With our vacation just around the corner (during flu season), and now the threat of the 2019 novel coronavirus, we started doing a little research to get some tips for staying healthy while traveling. We specifically wanted info on airline travel, but the tips we found are really good guidelines for staying healthy everyday – and everywhere!
*Before making any changes to your health plan – be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare professional. * Our posts may contain affiliate links to products that we use or think you would like. 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 and island destination posts!
Even with proper handwashing, we can transmit viruses and bacteria that still lurk on our hands to our body by touching or rubbing our eyes, nose and mouth. Avoid touching these areas as much as possible during travel – and flu season!
avoid close contact with anyone displaying symptoms of illness
This can be especially hard while traveling (think airline seating arrangements), but keep your distance from anyone who is coughing, has a runny nose or doesn’t look like they’re feeling well.
Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing
Did you know that germs from a sneeze can travel 6-8 feet? If at all possible, be sure to cover your mouth with at least a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you’re caught without a tissue, bandanna or handkerchief, use the crook of your elbow.
Strengthen your immune system
We’ve always heard that the flu and other illnesses are hardest on those with compromised immune systems. What are a few ways you can support your immune system?
Try eating more of these foods that boost the immune system: Citrus, bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, yogurt, almonds, turmeric, green tea, papaya, kiwi, poultry, sunflower seeds,
Consider adding more of these vitamins to your diet either through foods or supplements: Vitamin C, Vitamin D
Get sufficient sleep.
Eliminate stress.
Drink more water.
Get enough exercise – especially out in the sunshine.
check current travel restrictions and advisories
For health related travel restrictions, check with your airline to make sure there are no restrictions to the area you will be traveling. For travel advisories, you can check your intended destination here.
Don’t panic, drink rum
While we have no scientific basis to recommend drinking rum to stay healthy while traveling (aside from a few articles like this one), a good glass of rum (or a tasty cocktail) could at least help you relax and enjoy the moment!
We were recently contacted to find out if we would be interested in learning more about a new rum called Rumcojones. I must say it’s been a pleasure. Rumcojones was created to be the best tasting cinnamon rum on the market. The product was just recently launched in January of 2020 and is already expanding into new markets. We talked to the owners to find out more about them, the concept and the rum. This is what we learned.
*This post is sponsored by Rumcojones, but any reviews and opinions expressed in this post are ours based on our experience with this product.
It Takes Cojones to Quit your Job and Start a Business.
About the Owners/Creators
We are 4 Tampa local guys with a diverse experience in the fields of engineering, information, and marketing in the food and beverage industry in the US and South America. None of us have less than 20 years of experience in the field. Basically the 4 of us are immigrants from Cuba and Venezuela with a positive message that “it takes cojones to do the right things”. Although we are selling rum, we didn’t want to be another pirate with a cannon ball and a secret map drinking in a Caribbean tiki bar. We wanted to stay away from the pirate theme and focus on a real sipping experience; smooth and with a hot cinnamon burn insinuating a positive attitude toward life. Nothing that we get in this life should be taken for granted, no one is going to do it for you, and if you really want something, no matter what it is, you’ve got to have cojones and go get it.
The Concept
Rumcojones was created to be the best tasting cinnamon rum in the market. That play in the words “Rum” and the Spanish slang word “Cojones” embodies the qualities of being courageous and having nerves of steel. Rumcojones is crafted from a proprietary wash made of sugarcane molasses. This nutrient-rich blend of unsulfured molasses feeds a unique yeast strain and is fermented. The basic ingredients are sourced primarily from Florida.
We have been working to develop Rumcojones for the past 3 years. Conceptualization and formulation were the main time consuming aspects. We did over 25 formulas then tested them through blind tastings in Florida with over 575 end users or consumers at different demographic liquor stores and focus groups. We wanted to find out through research what could be the key element that would make Rumcojones unique. There are many spiced rums but no cinnamon rum available with this taste profile in the rum category.
It Takes Cojones to Drink Responsibly.
The Rum
We decided that the product needed to be less sweet compared to similar flavored spirits in the market. Rumcojones turned out to have a 24-25 Brix versus similar products that are over 31-32 Brix and even higher, meaning that we have a product with less sugar and a smoother taste. Another important aspect is that we do not use High Fructose Corn Syrup or Propylene Glycol, we use pure cane sugar and vegetable glycerin.
Rumcojones is crafted from a proprietary wash made of sugarcane molasses. This nutrient-rich blend of unsulfured molasses feeds a unique yeast strain and is fermented. The basic ingredients are sourced primarily from Florida. The rum is distilled from sugar cane molasses and bottled in New Port Richey FL.
The final distilled rum blend is 100% column still pure rum. Column still rum is crucial in blending natural cinnamon oil into the rum. The ideal starting material is key in creating the smoothest tasting rum. Natural flavors are derived from cinnamon oils and used to deliver that characteristic smooth burn, creating an impeccably balanced rum.
How to Enjoy Rum Cojones
Enjoy Rumcojones neat, as a cold shot and in your favorite cocktails. Check out a few recipes for Rumcojones from their website here. Also, check out the Creamy Cojones Cocktail below.
