Discovering Belmont Estate: A Hidden Gem Near Mt Parnassus Inn
If you’re staying at Mt Parnassus Inn, a visit to Belmont Estate should be at the top of your Grenada itinerary. Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Grenada in St. Patrick Parish, Belmont Estate offers a rich, immersive escape into the island’s agrarian heritage, culture, and beloved cocoa traditions.
A Brief History with Heart
Belmont Estate dates back to the 17th century, once a traditional plantation that grew nutmeg, sugar, and cocoa. Under the leadership of Shadel Nyack Compton, the estate has been transformed from its colonial roots into a thriving center for sustainable agritourism. After hurricane devastation in the early 2000s, Belmont rebounded with purpose—rebuilding, restoring, and embracing traditions while giving back to the local community.
What to Do on Your Visit
Tours:
- Classic Tour: A 45–60 minute walk through the cocoa fermentary, drying houses, museum, and the charming historic ruins. You’ll also meet the estate’s friendly goats, tortoises, and even a vibrant Amazon parrot named Rainbow.
- Tree-to-Bar Chocolate Tour: For chocolate lovers, this 4-hour sensory journey takes you from the cocoa seedling greenhouse to the chocolate-making floor, with sampling every step of the way.
- Regenerative Farm Tour: Explore the organic farm’s vegetables, fruit orchards, composting area, and biodigester while learning about Belmont’s eco-friendly practices.
Belmont Estate
Chocolate Factory:
The estate produces its own certified-organic, single-estate chocolate, made on-site from bean to bar. Flavours range from classic dark (74%) and milk (60%) chocolates to creative blends like ginger fudge, bay leaf, and sea salt.
Restaurant & Dining:
Dine at the on-site restaurant housed in a lovingly restored 18th-century plantation building. The menu celebrates Grenadian cuisine, using farm-fresh produce grown on the estate.
Garden & Museum:
Take a stroll through beautifully tended gardens (including an orchid garden) and a heritage museum that preserves artifacts and stories of plantation life, colonial history, and local culture.
Goat Dairy & Animal Farm:
Visit the goat dairy where you can meet goats, try locally made goat cheeses, and learn about dairy farming in a tropical, sustainable context.
Why It Pairs Perfectly with Mt Parnassus Inn
After relaxing or exploring at Mt Parnassus Inn, heading to Belmont Estate offers a meaningful day trip. It’s only about an hour’s drive from the capital, St. George’s, but the journey into the hills feels like stepping into another world. The estate’s calm gardens, rich history, and chocolate-making experience contrast beautifully with your stay at Mt Parnassus, creating a well-rounded travel experience.
Insider Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes: The tours involve walking over uneven terrain and farm paths.
- Book ahead: Especially for the 4-hour tree-to-bar tour, reservations are required.
- Bring home treats: Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, which stocks their house-made chocolate, cocoa powder, cocoa butter, and locally crafted goods.
- Support sustainability: Your visit supports regenerative farming, community training programs, and eco-conscious tourism.
Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado, a history buff, or someone who simply wants to savor rural Grenadian beauty, Belmont Estate offers a rich, soulful experience that beautifully complements a stay at Mt Parnassus Inn. It’s more than just a tourist stop—it’s a celebration of heritage, sustainability, and community.
If you like, I can map out a full-day itinerary from Mt Parnassus Inn that includes Belmont Estate plus nearby attractions — do you want me to do that?
