Atma Island Living – A Hidden Gem in Grenada
Now that Bunny has more or less settled on the small Caribbean island of Carriacou, she is a regular visitor to its main sister island of Grenada. On her frequent trips, she always makes an effort to try out new experiences and new places to stay.
On Bunny’s latest visit to Grenada, she stayed at Atma Island Living in the northern parish of St. Patrick. She had stumbled on Atma Island Living online and liked the sound of a relaxing, rejuvenating and restoring holiday. So, she booked a 2-night stay and headed north for a little pre-Valentine’s Day break with Mr. Bunny in tow.
Atma Island Living
Atma Island Living is a small, 5-bedroom guest house that is located right next to the fabulous Bathway Beach in North Grenada.
Atma was opened a little over a year ago and, so far, there are few reviews online. Bunny was curious as to how it would live up to the image she had conjured up in her head. She shouldn’t have worried at all.
Atma Island Living is a new, completely renovated B&B that adheres to high standards all around. The house is stylish, impeccably clean and laidback. The renovation has been done with great care and all the furniture and fixtures are high-end.
There is a comfortable common space with a big wraparound terrace and an extremely well-stocked guest kitchen. At the back of the house, there is an outdoor bar with tables and chairs. During her visit, Bunny learned that a swimming pool will be added to the property this summer.
Wi-Fi – as important to Bunny as water and food! - was advertised as being strong throughout the property and, thank goodness, Bunny found this was case.
Friendly Owners
Atma Island Living is run by Sandra and Lawrence (who was off island during Bunny’s visit) who have extensive experience in the hospitality business. They are friendly and efficient in a way that allows guests to relax and enjoy the surroundings without a care in the world.
The Bunnies were lucky enough to be the only guests at the time of their visit, so they had the run of the house as well as the whole attention of Sandra and other staff members, including the cute watch dog Leo.
Suites at Atma
The Bunnies stayed in the charming Master Suite which has a very comfortable four poster bed, with luxurious bedding and fluffy pillows.
The room also boasts a private, sea-facing balcony taking full advantage of the nearly constant refreshing breeze and mesmerizing views to the sea. Bunny loved the sound of the ocean and was almost tempted to sleep with the balcony door open but opted instead for a quiet, comfortable, air-conditioned induced sleep.
In addition to air conditioning, the room also has all the modern conveniences you could want, including a fridge and flatscreen TV (which the Bunnies never switched on). There’s also plenty of wardrobe space and a small safe for your valuables.
The beautiful ensuite bathroom has double sinks, a spacious shower and elegant finishings, including locally handmade soaps. And the towels were big and fluffy, just as Bunny likes them.
Bunny also got a peek at the Deluxe Double Suite (pictured above) which seemed equally excellent.
Sublime Food
Bunny is a vegetarian foodie who recognises that living on a small Caribbean island comes with certain sacrifices. So, she’s always on the lookout for great meals. This was one of the main things that attracted her to Atma Island Living in the first place.
Atma advertises tailored meal options, including vegetarian and even vegan cuisine; that’s rare for Grenada. Sandra is trained in Ayurvedic cooking and promotes healthy, plant-based, “farm-to-table” locally grown food. This was all music to Bunny’s big ears.
And Sandra’s passion for food really shows. All the meals the Bunnies had at Atma Island Living were phenomenal!
On the first night, the Bunnies enjoyed lemongrass infused Callaloo soup, fresh salad and chickpea-plantain curry with rice. It was one of the best meals they have ever had in Grenada - so simple on the surface but full of flavours and character on the inside.
For breakfast, they were given a number of choices and opted for pancakes which proved delicious. Sandra also prepared a packed lunch - a tasty vegetarian roti in a compostable container – and even provided a handy carrier bag, so the Bunnies could have a beach picnic. It’s possible that a few beers also made it into the picnic bag.
Top Tip
If you cannot stay overnight, at least drop by Atma Island Living for lunch or dinner! The restaurant is open for non-guests and is a perfect stop on an island tour around Grenada. Just remember that reservations are needed so call ahead to avoid disappointment.
The food at Atma was definitely one of the highlights of the Bunnies’ stay and they are sure to return for lunch or dinner the next time they find themselves in the area exploring the many sights in North Grenada.
Location
Atma Island Living is located just a few steps from Bathway Beach - a long, wild, sandy beach that has sweeping views to the islands in the north.
A lifeguard is on duty every day at Bathway Beach and there is a safe swimming area, protected by a curious, natural rock barrier. Brave youngsters often try to stand on it!
There is also an open Wi-Fi connection you can join on the beach.
Atma is located closer to the western end of the beach, where beautiful, tall coconut trees line the beach. A short, 3-minute walk places you right on the beach. The Bunnies loved the colorful, local bar that’s right on the beach serving up cheap beers.
Getting to the famous Levera Beach requires a bit more effort, but even that is only 15 to 20-minute walk on a mostly flat road. The Bunnies went to Levera for an afternoon picnic and found it well worth the easy hike.
And if you’re lucky (and visiting between March and July), you can witness giant leatherback turtles come onshore to lay their eggs on Levera Beach. Bunny learned that the first turtle had already appeared this year (in early February!). SPECTO organises turtle-watching tours during the season.
Activities
If you prefer a more active holiday, you are well-placed to explore northern Grenada while staying at Atma Island Living. In order to do this, you have a choice of renting a car or taking various tours that Sandra is happy to facilitate.
Bunny had planned to do a boat trip to nearby Sandy Island - a deserted tropical island with excellent snorkelling (not to be confused with Sandy Island in Carriacou). Unfortunately, sea conditions were too rough during Bunny’s visit so she had to leave Sandy Island for another time.
Two top Grenada attractions, Belmont Estate and River Antoine Rum Distillery, are a very short drive away (15 to 20 minutes) and easily visited during your stay at Atma.
Even Bunny’s favourite waterfall on the island, Mt. Carmel Falls, is just a 40-minute drive from Atma. You can also explore plenty of nearby local villages that feel a world away from the more commercialised south.
Or, you could just do what Bunny did and enjoy Atma Island Living and its immediate vicinity. The choice is yours.
Conclusion
Bunny loved the laidback and fun feeling she encountered at Atma Island Living. It was an ideal place for relaxation, with two of Grenada’s best beaches within walking distance from your accommodation.
When you add a lovely host, excellent food and stylish décor to the mix, you’ll get the workings of a perfect guest house experience in North Grenada.
