Presidential Election Cocktail Menu at Bolongo Bay

This presidential election season, the Caribbean’s most entertaining Super PAC (Party Action Committee), Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, is letting constituents vote with their taste buds. Located in the US Virgin Islands, St Thomas is a US territory. While citizens of the US territory don’t have the right to vote, they still have the right to assemble. In island tradition, that’s still a great reason to party. Lobbyists and pollsters can stay back on the mainland because Bolongo Bay’s mixologists have created a ballot of campaign cocktails for all to enjoy.

Bolongo Bay Cocktail

Available now through Election Day, this special menu lets guests rally for their favorite affiliation, the Cocktail Party. Bolongo Bay will host an Election Night Party on November 8, 2016, featuring all-American food, Presidente beer buckets, live music and its widescreen televisions tuned in for results. Once the president-elect is announced, Bolongo Bay will continue to serve his or her “namesake” beverage through Inauguration Day, January 20, 2017.

Bolongo Bay’s 2016 Presidential Campaign Cocktail Menu includes:

  • Trumpical Punch: This swirl of controversy mixes up USVI strawberry and raspberry rum, topped with a comb over of cranberry juice. Served on the rocks, it’s going to be “huuuuge” and “make America great again.”
  • Chillary: Coconut rum, blue curacao, splash of pineapple juice and coconut cream become “stronger together” when shaken. Unlike 33,000 emails, this is served uncharacteristically straight-up.
  • Rum for the Border: Can’t handle the craziness? Start a new life with this mix of coconut, pineapple, citrus and banana rums and fruit punch for the win.
  • Screw’d Either Way: If the final two candidates lack “ap-peel” let this mix of orange vodka, orange juice and a splash of Sprite drown the sorrows. Served on the rocks…with a chaser of “hard place.”
  • Server Dilemma: The secret is out…banana liquor, blackberry brandy and pineapple juice with a splash of grenadine. Served on the rocks, it can only be ordered through Iggies private email server.
  • Under Audit: The ingredients are under audit. Happens every year. Surely everyone understands. While this information is classified, Bolongo Bay is willing to release them, but only to guests who visit.

    Known as the Caribbean’s most entertaining beach resort, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St Thomas offers 365 days of fun, sun and rum year round. Find out more on the Bolongo Bay website.

Gage Sunglasses – Sunnies for Beach Bums

We received two pairs of good lookin’ shades just the other day from Joe, the owner of Gage Sunglasses – a company that makes sunglasses for beach bums by beach bums. Hello! We were definitely interested in trying them out.

Gage Sunglasses

Joe is a one-man show when it comes to Gage Sunglasses and operates out of his home office on Long Island in NY. Joe says that Long Island has some of the nicest beaches in the country, and he’s been a beach bum for essentially his entire life.

Gage SunglassesJoe and his fiancée

The idea for Gage Sunglasses came about when Joe, who has an entrepreneurial spirit and had a dream of one day building his own brand, remembered how many times he’d either lost or broken expensive “designer” pairs of sunglasses…usually casualties of the ocean or accidentally sitting on them. He disliked “gas station” sunglasses, and had trouble finding fun, affordable shades, so that’s where the idea of Gage Sunglasses – sunnies for beach bums was born!

Gage Sunglasses
So what do we think of our new Gage shades?

Right away we noticed how incredibly light they were. Almost forg0t they were on and that translates to super comfortable.

Gage Sunglasses
Frames. Flexible, so you can bend them a little to fit your face. Cool!

Lenses. Impact resistant so when we inevitably drop them they shouldn’t shatter or break AND UV400 for protection from the rays.

Gage Sunglasses
The look. We love the beachy colors and relaxed styling.

Gage Sunglasses
The price. Great! At 25 bucks, we can afford to get a couple of pairs and not feel so bad if a pair flies off while sailing or parasailing (yes, that has happened…).

Gage Sunglasses
Check out the Gage Sunglasses Facebook page and Instagram feed for more beach bum inspiration and if you’d like to pick up a pair of sunnies for yourself, you can find the styles and colors available on their website.

Gage Sunglasses
Thanks Joe! We’ll be doing some additional testing soon when we practice our beach bum skills (in our Gage sunnies!) on the beaches of Hawaii!

