Rum Therapy, Author at Rum Therapy

May 13, 2015June 6, 2019

Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar, Home of the Goombay Smash

Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar on Green Turtle Cay in The Abacos has been serving drinks to thirsty customers since the 60’s and we planned to visit during our Abacos sail. After all, Miss Emily is said to be the originator of the drink “Goombay Smash” and although we have enjoyed a Goombay Smash or two in the past, we wanted to try the original – the one who’s recipe has not been shared with anyone outside the family.

Green Turtle Cay is a small island, only 3 miles in length and easy to get around by golf cart. We rented a couple of carts, headed south to the settlement of New Plymouth and found the Blue Bee Bar on Victoria Street.

Our excitement soon turned to disappointment as we realized Miss Emily’s was closed on Sunday and of course it was Sunday… But, thanks to the generosity of Smitty, the son-in-law of Miss Emily, who was relaxing inside the bar on his day off, we were granted access and got to sample the original Goombay Smash while learning a little Blue Bee history.

Business cards from all over the world adorn the walls, and flags and well worn tee shirts hang from the ceiling in the small and colorful establishment which now also serves dinner from 5 – 9:30 everyday except Sunday. We hear they serve an excellent broiled grouper and a Goombay Grouper…

The Goombay Smash is poured from a gallon jug so there was no way to catch a glimpse of the ingredients and although we pried, Smitty wouldn’t divulge any secrets saying that his wife Violet (Miss Emily’s daughter) was in charge of mixing the sweet concoction.

He graciously poured us each a Goombay Smash at the bar with a picture of the lovely Miss Emily (who passed away in 1977) smiling down at us.

We ordered a second round, chatted with the affable man also known as Sergeant Smith of the Bahamas Police Force, then departed with a jug of Miss Emily’s Goombay Smash to enjoy later on the boat.

Although you can find the Goombay Smash in many bars in the Bahamas, if you want to try the authentic and original recipe, you’ll have to make your way to Green Turtle Cay and the Blue Bee for a cold Goombay Smash, a pleasant afternoon and some good conversation.

Be sure to take away a jug for later…

For one version of the Goombay Smash (not the original!), check out the recipe here:
Goombay Smash

Have you enjoyed a Goombay Smash at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar? Tell us about it!

Find Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar on our Bahamas Map

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

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

May 7, 2015June 6, 2019

Swimming With Sharks on Compass Cay

So, I know sharks play an important part in the oceans ecosystem, but I just am not a fan. Sorry sharks. Nothing personal, it’s just those teeth…

When we were offered a stop at Compass Cay to swim with the sharks during an excursion generously provided by Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay, I thought fine. I’ll just take photos of the experience while John happily interacts with them in the water. Photos, from the dock – or as far away as I needed to be out of tooth range. But then I did a little research on the type of shark that hangs out at Compass Cay. The Compass Cay sharks are nurse sharks and according to National Geographic, adults are commonly about 7.5-9.75 ft long (although they can get as big as 14 ft.) and weigh 200-330 lbs. NG goes on to say, “Nurse sharks are for the most part harmless to humans.” Apparently they just don’t like to be provoked…(please tell me what ticks off nurse sharks!)

Upon our arrival at the Compass Cay Marina, we quickly became aware of the sharks presence. There were several people already in the water with (gasp) sharks swimming all around them. No one was panicking and there were even smiles.

Some were petting the sharks…

I found myself getting more and more intrigued.

Tucker, the man who owns Compass Cay Marina relayed the story of the sharks. When he first opened Compass Cay Marina, he brought in several nurse sharks. Over the years, the sharks had little sharks, have become accustomed to human
interaction and are now considered “pets”. There is a continual and abundant supply of fish scraps for the sharks as fish are cleaned at the end of one of the docks. At feeding time, a small hatchet is whacked on the cleaning board and the sharks come swimming in.

Hmmm. To make a long story short, I not only got in, but I snorkeled with them, pet them and enjoyed every minute. We enjoyed it so much, that we rented a boat from Staniel Cay Rentals and came back several days later to do it again at high tide when they just float right up next to you on the dock.

