Caribbean Archives | Page 2 of 3

May 6, 2016May 29, 2019

10 Beach Bars with a Unique Caribbean Style

Beach bars. Love ’em. Love the fancy ones, love the new ones, love the old ones, but the ones we love the most are the ones that are built with a unique Caribbean style.

The following are bars we’ve had the pleasure of spending time at, of wandering through while sipping a rum drink and marveling at the structure and “decorations”. Many have been built by the loving hands of their owners with the help of their friends and family. Some look like they would blow down in a stiff wind and at least one was and was erected again. But all have that laid back, relaxed, Caribbean character. Have you visited any of these unique bars?

As unique as the man who owns it, the Bomba Shack on the West end of Tortola is an eclectic mixture of materials donated by friends and found by Bomba himself. If you stop by during the day, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Capoon Bay and Jost Van Dyke. If you’re looking for a party, be sure to stop by and sample one of the legendary full moon parties!
See more photos of the Bomba Shack here

We stumbled across this one while exploring the beaches on the West side of Antigua. OJ’s Beach Bar & Restaurant is located on a beautiful beach in Crabb Hill and is a virtual explosion of shells, netting and other sea adornments. We didn’t have the chance to sample a beverage here that day, but can imagine we would have enjoyed sipping rum while taking in the décor! We’ll be posting more photos of this one soon.

It’s hard to know what to look at first when you walk into Foxy’s, located in Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke. This very popular bar is decked out with flags, shirts, stickers and a host of other memorabilia left by those lucky enough to have enjoyed time here. Live music, drinks made with Foxy’s Firewater Rum and the ultimate entertainer himself, Foxy Callwood, make this bar a must experience.
Read more about Foxy’s here

Buy an old bus, stick it on a beautiful beach and turn it into a bar? What a great idea! That’s exactly what the owners of Karacter Beach Bar on Simpson Bay in St. Maarten did. What a great place to hang out too! Karacter has picnic tables, beach chairs and umbrellas, delicious drinks (the Ti Punch and Rum Punch are tasty) and a prime spot on the beach. Great place to hang out for a sunny afternoon.
Check out our post on Karacter here

Simply fascinating. Jante Ramage, the owner and creator of Happy Island created, over a period of years, his own island out of conch shells in a shallow bay just off of Union Island. Accessible by small boat, you can visit Happy Island and enjoy a Rum Punch while gazing off into the clear blue water. Janti was more than happy to give us a tour of his entire compound which includes living quarters, kitchen and bathroom in addition to tables and chairs on the deck for his customers. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch an exciting kite surfer zooming right over your head!
Read more about Happy Island here

Tucked away on the far side of Long Bay Beach in Tortola, there’s a little establishment called Nature Boy Beach Bar. If it weren’t for the signs announcing it’s presence, it might be hard to see as it blends right into the foliage. The hours aren’t exactly set in stone, but it’s a small business and we were thrilled to pass by while Winston, the owner was behind the bar. We ordered two beers, sat in the blue chairs in front of the bar and chatted with Winston a while, while gazing at the beautiful beach Nature Boy Beach Bar sits on.
Read more about our visit to Nature Boy Beach Bar here

While strolling down Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla on our way to experience musician Bankie Banx’s bar, Dune Preserve, we spotted a small, extremely colorful shack. Originally we wondered if it were a lemonade or ice cream stand, but upon closer inspection, we learned it was a beach bar called Sunshine Shack. The name fit. Painted in bright Caribbean colors and murals and placed right smack in the middle of one of the prettiest beaches in Anguilla, we felt like we were basking in sunshine. We ordered a tasty Rum Punch and chatted with the very friendly owner, Garvey. Couldn’t stay long during that visit, but we’ll certainly spend more time at the Sunshine Shack on our next visit!

Located on the west side of beautiful White Bay, this fun and funky beach bar adorned with a variety of tee-shirts, buoys and other fun junk is a great place to hang out and enjoy a Bushwaker and Lobster Quesadillas. If owner Seddy is in the house – ask to see some of his magic tricks. It’s usually quieter on busy afternoons than bars farther down the beach making it a good place to catch a few moments of beach peace…

And last, but certainly not least, Floyd’s Pelican Bar in Jamaica. What would a list such as this one be without this ultra-cool bar, located 3/4’s of a mile out to sea on the SW side of Jamaica. Accessible only by boat (duh!), it is a marvel to behold and leaves one wondering how it stands during a storm. The planks of wood are carved with the names of those fortunate enough to make the trek out to the bar in the sea to enjoy a Red Stripe with a view like non other.
Read about our trip to Floyd’s here

Have you visited any of these beach bars? 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

March 9, 2016June 6, 2019

The World is Now More Accessible Than Ever – Explore and Enjoy It!