(photos courtesy of Gage Sunglasses)

This is a sponsored post. Although we were compensated by the company who sponsored it, the views are solely our own and we only recommend products or services we believe our readers will enjoy.

8 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Culebra

 

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Culebra is a picturesque little island that lies approximately 17 miles east of Puerto Rico. It’s an island municipality under the domain of Puerto Rico. At seven miles wide and three miles long, Culebra is the smallest of the inhabited Spanish Virgin Islands.

Although modest in size, Culebra has a welcoming small island charm, stunning beaches and amazing snorkeling. There are no large resorts on island, but there are a few cottages, guest houses and villas available for rent. Due to a good ferry schedule, many visitors come to Culebra just for a day visit. You can also take a short flight from PR, which may give you more time to play.

What should you do if you’re lucky enough to spend some time on this pretty island? Check out this list of  the 8 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Culebra to start your planning!

1. Flamenco Beach

Flamenco Beach, Culebra - copyright Rum Therapy

Frequently listed as one of the top beaches in the world, Flamenco is even prettier than a postcard. A long swath of soft, white sand surrounded by stunning hues of blue…
See more photos of Flamenco Beach here

2. Tanks on Flamenco

Tank on Flamenco Beach - copyright Rum Therapy
Although it’s a rather abnormal attraction to list, the old tanks on Flamenco Beach are interesting enough to seek out. On the far west side of the beach you will find one sitting in the beautiful water just off the shoreline. Painted over and over by the locals, the tank is a vivid reminder of the history of Culebra when it was used as a training site for the US Navy.
Read more about it here

3. Snorkeling

Snorkeling on Culebra - copyright Rum Therapy
You’ll find clear water and pristine snorkeling spots in several areas on Culebra. Best part? Most have beach access, so just slip on your flippers and mask and get going!
Discover some of the best snorkeling spots on Culebra here

4. Eating

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You’ll find some of the same delicious treats on Culebra as on Puerto Rico, such as this Puerto Rican Pincho served from one of the food kiosks on Flamenco Beach, but there are other dining options to explore as well. Mamacita’s serves up dishes with a Mexican flare and you can find a few other delicious options here

5. Explore by Golf Cart

Golf Cart on Culebra - copyright Rum Therapy
Culebra is not a large island and you can certainly explore a lot of it in one day. Best way to get around? You can rent a jeep, but why not just rent a golf cart? Economical and easy to zip around it!
Here’s one of the rental agencies on Culebra

6. Zoni Beach

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You may get so stunned by the beauty of Flamenco that you will forget to visit some of the other gorgeous beaches on Culebra. One of our favorites? Zoni Beach, on the islands northeast side – quieter than its famous neighbor, but still beautiful.

7. Culebrita
Just off the eastern shore of Culebra sits Isla Culebrita, a small uninhabited island that is a wildlife refuge. Only a few people visit Culebrita each day, so it’s likely that you’ll have plenty of space to explore the beaches, an old lighthouse, relax in tidal pools and snorkel. You’ll need to hire a water taxi or join an excursion to get to Culebrita.
Find out more about this pretty island here

8. Top off the day with a drink at The Dinghy Dock

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Top off a perfect day on Culebra by stopping by The Dinghy Dock to check out the huge tarpon swimming right off the dock, chat with the locals and listen to the tales of sailors that frequent the bar and enjoy a refreshing drink – such as this cold and creamy Bushwacker.

 Have you been to Culebra? Tell us about it!

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. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

Should You Travel to the Caribbean During Hurricane Season?

We’ve all seen them. Photos of the storms and destruction caused by hurricanes. It’s almost enough to keep us from traveling to the Caribbean during hurricane season. Almost.

Hurricane Season - copyright Rum Therapy
We used to completely avoid traveling to the Caribbean and Bahamas during the months of June – November (official hurricane season), but after looking at statistics, we have occasionally chosen to take advantage of the lower rates and quieter season with a few precautions and strategies in mind. After all, statistically, you are more likely to be involved in a serious hurricane event in parts of the US mainland than much of the Caribbean. Of course there’s always a risk, but all we can do is try to reason with the hurricane season…

A few things to keep in mind when considering island travel during the summer and fall:

1. The peak months for hurricane storms are August, September and October.
2. The Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks & Caicos and the Eastern Caribbean islands historically tend to be affected by more storm weather during hurricane season than islands farther south.
3. The islands least likely to be affected by hurricanes are the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), followed by Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Grenada.
4. Even in the islands most affected by storms, the likelihood of encountering a serious one during the time you are there is slim.
5. Because more people avoid the Caribbean (and Bahamas) during hurricane season, you may be able to find some terrific low season rates.