Creamy Cojones Cocktail
As we taste tested Rumcojones, we sampled it neat, over one ice cube and with a splash of apple juice. All were very good. Additionally, we created a recipe incorporating Rumcojones and other ingredients that we imagined would be complimentary such as apple juice, cream and caramel and called it the Creamy Cojones Cocktail. Definitely an adult treat! Find the recipe here: Creamy Cojones Cocktail.
Where to Find Rumcojones
Currently Rumcojones is available in liquor stores in Miami, Tampa, Sarasota and Orlando, as well as online at Caskers and Luekens Liquors. Additionally, Rumcojones will soon be available in Austin, TX and the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Takeaways
We found Rumcojones to be enjoyable, versatile and smooth. It’s versatile in that it can be sipped neat or with a splash of apple juice or used in a variety of cocktails. The smooth cinnamon taste is invigorating. It will make a welcomed addition to our rum cabinet!
St. Croix is the largest island in the United States Virgin Island (USVI) chain. The southernmost USVI island, St. Croix offers a wide variety of activities and experiences and a diverse landscape, including a sub tropical rainforest, a bio-luminescent bay, the best wall diving in the Caribbean, three national parks to explore and beautiful sandy beaches. In addition, St. Croix is home to the Cruzan Rum Distillery, the only golf courses in the USVI (Mahogany Run on St. Thomas closed after the hurricanes in 2017 and its future is still in question), a number of excellent restaurants, and historical sights to explore. Read on to find out why you should plan a trip to St. Croix, USVI.
US Residents Don’t Need a Passport to Travel to St. Croix
As with St. Thomas, St. Croix is a US Territory so US residents don’t currently need a passport to travel to St. Croix. (However, you may need proof of US citizenship to re-enter the US mainland, which may include a birth certificate and a government issued ID – be sure to check with your airline to make assure you have the required documents).
In addition, there are daily non-stop flights from several major US airports including Miami, Atlanta and Ft. Lauderdale so you can get to the beach faster! Are you finding better flights flying into St. Thomas? Consider taking the seaplane from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas to Christiansted, St. Croix. It’s only 25 minutes from “downtown to downtown”!
Beaches
Before visiting St. Croix for the first time, we heard that the beaches were…just o.k. Not so! We’ve enjoyed several amazing beaches during our visits to St. Croix and look forward to our next return to find more! Some of our favorites?
Sandy Point Beach
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. The gorgeous 2 mile white sand beach at the Sandy Point Wildlife is the longest in all of the US Virgin Islands. The beach and surrounding area serve as a protected area for the endangered leatherback turtle. It is closed to the public from April to August during turtle hatching season and is only open on Saturday and Sunday the rest of the year. Read more here.
Turtle Beach, Buck Island
Turtle Beach, Buck Island. Buck Island is a small, uninhabited island off the northeast coast of St. Croix. Designated a National Monument in 1961, the 176 acre island is home to several endangered species such as the hawksbill turtle. In addition to enjoying the gorgeous white sand beach with views of St. Croix in the distance, you can hike the island, and snorkel the underwater trail in crystal clear water with vibrant coral and fish below. There are excursions that can take you to Buck Island for 1/2 day or full day trips.
Shoy’s Beach
Shoy’s. Not far from Christiansted, this pretty, secluded beach is a great place to relax, unwind and just listen to the waves lap the shore. Usually not crowded, Shoy’s doesn’t have any amenities and is a little harder to access and that could be why it’s nice and quiet. There is some good snorkeling, and the beach is great for walking or just digging your toes into.
Jack and Issacs Beach
Jack and Isaac Beach. Access the hiking path down the hill from close to Point Udall. Do you want to watch the sunrise on the beach in St. Croix? This is the place!
Rum
Like rum? You’re in luck when you visit St. Croix. There is not just one, but two rum distilleries that you can tour and rum flows freely at restaurants and beach bars. Want to enjoy learning about and tasting rum on St. Croix? Here are a few ways.
Cruzan Rum Distillery. The Nelthropp Family began making rum on St. Croix in the 1800’s and today award winning Cruzan Rums are well known to rum lovers. Cruzan offers really informative tours that take you into the actual rum making process and at the end of the tour there is a rum and rum drink sampling. Find out more about St. Croix Rum Distillery Tours here.
Captain Morgan Rum Distillery. Not far from Cruzan Rum (so you can tour both in one day!) is the Captain Morgan Rum Distillery. Built in 2011, Captain Morgan offers a different kind of tour than Cruzan, but both are worth exploring. Again, rum samples are provided at the end, so you might want to take a taxi!
Beach Bars. There are several fun beach bars to be found on St. Croix and…shock…they all serve rum! One of our favorites? Rhythms at Rainbow Beach. Not far from Fredriksted and the cruise ship pier, this can be a rockin’ place to hang out. Beach volleyball, a great beach, live music and spectacular sunsets make this a place to enjoy and enjoy a drink or two. Try a Cruzan Confusion or a Cruzan Chaos!
