizes your skin. It’s surprisingly calming.
• The chocolate bath – Have a warm bath of chocolaty goodness while overlooking the bay (perfect with a wine in hand)

Join a Yoga Class

Yoga is included in your room rate. An open-air studio overlooks the bay and two small islands offshore. Whether you want to ease into the day or wind down the afternoon, yoga at the True Blue studio is a great spot to find your inner zen.

Check Out the Local Street Food & Music on Wednesday Night

This is a highlight on the True Blue Bay list of things to do. It is an action-packed event. The restaurant & bar completely fill up every week so be sure to reserve a table beforehand.

A selection of local cooks lines up with their finest cuisine on display. Purchase a handful of meal tickets and make your way from stall to stall trying the local dishes.

Some items to keep an eye out for:

• Oil Down – A Grenadian dry stew. It’s a heavy load of meat, veg and hand made “dumplings” (not a vegetarian option)
• Doubles – A chickpea curry wrapped in a roti (flatbread) with a fruity spice
• Breadfruit – It looks like a melon on the tree, but when it’s baked in slices it becomes more like a potato wedge
• Callaloo Quiche – The local callaloo (kind of spinach) tastes amazing in this unique dish

The island’s best live music

The “it” spot in Grenada on a Wednesday night is The Dodgy Dock at True Blue Bay. Local band “Solid” kicks off the night with some slow jams (as people finish up their meals). But the tempo ramps up quickly with the dance floor packed and pumping from about 9PM.

With a predominately local crowd, SoCa music is the tune of choice. Be prepared to get your body moving as lead singer Jeverson amps up the crowd.

Try Local Chocolate & Rum

Every Tuesday the staff put together a ‘talk and taste’ of the island’s best local chocolate and rum. If you’re interested in how chocolate or rum is made and feel like learning something new, it’s a great way to get a taste of the local specialties.

The chocolate is 70% cocoa and above so it is definitely not your typical milk chocolate. Beware of the Rivers Rum, it’s overproof and packs a punch.

Go Scuba Diving

Whether you are already qualified or a first-timer, you can scuba dive through the resort’s on-site dive partner, Aquanauts.

Grenada has some unique dive locations. The most popular is the underwater sculpture park. It is the first of an international series of artificial reefs by sculptor by Jason deCaires Taylor. While you can visit the sculptures by snorkel, you will have a better experience scuba diving (as they are quite deep).

Hire A Kayak Or Hobbiecat

The True Blue Bay itself is very quiet (very little boat traffic). So, going for a paddle out on the water is a relatively easy experience. Alternatively, the Hobbie Cat can zip you around a little quicker (if the winds are right). There are turtles in the bay, so keep an eye out.

Do a Cooking Class

Every Thursday afternoon a local food cooking class takes place at the restaurant. Included in your room, it’s a great way to see how the locally grown spices go into creating some of the dishes that Grenada has become famous for.

Go to Grande Anse Beach

A quick shuttle ride (soon to be electric shuttle) from the resort to Grand Anse Beach is a must-do on your stay. The long, white sandy beach is one of Grenada’s best places to swim. There always seems to be a tree to find shade under, otherwise, you can hire an umbrella and deck chair from a couple of different vendors.

True Blue Bay Resort Sustainable Practices

True Blue Bay is an eco resort by all accounts. What makes an accommodation “eco” is its ability to achieve and adhere to a series of principles set by the International Eco-Tourism Society (which are usually agreed upon around the world by other green organisations).

Principles include things like: 

• Having a minimal environmental footprint
• Employing local staff 
• Being energy efficient 
• Providing direct financial support for local business/industry & education

The “eco-ness” is a kind of scale. The more eco principles or actions that are taken, the more eco a resort is considered to be.

Green Team Meetings

Once a week the managers from each True Blue Bay Resort department (housekeeping, food & beverage, concierge, etc) get together for a Green Team Meeting.

This is essential in assuring that all areas of the resort are operating with eco ideals in mind (as well as practice). With constant development and improvement of all resort areas, it seems that True Blue Bay is only heading forward in the realm of sustainable practice.

True Blue Bay Boutique Resort Eco Initiatives

There are three main interactions an eco resort has during their operation (you [the guest], the community & the environment). The following sections describe how True Blue Bay is considering and executing their eco initiatives.

True Blue Bay & You

Eco does not have to mean basic or uncomfortable. The resort is still in the business of hospitality.