Additional things to consider:
Some establishments (bars & restaurants) close for a month or two during hurricane season (usually in the August – October time frame), so if there’s a place you’d really like to experience, be sure to check and see if they will be open during your visit.

Travel insurance can help cover you in the event your vacation is cancelled or postponed by weather. Be sure to check with a reputable travel insurance company and make sure they specifically offer trip-cancellation insurance, which ensures that travelers who have purchased airline, cruise tickets and hotel stays will be fully compensated if a storm prevents them from traveling.

Some resorts offer a hurricane guarantee, but be sure to carefully read it and understand it before booking. It may be full or part coverage or a voucher for future travel.

Consider downloading the free Red Cross Hurricane app to keep you up to date on hurricane info wherever you are vacationing.

Armed with facts and good information to help you make the best choices of dates and areas, you might just become a fan of the lighter crowds, cheaper accommodations and beautiful weather of the summer and fall in the Caribbean.

Puerto Rico - copyright Rum Theapy
Do you travel to the Caribbean during hurricane season? 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

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

4 Delicious Recipes to try on National Rum Punch Day!

 Happy National Rum Punch Day! In case you feel like celebrating (or just need a good recipe in the future), here are 4 delicious recipes to try on National Rum Punch Day. Let us know which one is your favorite!

1. Authentic Rum Punch

Authentic Rum Punch Recipe - copyright Rum Therapy
1 of sour, 2 of sweet

3 of strong, 4 of weak
Find out what that means in this
Authentic Rum Punch Recipe


2. Caribbean Rum Punch

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Use the juices listed, or create your own signature Rum Punch by changing up the flavors!
Caribbean Rum Punch Recipe


3. Coconut Rum Punch

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If you like the taste of coconut, you’ll love this one!
Coconut Rum Punch Recipe


4. Pineapple Rum Punch

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Two less ingredients than the Coconut Rum Punch and you can substitute a gold rum for the Coconut Rum. Less ingredients = more pineapple taste! Mmmm…tropically delicious!

Pineapple Rum Punch Recipe


Find more rum recipes here:

Rum Recipe Picture Directory

Rum Recipes  by Category

Rum Therapy Recipes on YouTube

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

8 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Vieques

8 Things You Shoulldn't Miss on Vieques - copyright Rum Therapy
Isla de Vieques, a small island located approximately 8 miles off of Puerto Rico, is easily reached by ferry from Fajardo or a short flight from San Juan International Airport.

Considered one of the two main Spanish Virgin Islands, Vieques is probably best known for either its Bioluminescent Bay, said to be the brightest in the world, or its history with the US Navy as a former bombing test range.

Not as well known is the fact that Vieques has not been overly commercialized, has a good number of beautiful unspoiled beaches and retains its small island charm. Want huge resorts, nightlife, casinos or crowded beaches? You’ll have to look elsewhere, but if you want a quiet island with friendly people where you can get away from the grind, you might just fall in love with Vieques.

Thinking of visiting? Check out this list of 8 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Vieques to help you start your planning.

1. Sun Bay Beach

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Just one of the beautiful beaches on Vieques, Sun Bay has a long expanse of soft, golden sand and calm shallow water, making it a great beach for the whole family. A snack bar and restrooms are close by too. You may find horses wandering the grounds and enjoying the beach and scenery as well.

2. Horses

Horses on Vieques - copyright Rum Therapy
Speaking of horses… (see above)  It may seem an odd addition to the list, but be sure to watch for the horses that roam freely on Vieques. Find out more about these beautiful creatures here: Vieques, Where the Horses Roam Free

3. Mosquito Bay (Bio Bay)
Mosquito Bay, on the southern side of Vieques, is a bioluminescent bay. Best observed during the New Moon phase, the waters of Mosquito Bay, that are rich in a single celled dinoflagelate organism, “light up” at night when they come in contact with another organism, such as a boat, oar, or person. There are several bio bays in the world, but Mosquito Bay has claimed the title of “the brightest” bio bay in the world by the Guiness Book of World Records.

