Rum Therapy Blog Archives | Page 19 of 47

May 24, 2015May 24, 2015

Sunday Serenity: Beach Meditation

Feeling a bit stressed today? Close your eyes for a minute and imagine this…

Warm sunshine on your skin and the only sound is waves gently lapping the shore. Ahhh…better?

copyright Rum Therapy — Manjack Cay, The Abacos

Perhaps the reason that the ocean helps us to de-stress and unwind is that there are actual health benefits to spending time in and near the ocean. You weren’t just imagining that your last beach vacation made you feel better!

But did you know that you can still harness some of that relaxing energy when you get back from vacation? Just enjoy a little beach meditation. When needed, just take a moment, close your eyes and imagine yourself on a warm, deserted beach. Even the thought of time spent on a sandy beach in the sunshine can bring our heart rate down.

Do you have a favorite beach that you think of when you have a moment of beach meditation? Where?

Find more Sunday Serenity posts 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 22, 2015August 5, 2019

Coco Beach Bar & Grill, Treasure Cay

Close to the center of Treasure Cay Beach, the gorgeous stretch of sugar soft white sand and turquoise water found on North Abaco Island in the Bahamas, you may spot a colorful, but unassuming little beach bar/restaurant called Coco Beach Bar and Grill.

Coco Beach Bar and Grill is right on beautiful Treasure Cay Beach and in addition to offering some very refreshing Bahamian libations, it also serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The interior is a casual nautical theme with plenty of comfortable seating, and in addition, there are picnic tables on the deck. We opted for deck seating because, well, look at the view…

We ordered a wrap for lunch, which came with a ton of crispy fries, along with a Rum Punch and a Goombay Smash. Not quite the same as the Goombay Smash we had just enjoyed at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar on Green Turtle Cay a few days earlier, but everything tastes delicious after a morning of playing on the beach, doesn’t it?

Once you have finished your meal, you can rent a chair and/or palapa from Coco and spend the rest of the afternoon lazing away on one of the prettiest beaches we’ve seen.

From there, the bar is just steps away, so you can make sure you stay hydrated, or in our case “rum”drated.

Have you been to Coco Beach Bar & Grill? Tell us about it!

Find Coco Beach Bar & Grill on our Bahamas Map

You may also be interested in:

Treasure Cay Beach, Abaco

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 21, 2015June 6, 2019

Treasure Cay Beach, Abaco

Frequently listed as one of the top 10 beautiful beaches in the world, Treasure Cay easily places in our top beach list as well. After looking at the following pictures, I think you’ll see why.

The gated community of Treasure Cay is actually not a “cay” at all. It is a long peninsula connected to the Abaco mainland making the area easily accesible by car or boat. Besides many amenities such as restaurants, shops, a golf course and marina, the area is flanked by a spectacular 3 1/2 mile white sand beach.

Treasure Cay as seen from above

We rented a car and made the 30 minute drive to Treasure Cay while staying in Marsh Harbour. We loved the beach so much that we ended up driving to Treasure Cay again several days later to experience more of this beautiful beach.

Our first glimpse of Treasure Cay.

From a long sandbar on the east side of the beach at low tide,

To a brightly colored pier on the west end of the beach,

The entire expanse is a feast for the eyes.

The colors change depending on the day and even the time of day, but one thing is for sure.

Treasure Cay Beach is a treasure worth finding.

Have you been to Treasure Cay? Tell us about it!

Find Treasure Cay on our Bahamas Map

You may also be interested in:

Coco Beach Bar & Grill, Treasure Cay

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 18, 2015June 6, 2019

Thunderball Grotto, Exuma Cays

Just off the coast of Staniel Cay in the beautiful Exuma Cays, lies an underwater cavern paradise called Thunderball Grotto. It acquired its name because it was one of the filming sites for the 1965 James Bond movie “Thunderball”. Thunderball Grotto has since been used in the filming of several other movies such as Never Say Never Again, Splash and Into the Blue.

By boat, Thunderball Grotto is just a couple of minutes from Staniel Cay and we were so excited to get to explore it during our recent stay at Embrace Resort. The island itself is composed of sharp rocks and a few shrubs – not giving away a clue as to the wonderland underneath.

A faded sign on the island indicates the location of the grotto and says
“Welcome to Thunderbird Grotto – No Fishing – Take Only Photos”

During low tide, snorkeler’s can enter the cave through a small opening on the west side of the small island.

Our guide pointed us in the direction of the opening and encouraged us to swim right in.

Not quite sure just what we would be swimming into and hoping that it would be more spacious than the original opening, we ducked down and made our way in.

Sure enough, just a few feet in, it began to open up.

Once inside, we began to get a glimpse of the cavern. The colors of the water and the walls were absolutely amazing and it was soooo much lighter inside than we imagined.

Underwater, rays of sunshine highlighted the beautiful coral.

And sergeant majors were abundant.

But we thought the most amazing feature of Thunderbird Grotto was the grotto’s size and colors once inside. The openings in the ceiling let generous amounts of light in and apparently the adventurous sometimes jump into the cavern through these holes. Yikes.

The current eventually brought us to the other end of the grotto,

Where we swam out through a much larger opening to our waiting boat.

Have you been to Thunderball Grotto? Tell us about it!

Find Thunderball Grotto on our Bahamas Map

You might also be interested in the following posts from this area:

The Swimming Pigs of the Exuma Cays

Swimming With Sharks on Compass Cay

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 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

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

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

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