Guest post by Susan Trantham, Living the Life Travel

The world is more accessible than ever before. Twenty percent (62 million) of the U.S. population has some form of disability, and the number of these individuals is increasing daily. These people need to, want to, and can travel. If you are part of that twenty percent, a world of Special Needs/Accessible Travel awaits you.

Special Needs/Accessible Travel can be defined as the ongoing effort to ensure tourist destinations, products and services are accessible to all people, regardless of their physical limitations, disabilities or age. Whether it is a short term or long term disability, you are entitled to enjoy travel together with your family and friends.

Special needs travel includes:

People With Disabilities
Slow Walkers
Families With Young Children
Returning Veterans
Elderly
Pre- and Post- Surgical Patients
Occasional Mobility Conditions

Travel professionals who are accessible travel advocates certified by the Special Needs Group www.specialneedsgroup.com, have unique, specialized knowledge about how to help individuals with disabilities enjoy a wonderful, hassle-free and memorable trip.

Whenever possible, do a little prep work ahead of time so when your next travel opportunity arises, you’ll be ready. Here are a few suggestions to help get you started.

Outline Your Travel Needs
Take time to evaluate the logistics of your trip in relation to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation will you be using? Airplane, motor coach, train, ship, transit vans for ground transfers? Make a list, referring to relevant brochures, your trip organizer or travel agent to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Now, make a list of your specific requirements. Be honest: what types of special needs equipment do you depend on at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had!) when shopping, sightseeing locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending concerts, the theater, street fairs or sporting events at home?

Can you hear and see clearly without special auditory equipment or visual aides? How far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you get in and out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance?

Travel, whether solo or in a group, is no time for roughing it or trying to “tough it out.” If a wheelchair, scooter or portable oxygen will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home feel more comfortable using these mobility aides for tours and excursions. In fact, most of Special Needs Group’s wheelchair and scooter rentals are to individuals who only use such aides when traveling.

Plan Ahead
If you already own a scooter or portable oxygen, it’s important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from planes to taxis to ferry boats. Does that transport have a way to stow your scooter or wheelchair? Is oxygen allowed on board? Some airlines prohibit certain types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours’ notice to make special arrangements, and be prepared to fill out forms.

Overall, cruise ships are more lenient in allowing oxygen, but some disallow certain types of oxygen. All require that the oxygen be delivered to the ship, and that you have enough for the entire voyage. Oxygen may never be brought aboard in your luggage. Requirements vary, so check your cruise line for proper instructions. Again, documentation and paperwork are required.

Whether you are headed for a cruise ship, hotel or all-inclusive resort, double check for wheelchair access at that venue, plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip. Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort accommodations or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator, if these issues are important.

Check on the access to public rooms, restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area and other amenities. Are there TDD phone devices? How will you get in and out of the shower or bathtub? Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille room numbers? Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when you do. Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits and special mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental.

Will road travel or car excursions be part of the trip? Many car rental companies have vehicles that are modified for drivers or passengers with mobility limitations. Check ahead to make sure a suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates. If you will be hiring a car or van, make sure the company is aware of your special needs.

When traveling with a limitation or disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad and trip cancellation insurance are even more important and strongly advised.

Ask the Right Questions
When making the final bookings, be sure you ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are categorized as “accessible.” Find out what “accessible” means to them.

For example, are doorways wide enough for the largest wheelchairs? Do the doors open outwards or into the room? Are all the public areas of the hotel, resort or ship accessible? Do you need to make special arrangements in the dining room to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter?

Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your needs? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter? Is there a roll-in shower? Grab-bars? Are there facilities for companion/assistance animals? Are there shopping and entertainment facilities close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort? On shore excursions or tours, does the van have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters?

Simply stated, don’t take anything for granted. It’s easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is wonderfully accessible, once you know what’s needed, what’s available and how to find the necessary equipment!