4. Hike to Playa Negra – a black sand beach

Playa Negra, Vieques - copyright Rum Therapy
Playa Negra is a black sand beach just west of Esperanza. The color of the sand is a little surprising given the goldens, tans and whites of the other beaches on Vieques, but the pretty hike down a riverbed to the beach made it worth it to us. We were the only ones on the path except for a mare and her foal who walked right past us.

5. Enjoy a rum punch at Bananas

Bananas, Esperanza - copyright Rum Therapy
Thirsty after your hike to Playa Negra? Stop at Bananas Beach Bar & Grill in Esperanza for a delightful Rum Punch. Want to stay a little longer? Check into Bananas Guesthouse – a no frills place that’s close to the Bio Bay.

6. Enjoy the shops, museum and restaurants at El Malecon, Esperanza

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The coastal side of Experanza is known as El Malecon or “The Strip”. Here you will find a few small shops, some restaurants,  a museum, a beach and a beautiful view. This is probably the busiest area on Vieques and a favorite hangout for visitors. Tours for the Bio Bay leave from this area.

7. The Rest of the Beaches

Media Luna, Vieques - copyright Rum Therapy
We visited a number of Vieques beautiful beaches during our visit and were pleasantly
surprised with the beauty and solitude of many of them. If you have the time, rent a jeep and see how many beaches you can visit. They’re all a little different, but none are crowded.

8. Catch a sunset at Al’s Mar Azul

View from Al's Mar Azul in Vieques - copyright Rum Therapy
Before catching the ferry back to Puerto Rico, stop and enjoy a sunset (with your favorite cold drink) at Al’s Mar Azul – just a block from the ferry. The sunsets here are spectacular and it’s a beautiful way to end your day on Vieques.

Have you been to Vieques? Tell us about it!

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. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

The Best Piña Colada Recipe

There are good Piña Coladas and then there are excellent Piña Coladas and we have well, tried our fair share. Although the standard Piña Colada Recipe is by far the easiest, by taking just a little extra time and adding a few more ingredients you can turn that average Piña Colada into a creamy and rumlicious tropical delight. By freezing the pineapple, you reduce the need to use as much ice and less ice = more flavor. Plus, the addition of the fresh lime juice, heavy cream and just a dash of bitters makes this a Piña Colada you won’t soon forget.

*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!

The Best Piña Colada Recipe

Course: Drinks
Servings: 2
Author: Rum Therapy

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 to 3 c. fresh pineapple (cubed)
  • 4 oz. gold rum (we used Cruzan Aged Rum)
  • 3 oz. cream of coconut (such as Coco Real or Coco Lopez)
  • 2 oz. heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. fresh lime juice
  • 1 c. ice (add just a bit more if needed)
  • 1 small dash of Agnostura bitters (easy does it!)
  • toasted coconut
  • nutmeg
  • 1/2 – 1 oz. dark rum to be used as a floater (we used Myers’s Dark Rum)
  • Maraschino cherry and pineapple slices for garnish

Instructions

  • Freeze fresh pineapple chunks until firm. In a blender, add rum, Coco Lopez, heavy cream, lime juice, the bitters and the pineapple and blend together. Add ice and blend again until creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a few drops of cream or pineapple juice and blend until the desired consistency. Serve in a tall glass. Add a floater of dark rum, a sprinkle of nutmeg and toasted coconut and garnish with a cherry and a pineapple slices.

Other recipes you might be interested in:

Piña Colada
Skinny Piña Colada

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

PiZZA Pi VI – A One of a Kind Floating Pizza Boat

A floating pizza factory? A commercial grade food truck boat? A one of a kind offshore dining experience in the beautiful VI’s? Check, check and check!

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PiZZA Pi VI is the brainchild Sasha and Tara Bouis. Sasha is an MIT grad who worked on Wall Street for five years before realizing that being “cubicle plankton” was not enough for him. Tara, originally an elementary special education teacher in Indiana during the winter and a SCUBA instructor at SeaTrek BVI was also an award winning chef and culinary judge who trained specifically in the art of the New York style pizza pie.