Frank Robinson at BES Craft Cocktail Lounge
Restaurant/Bar. We were blown away by BES Craft Cocktail Lounge and it’s owner, Frank Robinson. Located in Christiansted, we enjoyed some terrific food and originally crafted rum cocktails while there. It was so good, we returned the next night! Find out more here.
Other Things to See and Do on St. Croix
Crab Races at the Divi Resort
Crab Races – looking for something different and surprisingly fun to do with the family? Bet on your favorite crab at the crab races! Find out more about this popular St. Croix event here.
Point Udall
Point Udall – said to be the easternmost point of the US, Point Udall is marked by the Millennium Monument and offers stunning panoramic views of the sea surrounding St. Croix. Great place to catch the sunrise. Find out more about Point Udall here.
Dive the Wall – St. Croix has a number of great dive sites, but the best know site is simply called “The Wall”. This dive site can either be accessed by boat or by swimming out from the shore at Cane Bay Beach. Find out more about Diving the Wall here.
Beer Drinking Pigs at Mt. Pellier Domino Club
Beer Drinking Pigs – take a drive through the subtropical rainforest on the West End of St. Croix to the Mt. Pellier Domino Club to enjoy a beer with the resident pigs! Although the pigs are only given non-alcoholic beer, they certainly enjoy their beverage! Check out some photos of our visit here.
Explore the History of St. Croix with the St. Croix Heritage Map. Check out some of the highlights here.
Still want more ideas of what to do during your St Croix vacation? Check out a list of 100 Things To Do On St. Croix here.
What to Bring Home
St. Croix Hook Bracelet – available at several stores, but we chose to purchase ours at Sonya Ltd. in Christiansted. Sonya is said to be the originator of the St. Croix Hook Bracelet.
Cruzan Rum – available at the distillery and, well, mostly everywhere in the VI. Some flavors (aged and Single Barrel too) are even available stateside, but if there is a flavor you fall in love with, be sure to bring a bottle or two home with you!
St. Croix Food and Wine Experience Book – Featuring recipes from Top Chef and Iron Chef contestants and James Beard and A Taste of St. Croix award-winning chefs, this is a keepsake full-color 9×9 cookbook and island guide to St. Croix.
The British Virgin Islands are British Overseas Territory located a little less than 100 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a beautiful archipelago comprised of 60 islands and cays scattered about the turquoise water. The largest island in this chain is Tortola. It is also the tallest and most populated island of the BVI. Tortola has come a long way in it’s recovery from the monster hurricanes of 2017 and is once again attracting tourists from all over the globe.
Due to the closeness of the islands, the great number of beautiful beaches, calm coves, lively beach bars, great weather and the Sir Francis Drake Channel, (a long, normally calm body of water, sometimes called an inland sea, that runs between Tortola and the southern islands), the BVI has become a premier sailing destination and for many, Tortola is the major point of embarkation. Although many people visit Tortola just at the beginning or end of their sailing vacation, it is a great place to spend your entire vacation. Read on to find out why you should plan a trip to Tortola, BVI!
Beaches and Watersports.
The British Virgin Islands have some of the prettiest beaches anywhere in the Caribbean. Tortola included. Most are located on the north side of the island. Some of our favorites?
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Cane Garden Bay – we first visited this pretty bay, mentioned in the Jimmy Buffet song, ” Mañana”, in 2006. It’s a long expanse of light colored sand fringed by calm, turquoise water. It has changed a lot since our first visit and has now become busy on days when cruise ships are docked in Road Town, but we still enjoy some of the beach bars, restaurants, live music and walking the beach. It’s a great bay for mooring, so there are usually catamarans and sailboats dotting the harbor and the sunsets here are simply out of this world. This beach is great for swimming, SUPing, canoeing, surfing and windsurfing.
Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola
Smuggler’s Cove – tucked away on the far west side of the island is a gorgeous arc of sand called Smuggler’s Cove. Prior to the hurricanes of 2017, Smuggler’s Cove was lined with beautiful palm trees which offered a lot of shade to those spending the day playing in the beautiful water. Unfortunately, most of the palms were destroyed in the strong storms, but now you can see more of the beautiful white sand beach! The snorkeling here is good in areas. Be sure to check out Nigel’s Boom Boom Beach Bar for cold drinks, a bite to eat and to chat with Nigel, the very friendly owner.
View of Smuggler’s Cove from Nigel’s Boom Boom Beach Bar
Long Bay Beach West, Tortola
Long Bay – There are actually 2 beaches named Long Bay on Tortola. The Long Bay on the east side is found on Beef Island which attaches to Tortola via the Queen Elizabeth Bridge, so technically not Tortola, but attached to it. This beach is quiet with no amenities, but great for swimming and relaxing. Long Bay West is a mile long expanse of white sand on the far north and west side of Tortola. With a view of Jost Van Dyke and beautiful blue water, this is a great place to spend the day lounging in the sun. Be sure to check out Nature Boy Beach Bar tucked into to foliage on the far west side for a cold brew!
Like to surf? Apple Bay and Josiah’s Bay offer surfers some great waves, especially when there’s a north swell.