The World is Now More Accessible Than Ever – Explore and Enjoy It!

A special thanks to Susan Trantham for her expertise on accessible travel! Through her company Living The Life Travel, LLC, Susan is available to help coordinate travel for anyone with or without special needs to make sure they have the vacation of a lifetime. Contact her by phone at (810)513-6759, and check out her website at www.LivingTheLifeTravel.com for more information.

September 26, 2015June 5, 2019

Beach Bar Bums – A Beach, A Bar and A Dream

About a decade ago, Tom Westerhof was sitting at Buho’s Beach Bar on Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, a small island just off the coast of Cancun, when he said to himself, “I could sit here all day and be perfectly content”.

It actually took a second trip back to St. Kitts three years ago for him to finally do something about it. He kept researching destinations and basing his decisions on the number of beach bars and their proximity to the resort. He knew he couldn’t be the only person out there who loved beach bars and that’s when it all began in earnest. In 2012, the company Beach Bar Bums was born.

Smokey’s at the Cove, Anguilla
photo: Beach Bar Bums

Do you love beach bars as much as we do? Then you really should be following Tom’s company, Beach Bar Bums. Not only does Tom give us the scoop on beach bars everywhere, he also now also focuses on ancillary businesses that support beach bars and the destinations that call them home. He’s written about resorts, restaurants, spirits (the liquid kind), cocktails, music, events, travel, people involved in the business and so forth. It’s kind of morphed into a travel/lifestyle blog for people who love the beach .. and a rum cocktail or two. Um, no wonder we’re fans!

Tom, his wife and daughter with Bankie Banx at Dune Preserve
photo: Beach Bar Bums

Have you ever thought about owning your own beach bar? Well, Beach Bar Bums is about to launch a new feature on their website called a “listings page” where individuals will be able to list basic info on businesses they have for sale at no cost to them. This is a development that Tom is very excited about. He’s partnering with a company out of Europe and in the role as “finders,” he will be trying to find sellers of beach bars the right buyers and vice versa. A lot of business owners don’t want to advertise that they’re for sale out of fear that it might impact their business – they’d rather put “feelers” out and see if there’s someone out there interested. That’s where Beach Bar Bums come in – they offer bar owners a chance to “feel out” the market confidentially, only offering as much information as they choose to share. Tom’s already building up a database of potential buyers. Apparently, there are a lot of people out there looking to buy a beach bar!

Another new venture for Beach Bar Bums is a partnership that they recently entered into with Clear Vision Media to offer photography services not just of beach bars but of any travel, tourism and hospitality-related business, with a concentration on beach destinations. They offer the full portfolio of photography and video services including aerial (drone) photography and video along with HDR 360 degree virtual tours. The virtual tour they produced for Caddy’s on the Beach in Treasure Island, Florida is amazing – it’s almost like you’re there! They’re a full service media production company so being able to partner with them was something Tom couldn’t pass up.

We asked Tom if he had a favorite Caribbean beach bar and he replied, “That’s a hard question but I would probably have to say it’s the Sunshine Shack in Anguilla. For me, it’s the quintessential Caribbean beach bar. It’s basically a shack on the beach where the sand is the floor and there are no navigable roads leading to it. Rendezvous Bay, where it’s located, is gorgeous and Garvey, the owner, is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Every visit to the Sunshine Shack will leave you with a smile, either from the rum, hanging out with Garvey or a combination of the two”.

We asked Tom if he had a Bucket List of beach bars and if so, if he would share a few on that list. He told us The Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort in Bali, Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke and pretty much anywhere in Maldives are some of the locations at the top of his list.

Sunset at the Sunset Bar & Grill, St. Maarten
photo: Beach Bar Bums

Tom’s eventual goal and dream is to someday own his own beach bar. Not a shock. We asked if he had a location in mind and what some of the features of his beach bar would be. He said, “If I had to pick one destination under threat of never being able to drink vodka tonics again, I would have to pick St. Maarten. Some of the cool aspects of our bar would be the drink and food menu. The bar would feature original craft cocktails and tapas style small plates to pair with them, offering customers a unique dining experience in a laid back beach atmosphere. I would want people to feel like they were walking into their neighborhood bar and there would be a free round of shots for everyone with an open tab at sunset. Granted, it might be the cheap stuff but it’ll be free”.

