Rum Therapy, Author at Rum Therapy

July 5, 2017June 6, 2019

4 Reasons to Travel to the Caribbean During the Summer

Summer vacation in the Caribbean? Once the weather gets warm in our neck of the woods, our thoughts don’t drift quite as much to the Caribbean – but should they? Summertime can be a terrific time to take a break in the Caribbean and here are 4 reasons why!

Less crowded – high season in the Caribbean is generally mid December to mid April. By traveling to the Caribbean during off season, you are far more likely to enjoy quieter beaches, restaurants and resorts. Enjoy your piña colada in peace!
Clearer, warmer water – during the summer months, there is a slight chance you can encounter a tropical storm or hurricane (see Should You Travel to the Caribbean During Hurricane Season), but most people experience warm, calm weather, which translates into warm, calm and clear water – perfect for snorkeling and diving!
Temps may actually be cooler than some places back home – yes, the tropics can be warm during summer (especially inland), but the temps may actually be cooler than some of the southern states during the summer! And if you get really hot, just jump back into the ocean!
DEALS! – many hotels, condos and resorts slash their prices 20-50% in the summer over their high season rates. Have you been longing to stay at a beautiful resort but find the price too costly during the winter? Check out the prices during the summer months!

Are you ready to head to the islands? Do you like to vacation in the Caribbean during the summer? Tell us about it!

Find more Tropical Tips at our Tropical Tips & More directory

To see more island posts, check out our Island Blog Directory

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Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

July 2, 2017June 24, 2021

Watermelon Rum Punch

What’s best about this recipe? You can use the watermelon itself to serve the punch! Easy peasy, and it looks great! Chill the ingredients before pouring into the watermelon for a refreshing, summery cocktail!

*We love bringing you amazing rum recipes! Our recipes may contain affiliate links to products that we use. If you click the link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support in helping us to continue providing rumlicious, tropical recipes!

For more delicious Watermelon and Rum Recipes, check out the links below the recipe.

Print Recipe

Watermelon Rum Punch

Ingredients

1 Large Watermelon
1 750 ml White or Silver Rum (we used Bacardi Superior White)
1/4 c Rosie's Lime Juice
Drill, Spigot (we took a spigot off of a water dispenser)

Equipment

Drill, Spigot and Pedestal (we took a spigot off of a water dispenser and also used the water dispenser pedestal)

Instructions

Scoop the fruit out of the watermelon. Blend until smooth. Pour through a strainer with small holes or a cheese cloth to remove large particles and seeds. Add the entire bottle of rum (or less if you want a less potent drink) and the lime juice and stir. If needed, add a little sugar to taste. Pour into a large bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Use a drill to make a hole about the size of the spigot in the watermelon. Insert spigot in the watermelon, tightening the attachment on the inside of the watermelon.
When you’re ready to serve, put the watermelon on a pedestal (we used the one our water dispenser sits on), fill it with the chilled Watermelon Rum Punch and pour into glasses through the spigot!

You might also enjoy these other Watermelon and Rum Drinks!

Watermelon Daiquiri

Watermelon Rum Freeze

And for more delicious rum recipes, visit our Rum Recipe Picture Directory

copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

June 22, 2017July 2, 2019

10 Great Bars You May Not Have Heard of in the BVI

The British Virgin Islands are a sailors paradise and well, face it, sailors are a thirsty bunch. The main islands in the BVI chain are dotted with great bars, some that have become incredibly well known, such as the Soggy Dollar Bar, Bomba Shack, Foxy’s and Willie T’s, but there are dozens of bars that are perhaps not on everyone’s radar, but definitely worth a visit. We don’t know about you, but we’ve made it our mission to check out as many bars in the BVI as possible and here are 10 great bars you may not have heard of in the BVI, but are probably worth putting on your “list”!

Cooper Island Rum Bar, Cooper Island
With over 100 rums to choose from, the Cooper Island Rum Bar boasts the largest selection of rum in the Virgin Island. Order a sampler board and enjoy the variety while learning the origin and history of each rum.