Surfing at Apple Bay, Tortola
Rum.
As with all of the Virgin Islands, rum is popular and both rum and rum drinks can be found in most establishments on Tortola. Some of our favorite rum experiences on Tortola?
Callwood Rum Distillery, Tortola
Callwood Rum Distillery. Within walking distance of Cane Garden Bay, Callwood Rum Distillery gives visitors a chance to step back in Tortola history as the Arundel Estate is estimated to have been around for approximately 400 years. The Callwood family took over the distillery in the late 18th century and has been producing rum for over 200 years in what is claimed to be the longest continuously operated pot distillery in the Caribbean. For a nominal amount, you can sample several of their rums and purchase some to take home, including the infamous “Panty Dropper”.
Enjoying some Sebastian’s Rum at Sebastian’s on the Beach, Tortola
Sebastian’s Rum. Sebastian’s on the Beach is a small hotel/restaurant on the beach at Apple Bay. Enjoy a dinner overlooking the sea there and ask for a taste of Sebastian’s Rum. It’s not easy to find out much about this rum, except that it’s named after the notorious pirate Sebastian, is produced in Grand Bahama for Sebastian’s (hey, it says so on the internet, so it’s gotta be right, right?) and is only available on Tortola. Sweet and smooth, it makes a great topping for ice cream and is loved by many. Bring home a bottle or two.
Painkiller. The Painkiller reigns supreme in the BVI as the most popular rum drink. Enjoy them in one of three Pusser’s locations on Tortola (Cane Garden Bay, Soper’s Hole and Road Town) or at most other bar on the island! Find a recipe here: Painkiller.
What and Where to Eat.
The first things we search for to eat when we get to Tortola? A good Roti (with Mango Chutney) and fresh Caribbean lobster (in season).
Roti with Mango Chutney at Trellis Bay Market, Beef Island
A Roti is an East Indian dish thought to have been brought to the Caribbean in the 1800’s. It is a thin wrap (similar to a tortilla) filled with curry spices, potatoes and a meat such as chicken, goat, beef, conch or shrimp. It’s fairly easy to find on Tortola, but the last one we bought was at Trellis Bay Market (on Beef Island) during a Full Moon Party. Delicious! Check out a Roti recipe here.
Caribbean Lobster at Bananakeet Cafe, Tortola
Caribbean lobster is another dish we seek out during visits to the BVI. Not a close relative of the Maine lobster (see more info here), it is nonetheless delicious and usually so fresh that it has been plucked out of the sea that day, barbecued and served in the half shell. Our last experience with Caribbean lobster on Tortola was at Bananakeet Cafe’ while enjoying an amazing view and a sunset. Wherever you go, if you’ve got your heart set on having lobster, just call ahead to make sure it’s on the menu that night.
Other local foods to try? Pates (patties) – made up of spiced meats or vegetables wrapped in a flatbread and then deep fried. Soursop – a spiky fruit that is said to taste like a cross between a pineapple and a banana, it grows abundantly on Tortola. Callaloo – a local stew. with ingredients like taro or dasheen leaves, okra, meat or fish, onions and spices. Johnny Cakes – a baked or fried dough snack that is often made with cornmeal.
Other Things to Do and See on Tortola.
Get up high.Tortola has the highest point of the British Virgin Islands and because of that, some spectacular views. Where to see the view?
Sage Mountain National Park. The highest point on Tortola (and all of the BVI) is found at Sage Mountain National Park at 1,716 feet. There are several trails to take, some offering views of many of the surrounding islands.
Stoutt’s Overlook, Tortola
Stoutt’s Lookout Bar. Perched high on a hill overlooking Cane Garden Bay is a small establishment called Stoutt’s Lookout. The view is phenomenal, the breeze is refreshing and the food and drink are served up with a smile and friendly conversation.
Rent a Home or Villa with a View. Tortola is quite hilly and many homes are built on a hillside. If you are looking for accommodations and you’d like a view, you are likely to find something that fits most budgets. We’ve stayed at the Limin’ House overlooking Soper’s Hole and loved the stunning home and the amazing view!
Get on – and in! – the water. As mentioned previously, the calm waters around the BVI make for prime sailing conditions. Get on the water with one of the local excursion companies and enjoy skimming across the water on your way to one of the excellent snorkeling or dive spots nearby.
Island Hop. Tortola offers ferry service to several surrounding islands such as Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and Anegada so you can enjoy the sights and get a taste of another British Virgin Island for the day!
Catch a Sunset. Cane Garden Bay has some of the prettiest tropical sunsets that we’ve ever seen, but there are spectacular sunsets to be found from Brewers Bay to Smuggler’s Cove and most any vantage point up high.
Sunset at Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Getting Around.
Not gonna lie. Driving on Tortola can be…challenging. Driving is on the left and there are some narrow streets, steep hills and driving through Roadtown with the roundabouts when there is a lot of traffic – whew! That being said, the best way to see the island is to rent a car and take your time, stopping at shops, beaches and overlooks. There are car rental agencies in several spots on the island. Ask the management of your villa, hotel or resort for the name of a reputable company to rent from. Not comfortable driving? Hire a taxi or shuttle to take you around and show you the best spots!