Are you already following Beach Bar Bums? If not, you should! Find them here:

Beach Bar Bums Website

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Pinterest

You Tube

September 3, 2015June 6, 2019

Tips On Booking an Affordable Caribbean Vacation

Traveling isn’t cheap and traveling to a beautiful island for a week in the sun and sand can be downright budget breaking. Comments we see frequently on our Facebook page in response to gorgeous island location pictures include “maybe in our next life” or “if only I could afford it”.

We get it. We’ve been fortunate to have traveled to many tropical destinations over the years, but for many years we had to get very creative in putting together a package that we could afford. Here are a few of the tricks and tips we’ve learned that may just help you plan for an economical and well deserved beach vacation.

1. Be flexible. If you’re determined to visit the one destination that you’ve always wanted to see at the time of year you want to see it, you may end up paying more. Make a list of several islands that you’d enjoy and explore the airfare and accommodations at each one.

2. Consider traveling during low season or the shoulder season. The Caribbean low season is generally considered to be June to mid-December. Unfortunately much of that time is also hurricane season. We generally avoid travel to the Caribbean during the peak hurricane months of mid-August to mid-October, but have enjoyed many wonderful vacations with great weather and cheaper prices in May, June, July, November and December. If you’re worried about the potential for bad weather, check into travel insurance to see if it can protect you from weather related delays and problems.

3. Look into different packages that combine airfare with accommodations and sometimes even transfers or car rental. We’ve booked packages through American Airlines Vacations and Apple Vacations and have also booked packages through some resorts and cruises that can quote airfare along with their accommodations. Costco and Sam’s Club also offer travel deals! The selection of resorts and destinations vary and can be limited in these type of packages, but it’s definitely worth researching.

4. Frequent Flyer miles. We used to get a lot of “mileage” out of these and although they are still available and widely used, we’ve found that they’ve become much trickier to use. That being said, there are still deals to be had for travel savvy individuals. Some companies offer lots of “free miles” for opening up a new credit card (we recently got 35,000 miles for opening up a new US Airways card – also good on American Airlines), and if you can be flexible in your travel dates or can plan way ahead, you may be able to score free or discounted flights.

5. Consider renting a villa, house, apartment or condo. This option can be extremely attractive if you are traveling with children or with a large group. We rented a villa on the beach with a pool in North Caicos with a total of 6 adults. We were able to cook many of our meals in the villa (which had a beautiful well appointed kitchen with granite countertops and plenty of dining space) and enjoyed lounging in the pool and walking the beach just steps from our villa. We split the cost of the villa per person and it was one of the most affordable accommodations we’ve come across. There are several good companies to check with, including VRBO and HomeAway and know that at least one offers insurance in case there are any problems with the rental. Be sure to check the cleaning rates and the deposit amount on your desired rental.

7. Consult a Travel Agent. Travel agents can know of special deals on airfare and resorts that we may not find on the internet, so it’s worth checking in with one to find out.

8. Call a resort directly. Resorts occasionally have specials, discounts or packages that aren’t widely publicized. If you have a particular resort in mind, call them directly to see if they have an upcoming deal – or if perhaps you could receive a free room upgrade!

9. Consider traveling on atypical days. If you have a little flexibility in your schedule, check the pricing on airfare and accommodations mid-week to mid-week instead of Saturday to Saturday.

10. Shorten your stay by one day. If you find a place you REALLY want to stay and it’s just a little over budget, check the pricing for 6 days instead of 7. This may put you right in the budget you’re looking for.

11. Search RedWeek for timeshare rentals in your desired destination. Timeshare rentals are timeshares that owners rent to other individuals when they can’t use them themselves. RedWeek.com is the largest online marketplace for timeshares. Owners post their timeshare units on the RedWeek site, and connect directly with travelers looking to rent – usually for a pretty good price!

Hopefully these tips will help you find a good deal on a Caribbean trip of your dreams to get your toes in the sand sooner rather than later.

Do you know of other deal-finding tips to share? If so, tell us about them!

