Grenada
Score: 61

The island has recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Ivan, keeping its mood of "charming simplicity." Big beachfront developments in the southern half of the island are "beginning to erode the pristine beauty" and diminish the water quality.

Here is a representative sampling of additional anonymous comments from the panelists. They are not necessarily the views of the National Geographic Society:

"A unique Caribbean island that has had a chance to rebuild from a major hurricane. Development seems to be happening in two streams: 1) cleaning up and rebuilding quality sites with an emphasis on local ownership, and maintaining the natural environment, and 2) manipulation of the local culture, waterfront, and historic structures with truly disastrous, large-scale, luxury condo/housing developments in St. George's."

"Small island that is densely populated. There are some nice beaches, but tourist development on the beach front is beginning to erode some of the pristine beauty. In addition, if beachfront resorts continue to be built, this will result in an unintended denial of recreational activities to the local population."

"Hurricane Ivan in 2004 was a catastrophic blow for the island. However, the flip side was a tremendous infusion of money (insurance and other) as Grenada set about rebuilding its communities and tourism infrastructure. Grenada's developments have, until recently, concentrated in the south, allowing the northern half of the island to maintain its more traditional, rural appearance. But the proposed Ladera Beach project still looms, and other projects are threatening the relative tranquillity of the north."

"Areas outside the capital—Grand Etang, hiking areas, the historic structures at the rum distilleries and nutmeg-processing stations—seem to be well protected."