What You Should Bring Home from Tortola.
Rum from the Callwood Rum Distillery
The shops around the cruise ship terminal carry an assortment of tees and name-dropped goods, but if you want to bring home something authentically Tortolan, bring home some Callwood Rum and some Sebastians Rum – only available for purchase on Tortola! Aragorn’s Studio in Trellis Bay also has locally made carvings, spices, jewelry and more.
It’s become a Rum Therapy annual tradition to summarize the 10 Most Visited Rum Therapy Island Blog Posts of the year and then follow it up with Rum Therapy’s Top 10 Rum Recipe Posts. Kind of like the iconic Dick Clark New Years Eve Countdown, but, well, you don’t have to stay up as late!
So now, without further adieu, we present the countdown of Rum Therapy’s Top 10 Rum Recipe Posts of 2019.
#10
A variation of the popular Painkiller, the Nilla Killa is the first drink we tried at Soggy Dollar! Find the recipe here: Nilla Killa
#9
How do you make a Jamaican Smile? Check out the recipe here! Jamaican Smile
#8
Here’s another one to add to your Mojito Recipe Files – a Dark Mojito. It’s truly just a slight variation of The Perfect Mojito and a Dirty Mojito and in our opinion, tastes the rummiest of the three! Get the recipe here: Dark Mojito
#7
The recipe for an authentic Caribbean Rum Punch is: 1 of sour 2 of sweet 3 of strong 4 of weak What are the ingredients? Check out the recipe here: Authentic Rum Punch
#6
A Caribbean delight featuring a delectable combination of rum, banana, coconut and chocolate… Get the recipe here: Funky Monkey
#5
We knew we’d like the taste of this tropical concoction when we heard it contained 3 different rums – oh, AND Kahlúa! Find the recipe here: Bahama Mama
#4
A favorite summer rum concoction at RT Headquarters! The recipe (and color!) seems to be a little different everywhere we’ve enjoyed one but here’s the recipe we use! Frozen Rum Runners
#3
We’re not surprised that this one is on the list, but we’re perhaps a little surprised that it was only #3! The Painkiller has become one of the best known Caribbean rum drinks of all time (well, behind the Piña Colada, of course). Easy to make and will remind you of your favorite beach vacation… Find the recipe here: Painkiller
#2
A little different than the Authentic Caribbean Rum Punch in that you use any delicious fruit juice available until you find your perfect combination! Find the recipe here: Caribbean Rum Punch
#1
And the number one Rum Recipe this year? The Frozen Bushwacker! With Coconut Rum, Bailey’s, Kahlua, Amaretto and chocolate, these taste like an adult milkshake, but watch out – they pack a punch! Find the Bushwacker recipe here!
It’s been a great year! Cheers to 2020 and many more rum recipes!
Be sure to watch for even more rum recipes in the coming year on our site and subscribe to our YouTube channel to see videos on how to easily create some of our favorite rum drinks.
As 2019 draws to a close, we looked back to see which of our island posts were visited the most during the year. Although some we expected to make the list, some surprised us, such as #6! In case you missed any of them, here’s the countdown.
From #10 to #1, the 10 Most Visited Rum Therapy Island Posts of 2019 are:
#10
Apparently there are many of you out there that either love Barbados or are getting ready to visit, as this was the 10th most visited post of 2019. Have you been to Barbados? Find out more here: Why You Should Plan a Trip to Barbados
#9
Puerto Rico – the rum capital of the world and the birthplace of the Piña Colada! Get some suggestions on Puerto Rican rum experiences in this post: Rum Experiences on the Island of Puerto Rico.
#8
We loved stopping by to meet Troy Roberts and his lovely wife Nanci who own Siesta Key Rum in Sarasota, Florida. They have created a portfolio of award winning rums and offer tours at the distillery several days a week. If you plan to be in the area, we highly recommend stopping by, taking the tour and learning about these delicious rums! Read the 8th most visited post of the year here: Siesta Key Rum Distillery Tour
#7
Although there have been some changes in Cruz Bay, St. John since the hurricanes, many people visited this post this year to get some ideas on what to do while visiting. Check it out here: What to See and Do in Cruz Bay, St. John
#6
We stumbled upon this Christiansted shop that rents scooters during the day and turns into a funky bar at night while staying close by on the boardwalk. We had so much fun talking with locals and other visitors that we ended up coming back the next night to have a beer and sing along with the one-man band. Find out more here: Cruzin Scooters – Scooter Rental & Bar, St Croix
An update to our original post entitled “Barhopping on Jost Van Dyke“. We wrote the update after visiting the island 6 months after being hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria. We were amazed by the spirit and resiliency of of the islanders who had just been through such a tragic and devastating event and the progress they had already made. Read more here: Barhopping on Jost Van Dyke, Part 2 (after Irma)
#3
A visit to the Callwood Rum Distillery on Tortola is like taking a walk back in time. This distillery has been producing rum for over 200 years! Although Cane Garden Bay was hit hard by the hurricanes of 2017, Callwood Rum Distillery is open again and well worth a visit! Find out more here: Callwood Rum Distillery, Tortola
#2
I’ve never been a big fan of sharks – it’s just those teeth! But, swimming with the nurse sharks in Exuma was…cool. I’d even do it again! Read about the experience here: Swimming with Sharks on Compass Cay
#1
No surprise here – this list, compiled of suggestions from you, has been visited many thousands of times since we published it! Looking for songs to put on your beach playlist? You’ll find a wide variety of songs here! The Ultimate Rum Therapy Playlist
Enjoy the rest of 2019 and wishing you Happy Travels in 2020!
