Like a beautiful piece of expensive piece of jewellery, Grenada is small but perfectly formed and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Nestling between the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, the Eastern Caribbean island of Grenada is the smallest independent nation in the Western hemisphere. It consists of three islands: Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, with Grenada being the largest.

The three islands are located at the southern extremity of the Windward islands, only 100 miles north of Venezuela. To the north lies St Vincent and to the south Trinidad and Tobago.

A mere 21 miles long and 12 miles wide, its mountainous volcanic terrain, which can reach heights of over 2,70 feet, makes this little island stand tall.

Like a mini version of Madagascar, Grenada is an unparalleled diversity of plants, wildlife and terrains. Crater lakes descend into dense forests which flow into the arid lowlands and onto icing sugar beaches - and all in a mere 133 square miles.

Mount St Catherine is Grenada's highest peak from which visitors can see exhilarating views of the island.

Its capital, St George's, is widely regarded as one of the loveliest cities in the Caribbean. Scented with the delicately spicy scents of ginger, cinnamon, cloves and cocoa - for which the island is famous - and dotted with pretty pastel buildings, St George's is deserving of its title as the prettiest city in the Caribbean.

The island's beauty is perfectly complemented by the warm hospitality of its people and its colourful scenery echoed by the vibrancy of Grenadine life. Local fairs, festivals and markets remain an important part of life on the island.

Rich in culture and history, Grenada's famous old spice plantations and rum distilleries still use traditional methods to produce their famous rums and spices. Traditional ways of life still prevail here and although Grenada's tourist industry has grown in recent years, the island has maintained its unhurried pace of life - perfect for beach bunnies whose idea of the perfect holiday is a whiter-than-white beach and a constant supply of rum cocktails.

Grenada is bordered by perfect black and white sand beaches and coral reefs including Grand Anse Beach, one of the most famous in the world.

The island has plenty to offer in the way of watersports in both Grenada and its sister island Carricou which is easily accessible by boat and certainly worth a visit.

Carricou is hilly but not mountainous like its big sister, making it ideal for walkers and nature ramblers. It too has fine sandy beaches and natural harbours and the same infectious Caribbean vibe as its sister islands.

Petit Martinique, as the name suggests, is the smallest of the Grenadine islands. It consists of little more than the tip of a volcanic cone peeping out of the water. It is currently being developed for visitors.

Life on Grenada is never dull, and though it may be quieter than some of its Caribbean counterparts, this means visitors get the undiluted flavour of the island.

By night enjoy the feverish atmosphere of clubs playing traditional calypso music and reggae and by day enjoy the beautiful beaches and serene blue waters. And if the 30 degree heat gets too much cool off with some nutmeg ice cream and a local Carib beer. Traditional Caribbean island life thrives on Grenada, the only downside is that once you've had a taste of it, you might never want to go home.