Creative Cocktails in the Caribbean

Looking for colorful spirits to cheer about? Wondering how playful you can be with your Don Julio Blanco tequila, Tanqueray No. 10 gin,  Zacapa 23 rum, and Ketel One vodka? In the quest for the best Rum punch, who wins?

Luxury Travel Mavens shares Caribbean Cocktail recipes from World Class Mixologist Roberto Berdecia of Puerto Rico, and divulges arguably the best “Rum Punch” formula on earth from the country that invented rum, the Barbados, thanks to Roger Goddard and his Cutters Deli.

Eternal Cocktails from Puerto Rico

On a recent foray to the United States Territory of Puerto Rico, Berdecia, the creative cocktail guru behind the concoctions at the Eternal Bar of the Conrad Condado Plaza Resort in San Juan recommended the following to warm up the cold months:

 Spiced Sip

• 1 ½ oz. Zacapa 23
• ½ oz. Amaretto
• ½ oz. Homemade Cinnamon & Black Pepper Syrup
• 2 oz. Pear Juice
• Garnish with Cinnamon Stick
• Serve in a Snifter glass

Note: Zacapa 23 is a distinguished rum developed originally in Guatemala. Each bottle is adorned with a hand-woven Petate band which the Zacapa website says  represents “the unity of time and space, earth and sky.” The site also says the rum uses virgin sugar cane honey instead of molasses for sweetnes ,  and fermentation includes yeast from a particular kind of  pineapple.

Strawberry Puree adds sweet color at the Eternal Bar in Puerto Rico

Mint Tree

• 1 ½ oz. Don Julio Blanco Tequila
• 1 oz. Strawberry Puree
• 1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
• ½ oz. Passion Fruit Liquor
• 8 leaves Mint
• Garnish with Mint Leaves
• Serve in a Cocktail Glass

Spooky Mango

• 1 ½ oz. Tanqueray No. 10
• 1 oz. White Guava Juice
• ½ oz. Homemade Ginger Syrup
• 1 oz. Mango Puree
• Top with:
• 1.4 ounce of Strawberry puree
• Orange Zest for garnish
• Garnish with Orange Zest
• Serve in a Highball glass

Some tropical Blue Curacao to ward off the winter blues

Tropical January

• ¾ oz. Ketel One Citroen
• ¾ oz. Ketel One Vodka
• ¾ oz. Coconut Cream
• ¾ oz. Blue Curacao
• Garnish with Slice Strawberry and Mint
• Serve in Old Fashioned

Barbados Best

When you check in at the luxurious Crane Residential  Resort in Barbados, you are immediately asked, “Do you want Rum Punch or Fruit Punch?” as a welcoming refreshment.   The bartender at the Resort’s Bar 1887  (named after the year the hotel was started) asked the same question. This seems to be an ubiquitous query on this enchanting island. No wonder. Rum as a drink started in Barbados as a happy accident, and when the British moved in they made rum a medicinal ration for each member of the Navy to receive a daily dose.   Now restaurants and bars seem to want tourists to get their share too.  There seems to be an informal competition for the best Rum Punch.

The beguiling moon in Barbados after a glass of Cutters Rum Punch.

One night at a private party  with a beguiling full moon over the sea, I tasted what for me was the freshest best Rum Punch. Turns out the man making the mix was Roger Goddard of Cutters down the road and he goes lengths to get the freshest ingredients.   When I asked for the secret recipe I was told it was “1,2,3,4” as in

One of sour
Two of Sweet
Three of Strong
Four of Weak

To elaborate, this means:

One part fresh squeezed lime — no mix
Two parts sugar – Bajan (local speak for Barbadian)  locally grown cane sugar. At Morgan Lewis Mill they still press the cane the old fashioned way.  Goddard and  friends annually help press to keep the tradition alive
Three parts strong rum — Bajan of course (Mount Gay Rum is an historic choice)
Four parts weak: Serve over a full glass of ice

For the finishing touch, add fresh, coarsely ground nutmeg from Grenada,  the Spice Island near Barbados.

Clink glasses with a happy toast and enjoy good company!

-Lisa TE Sonne for LuxuryTravelMavens.com

Cheers!

Photos by Lisa TE Sonne except for the photo to the left, provided by the Eclipse Bar in San Juan.

Paddleboarding in a lagoon near the Atlantic Ocean

“Don’t look at your feet. Look forward.” That was the main advice for our first foray at stand-up paddle boarding or “SUP.”

A few of us newbies gathered on a sandy patch near Aquadilla in northwestern Puerto Rico for a lesson from Aquatica Dive & Surf which also offers surfing, diving, and snorkeling.  Arcing in front of us lay a beautiful natural classroom and playground:  to the left,  the Atlantic Ocean, straight ahead, a placid lagoon; and to our right, an inviting, meandering, calm river,  flanked by lush jungle growth.

All the waters were warm compared to many other places in the continental US where  paddleboarding is taught, and the conditions were gentle for optimal beginner’s luck.

First attempts in the warm lagoon.

“It’s all about balance” was the other advice given as we pushed our long boards out into the lagoon. Guides were nearby to help steady us if we needed it. I got into a kneeling position in the middle of my board, placed the single paddle perpendicularly in front of me, and then used it to push myself first to squatting, then to standing position.

