Long luscious beaches, acres of mountainous tropical rainforests, roads lined with trees sprouting mangos, oranges and bananas... all within reach as you whizz by. Where else could you be but the Spice Island of the Caribbean.

Since it was ravaged by Hurricane Ivan five years ago – damaging 90 per cent of infrastructure and leaving half the island homeless – Grenada has come back with a mix of ingredients to spice up even the most seasoned luxury traveller.

Horrific as the hurricane was, it clearly gave the island a chance to rethink its tourist proposition. Now Grenada's government and tourism board have chosen the eco and high end route – giving development permits to exclusive, luxury resorts in a bid to attract the crème de la crème of tourists.

Over the past 18 months, much of Grenada's profile development has been down to British entrepreneur, Peter de Savary. Renowned for his five star resorts – including Skibo Castle in Scotland, the venue for Madonna's wedding - De Savory (or 'PDS' as he prefers) was initially invited to Grenada by the Four Seasons group as a potential investor.

Once there, he changed his mind and drew up his own extensive development plan for the east Caribbean island. His aim is to bring Grenada back to the glamour and heyday of the 1950s and 60s - with a swish new marina, two hotels, villas, apartments and five-star eco spa in the rainforest alongside, alongside other major resorts such as the 120-bed Four Seasons.

"Luxury? Grenada has year-round sun, 40 white sand beaches and a fifth of its geography is natural wildlife sanctuaries. They were always on the front foot."

In March, De Savary's Mount Cinnamon resort opened its doors to tourists. This currently comprises 21 units (14 villas and seven haciendas) with 14 more two-bedroom duplexes and four-bedroom penthouses on the way. So, how does it live up to A-list expectations?

Well, they were always on the front foot, weren't they? Grenada has year-round sun, averaging at about 28 degrees. The 133 square mile island boasts 40 white sand beaches (including the world-renowned two-mile long Grand Anse) and a fifth of Grenada is preserved as national parks and natural wildlife sanctuaries.

But, as I found, Grenada is so much more. You'll notice the people first. Regulars to the Caribbean will expect a scrum outside the airport departures – vendors and taxis waiting to sell you something or bring you somewhere. In Grenada, there are a handful of people outside, presumably waiting for someone else, who smile 'Welcome to Grenada' as you pass.

It may be a nine hour flight to reach Point Salines International airport but it's a swift 15 minute drive to Mount Cinnamon once you get there. On the short drive, little girls and boys make their way home from school without a second glance at the foreigners. Life doesn't revolve around tourism here, it continues regardless. Its 100,000 inhabitants live happy, sustainable lives and are simply proud to share their history, heritage and spices with visitors.

Arrive at Mount Cinnamon, and you might expect the generic brown and cream décor most other Caribbean resorts are increasingly plumping for. Here, the entire complex is an unapologetic, spicy array of colour – vibrant oranges, lime greens and pretty pinks – a celebration of where you are.

My 'hacienda' is a colourful home away from home with two bathrooms, a dressing area, and bedroom complete with princess-and-the-pea high bed that you just sink into. A spacious living room and kitchen lends itself to cooking, with an outdoor area you could easily entertain an army of friends... if you're bothered!

"Saunter two minutes down the grassy walk to Grand Anse Beach where you'll swim in a sea that's bathwater-warm. Then sit back, relax and watch the sun come up and go down over the mountains."

Which brings me to activity. Grenada was about escaping the hustle, bustle and blue-cold of Britain for me. If that's what you're looking for, then saunter two minutes down the grassy walk to Grand Anse Beach where you'll swim in a sea that's bathwater-warm. Deserted, apart from the occasional beach walker, sit back, relax and watch the sun come up and go down over the mountains. The Savvy bar and restaurant will cater for your every breakfast, lunch or dinner whim – with fresh seafood and delicious delicacies made from local ingredients.

For those interested in activity, Grenada has it all to offer. Just a few minutes' drive away is the capital, St George's, where you'll negotiate the higgledy piggledy streets, peruse the unique shops and haggle in the wafting spice markets (the biggest is on Saturdays).

Take your yacht or a boat trip round the island, snorkelling and diving to investigate shipwrecks or the underwater sculpture park created by artist Jason de Caires Taylor . There's also game fishing for Marlin, Tuna and Sailfish.

Hike up mountains and swim under cool, fresh waterfalls. Then take a river raft adventure down again or continue on to De Savary's Mount Edgecombe plantation on the west coast of the island.

Built by Lord Edgecombe in the late 1700s, guests are invited to tour the exotic fruit, flowers and spices which are grown, as well as swim and enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking spectacular jungle and sparkling water views. Better still, De Savary's five-star eco spa, Tufton hall, opens exclusively to guests later this year. Expect more top class treatments and relaxation remedies.

By night, hang out with the locals at Fish Friday, a weekly celebration where, for a small fee, you get to sample a variety of fish caught fresh that day and cooked in front of you. Then there's a smattering of local festivals, open air events and nightclubs to keep you and the islanders dancing until dawn.

Spend even a week in Grenada and you won't want to leave. It's that mix of high end luxury and down-to-earth island life that hooks you and then helps you recover from Britain's year-long winter. Reawaken the senses, bask in the turquoise waters, absorb the charismatic Caribbean temperament and inject a little spice in your life. Then get back home and start planning your next trip.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Excel Airways all offer direct flights into Grenada. For more information on Mount Cinnamon, click onto www.mountcinnamongrenada.com or call +1 473 439 0000 direct. Hacienda (two guests) prices start at $500 a night and villas at $600.

By Barbara Walshe