Kaua‘i is the 4th largest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian island chain. It is said to be the oldest of the Hawaiian islands and it’s nickname is “The Garden Island” as 97% is undeveloped and consists of extremely lush mountains, valleys and rainforests. Additionally, Kaua‘i has 43 miles of beaches to explore and, of course, world class surfing! Read on to see why you should plan a trip to Kaua‘i!
The Na Pali Coast
Scenery.
Almost all of the Hawaiian islands have amazing, lush tropical scenery, but Kauai’s landscape is simply stunning. With colorful canyons, the amazing Na Pali Coast, Mt. Waialeale (one of the wettest spots on earth), jaw-dropping waterfalls, beautiful beaches and verdant valleys, there is no shortage of scenery to take in. Many movies and television shows have been filmed in Kaua‘i , such as Jurassic Park, Fantasy Island and South Pacific, due to the incredible landscape. (Check out a list of movies and television shows filmed in Kaua‘i here).
The island receives some kind of precipitation (many times just a short shower) an average of 144 days a year and averages 240 days annually of beautiful, warm sunshine. This weather is apparently perfect for fruit (pineapples, bananas, guava and papaya to name a few), flowers, coffee, macadamia nuts, and a wide variety of vegetables, trees and other foliage to flourish.
Plumeria and Bird of Paradise
Best ways to check out the scenery? Hiking. There are many great hiking trails for hikers of all abilities. Advanced hikers can trek to epic waterfalls on the interior or the unbelievable green folds and ruggedness of the Na Pali coast. Driving the island is pretty easy and enjoyable (with the exception of a few areas during rush hour and several one lane bridges on the north side of the island) and a great way to take your time, stop and explore and really experience the different parts of the island. By Boat. There are many companies that offer boat excursions, primarily to the Na Pali Coast. These excursions are mostly offered in the summer season when the seas on the north shore are calmer.
The Weeping Wall inside Mt Waialeale
Another option? A helicopter ride. To really see the interior and the Na Pali Coast (where there are no roads) a helicopter ride will give you amazing views of the entire island – including The Weeping Wall, an area on Mt. Waialeale that features a long, steep green wall with multiple waterfalls cascading down the grooves of the mountain. We booked a doorless helicopter ride with Jack Charter Helicopters and it was the ride of a lifetime – fantastic! There are many other helicopter options (with doors!) available too. Check out more photos from our helicopter ride here.
Beaches.
Although technically part of the “scenery” covered in the previous paragraph, we’re big on beaches and are dedicating an additional paragraph to them! Kaua‘i’s beaches range from calm and swimmable to rough and scenic. The sand color varies on different parts of the island, but is commonly a golden or light tan. Some beaches have life guards and amenities and others are hidden, remote treasures just waiting for you to find them. (Check out a list of secluded Kaua‘i beaches here).
Mahaulepu Beach
Some of our favorites? Mahaulepu Beach on the south side. It is actually separated into 3 different parts: Gillin’s Beach, Kawailoa Bay, and Hāʻula Beach and is not the easiest to find – but worth it. There is a small area for swimming, a very long expanse of walkable beach, and some trees for shade. Apparently it’s a favorite of the endangered monk seal. We saw two huge monk seals basking in the sun on the sand while we were there. Hanalei Bay on the north side is actually comprised of several different beach areas. It’s a large, beautiful bay that with a backdrop of stunning green mountains. In the summer, the bay is calm and great for swimming and SUPing. In the winter, the surf becomes rougher and perfect for surfers. Kealia Beach on the east side. Although not the best for swimming, the long swath of golden sand is great for walking, running or just enjoying the sunshine. It’s a great place to catch a glimpse of whales during the winter months. The sunrises here are beautiful!
Mai Tai’s at Tahiti Nui in Hanalei
Rum.
The Mai Tai. It seems that the Mai Tai is the rum drink of choice in Hawaii and that left us wondering why. After all, the Mai Tai is said to have originally been created in 1944 by Trader Vic at his restaurant in Oakland. Why then is it so popular in Hawaii? We found the answer quite interesting in this article by Chow Hound. Anyway, after embarking on some “research” during our last trip to Kauai, the best Mai Tai we had was in Hanalei at Tahiti Nui. What’s the secret? No one would tell, but it was good. You can find a recipe for a Mai Tai here.
