Maca Bana, what's that? In Arawak, it means 'dwelling in the trees'. Nestling in tropical gardens, on the edge of a cliff, this boutique villa hotel in Grenada is the perfect hideaway: lush, intimate and with views to live for, stretching all the way to Grand Anse Bay and the country's pretty capital, St George's. The sunrise over the mountains is gorgeous and long Magazine Beach, pure Caribbean indulgence. On site are seven luxurious 'banas' - villas with one or two bedrooms - an infinity-edged pool and a beach restaurant. So, what's special about it? Individually designed by co-owner and resident artist Rebecca Thompson, and each named after a different Caribbean fruit, the villas have an enticing indigenous ambience: 'sweet' Cherry, 'cool' Coconut, 'audacious' Avocado, 'sensual' Pawpaw. Each villa has a large balcony and/or a sundeck with massaging hot tub, a well-appointed kitchen, an en-suite with twin vanities, a shower and a king-sized four-poster bed in the master bedroom, original artwork, a CD player and internet access. Some cliff-side banas are unsuitable for under 18-year-olds; the best for children is Pineapple, which is closest to the beach and has a private garden. The villas are solar-powered and eco-friendly, from the air conditioning to the smoothie blender and Nespresso coffee machine. Great, but what is there to do? Sunbathe, snorkel or swim but if that's not enough, how about a private yoga or pilates session with a rainforest and ocean backdrop? Or a spa ritual on the sundeck, lulled by the ocean breeze. For creative types, there's one-on-one art tuition in up to three sessions. This does not come cheap but, hopefully, will result in a worthwhile memento to take home. Guests can also tour Maca Bana's organic nursery and rainforest farm, which supply the restaurant. To cook or not to cook? Believe it or not, it may be hard to keep out of your kitchen when you first arrive, with its fridge stocked prior to arrival, gleaming utensils and top- of-the-range equipment. As Maca Bana works its magic, however, and indolence sets in, the funky Aquarium restaurant, which is on the beach and serves grilled lobster, callaloo cannelloni, beef pepperpot and wines from around the world, will become ever more appealing. There's also 'room service', which here means food cooked to order in your bana by one of the in-house chefs. Also, in-villa cookery lessons can be arranged. Anything else worth mentioning? Well, you can't beat Maca Bana for romance. Tie the knot under the Aquarium tropical arch, celebrate with champagne and wedding cake, and dance the night away to the rhythm of a steel band - well, hopefully not the whole night. The wedding package includes a co-ordinator and legal fees, services of registrar or minister, flowers, hors d'oeuvre for four, a photographer, full body massages for bride and groom, and breakfast served in the villa the next morning. Maca Bana's wedding gift is a free night, to be redeemed on the first anniversary (a minimum stay applies). What's the bottom line? For all its seduction and refinement, Maca Bana is surprisingly affordable. A one-bedroom villa for one or two people costs from US$310 to US$515 a night, a two-bedroom Deluxe for one or two people from US$410 to US$610 and for three or four people from US$511 to US$707. To those are added 10 per cent gratuities and 10 per cent VAT but the prices include airport transfers, a stocked fridge, daily maid service and the use of beach loungers, kayaks and snorkelling equipment. Maca Bana is at Aquarium Beach, Point Salines, Grenada, tel: 1 473 439 5355; www.macabana.com .