• Signage around the resort helps to remind you that eco conscious practices are underway. When you order a drink at the bar and do not receive a straw, you know why
• Friendly & knowledgeable staff are up to date with the resort’s latest eco initiatives if you have any questions
• Modern, energy efficient appliances in the Cocoa Pods are provided
• Clean and comfortable, the rooms are cleaned using natural products and only every 3 days, unless you ask (to reduce towel washing/energy)

True Blue Bay & Community

True Blue Bay plays a significant role in the local community. Some of the key highlights include:

• Rebuilding/refurbishing a local school (Vendome school) after it was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan. True Blue Bay continues to support the school by adding on a library and are planning to install a playground for the children
• Training programs for young adults in the hospitality industry, some of which are now full-time staff
• The resort encourages the “pack for a purpose” initiative. Where guests coming from abroad can bring useful items that can be donated to the local community
• Supporting local farmers with direct purchases of products
• The Wednesday night local street food uses local vendors
• The Grenada Chocolate Festival is organised by True Blue Bay which is an internationally recognised event to promote the local chocolate industry
• Providing Queen Elizabeth’s home for children a day out on Boxing day, where the children can play and swim in the resort facilities, and then receive Christmas presents.

True Blue Bay & The Environment

The environment plays a key role in any eco-resort. A few key initiatives at True Blue Bay include:

• There are no plastic straws or containers used on site
• Fresh foods are purchased locally and delivered to site without plastic wrapping
• Food waste is distributed between onsite composting and local pig farms
• Energy efficient lightbulbs and appliances are used
• A mangrove restoration program was started on site
• Encouraging the local community to develop and use a proper sewerage pipe network
• Greywater is directed into the garden (with natural cleaning products used on site)
• True Blue Bay organise beach clean-ups and on-site recycle sorting

There’s always new green updates at True Blue

>> Click here to learn more about True Blue Bay Resort’s Green Initiatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• A true Caribbean feel – the local staff, colourful buildings and local street food night really make this place feel authentically Grenadian
• Great environmental initiatives and practices – it’s nice to stay somewhere that cares for the local environment and community
• Unique feel – doesn’t feel like a big resort chain even though the property is quite large
• Celebrates local produce – chocolate plays an important role in Grenada’s culture and history. At True Blue Bay you can visit the local House of Chocolate and try the different dishes, or get covered and massaged in chocolate at the on site spa!
  • True Blue Bay also hosts the annual Grenada Chocolate Festival

Cons

• Not a beach – but (as the name suggests), the resort is based around a Bay. It’s not really inviting to swim in, but there are beautiful pools on the property and it’s not far to get to a beach
• Could use some more vegan food options on the menu for vegan travellers

What to Pack

The Caribbean is warm. You really don’t need to pack much. Apart from your typical tropical vacation packing items, you might want to consider:

• Reusable bags for grocery shopping – if you shop at the stores in Grenada, they will give you plastic bags. It’s always a good idea to have your own alternative option!
• Reusable water bottle – Tap water in Grenada is fine to drink. True Blue Bay has many taps around the property you can fill up from. A water bottle with a built in filter is always a good idea if you’re unsure. 
• Reef Safe Sunscreen – If you’re planning to snorkel or dive at the underwater sculpture park (or other locations) it’s best to use reef-safe sunscreen so you do not harm the coral reefs.
• Natural Insect Repellant – Essential Oils like Tea Tree are great for keeping  mosquitoes away  
• Eco Friendly Toiletries – True Blue Bay provides the basics in reusable containers (soap, shampoo & conditioner) but it’s always good to travel with your own eco-friendly toiletries!
• Bring something for the local community! It could be a coloring-in book, pens, or even toothpaste. True Blue Bay has a “pack for a purpose” arrangement with local organizations.

Things to Do in Grenada

Grenada is a beautiful island full of natural wonders. Some of the best things to do on the island are:

• ​Hike to the beautiful Grenada waterfalls
• Relax at the best beaches in Grenada
• Spend a weekend on Carriacou, and visit the beautiful Carriacou beaches 
• Hike to the Welcome Rock
• ​Go diving and snorkeling

>> Click here for more information on things to do in Grenada

True Blue Bay Resort – Your Eco Travel Stay for Grenada

Eco travel is fast becoming the most popular trend in the world of tourism (specifically eco tourism).

Playing a key role in community development and adhering to ecological practices, True Blue Bay is currently the best sustainable hotel to consider for a greener stay in Grenada.

You can book a room at True Blue Bay resort through Booking.com, or direct through their website (inclusions may differ between the platforms).

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