When we got back to our hotel, we looked through the pictures we got underwater while swimming.
Even more impressed that I got in.

So, do I have a greater appreciation for sharks? Well, let’s just say I really did enjoy this adventure and would do it again. With nurse sharks. On Compass Cay. In a heartbeat.

Have you gone swimming with the sharks on Compass Cay? If not, would you? Tell us about it!

Find Compass Cay Marina on our Bahamas Map

You might also enjoy:
The Swimming Pigs of the Exuma Cays

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

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

May 4, 2015May 10, 2021

Health Benefits of Spending Time in or Near the Ocean

If you are followers of our blog, you probably feel the same way we do; saltwater can soothe your soul. But did you know that in addition to it’s soothing qualities, spending time in or near the ocean can also provide other health benefits? Let’s explore a few reasons why we usually come home from a beach vacation feeling invigorated and renewed.

Lets start with the senses. The blues and greens of the ocean and the tropics are cool and relaxing colors. It is even said that certain hues of blue (especially light blues) can cause physical reactions such as a decrease in respiration and blood pressure.

The nose and ears can also identify and respond with a feeling of tranquility to the smell of saltwater and the gentle sound of the waves lapping the shore…

And what about the effect of saltwater on the body and its organs? I’ve seen several articles report that seawater has a similar composition to our blood plasma. Our bodies can easily assimilate the bounties of the water of the ocean such as vitamins, mineral salts, trace elements, amino acids and living microorganisms which secrete antibiotic, bacteriostatic and hormonal substances with biological balancing effects. (The Health Benefits of Sea Water)

Bathing or swimming in warm seawater activates the body’s healing mechanisms to fight conditions such as asthma, arthritis, bronchitis and inflammatory diseases, as well as common aches and pains. Magnesium-rich seawater purportedly can also relax your muscles, reduce stress and help induce sleep. (What are the Health Benefits of Swimming in Sea Water – Livestrong)

And even if you don’t get in the water, getting misted by sea spray can give your skin a dose of iodine (good for the thyroid gland) and negative ions which can strengthen the body’s immunological defense mechanisms.

We weren’t just imagining our response to our tropical escapes – there are actual benefits and physiological responses to the sea. So, next time you’re feeling your batteries running low – let the ocean be your medication and head south for some sun, warm water and a little salt water therapy!

Find more Tropical Tips here:
Tropical Tips & More

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

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

May 3, 2015August 5, 2019

Sunday Serenity: Under the Shade of a Palm Tree

Recently as we walked along Cove Beach in the Atlantis Paradise Beach Resort, we spotted a couple who found a quiet place under the shade of a lone palm tree on the beach. Despite the throngs of people (it was spring break) enjoying the sand, Bahama blue water and sunshine around them, this couple seemed to have found a perfectly serene spot, an island escape – their own little piece of paradise for the day.

I imagine after getting home from vacation that they still take mental escapes to this very same spot under the shade of a palm tree when life gets a little too crazy…

Where is your piece of paradise – where does your mind wander when you need a mental escape ? Let us know!

Find more Sunday Serenity posts here:
Tropical Tips & More

Find The Cove Beach at Atlantis Resort Paradise Island on our Bahamas Map

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

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

May 3, 2015August 5, 2019

Sugar Shack, Hope Town, Abacos

Looking for “sweet treats and eats” while strolling around Hope Town on Elbow Cay?

You might want to make a stop at the Sugar Shack located on the 2nd floor of a very brightly colored building in the middle of Hope Town.

We’d become aware of the Sugar Shack while researching things to see and do in Hope Town and were drawn to the Sugar Shack’s colorful and delicious looking posts on Facebook and Instagram. The pictures are mouthwatering and can make you hungry even when you’re not.

The shop itself is a treat for the eyes. Filled with cotton candy like colors and fun signs, we felt like kids in a candy shop.

While we didn’t have a chance to sit down and enjoy one of their delicious looking lunch offerings, we did cool off with a cold and creamy bowl of ice cream while sitting on their 2nd floor deck, with a beautiful view of the harbor and the red and white striped Hope Town Lighthouse.