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Together they rebuilt their aluminum sailboat, retrofitted it with commercial­ grade pizza ovens, an oversized pick­up window and an eye-­catching paint job. They then named the boat Pi, with a pizza business in mind.

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PiZZA Pi VI opened in November of 2014 and is anchored in Christmas Cove, Great St James Island. Sasha and Tara live on land nearby and dinghy out to open and serve pizza daily from 11am until  sunset (closed Mondays & Thursdays). 

Because of limited space in the galley, they offer 5 types of pizzas from traditional NY style to specials that vary depending on local and seasonal ingredients.
Some of the fan favorite pizzas include: 
“Sweet Home Indiana” – Porcini sauce, sage sausage, pickled sweet corn & fresh spinach
“Blumin Onion” – Aioli sauce, chopped leeks, radicchio, blue cheese & honey to finish
“Mango Mami” – Tangy mango sauce, red onion, fresh mango, bacon & goat cheese

 See their menu here

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To visit PiZZA Pi, you need to find your way out on a boat.  Visitors to St. Thomas or St. John can rent a charter boat for a full or half day trip and along with great pizza they get to enjoy an action packed day tailored to their group by a knowledgable captain. They also serve dinner to many of the week long charter boats that make St. Thomas their home port.  Enjoying great food on a boat while snorkeling in pristine waters is the PiZZA Pi experience.  

Although closed for the season right now – PiZZA Pi needs your help. The food-truck-boat has operated in Christmas Cove, US Virgin Islands for nearly two years now, but in order to continue, the local government is requesting a show of public support. If you have already enjoyed the pizza and the experience of PiZZA Pi VI, or even if you just hope to in the future, Sasha and Tara ask that you would consider signing the petition to keep PiZZA Pi VI in Christmas Cove. They are hoping to get at least 5,000 signatures, and have received over half already. If you’d like to support PiZZA Pi VI – A One of a Kind Floating Pizza Boat, you can find the petition here:
Petition for PiZZA Pi VI

And – if you’d like to find out more about PiZZA Pi VI, check them out here:
Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

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all photos property of wherethecoconutsgrow.com

10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Puerto Rico

East of the Dominican Republic and west of the Virgin Islands lies the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. Approximately 3,500 sq. miles and about the size of the state of Connecticut, PR is a US territory and US citizens do not need a passport to travel to and from Puerto Rico. With one of the busiest cruise ship ports in the world, many tourists visit Puerto Rico before or after embarking on a cruise.

Puerto-Rico-Sunset copyright Rum Therapy
Although the list of things to see and do on this culturally colorful island is extensive, we’ve listed 10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Puerto Rico to get your travel planning started.

1. Old San Juan
Founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, the 7 square block area contains a wealth of history, culture, restaurants and shopping. Take time to walk down the streets taking in the colors, the historic buildings and delicious aromas surrounding you. Look to see if you can find the blue cobblestones in old town. The bricks were brought over on Spanish ships in the 1700’s and time and moisture have caused them to have a blue hue, but word has it that they are slowly being replaced due to cracking and unevenness.

Blue Cobllestones in Old San Jua - copyright Rum TherapyBlue cobblestones

2. El Morro and San Cristobal
It’s hard to miss the forts of El Morro and San Cristobal while walking around Old San Juan. Construction on Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) was begun in 1539 as a way to protect the city from an attack by sea, but it not completed until 1787. Castillo San Cristóbal was built to protect the city from attacks by land. The views here are phenomenal and history is always so much more interesting when you’re able to experience it in person.
Read more about exploring El Morro here

El Morro copyright Rum TherapyGun turret in El Morro

3. El Yunque
El Yunque National Forest is located approximately 25 miles southeast of San Juan.  Receiving over 200 inches of rain a year, this jungle like area is filled with lush flora and fauna (some species only found here), beautiful waterfalls and trails that crisscross the area for easy exploration. Listen to the sounds of 13 species of coqui fill the air and keep your eyes open for the endangered Puerto Rican amazon (parrot) – the only remaining native parrot in Puerto Rico.
Read more about exploring El Yunque here

El Junque copyright Rum TherapySmall waterfall in El Yunque

4. Drink a Piña Colada
Named the national drink of Puerto Rico in 1978, you won’t have a problem finding a bar or restaurant that serves one. In fact, two places in San Juan claim to have originally created the creamy rum drink, Barrachina and Caribe Hilton Hotel’s Beachcomber Bar. If you want to do a bit of “research”, you could try one at each location to see which you prefer.

