Janelle Hopkin stands as a powerful force in Caribbean hospitality as President and Managing Director of Grenada’s luxury Spice Island Beach Resort. The third-generation hotelier expertly blends traditional elegance with modern innovations while celebrating authentic Grenadian culture. Her leadership maintains the legacy established by her father, Sir Royston Hopkin, while introducing thoughtful updates that appeal to today’s discerning travelers.
The resort distinguishes itself as a five-star, Black-owned property that offers guests a genuine connection to Grenada. Hopkin’s approach focuses on creating unique experiences that can’t be replicated elsewhere, from personalized welcomes to immersive cultural activities that showcase the island’s rich heritage.
Third-Generation Excellence: Continuing a Family Legacy in Caribbean Tourism
Hospitality literally runs in Janelle Hopkin’s blood. Her father grew up in a 10-bedroom hotel with his siblings before purchasing what was then called Spice Island Inn in 1987. He renamed it Spice Island Beach Resort and transformed it into a cornerstone of Grenadian tourism.
“My father grew up in a 10-bedroom hotel with his siblings and he went on to open his own hotel,” Hopkin explains. From age 16, she rotated through every department of the resort, learning operations from the ground up. After completing her hospitality degree in Switzerland, she returned to work alongside her father until he named her his successor in 2015.
Authentic Grenadian Excellence: Creating “A Sense of Place” Through Thoughtful Details
Hopkin remains committed to ensuring guests experience true Grenadian culture during their stay. This philosophy manifests in countless meaningful ways throughout the beautiful beachfront property. Upon arrival, guests receive a signature cocktail of sorrel and sparkling wine alongside a personalized handwritten welcome note signed by Hopkin herself.
“When you walk into the doors of Spice, you know where you are. You know you’re in Grenada. You feel it, you smell it, you meet Grenadians,” she says with conviction. “No matter what changes I make, it will always be, at the base of everything that we are, a true Grenadian hotel. And I like to say Grenadian excellence.”
Taste of the Spice Isle: Culinary Experiences That Showcase Local Flavors
The resort’s dedication to authentic experiences extends deeply into its culinary offerings. Local ingredients and traditional Grenadian flavors take center stage across all dining options. Instead of imported fruits like strawberries and blueberries, guests enjoy creative interpretations of Grenadian classics.
“You have to taste Grenada,” Hopkin insists. The kitchen team crafts innovative dishes like “oil down 5.0,” a deconstructed version of the island’s beloved national dish. Other standouts include braised beef short rib with rich, locally made chocolate sauce, butter-poached lobster, and perfectly executed chicken roti with curried chickpeas and mango chutney.
Beyond the Beach: Building Meaningful Community Connections
Modern luxury travelers seek more than beautiful accommodations and fine dining. They increasingly desire authentic experiences and meaningful connections with their destination. Hopkin understands this shift profoundly and has reimagined traditional resort activities to meet these desires.
“People are not just coming to lie down on the beach,” she shares. “They no longer ask, ‘Can we go to a fine dining restaurant on island?’ They want to eat in people’s homes. They want to feel that connection to people.” The resort now organizes activities like “Spice Fit Day,” where managers and staff join guests for yoga sessions and beach walks, creating natural opportunities for genuine interaction.
Black-Owned Luxury: Specialized Services That Celebrate Diversity
As a five-star, Black-owned property, Spice Island Beach Resort offers experiences thoughtfully crafted to meet all travelers’ needs. The resort’s spa provides specialized hair services for natural curls and coils, as well as expert styling for extensions and hair braiding—services often unavailable at other luxury properties.
“We do have maybe about 10 to 12% and growing [of guests], and they’ve become repeat guests, and they’ve come here because it’s Black-owned,” Hopkin notes. Rather than explicitly targeting any specific demographic, she focuses on increasing visibility through social media and creating authentic connections with all guests.
Balancing Act: Leadership, Motherhood, and Maintaining Authentic Connections
Taking over the resort at age 35 with a then one-and-a-half-year-old son presented unique challenges for Hopkin. Her father’s passing in February 2020 came just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down global travel, testing her leadership during an unprecedented crisis.
“I will be very honest and say I am still trying to find the balance,” she admits with refreshing candor. “I say to people, I have one son and 220 kids, which is the team at Spice. This is my legacy. It’s my son’s legacy.” Despite her demanding role, Hopkin maintains the personal touch that defines the resort’s character, even jumping into the pool with guests for impromptu social gatherings.
The Future of Caribbean Hospitality: Technology Meets Timeless Service
While embracing modern conveniences like QR codes to replace printed menus and directories, Hopkin carefully preserves the personal touches that create memorable experiences. Every room still features a pen and notepad—a mindful balance honoring both innovation and timeless hospitality.
“It’s experiences like that that make the difference,” Hopkin reflects. “Not the generic, mass market experiences.” Her recommendations for visitors to Grenada emphasize connection above all: “You need to stop on the side of the road and eat some oil down. You need to stop in the rum shop and have a drink. Connect because it’s very special.”