Hog Heaven, Virgin Gorda
Far from one of the beautiful Virgin Gorda beaches, but with a view that will take your breath away, Hog Heaven sits high on a hill over looking the magnificent North Sound. The BBQ is terrific and you should wash it down with a Blondie Special (named after the owner) or a tasty Rum Punch.

CocoMaya, Virgin Gorda
CocoMaya, a newer restaurant/bar on Virgin Gorda is not far from Spanish Town. On a pretty beach with fantastic sunset views, enjoy your favorite cocktail on a comfortable lounge bed in the glow of a fire pit in the sand. (BTW – the sushi is excellent as well!)

The Sandbox Bar & Grill, Prickly Pear Island
Prickly Pear Island, located close to Saba Rock in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, is a smaller island that was declared a BVI National Park in 1988 – so no additional development will be permitted. Sandbox Bar & Grill sits on pretty Vixen Beach, on the islands southwestern point. The small bar is nothing fancy, but it’s good place to enjoy a beer or a Rum Punch while enjoying the sun and activity in North Sound. If you’re feeling energetic, take the hiking path over the hill to explore the salt ponds and several other pretty beaches.

B-Line Beach Bar, Little Jost Van Dyke
If you’re heading to the east end of Jost Van Dyke (Bubbly Pool, Foxy’s Taboo) from Sandy Cay or Sandy Spit, you may catch a glimpse of a secluded little bar on Little Jost called, the B-Line Beach Bar. You won’t find large crowds and loud music here, but you’ll find a place to unwind and relax amidst the palms. Be sure to try their signature drink, the Passion Confusion.

Hendo’s Hideout, Jost Van Dyke
The new bar on the block, this really pretty bar/restaurant has a prime location right next to the Soggy Dollar. Sip on a Delirious Donkey while gazing out at spectacular White Bay, or lounge in the sun in one of their oversized hammocks.

Pirates Bight, Norman Island
If you’ve been to the Willie T, chances are you’ve at least seen Pirates Bight sitting on the pretty beach at Norman Island. The original Pirate’s Bight burned to the ground in a fire in 2013, but has been re-built and is nicer than ever. Order a delicious Day at the Beach (cocktail) and a Chicken Roti. Prices aren’t cheap, but the taste is amazing!

Anegada Reef Hotel, Anegada
You may be familiar with Cow Weck Beach Bar & Grill and the Big Bamboo at Loblolly, but be sure to stop at the bar on the beach at Anegada Reef Hotel in Setting Point, Anegada. Try a Rum Smoothie with your toes in the sand and a spectacular sunset at one of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean.

Harris’ Place, Jost Van Dyke
Probably known more as a restaurant than a bar, we had to add Harris’ Place to the list as we enjoyed one of the best Bushwacker’s we’ve had, crafted by the owner herself, Cynthia Harris. Sit at the edge of the water and enjoy a beverage and conversation with other sailors and if you’re there long enough, you might as well stay to enjoy a succulent lobster dinner in season.

Jumbie’s, Virgin Gorda
Belly up to the bar to enjoy a $4 Rum Punch at Happy Hour or try to catch a Michael Beans Pirate Show (in season). Fun atmosphere, good drinks and, if you’re hungry, some delicious food served at the water’s edge.

Who’s ready to go back to the BVI? Have you been to any of these BVI Bars? Tell us about it!

Other BVI Posts that you may enjoy:

Barhopping on Jost Van Dyke

What to See and Do in Cane Garden Bay

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

June 12, 2017April 20, 2021

Best Beaches of the British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands, a chain of islands well known as a premiere sailing destination, seem to have more than its fair share of stunning beaches as well. We’ve been asked by many to recommend our favorite BVI beach and well, it’s hard to even narrow it down to our favorite 5 – and I’m quite sure there are still more to discover. All of the beaches listed below are beautiful in their own way and we’ve enjoyed the time we’ve been able to spend on each one. Really though, if you’re on any beach in the BVI, you are one lucky beach bum.