Rum Tasting at Koloa Rum Company
Kōloa Rum Company. Located in Lihue, the Kōloa Rum Company has a lineup of award winning rums that you are able to sample and buy at their tasting room/store. We attended a tasting, which not only allows you to taste quite a few of their delicious rums, but gives an interesting history of rum on the island. Be sure to sign up as soon as you get there; tastings are on the half hour for 16 people and fill up fast!
Puka Dog, Poipu
Eats.
What should you eat during your time on Kaua‘i ? To start with, opt for fresh fish and fresh local produce whenever you can. Opah, Ono (Hawaiian for “good to eat”), Onaga, Opakapaka (red snapper), Ahi and Mahimahi are all delicious local fish options to try. We couldn’t get enough of the fresh fruit during our visit, particularly the Sugarloaf Pineapple, which you can pick up at farmer’s markets or even ordered online.
There are many dining options in Kaua‘i , from fine dining overlooking the ocean to farm to table experiences to food trucks and everything in between. Here are a few casual options that we’re happy we tried: Puka Dog in Poipu. Although I’ve never been a fan of hot dogs, it was suggested that we try a Puka Dog, or Hawaiian style hot dog while in Poipu. I’m so glad we did! The freshly baked Hawaiian Sweet Bread Puka (means hole) Buns are toasted on the inside only, which creates an interesting texture, then your choice of garlic lemon secret sauce – mild, spicy, hot or lava and your choice of tropical sauce – mango, pineapple, papaya, coconut, banana or starfruit is added. Choose a polish sausage or veggie dog topped off with a generous dollop of Aunty Lilikoi’s Hawaiian Mustard and wash it down with a glass of their fresh squeezed lemonade. Mmmm! Shave Ice. There’s no better way to cool off after a day on the beach than a cold, sweet and colorful heaping serving of Hawaiian Shave Ice. It can be found in locations all over Kauai and comes in lots of tropical flavors and combinations. See the 5 Best Shave Ice Stands in Kauai according to Hawaii Magazine here. Bubba Burger’s. We enjoyed our first Bubba Burger in Kaua‘i years ago at their north shore location in Hanalei. Unfortunately the north shore location has closed, but Bubba has 2 new locations; one in Poipu and one in Kapaa. Bubba Burgers are made from Fresh Ground Kaua‘i “Grass Fed” Beef, and are simple, quick and reasonable. This popular eatery is an experience and if you are easily offended by snarky slogans and signs, you might as well go somewhere else. As Bubba says, “Always Juicy–Never Greasy. Where the food’s hot, the service is cold, and the music’s too DAMN LOUD!”
Ziplining in Kauai
Explore and Adventure.
Each time we visit Kaua‘i , we’re amazed at the variety of things to explore. Although we’ve seen a lot, there’s an ever growing list of things to do – or re-do upon our return. Here are just a few suggestions:
Hike the Na Pali Coast. The Kalalau Trail is an 11 mile trail that provides the only land access to the Napali Coast on Kauai. It is a strenuous trail that rewards hikers with incredible vistas of mountains, a rugged coastline and hidden beaches. Many people hike just to Hanakapiai Beach, which is a strenuous 2 miles (each way). Find out more about hiking this incredible trailhere and see photos from our hike to Hanakapiai Beach here. Visit Waimea Canyon. Dubbed “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, this colorful 10 mile long and up to 3,600 ft deep canyon is spectacular. There are several lookouts that provide parking and several pullouts to sneak a peak at this geological wonder. Challenging hiking trails and hunting are abundant in and around the canyon as well. Find out more about visiting Waimea Canyon here. Zipline! Fly above the Kauai rainforest on a zipline adventure with one of several companies providing zipline tours. An exhilarating way to experience the beauty of Kauai! Read more about our Kauai zipline adventure here. Visit Kauai Coffee Company to taste the different blends of coffee made from beans grown at their plantation, such as Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Big Braddah’s Coffee and Rooster Alarm and take a self-guided walking tour of the estate. Check out aFarmer’s Market or Arts & Craft Fair to sample and buy some local products.
Koloa’s Kauai Reserve Rum
What to Bring Home.
Want to bring home something that reminds you or your wonderful vacation on Kaua‘i ? Here are a few suggestions: 1. Kōloa Rum – some flavors are available on the mainland, but if you go to a rum tasting and fall in love with one or two, why not bring them back, just in case! 2. Kaua‘i Coffee 3. Macadamia Nuts 4. Tropical Fruit Preserves. Unfortunately the delicious fresh fruit grown on Kaua‘i must be consumed there and cannot be taken home on the airplane. So, why not remember the delicious taste of pineapple, mango, guava or passionfruit with a delicious jar of a locally made fruit preserve? 5. Hand painted ceramic tiles, pottery or fine art from local artists. A good place to shop for this? Banana Patch Studios. 6. Chicken Poop. Say what? I asked our local guide for a suggestion on a local product to bring home for the kids/grandkids and after a few minutes of thinking, she said “Chicken Poop”. After chuckling at my confused look, she told me this story. Hurricane Iniki hit Kaua‘i without warning in 1992. It was a devastating Cat 4, the strongest to ever hit the Hawaiian Islands and it hit Kauai particularly hard. After the hurricane finally passed, locals began to realize the damage and found that the storm had destroyed most of the chicken coups on the island resulting in many escaping into the woods. Today in Kaua‘i , there are a large number of wild chickens and roosters that roam free on the island. Our guide said that the bags of Chicken or Rooster Poop (actually chocolate covered macadamia nuts or almonds) was a way of making light of these now wild creatures that roam as they please. Guess who brought some home?