Find more Tropical Tips here:
Tropical Tips & More

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

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

April 30, 2015June 24, 2021

Funky Monkey

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

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

Print Recipe

Funky Monkey

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

Course: Drinks

Servings:

Ingredients

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

Instructions

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

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

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

April 27, 2015April 27, 2015

What Type of Tropical Traveler Are You?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See Tropical Tips & More

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

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

October 15, 2014October 15, 2014

The Chikungunya Virus

As we prepare for a trip to the tropics, we’re seeing alarming reports of a Chickungunya “epidemic” in some areas. Will that prevent us from taking this highly anticipated trek to the islands – even though our next destination is on the CDC list of Caribbean countries that have reported cases of Chickengunya? Heck no. But we certainly are prepared to take steps to prevent being infected with this virus transmitted by mosquitoes.

Currently there are no vaccines to prevent getting Chickungunya, so it’s extremely important to avoid mosquito bites. How? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Wear clothing that covers arms, legs and neck.

2. Use insect repellant and re-apply often. The CDC recommends using products with DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (we’ve loaded up on this product as we like to try the more natural options –
Repel 94109 Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, 4-Ounce Pump Spray)
3. If possible, stay in screened and/or air conditioned rooms or use a bed net.

Find a few more “repellant” ideas here: The Fight Against The Bite

If you’re planning a trip to the tropics soon, just prepare – be safe and have fun!

Find more Tropical Tips & More

November 22, 2013May 11, 2017

Is An All-Inclusive Caribbean Vacation Right For You?

Is an all-inclusive Caribbean vacation the right choice for you?

Lobby of the Barcelo Maya, Riviera Maya, Mexico

With more and more all-inclusive resorts being built or re-modeled into all-inclusives in many Caribbean destinations, we’re receiving more inquiries from our readers on whether an all-inclusive resort would be a good vacation choice for them. After all, vacation dollars are hard to come by and no matter what your vacation budget, you want to choose the best accommodation for you and your family.

Dominican-Republic-Beach - copyright Rum Therapy Beach at the Hark Rock Hotel, Punta Cana

We enjoy staying in all types of accommodations during our Caribbean travels from cruise ships to catamarans, high end resorts to budget resorts, villas to condos, etc., and, all-inclusive resorts. We’ve had the pleasure of enjoying quite a few all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Antigua and even one in St. Croix. So, how do we decide whether or not to stay at an all-inclusive? What are some things to consider prior to booking?

The first thing to know right off the bat is that all all-inclusives are not equal and all-inclusives are not available everywhere. As with other resorts, all-inclusives range from budget to very high end and everywhere in between. Do your research, ask your friends, look at on-line reviews, call the resort with questions and then enjoy what can be a wonderful stress-free vacation! All-inclusive resorts can be an excellent value for the money and an easy way to budget vacation dollars by including all of your meals, drinks and entertainment in one price!

Caribbean Lobster dinner at the Divi Carina Resort, St. Croix

Here are some things to consider when exploring all-inclusive options:

1. Are you a foodie? Be sure to look for the all-inclusives that offer a wide range of dining options, including fine dining. Some offer buffet dining only, but many offer dining at several themed and very nice restaurants on site. In addition to premium dining experiences, some resorts also offer or include premium wine & other liquor options.

Some of the water-sports included at Jewel Runaway Bay, Jamaica

2. Do you just want to relax at the resort all week? Look for a resort that offers the amenities you desire, i.e., a great beach, good swimming pools, golf, tennis, water-sports, nightly entertainment, etc.

Sunset by the pool at Jewel Runaway Bay Resort, Jamaica

One of the many pools at the Hard Rock Resort, Punta Cana

3. Want to explore the island outside of your resort? Look for a resort that offers good excursion packages, or if you’re like us and like to see what you want without traveling in a larger group, choose a resort that is in good proximity to the sights you want to explore.

4. Want to enjoy some pampering at the spa? Many resorts offer spa services (most at an additional cost) such as a wide range of massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, etc., and some have over-the-top spa facilities offering some of the finest pampering around.

5. Is the resort family-friendly or adult only? There are some terrific all-inclusives that cater to the young ‘uns with resort attractions (lazy rivers, waterslides, kiddie pools), entertainment and dining options. If you’re traveling without children, you may want to opt for an adult-only resorts that offer amenities, dining options and entertainment geared more for the grown-ups.

Waterslide at the Beaches Resort, Negril, Jamaica

5. Pricing. There are all-inclusive resorts geared for the budget minded all the way to luxury all-inclusives, and there can be a huge difference in amenities and level of services. If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t require a lot of services or amenities, you might opt for the less expensive resorts. If you want to be completely pampered, there are resorts that can offer that to you, at a higher price, of course. Again, just do your research to make sure there are very few surprises when you arrive.