Best Beaches of the British Virgin Islands

Deadman’s Beach/Little Deadman’s Beach, Peter Island

The Baths, Virgin Gorda
(see more here)

Spring Bay, Virgin Gorda

Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda

Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda
(see more here)

Cow Wreck Beach, Anegada
(see more here)

Loblolly Bay, Anegada
(see more here)

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
(see more here)

Sandy Cay, British Virgin Islands
(see more here)

Sandy Spit, British Virgin Islands
(see more here)

Cane Garden Bay
(see more here)

Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola
(see more here)

Long Bay , Tortola
(see more here)

How many of these beautiful BVI beaches have you had a chance to visit? Tell us about it!

To see more posts on Tortola and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

June 5, 2017July 8, 2021

Cruzin Scooters – Scooter Rental & Bar, St Croix

Before flying over to St. Croix from St. Thomas recently, a friend told us, “Be sure to check out the Scooter rental shop that’s also a bar in Christiansted”. Hmmm. Quite the combination. Sounded just strange enough that we wanted to check it out.

(Update: 6/2021. A recent search for contact information for Cruzin Scooters indicated that they may be permanently closed. If this is not correct, please let us know so that we can update this information.)

We caught a quick glimpse of Cruzin Scooters & Full Bar as we walked out of our hotel in Christiansted on our way to the boardwalk. It was right across the street, just off the boardwalk, and during the day, looked like a normal shop. Later that night, after returning from a relaxing evening at BES Craft Cocktail Lounge, the quiet shop had transformed into a rowdy little bar. All of the scooters and bikes were parked out front, making room for a small dance floor, and the musician was really rockin’ on the keyboard.

We walked in to see what was happening and were greeted by owner Philip who asked if he could get us a drink. We tried to chat a bit over the music and asked how he’d come up with the idea to put a bar in a scooter rental place. He said it just seemed like a good idea, after all, people tended to congregate in the area, so he applied for a liquor license and got it. Of course, the liquor is available only after rentals shut down for the day- scooter rentals by day, bar by night!

The musician, Zenith Apollo, was just killing it on the keyboard. Originally from the states, he had music in his blood; learning from his musician mom who’d performed at the Grand Ole Opry. He’d been friends with Philip in the States, and had come down to visit Philip and ended up staying.

Zenith Apollo would sing and play for a while and then he’d accompany a friend or a friends child as they sang a tune or two.

The vibe was super casual, biker-bar(esque) and we had such a good time that we stopped in once again the next evening to enjoy an ice cold beer at a most unique Caribbean bar.

Have you stopped by Cruzin Scooters to rent a scooter or enjoy a cold beer while on St. Croix? Tell us about it!

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

May 25, 2017June 5, 2019

5 Excuses Not to Travel and 2 Reasons Why You Really Should

Whether you dream of exploring the Alps, finding the prettiest, most secluded beach in the world or just taking a weekend away with the family, it often feels like there are more reasons NOT to go than TO go.

Have you found yourself weighing the reasons to go or not to go on vacation, or have you ever felt that because of your life circumstances that you will NEVER get to experience some of the wonderful locations you read about or see on the web? Have you ever heard the saying that if you wait for just the right time to get married or just the right time to have a baby or just the right time to see the world that it may never happen?

Yes, there are certainly good reasons to consider. Being a single parent, not having a stable job, health reasons, taking care of a parent or other family member, etc., are all very valid (and responsible!) reasons to consider putting off a vacation – but should you let it hold you back forever?

Here are 5 of the excuses we hear the most when someone talks to us about wishing they could take a well deserved getaway:

1. It’s too expensive.

Yes, it can be – especially if you have champagne tastes and a beer budget, but if you really would like to experience something you’ve always dreamed about, here are a few tips.
a. Look for vacations closer to home. Do you long for time in the sun on a beautiful beach? Check out coastal regions close to home. It may not be Bora Bora, but just walking in the warm sand while enjoying the sunshine and a cool beverage may be just what the doctor ordered.
b. Take a long weekend instead of a week or longer.
c. Search the web (or talk to a travel agent) about destinations that are not as popular, but still beautiful. The more popular a location, the more likely it will be pricey.
d. Start saving your pennies now. It may take a while to save up for that time away, but if it’s important to you – start now!