Have you been to the Sugar Shack in Hope Town? Tell us about it!

You might also be interested in our post:
Hope Town Harbour Lodge, Elbow Cay

Find the Sugar Shack on our Bahamas Map

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

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

April 30, 2015June 24, 2021

Funky Monkey

A while back, we were asked to locate the recipe for a Funky Monkey, a blended drink that FB friend Carol had enjoyed while vacationing in the Caribbean. We came across several versions, but most contained a delectable combination of rum, banana, coconut and chocolate…

After a little bit of “research” on the amounts of each ingredient, we came up with the following recipe. Tweek the amounts to create the best blending of tastes for your palate!

Print Recipe

Funky Monkey

Contains a delectable combination of rum, banana, coconut and chocolate…

Course: Drinks

Servings:

Ingredients

1 oz. Gold Rum (We used Cruzen Aged Dark Rum)
1 oz. Coconut Rum (We used Blue Chair Bay Coconut Rum)
1/2 oz. Banana Schnapps
1/2 oz. White Chocolate Liqueur
3 oz. Coconut Milk
1 Banana
1 c. Ice
Toasted Coconut (for garnish)
Chocolate Sauce (for garnish)
Banana Slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Add rums, liqueurs, coconut milk and banana to a blender with ice and blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a drizzle of chocolate, toasted coconut and banana slices.

You might also enjoy the following recipes:
Dirty Banana
Bushwacker
Banana Daiquiri

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

April 28, 2015September 9, 2016

The Swimming Pigs of the Exuma Cays

Big Major Cay, an uninhabited cay north of Staniel Cay in the chain of islands known as the Exuma Cays is famous for one unusual thing. Pigs. Not just any regular pig mind you, but pigs that swim.

These cute little oinkers have become rather famous in the last few years as evidenced by the number of boats moored in the beautiful bay in front of what is now appropriately known as Pig Beach.

We were invited to go and swim with the piggies recently during our stay at Embrace Resort on Staniel Cay. The view of Pig Beach coming in is spectacular. No wonder the pigs enjoy living there!

We could spot a few pigs as our boat got closer, but by the time we got to the beach, there were several more making their way out of the bushes to greet us.

They were a bit bigger than we had imagined and were not shy about coming right up to us to see if we had brought them any scraps.

I mean, right up to us.

A few adorable piglets made their way out to greet us as well, but were a little more timid.

Wondering how the pigs got here in the first place, we asked our guide who said that there are quite a few (pig) tales about their arrival on Big Major Cay, but that truthfully they were simply transported over from Staniel Cay a number of years ago by their owners who had gotten tired of complaints from neighbors who were fed up with the pungent porkers.

After giving them what little we had (they also seem to like it when you pour cold water from a water bottle in their mouth!) we got in the water to watch them swim.

They seemed content to wade in the crystal blue water that looked more like a clean swimming pool than an ocean until another boat approached.

They then “hog-tailed” it out to the newcomers to see what treats they might have in store.

If you get to go to Pig Beach, be careful if you’re bringing food. We saw a guy who brought in a large bag of scraps get instantly surrounded by the large and hungry pigs and sustained a nip to the stomach when he didn’t dole it out fast enough!

Have you been to Pig Beach? Tell us about it!

Find Pig Beach on our Bahamas Map

To see more posts on the Exuma Cays and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

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

April 27, 2015April 27, 2015

What Type of Tropical Traveler Are You?

There is certainly not a right or wrong way to travel in the tropics. Tropical travel is fun and can be a wonderful experience – regardless of that type of experience you long for. That being said, there are certainly different types of travelers ranging from someone who likes to escape and relax without leaving the resort, to those that strive for unusual and adventurous opportunities – and many degrees in between.

What type of traveler are you? Take the short and very unscientific quiz below to see where you fall on the scale! There are no right or wrong answers – just something fun to think about on a Monday!