These are just a few of the reasons why we think you should plan a trip to Kaua‘i . Who’s ready to go?!
If you’re almost done with your holiday shopping and down to just the stocking stuffers, well, bah humbug. We haven’t even started our shopping yet! But, in case you are in need of some beachy stocking stuffers under $10, we’re here to offer a few suggestions. Check out the following list!
Drinks Well With Others or Ship Faced Shot Glass, only $5.99 each! Find them here.
Palm Tree Bottle Opener/Magnet, $8.99. Find it here.
Every Hour Spent Near the Water is Happy Hour Keychain, $3.99. Find it here.
Rum Lovers – now it’s your turn! We recently published “Great Gifts for Beach Lovers” and now we have some suggestions for the rum lovers in your life – Great Gifts for Rum Lovers! Years ago, all we knew of rum was that it was used in many of the tropical drinks we enjoyed while vacationing in the islands. Now we’ve grown to appreciate the golden elixir and it appears that many of you do too! Although the best gift for a rum lover is a great bottle of rum, here are a few other ideas for the rum lovers on your list.
Our posts may contain affiliate links to products that we use or think you would like. 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 and island destination posts!
Rum Making Kit, Create Your Own Dark Jamaican Rum $94.95. Find it here.
Laser engraved personalization. Popular gift selection for spirit enthusiasts.
Glencairn Whisky Glass Set of 4, $23.86. Find them here.
Although hailed as a premier whiskey sipping glass, it is excellent for rum as well.
Rum Therapy Rum & Cigar Club Tee, $20.00. Find it here.
Sips and sticks in the tropics… In a very comfortable and lightweight 4.5-ounce, pre-washed, 100% ring spun cotton, soft style tee.
And A Bottle of Rum, Paperback $11.79. Find it here.
And a Bottle of Rum tells the raucously entertaining story of this most American of liquors.
Rum Therapy Pirate Bones Hat, $22.00. Find it here.
Rum. Cures What Ails Ya! Dyed Twill with Velcro closure. In Soft Black, Bone, Navy and Red.
Cooper’s Rum Barrel Aged Coffee, $29.95. Find it here.
Rwanda Coffee Beans Aged in Thomas Tew Rum Barrels – 12 oz Bags, Whole Coffee Bean. One sip and you’ll know you’ve found ‘real’ barrel aged coffee.
24 Days of Rum, a Rum Calendar, $109.99. Find it here.
24 handpicked sipping rums from around the world in 50 ml bottles, two glasses and tasting notes. Perfect holiday gift!
Tortuga Caribbean Mixed 6 Pack of Rum Cake, $30.99. Find it here.
Banana, Chocolate, Pineapple, Coconut, Golden Original and Key Lime – 4 oz. cakes.
Santa Enjoying a Little Rum Therapy Ornament, $15.95. Find it here.
Also a great gift for those tropical, beach lovin’ people on your “nice” list!
Be sure to check out the Rum Therapy Shop for even more Great Gift Ideas for Rum Lovers!
All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your purchase.
What do all of these items have it common? Each would make an excellent gift for someone who wears flip flops in the winter, dreams of sandy beaches and is allergic to winter (or you would think so by their reaction to snow!) From jewelry to island themed gadgets, we hope this list will help you find the perfect gift for all of the beach lovers on your list! Click the link after each photo for information on where to buy each item.
Our posts may contain affiliate links to products that we use or think you would like. 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 and island destination posts!
1. Fire Opal Palm Tree Earrings, $19.99! Find them here.
Ahhhh….beautiful palm trees. Wear these anytime you’re feelin’ beachy!
2. I’m the Captain, I’m the First Mate Drink Coolies. Set of 2, $11.99. Find them here.
Who’s the boss on your boat?!
3. 4Ocean Signature Blue Bracelet, $20.55. Find it here.
The purchase of one 4Ocean bracelet funds the removal of one pound of trash from the ocean and coastlines! Made with recycled materials recovered by 4Ocean employees. Blue cord is made with recycled PET plastic bottles, Clear beads are made with recycled glass bottles.
4. Rum Therapy 16 oz. Boating and Beachin’ Cup, $10.99 each. Lids and re-useable straws also available! Find them here.
Great for enjoying that rum drink while boating, beachin’ and hanging around the swimming pool. Soft and non-breakable AND they’re reusable, so they help reduce trash in our landfills and oceans! Matching lid and straw available here!
7. Sand Colored Rum Therapy Trucker Cap, $22.00. Find them here.
You’ll love these great looking hats with 100% washed cotton twill on the front for a relaxed look, an unstructured low profile fit, snapback closure and supersoft mesh on the back. GREAT for both men & women! Comes in 4 colors: Sand, Blue, Red and Tropical Teal.