2. Flying has become too complicated.

Flying has become a bit more difficult with baggage fees, overbooking and crowded flights – but, if you want to vacation in a destination that you can’t drive, or take a bus or train to, you may have to board that plane. A few tips:

a. If you like to fly with a specific airline, look into getting a credit card with that airline that not only builds points when you use the card to book your travel on that airline, but will offer you a free baggage allowance on flights billed on the card.
b. Book your flights for days and times that are usually less busy. Although there’s no doubt that flights we’ve been on lately have been more full, we usually find mid-week flights not only less busy, but sometimes a bit cheaper. Busiest days to fly (besides the holidays)? Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
c. If you haven’t already spent every last dollar, consider upgrading to a priority seat that offers more legroom. We struggled with this for a long time, but now make sure to leave room in the budget for this little luxury – especially on longer flights.

3. It’s too short.

We’ve been there. You work hard and save all year for that well deserved vacation and suddenly it’s there – and then it’s gone. Tip:

a. Instead of one long vacation, take a few shorter trips per year. Even if they’re not all at a 5 star resort, just getting away can be exciting.

4. I’m too scared to go to a foreign country.

You’re not alone. Even seasoned travelers may feel some angst about language barriers, customs and food when considering travel to a foreign country. Tips?

a. Look into locations that are more like the country you’re familiar with. If you’re a US citizen and you want to go to a beautiful tropical location without too many surprises, there are many to choose from. Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Hawaii are either part of the US or US territories and, for now at least, don’t require a passport!
b. Research a location that is part of a different country. You can glean so much information on different travel destinations today that can help you decide to go, or not to go to a particular location. Find out what other travelers have reported about their travel there to decide if it’s right for you.

5. I’m to young or to old or to single to travel.

Although understandable concerns, age, marital status or physical disabilities should not preclude you from experiencing travel! Tips?

a. Find a travel agent that can find a vacation to suit your needs. In recent years, there are resorts and locations that absolutely cater to senior travel, solo travel and accessible travel – so you can find the vacation and location that really appeals to you. If you have a special need or request – don’t be afraid to ask!

Now that we’ve discussed the 5 top Excuses Not to Travel and given you a few tips on how to overcome those hurdles, here are a 2 Reasons Why You Absolutely Should:

1. Life Is Short.
If you want to see some of the world, start making plans to do it now. Even if you start small by taking a day to go hiking or a weekend to check out a National Park near you – do it soon! Don’t wait until the “time is right”.

2. Experiencing Something Outside of Your Daily Life Can Be Enriching, Invigorating and Life Changing.
We all get stuck in a rut from time-to-time, but taking time away from the grind of daily life makes us grow as people. We may learn more about others, learn to appreciate the beauty around us, and learn to appreciate what we have.

Do you have other travel tips to share? Tell us about them!

Copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC

May 9, 2017June 6, 2019

21 Places to Explore on the Island of St. Thomas

Staying on St. Thomas and looking for some ideas of what to do while there? Although it’s hard to list all of the attractions on this pretty, but busy island, here is a list of 21 Places to Explore on the Island of St. Thomas to help you start your planning!

Starting from the airport and traveling west, the list takes you clockwise around the island.

1. Brewer’s Bay. A pretty beach close to Cyril E. King airport and just across from the University of the Virgin Islands. Go for smaller crowds, spectacular sunset, local food trucks and to see occasional airplanes landing.

2. Overlook of airport from 30. From Brewer’s Bay, head up the hill on 30 to a small overlook of the airport. On a clear day you can see all the way to St. Croix!

3. Hike to Mermaid’s Chair. A somewhat strenuous hike brings you to a beautiful strip of beach that separates the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Be sure to time your visit to arrive at low tide – otherwise the strip of beach may be underwater!

4. Stumpy Bay. Not easy to get to (Four-wheel drive needed for a very bumpy road), but those that have made the journey have reported that the deserted beach at Stumpy Bay is lovely, quiet and serene…ahhh…

5. Neltjeberg Bay. Accessed only by sea or by a long hike from Dorthea Beach, Neltjeberg is considered by some as one of the islands most beautiful and secluded spots. Explore the nearby Neltjeberg Ruins, an 18th century sugar cane plantation that was devastated by a powerful hurricane in 1867 (the same hurricane that sunk the HMS Rhone at Salt Island).