Pina-Colada at Barrachina's by Rum TherapyPiña Coladas at Barrachina’s

5. Eat
Puerto Rican cuisine was not something we were familiar with before we started visiting the islands and now we love it. Not typically spicy – but well spiced, it seems to be a unique and tasty blend of influences from different ethnic groups that settled on the island. Mofongo (mashed plantain filled with steak, chicken, shrimp, pork, etc.), Alcapurria (fritters made of green bananas and filled with seasoned meat), Mallorca (Puerto Rican sweet brean), Bacalaítos (fried codfish fritters), Lechón (roasted pig) and Arroz con gandules (the Puerto Rican style of rice and beans made with pigeon peas and sofrito) are just a few of the succulent delicacies or dishes you might find.

Mofongo - copyright Rum TherapyMofongo

6. Roadside Food Stands
As if there’s not enough good food to choose from in Puerto Rican restaurants, there’s another place to sample great local cuisine with the added bonus of chatting with the cook/owner. On roadways all over Puerto Rico you’ll find roadside food stands selling everything from barbeque chicken to arepas to pinchos.  Want to wash it down with smething cold? Try a Coco Frio (coconut water), Medalla Light (the local beer) or another Piña Colada. Our favorite? A row of food kiosks close to Luquillo Beach!

Luquillo Food KioskLuquillo Beach Food Kiosk

7. Rum

Called the rum capital of the world, Puerto Rico sells 70% of the rum sold in the US. Bacardi is the best known and has a distillery with tours on island, but if you have the chance, be sure to sample the local favorite Don Q and our favorite – Ron Del Barrilito Three Star, considered the “Cognac of the Caribbean”.

Puerto Rican Rums - copyright Rum TherapyPuerto Rican Rums

8. Check Out the Non-Tourtisty Areas
Sure it’s great to be able to visit the popular tourist attractions in PR – they’re popular for a reason! But there are so many other things to experience on PR if you have the time and some transportation. If you’re staying on-island and  can rent a car, check out some of these less touristy, but still cool destinations. Spend some time exploring Crash Boat Beach in Aguadilla – the site of a former military port that still has some of the military pier infrastructure, surf in Rincon, a sleepy town on the west coast that is a favorite of expats, kayak over to Gilligan’s Island (Cayo Aurora) from Guánica and do some snorkeling, visit Café Gran Batey Coffee Farm in Utuado for a tour, a tasting and some coffee beans to bring home, and explore the neoclassical architecture of Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second largest city, founded in 1692 by Ponce de Leon’s great grandson.

Boat-Crash-Beach copyright Rum TherapyCrash Boat Beach

9. Explore Puerto Rico’s Beautiful Out Islands 
There are approximately 143 islands, cays, islets and atolls surrounding the island of Puerto Rico and the only inhabited ones – Vieques and Culebra are great for day trips or longer and easy to get to via ferry.

Sun-Bay-(500)-OSun Bay, Vieques

10. Relax
After all the sightseeing, don’t forget to just take time to relax, breathe in the tropical air and enjoy the sunshine. After all, you’re in paradise!

Rio Grande, Puerto RicoGreat place to relax in a hammock in Rio Grande

 To see more posts on Puerto Rico 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.

10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss On Virgin Gorda

Ahhh, Virgin Gorda. This hilly beauty is rumored to have been named “The Fat Virgin” by Christopher Columbus who, upon approach, thought the profile of the island resembled a plump lady lying on her side. At 8 square miles, it is the 3rd largest island in the British Virgin Island chain, and although it offers a variety of luxurious resorts and villas and one of the highest rated beach attractions in the world, it still somehow maintains it laid-back island feel.

Are you planning to spend some time on this beautiful island? Here is a list of 10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss On Virgin Gorda to help you start your planning.

