True Blue Bay Boutique Resort and Dodgy Dock, Grenada: a Review
OK, every once in awhile I find a place I just fall in love with and feel like it’s home. Maybe it was partly because it was the end of our 10-day relaxing, sail from St Vincent to Grenada, that had already lulled me into island time, but who knows. I like to think it is more than that. True Blue Bay Resort a whimsical place, with several lodging options strategically placed along the property. It has 4 pools, beach bars, hotel rooms, 2 room villas with private plunge pools, a great restaurant (Dodgy Dock), bakery, dive shop, spa and gift store. It even has an exchange library in the lobby. They greet you with a rum punch and warm welcoming smile.
It is whimsical because of all the incredible artwork placed all over the property, many pieces looked a lot like artwork I have seen in Mexico. That may be possible since the Fielden family owned, operated, created and designed the resort, and, it just so happens, she is from Mexico. They even have the unofficial/official Mexican Consulate on premises. The vivid colors also work to create the fun, tropical atmosphere. Even the signs in the bathroom make you smile. When listing what not to flush down the toilets, they make sure to include your “goldfish”, as well as “your hopes and dreams”.
This property is extremely eco-friendly and, though this is not a new property, is very well maintained. It is centrally located near the airport and St George’s University and close to historic St George.
We opted for a two story, two bedroom villa that overlooked the infinity pool and the bay beyond, and was right next to the Rum Shop Beach Bar, an ideal location for relaxing after being at sea for 10 days. The villa has a full kitchen and very large living area, both on the second floor, and would be perfect for longer vacation stays. We opted to eat our meals at the Dodgy Dock. We found the menu to have something for everyone. The first night we were lucky to be there for their BBQ and jazz music. You choose from fish, ribs, chicken or steak and then went through the buffet to choose from a number of great side dishes. The next night and for lunch we ordered off the menu. Two of my favorites were the Lambi bites and fish tacos. Lambi is a local word for conch, and these fritters were the best we tried throughout the islands. Breakfast is a huge buffet with fresh juices, fruit, cereals, baked goods, coffees, chocolate tea, teas, beans, potatoes, veggies, plantains, sausage, bacon, pancakes, eggs any style and I’m sure more. The restaurant is open-air, resting on a huge dock that stretches into the bay. The food and location are great, but the staff really makes it special. All the staff were helpful, with suggestions of what to see and do on their island. They even took the time to share pictures with us. They were just the right mix of fun-loving and professional.
Just before we left, while we were waiting on our ride, I had the opportunity to chat briefly with Russ, the owner. He noticed I was taking a photo of the Mexican Consulate sign and started up a conversation. I explained we currently live in Mexico. His wife has family in Merida, not far from us. It was the cherry on the top to know the owner was so involved that he could take the time to meet a wandering guest. In these days and times you rarely find an owner who takes the time to discuss the weather or anything. I would highly recommend, if you choose to visit Grenada, that you consider True Blue Bay Boutique Resort as your place to stay. That said, I think EVERYONE should visit Grenada at least once in their life. I have now been twice and am hoping to go back again one day.