6. Hull Bay. A quiet little beach fringed with seagrape trees. Hull Bay Hideway, a bar & grill just off the beach, is a great place to get fish tacos and a cold beer.

7. Mountain Top. Can be extremely busy when a lot of cruise ships are in port, but we thought Mountain Top was worth a visit due to it’s great view of Magens Bay and a plethora of Cruzan Rums for purchase. Sip on a Banana Daiquiri while enjoying the view.

8. Tree Limin’ Extreme. Zipline through lush foliage with spectacular views of Magens Bay and other islands at Tree Limin’ Extreme. A little adrenaline and a lot of fun!

9. Drake’s Seat. Yet another phenomenal view of Megans Bay and beyond. The bench is named after Sir Francis Drake who is said to have climbed to this point to identify potential ships to plunder.

10. Magens Bay. Frequently listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this one mile stretch of white sand is fringed with verdant hills and palm trees. Megans Bay is a very popular beach and can get very crowded. Go early or later in the afternoon to enjoy the beauty with less people.

11. Skyline Overlook. Offers a panoramic view of Charlotte Amalie, Water Island and Hassel Island.

12. Mahogany Run Golf Course. (Permanently closed) Scenic and challenging, this Tom Fazio designed course is nestled between the green hills and beautiful shoreline on the North side. Test your skills on the Devil’s Triangle – a challenging 3 hole stretch that includes a par 3 hole situated 200 feet over a rocky inlet of the Atlantic Ocean. Didn’t bring your clubs? No problem, they can provide complete rental sets and hopefully lots of extra golf balls.

13. Coki Point & Coral World. Experience sea turtles, sharks and stingrays and more in this 5 acre marine park. Afterwards, spend time swimming and snorkeling on Coki Beach.

14. Lindquist Beach at Smith Bay. Recently renovated with restrooms and showers. Although it’s gotten busier, this, in my opinion is still one of the prettiest beaches on the island.

15. Duffy’s Love Shack. The best parking lot bar in the world! Order one of their specialties like a Lime in Dee Coconut or Shark Tank (served in a fish bowl!)

16. Iggie’s Beach Bar & Grill. Go for live entertainment, Wednesday night Carnival Night, Full Moon Parties and Voodoo Juice…

17. Skyride at Paradise Point. Great view and Bushwackers!

18. Yacht Haven Grande. Check out the little boats (wink, wink) and pick up a trinket or two at the high end shops.

19. Blackbeard’s Castle. Take a guided walking tour of this historic 5 acre site to learn about the different buildings dating back to the 1600’s and the islands pirate legacy.

20. Rum Island Pub. Great little bar in Drake’s Passage, home of Husband Day Care, try their RIP (Rum Island Punch).

21. Bones Rum. Stop by for a pour-your-own rum drink and be sure to take some Bones Rum home with you – it’s not available outside of St. Thomas yet!

Ready for a day excursion or tour while on St Thomas? Check out some great ideas here!

What’s your favorite thing to do on St. Thomas? Tell us about it!

May 2, 2017June 24, 2021

Siesta Key Rum Distillery Tour

Troy Roberts is a man after our own heart. He grew up in beautiful Sarasota, Florida, eventually venturing out into the world to find his passion, but during his time away, he would dream of sitting on the beach in Sarasota, watching the sun set with a rum in hand.

Eventually he heeded the pull back to a life on the beach, sold his business and headed back to Sarasota, where he bought a still and started a journey that would soon lead to the creation of the award-winning Siesta Key Rums.

Troy started Siesta Key Rum in 2007 under Drum Circle Distilling (named after an interesting eventthat occurs every Sunday evening on Siesta Key Beach to welcome what can be a mind-blowing sunset). He released his first rum, Siesta Key Silver in 2010. With the help of two close friends, his hard-working father (apparently he works for rum!) and his beautiful wife Nanci, Troy is now creating a line of amazing rums that have received, and continue to receive numerous awards and accolades.

