I can't believe I have just returned from my 6th holiday in Grenada. It really is that beautiful. No matter where else in the world we venture, something always tugs at the emotions and requires a return to this Caribbean gem every couple of years.

Most people won't have heard about Grenada - or at least they will think it is somewhere in Spain. In fact it is in the southern Caribbean and those with long memories might remember that the USA invaded Grenada in 1983. But that little episode is long past. Now the island is surrounded by warm turquoise sea, white (and black) sandy beaches, mountainous rainforests, and possesses a friendliness almost unsurpast. It is known as the Spice Island as a result of all the nutmeg and mace that they produce. The rum is pretty good and strong as well.

We stayed at the Coyaba Beach Resort on the superb two mile long Grand Anse beach. Now Coyaba is not the most luxurious hotel I have ever stayed in. In fact the last time I was in Grenada we stayed a couple of doors down at the Spice Island Beach Resort with its Egyptian cotton sheets, multi-cushioned beds, Molton Brown products and ambitions to become to Grenada what Sandy Lane is to Barbados. As a result it lacks personality and the staff lack warmth. It's luxurious but it has no soul.

Coyaba has soul, passion, warmth and an irresistable charm. From the staff who seem to be on a mission to get to know you personally, to the extensive, lovingly maintained gardens with colourful plants and trees, to the walk up pool bar, to the bar manager who has been mixing cocktails there for 22 years, to the restaurant supervisor who will go out of her way to buy you a hand made Kite - the place is very special. The rooms are not huge but they are well designed and decorated in a minimalist Arawak style and are spotlessly clean.

In fact the gardens themselves outway the artifical luxury of places that cost three times as much. Coyaba promise a bed turn down service every night. This is something I have always thought to be an over indulgence - but I also believe that if a hotel offers such a service then it should make good on its promise. Coyaba is the only hotel in the world that I have stayed in that offers this service that has fulfilled its promise every night, and that includes chains like Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott. Small things like this make a real difference.

There are plenty of good restaurants nearby or in St Georges, but the food at Coyaba is also of very high quality. I particularly like their gourmet interpretation of Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddings.

Staff of note include: Stanley the barman and cocktail supremo. He has the most infectious laugh and he also runs the weekly Crab Racing competition. His apprentice Lesley Anne also mixes an awesome Vodka Martini and is very cheerful and friendly. Josephine and Elvira make the restaurant experience memorable. I don't know the names of the gardeners but they do an amazing job keeping the resort in impeccable condition.

Grand Anse beach is very clean and the waters although a little choppy are great for swimming and snorkelling. Don't ignore the beach traders. They will not pester if you don't want to talk to them but it's worth watching for the ones who have genunine talent at carving up a piece of black coral into a lovely keepsake.

Take a day trip to Carriacou - Grenada's sister island - and even more deserted paradise.

Coyaba means "heaven" in Arawak. Heaven it certainly is.

We spent a week at this lovely hotel situated directly on the beach. Rooms roomy and comfortable. Very pretty and well tended gardens and lovely staff. Totally relaxing beach and sun holiday

We agree with many of the recent reviews written about this hotel. It is on a delightful beach with clear, warm water, lovely shade trees and mountain views. The service was excellent including some very nice flowers and champagne on our 10th wedding anniversary. Everyone was very gracious.

The hotel is within walking distance to restaurants and a market. The Beach House restaurant, which was excellent, offered free shuttle service. The bottom line is we had no problem not having a rental car and not being on the meal plan.

The hotel food was uneven so we were glad not to have chosen the meal plan. We did have an excellent Saturday evening cookout/buffet at the main restaurant. Lunches at poolside were reasonable but not particularly exciting compared to other meals we have had at other resorts (e.g. the Grand Hyatt near Georgetown, Cayman Islands).

The rooms are small and borderline 3 star. The bathroom appeared worn and not typical of 4 star hotels. We had a second floor room (#226) with a great view off the patio. We enjoyed the free wireless internet. We feel the Coyaba grounds and beach more than compensate for any shortcomings in the rooms.

Most guests seem to be from Great Britain which explained the wonderful company at the complimentary tea time every afternoon at 4 pm. The only unpleasant encounter on the entire trip was with an American couple that seem to think placing a towel on a beach chair reserved the chair for the entire day whether they were on the beach or not. While Coyaba management did not seem to condone this practice, they need to clarify to their guests that this ridiculous notion will not be enforced and that you must be on the beach with your belongings to hold a chair.

Truth be told, we had a wonderful stay and would return to the Coyaba. Sometimes the evening entertainment seem to run a little late (11 pm) and, at no fault of the Coyaba, the beach was a little crowded/noisy on weekends. But these were just minor distractions on what ended up being a very nice holiday. Our thanks go to the Coyaba management.

My wife Anne and I have just returned home to Britain after a very successful repeat visit to the wonderful Coyaba. We were a little worried. Would it, could it be as enjoyable as last year? In fact, we had an even better time. The hotel seems to attract the kind of guests you would like to meet again as friends. Fun, genuine folk, often middle aged, who enjoy a complete break from reality. Stay away if you want a great pool, nightly entertainment or gourmet food. But if you want a well run family hotel, the most friendly staff, beautiful gardens and a spectacular beach - you must try the Coyaba. And to dance away the night to the music of Roots, a local soca band, or the equally fab steel band was a joy!