A. Do you like to go to the same place on every vacation?
1. No, I never go to the same place
2. I have a couple of favorites that I like to go to
3. I go to the same place every vacation

B. Before every vacation I:
1. Do some research on what I’d like to see, but then ask locals what is not to be missed
2. Do research on what I’d like to see and make a list so I don’t miss the things I most want to see
3. Research the amenities on or near the resort

C. The type of accommodation I prefer:
1. Sleeping out under the stars
2. Bed & Breakfasts, Small Boutique Properties, Small Resorts
3. Large Resorts with lots of amenities, All-Inclusive Resorts

D. On vacation, my favorite activity is:
1. Exploring the new location
2. Exploring and activities half the time and relaxing the other half
3. I don’t really like the leave the resort much. I’d rather read, sleep in the sunshine, play in the water and enjoy water sports at the resort

E. I rent a car/golfcart/boat on vacation:
1. Almost always
2. Sometimes. I usually go on organized excursions
3. I’d rather hang out at the resort

F. On vacation I like to:
1. Try all of the local delicacies and drinks from local vendors
2. I like trying some new things, but I’ll still look for a slice of good pizza
3. Whatever is available on the menu at the resort

G. As far as shopping, on vacation I would prefer buying:
1. Locally crafted treasures – especially if I can watch them making it
2. Gifts with the name of the island on it
3. Gifts with the name of the resort on it

Add up the numbers that correspond to your answers and find out what kind of traveler you are below!

7 – 11: You are a travel explorer. You always want to see, taste and experience as much as you can of the true flavor of each location you are visiting.

12 – 16: You are a travel balancer. You like a balance of experiencing some of the local attractions that interest you with relaxing as much as possible.

17 – 21: You are a travel escaper. You like to get away to really get away, slow down the pace and truly relax. You NEED some island time.

So, are you a travel explorer, balancer or relaxer, somewhere in between, or do you have your very own tropical travel category? Let us know!

See Tropical Tips & More

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

April 17, 2015April 19, 2021

Petit Bateau, Tobago Cays

Encompassing five small islands and one beautiful marine park, the Tobago Cays are a boaters paradise located close to the island of Mayreau in the Grenadines.

The five islands, Petit Rameau, Petit Bateau, Baradal, Petit Tabac and Jamesby, are all in fairly close proximity, each a bit different and each worth exploring.

Petit Bateau – the largest of the five, has a beautiful beach on the north side with views over the shallow channel of Petit Rameau.

The interior of the island has thick vegetation and is home to large number of iguanas and birds.

A short hike to the top will reward you with beautiful vistas of the other Tobago Cays Islands such as Baradal and Petit Tabac as well as other islands in the Grenadines chain.

The tip of Baradal and its beach to the left and Petit Tabac in the distance on the right.

Jamesby to the left and Union Island in the distance on the right.

Petit Bateau is easily accessible by dinghy and we brought a cooler ashore to enjoy a meal among the swaying palms.

The Tobago Cays have gotten a bit more crowded since the first time we visited, but there is still plenty of space to spread out and relax or to explore all that these beautiful islands have to offer.

Have you been to Tobago Cays? Tell us about it!

Petit Tabac

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

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 15, 2015August 5, 2019

Hope Town Harbour Lodge, Elbow Cay

While exploring the pretty little town of Hope Town on Elbow Cay during our recent sail through the Abacos, we passed a lovely place called the Hope Town Harbour Lodge. Feeling a bit parched, we noticed a sign out front for the Reef Bar & Grill and thought we’d check to see if we could sit down and enjoy a delicious rum drink, or even an ice cold Sands.

Not only did we enjoy a refreshing and tasty rum punch at the Reef Bar & Grill overlooking the beautiful beach out back, but we enjoyed the chill ambiance of Hope Town Harbour Lodge. The grounds were manicured, the pool inviting, the beautiful beach even more inviting, the pretty cottages painted in bright Bahamian colors, and the people – so friendly and welcoming.

If we are lucky enough to return to Elbow Cay someday, the Hope Town Harbour Lodge is certainly the type of place we’d love to stay.

Have you been to Hope Town Harbour Lodge? Tell us about it!

Find Hope Town Harbour Lodge on our Bahamas Map

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