When asked about the learning curve for creating a good rum, Troy said that it was quite a process. He tried every yeast, every molasses and every natural flavor that he could find before settling on the perfect combination for each of his rums. He continues to do the same thing with each new rum he creates. In addition to the silver rum – which is really so good that it can be sipped on its own, Siesta Key produces several other rums that are also available in the tasting room at the distillery: a gold rum, a spiced rum and a toasted coconut rum.

Both the spiced rum and the toasted coconut rum are fantastic; hand-crafted in small batches by infusing rum with fresh spices and actual toasted coconut. Troy doesn’t use any artificial flavors or sweeteners in any of his rums and you can absolutely taste the difference.

Two other rums produced by Siesta Key are rather hard to procure. Distiller’s Reserve Spiced is created using a traditional solera process. Troy initially created this rum for his own enjoyment but friends and family liked it so much that he had to start making more. A limited number of bottles of Distiller’s Reserve Spiced are available at the end of September each year and sell out quickly. Distiller’s Reserve Spiced is only available at the Siesta Key Rum Distillery and if you follow them on Facebook, you can get updates on the release date.

We were treated to a special taste of this years batch of Distillers Reserve during our visit as Troy kindly poured off a sample from one of the barrels. The natural spices, honey and Florida sugar cane combine to create a truly delicious rum experience – no wonder it sells out so quickly!

Additionally, The Siesta Key family has started a new trend in the rum business – a rum that is aged in beer barrels called the limited edition Beer Barrel Finish Spiced Rum. Interesting, to say the least, each batch of this rum is different depending on the beer barrels available. We really enjoyed sampling this creative rum as well. Limited amounts of the Beer Barrel Finish Spiced Rum are sold in the Tasting Room when available.

With all of the awards and word-of-mouth advertising from happy customers, the demand for Siesta Key Rum is growing. It is pretty widely available across Florida, is available through many Total Wine Stores nationwide and can be shipped to some locations by Broudy’s. When asked about the plans for the future of Siesta Key Rum, Troy paused a moment and said, “The growth is exciting, but that’s a balance we continue to work on”. The desire to continue to produce an artisan rum, experiment with different flavors and ideas, increase production to meet the demand and still have some free time to enjoy it is an important balance for the team.

There are weekly tours that you can take at the distillery at 2212 Industrial Blvd. in Sarasota.

Troy himself leads the tours that combine a wealth of information on the rum distilling process, an up close look of the equipment used, a good dose of humor and at the end – delicious samples of Siesta Key Rums.

We’d highly recommend this tour if you are in the area. You’ll not only get some terrific information on these delicious small batch, artisan rums, you’ll get to meet and learn from the man behind them and top off the experience with rum tastings!

Can’t make the tour? You can still stop by the Tasting Room for some free samples and to pick up a couple of bottles!

Be sure to follow Siesta Key on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check their website for more detailed information on the rum distillery tour and the portfolio of award-winning Siesta Key Rums.

Have you taken the Siesta Key Rum Distillery Tour? Tell us about it!

copyright©Rum Therapy
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC
All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

April 18, 2017June 6, 2019

The Siesta Key Drum Circle

The drum circle crowd begins to gather late in the afternoon every Sunday on Siesta Key. The day we joined them, there were not only drummers, but other percussionists, dancers, hula-hoopers, rope walkers, sun-lovers and spectators all assembled to welcome the sunset.

The beach had been super crowded that day and we were hungry, so decided to give up our parking spot to head back to town for dinner. Surely, we thought, there would be lots of parking in the public beach lot after the Sunday beach-goers left for the day? Well, we were wrong. This is a popular event!

We did finally find a parking spot after stalking some people who had packed up for the day and were walking back to their car. Siesta Key is a large, beautiful beach and we originally worried that we wouldn’t find the drum circle, which takes place every Sunday night until sunset – but our worries were unfounded.

We just followed the pulsating sound of drums and the steady stream of people – many carrying their own drums and rhythm instruments to the beach.

