It is a safe way to meet people and make friends easily. Staying with your hosts will be in a sense like having personal guides and through them you will get to see parts of Grenada and be involved with traditional (and new) activities you might not get to see otherwise on a typical vacation as a tourist. Grenada is a community-oriented place where 'everyone knows everyone' and you will see family life at first hand.

As a guest in any of our homes you will be treated like a member of the family and be included in the day-to-day life of the people in the home and the community. We try to match our guests with our hosts as far as possible so it is useful to us to know your interests and hobbies and ages of children, if any, so that you and your hosts may share common interests.

For those wanting more privacy, we have self-catering apartments, whole houses and beautiful villas with all amenities, all of which are suitable for groups/families.

For the business traveller, we have some accommodations that are very suitable, in terms of proximity to the airport and the capital, with telephone, and access to a computer with  a broadband connection.

Our aim is to bring people together to learn from one another and share their experiences to mutual benefit. We will also provide opportunities for learning in specific areas such as traditional arts and crafts, cooking, dance etc. which can provide a particular focus of interest during your stay. E-mail us at grenhome@spiceisle.com for details of group rates for homestays and courses. We also welcome any ideas/comments!

The Caribbean has traditionally been an expensive destination for travellers - a homestay is an inexpensive way to visit the Caribbean - ideal for travellers with a family or on a budget. It is also great for single visitors, providing a safe and friendly environment in which to meet people easily. Grenadian people are gracious and charming, with a great sense of fun, and extremely hospitable especially when operating within their own environment. No 'trained smiles' here! It also allows Grenadian people to earn an income without changing their lifestyle or location.

THE HOMESTAYS 'OFFICE'

When you call or email you are most likely to be in contact with Elisabeth. I was born in the U.K. and grew up in Dorset. My dad's English, and my mum's from Grenada (Miss Grenada 1955!). You may also speak to Earl, my husband who is from a mountain village in Grenada. You'll know by the loud reggae music playing in the background. We work out of our family home office, so you might hear our two kids romping around, Kala, 11, the reader, and Kamau, 4, the animal-lover.

Elisabeth, after completing her BA in Psychology and African and Asian Studies, had been working in the tourism industry for quite a few years when she came up with the idea of offering homestays in family homes in Grenada. She had been so struck by the natural hospitality and warmth of the people - it was a perfect place to introduce the idea. Earl helped to source families who were keen to connect with people and in whom he had confidence to show genuine care and hospitality. It began with friends, and then friends of friends, and before we knew it, more and more hosts came on board. Grenada is such a small place that a person's reputation goes before them, and we pick our hosts for their friendliness and ability to share Grenadian culture with our visitors, above all.

When you write to us, the more information you can provide about your background, including your age and nationality, and interests, the easier it is for us to suggest a place that will give you an experience as closely matched to your needs as possible - or even beyond, which tends to happen more often than not! If you are travelling with children, we try to match you with families that have children of similar ages.

Hurricane Ivan devastated Grenada in September 2004. It has bounced back fairly well, but there are areas that still need help. We are supporting a school of 35 pupils in St.George's that lost everything in the hurricane. If you can help in any way, through donations of books, computers or other equipment, or even offering your time at the school during your stay. Please let us know. Maybe you could just bring one book with you when you visit. Little things make a big difference.