10-Things-You-Shouldn't--Miss On Virgin Gorda

1. Hike the Trail Through The Baths
Giant boulders surrounded by crystal clear, blue water. The path takes you through a maze of boulders and calm, turquoise pools of water where you can spend hours lounging and exploring. The path leads to Devil’s Bay – another stunning white sand beach. See Exploring the Baths of Virgin Gorda

The Baths - copyright Rum Therapy
2. Top Of the Baths
After exploring The Baths and Devil’s Bay, make a stop at the Top of The Baths for a little shopping a dip in the freshwater pool and a delicious rum cocktail with a beautiful view of Sir Francis Drake Channel and Tortola in the distance.
Find out more about the Top of the Baths here

Top of the Baths copyright Rum Therapy
3. Spring Bay
Just north of The Baths is another great beach and area to explore. Same huge boulders, more crystal clear water and a few less people. Sound good? It is…

Spring Bay copyright Rum Therapy
4. CocoMaya Restaurant & Bar
After a full day of sun, salt water and fresh air, there’s nothing better than watching a colorful sunset with a cold drink in hand from a cushy chair around a beach campfire – well, technically a gas fire pit, but it’s a beautiful atmosphere nonetheless. CocoMaya is located on the beach  just south of Spanish Town. We hear the food is pretty awesome as well.
Find out more about CocoMaya here

CocoMaya - copyright Rum Therapy

5. Saba Rock
Technically located in the North Sound of Virgin Gorda, this private island offers a lot in just less than an acre. Saba Rock boasts not only a famous over-the-water lounge bar and restaurant, but also an 8 bedroom hotel, 10 slip marina, gift shop, gardens and sun deck. Go for dinner, the views, and a famous Saba Rock Banana Daiquiri.
Update: Saba Rock received significant damage in the hurricanes of 2017. It is currently being rebuilt and hopes to re-open in Fall of 2021. Please check their website for updated opening info.


Saba Rock - copyright Rum Therapy
6. Leverick Bay
Leverick Bay is a Resort & Marina located on the North Sound of Virgin Gorda. Laid back, colorful and fun, this is a great place to dock a boat, rent a suite, enjoy a scenic dinner at the Restaurant at Leverick Bay or sip a rum punch while savoring a roti at the beachside Jumbie’s bar.
Read more about Leverick Bay here

Leverick Bay, Virgin Gorda - copyright Rum Therapy
7. Michael Beans Show
This musician, sailor and showman puts on a “Happy Arrr” musical pirate show at Jumbies at Leverick Bay Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 5-7 pm during the season. The entertaining two hour show includes a lot of audience participation and good clean pirate fun for the whole family.

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8. Hog Heaven
Hog Heaven is a Bar & Grill sitting high atop Virgin Gorda with an absolutely beautiful view of the entire North Sound. If you have the chance, take the drive up the hill to enjoy a plate of delicious BBQ, a Blondie Special (a rum drink named after the owner) and a spectacular view of the entire North Sound, including Necker Island, and on a clear day, Anegada.
Read more about Hog Heaven here

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9. Rent a Dinghy and Tour North Sound
Got a full day to explore? Rent a dinghy from Leverick Bay (call ahead to reserve one – they sell out) and take your time exploring all that beautiful North Sound has to offer, including Bitter End Yacht Club & Saba Rock (when they re-open) and Prickly Pear Island. Our rental instructions included a warning – seaplanes have the right of way!
Read What to See and Do In North Sound here

Dinghy in North Sound - copyright Rum Therapy
10. Hike Virgin Gorda Peak
To be honest, you can get some almost as good views of both sides of the island (without hiking) from the road that takes you to the trailhead, but making the trek to the top is worth it to check out the foliage (seems odd to see cactus on a tropical island!) and to burn off some of the amazing rum drinks you’ve probably been enjoying in paradise. Best to go on a clear day for the best views (as  you see, we didn’t), and bring water and a snack. It takes about 50 minutes to get to the summit and there are picnic tables at the top.

Virgin Gorda View - copyright Rum Therapy
BONUS – Savannah Bay
From the moment we first sailed past this pretty beach, we knew it would be one of our favorites. Usually very quiet; it’s a long arc of soft, light sand fringed by gorgeous turquoise water. Great place to put your toes (and more!) in the water…

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

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All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.