Initially we just walked around, taking in the steady rhythm and watching people dance, play and socialize to the beat.

But as the sunset got closer, we found ourselves relaxing in the sugar-soft sand – our eyes affixed at the ever growing colors of the sunset.

Strange? Hmmm, maybe a bit. There were a lot of colorful characters enjoying the event, but after a while you begin to feel a part of it and may even find yourself get up, let go and dance like no one’s watching or add to the music with your own rhythm instrument.

Enjoyable? Yes, and well worth the effort to find parking. Relaxing? Absolutely. Watching the sun set to the beat of the Siesta Key Drum Circle was just perfect. This event, which initially began as a local, non-sponsored event, has taken on a life of its own and is well worth witnessing. It was a beautiful end to a beautiful weekend on Siesta Key.

Have you been to the Siesta Key Drum Circle? Tell us about it!

April 6, 2017June 6, 2019

Discovering Lanai, Hawaii

At 140 sq. miles, Lanai (nicknamed the Pineapple Island) is Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island and an excellent place to vacation if you enjoy Hawaii – minus the crowds. Home to only about 3,200 people, Lanai has about 30 miles of roads (most not paved), only one town (Lanai City) and no stop lights!

What is there to do on this beautiful and quiet island? Here are a few suggestions to help you discover Lanai.

Hulopoe Beach.
Located on the south side, close to the Four Seasons Lanai, Hulopoe Beach is a long crescent of golden sand. The snorkeling here is great and there are tide pools to explore on the far south end of the beach.

If you’re lucky, you may spot a pod of spinner dolphins playing in the bay. There are picnic tables, barbecue grills, showers and restroom facilities here as well.

Hike to Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock).
Puu Pehe, or Sweetheart Rock, is located south of Hulopoe Beach and the trail can be accessed from the parking area or beach. Definitely worth the walk for the view; the story of Puu Pehe is equally as legendary. Read about the legend here. The water is so clear around the cliffs that you can spot brightly colored tropical fish from a distance. If you can get there early enough, it is said that the view is even more spectacular at sunrise!

Play golf.
If you enjoy a really good game of golf, you should be sure to bring your clubs to Lanai (or arrange for a rental in the Golf Shop). The Manele Golf Course (part of the Four Seasons Lanai) is a spectacular 18 hole golf course built on lava outcroppings high above Hulopoe Bay.

The views of the ocean from many of the holes will surely challenge your concentration, but losing a few balls may be worth it in this case. We were told that during whale season, you can spot whales breaching and playing in the waters below as you play.

If you find yourself in Lanai City, be sure to check out the Cavendish Golf Course. A pretty 9 hole course tucked between tall Norfolk pines, Cavendish was originally built for plantation workers on the island. Today it’s a free public course that anyone can play. Yes, free.

Take a scenic tour in a Razor UTV.
Arranged through the Four Seasons, tours through the old pineapple plantation and the hills surrounding in a 4 person UTV can be a thrilling way to explore the island. Stop at scenic overlooks of surrounding islands and pineapple fields and hold on as they get the vehicle up to 70 mph on the final stretch!

Treat yourself to a few nights of absolute luxury at the Four Seasons Lanai.
Although you can easily take the ferry from Maui to Lanai to explore for the day, you might consider treating yourself to several nights of luxury in this uber luxurious hotel. The recently redone rooms are over-the-top beautiful with a sophisticated style, 75 inch televisions that greet you by name, beautifully appointed bathrooms (don’t get me started on the, um, toilets with lids that automatically rise as you enter…) and room keys that are waterproof and worn on your wrist for convenience. The grounds are tropically luscious and meticulously maintained.

In addition to the incredible room amenities, you can choose from 5 top notch restaurants, including NOBU Lanai. Perfection comes with a price, but what an experience!

Although we didn’t get to experience all that Lanai has to offer during our short visit, here are a few things left on our list during our next visit to the Pineapple Island:
Polihua Beach and Shipwreck Beach on the northern coast
Garden of the Gods
Hiking the Munro Trail
Lanai Culture and Heritage Center

Have you discovered Lanai? Tell us about it!