Enjoying coffee on the deck at Divi Carina Resort, St. Croix

6. Transfers. Does the accommodation provide transfers to the facility? This is not a big deal in some cases, but if you will have to travel quite a distance from the airport and are not renting a car, having transfers included in your package can be a big bonus.

One of the beautiful and comfortable rooms at the Beaches Resort, Negril, Jamaica

7. Last, but certainly not least – your room. Again, there can be a BIG difference in the rooms provided at all-inclusives – as with other resorts. What are the rooms amenities? Does it include a decent sized safe? Is there a mini-bar (usually included in the price) or refrigerator? In room hot tub? Is it located in a good area of the resort? (Check to see if there is a map of the rooms on the website) Is it size that will comfortably accommodate your party? Is the bed size guaranteed? If you can’t find this information on the website, you might try to call the resort to see.

In room Hydro Spa at the Hard Rock Hotel, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Negril Sunset from a cabana at Beaches Resort

Have you enjoyed vacationing at an all-inclusive resort? What did you like the most about it?

To see more posts on Caribbean islands and travel, check out our Island Blog Directory

For helpful travel hints, check out our posts in Tropical Tips & More

October 24, 2013May 20, 2019

Holiday Gifts for Island & Rum Lovers!

Have a few island & rum lovers on your Holiday list this year? Or are you a rum & island lover that would like to request a gift that you’d enjoy? Either way, we have a few gifts that are worthy of those on your “nice” list!

2014 Rum Therapy Calendar
12 gorgeous Caribbean Beach Pictures and
12 scrumptious rum drinks with recipes!
Stay in a tropical frame of mind year-round with this excellent gift – just $18.95!

RUMHUGGERS!
Keep those frosty concoctions cold and your fingers dry with these “slap” Koozies. Molds right around your favorite cocktail, bottle or can!

TEE IN A RUM BOTTLE!
Well, not a real rum bottle, but this 100% cotton pre-shrunk Rum Therapy Just Limin’ Tee is compressed into the shape of a rum bottle, making it an excellent gift or stocking stuffer!

MEN’S ISLAND TEES
and
WOMEN’S ISLAND TEES
What’s your favorite island? Where have you enjoyed a little Rum Therapy? Choose a super comfortable tee with one of our island designs to wear at home, on your next island adventure – or anytime you need a little “tropication”!

CURES WHAT AILS YA CAPS
Distressed, pigment dyed, ladies styles, mesh back, visors & more! With all of the options, you’re sure to find the perfect Rum Therapy Cap for you!

Want to see more? Be sure to check out the Rum Therapy Store, grab your favorite rum drink and get your holiday shopping done fast and easy!

While you’re at it, check out our Blog Directory by Island for ideas of what to see and do on your next Island Adventure and our Rum Recipes!

And if you haven’t already be sure to JOIN us on Facebook for a daily dose of island fun!

September 3, 2013May 29, 2019

Mr. Busby’s Beach Bar, St. Maarten

Mr. Busby’s Beach Bar, St. Maarten is a laid back and fun beach bar with good food by day and an award winning Italian Food Restaurant called Daniels by the Sea at night.

Located on the east side of St. Maarten on beautiful Dawn Beach – close to the Oyster Bay Beach Resort, this bustling place is just barely on the Dutch side of St. Maarten.

Mr. Busby’s sits on beautiful Dawn Beach and you can rent the beach chairs that sit in front of the bar. Food and drink can be ordered directly from your chair on the beach, making it even easier to relax and enjoy the St. Maarten sunshine…

From Mr Busby’s you can even see St. Barths in the distance (very faintly in the center of the picture)

Swimming is good on calm days and there’s plenty of room to walk the long beach.

We enjoyed spending an afternoon at Mr. Busby’s and think it’s worth a stop if in the area for lunch – or a fine Italian dinner, good rum beverages and some quality St. Maarten beach time.

Find Mr. Busby’s Beach Bar on our St. Maarten/St. Martin Map

To see more posts on St. Maarten/St. Martin and other islands, check out our Island Blog Directory

Copyright©Rum Therapy Beaches, Bars & More, Tropical Travel Guide, 2013
Pictures and other content may not be re-used without written consent from Rum Therapy, LLC