Wow! I was up on a paddle board! Things felt tippy at first, until I found my own sweet-spot on the board. From  then on,  it was relatively stable. For me,  paddling was easier than just standing still.

The long pole with a curved paddle at one end had been adjusted to my height, so that one hand could push down on the handle, while the other hand mid-pole pulled it toward me. Pushing and pulling the paddle in the right amounts is one form of balance. Being in the optimal position on the board is another.  Finding the body posture that works is also a key element of balance – not leaning back or forward too much, knees slightly bent. Most of that, the body seems to do automatically.

Lesson One: Look Ahead and Practice Balance

To control direction, you can back-paddle the way you might while kayaking. You can also switch the paddle over to the other side, which also means switching which hand is on top and which is in the middle of the paddle.

It was about the shortest learning curve of any new sport or recreation, I can remember– certainly easier than anything involving a ball or wheels.  Soon, we were heading up the river, first-time paddlers (ages ranging from the 20s to 60s) relishing the pleasure of something new.

Paddling offers solitude or good company.

We could be close enough for conversations or find our own niche in nature to listen to the wildlife and enjoy the jungle fauna.

It took just enough effort and attention that my mind was cleared of other worldly things. But not it did not require so much concentration that I couldn’t hum a spontaneous paddling tune, take photos with my waterproof camera, or just make up a jungle adventure.

Beautiful orange flowers floated. Coqui frogs added to the chorus. Occasionally a bird would swoop nearby. The river was so gentle,  it was encouraging for practicing different speeds and directions. The water was so warm that the idea of falling in was not intimidating.

We had seen stand-up paddle boarders out at sea where conditions can be much more challenging.  Those paddlers may also have the thrills of catching waves.  Kneeling or laying on long boards to catch waves goes way back in Hawaiian tradition.  The kind of recreational stand up paddle boarding or “SUP” we were learning has been growing in the last few decades with the advent of new board designs.

Boards left while paddlers hike.

Shore Leave

Our little quasi-intrepid group spread out and paddled under a bridge, and past a rope swing until we were gathered near a muddy shore where some branches hung low.  We helped each other ashore for a land hike.

The cleared jungle trail lead through thick growth to an early railroad tunnel in Puerto Rico, built in 1906. Naturally we felt compelled to walk through the dark passage until we saw the light again.

Paddling back to our original shore, I thought about how much this “lesson” had been like my first surfing lesson in Waikiki on Oahu- the warm waters,  gentle conditions and beautiful scenery there had made it an optimal place for a sense of fun and success the first time out. The same was true here for my first SUP chapter.

At  the end of our group journey, one person said she  thought it was boring as a sport. She was teased that she should try it in the ocean before reaching any conclusions. Two other people said they thought paddleboarding was more fun than kayaking. One because he likes being up above the water, the other because it uses legs as much as arms. A fourth person said she really loved it and would pursue it more when they got home.

All  were all glad we had tried a new way to enjoy Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and man-made features.

The Luxury Elements:

The view from the Eclipse Restaurant, part of the Villa Montana Beach Resort in Puerto Rico. The Resort can help arrange horseback riding on the beach, paddleboarding, and massages.

To make paddling in Puerto Rico a more luxurious experience, you could stay at Villa Montana Beach Resort, not far from the International airport in Aquadilla, (or find out what the Heliport sign is all about.)  The spacious villas can be your  home base for biking, horseback riding on the beach, tennis, golf, pool lounging, and tide-pooling.

The resort’s alfresco seaside restaurant, the Eclipse,  offers wonderful food and views, and delicious fuel to start your paddling day off with gusto.

Villa Montana Resort

To end your day with soothing luxury, arrange in advance for a private massage by the shore or in your own villa.

You could open the door to your place and be greeted by dozens of candles, sweet smells, and a talented masseuse ready to ease any muscles you challenged while enjoying paddle boarding and hiking. If you want romantic ambiance for yourself or mate, trails of rose petals can be arranged, too.

Some Practical Tips for PaddleBoarding:

*Wear water shoes with good support and grip (although some people prefer barefeet to help their balance.)

*Secure your glasses/sunglasses with a strap that floats

* If you want to wear a hat, make sure it has a strap

*Pre-spray bug spray on yourself,  and your hat

* Bring/borrow a waterproof bag for your camera and anything you want to keep dry

*Bring water with you to stay hydrated. Make sure the guide has  plenty before you start out.

* And, of course, check  with your doctor first, if you have any relevant medical conditions!

Thanks to Aquatica for a good first lesson.

Tips While There:

*Watch others to observe what works and what doesn’t

* Listen to the guides– they should know where it’s safe to get off near shore and where the submerged logs are,  etc.

*Ask for a “dry bag” if you want to bring your camera and keep it dry, then use it on the hike. Make sure you learn how to close the bag properly.

*There are some elastic ropes at the front of the board for securing things like the dry bag

*Ask what the plan for the paddle is. If you are going to stop and hike like we did, you might want to make sure you bring dry shoes and put them in a bag. (Fire ants like exposed feet.  Exposed feet usually don’t feel the same way about fire ants.)

*Remember to ask others to take your picture on the board, if you want a memento of your good time!

Puerto Rico- the Place!
Puerto Rico is a US territory,  so if you are a US citizen, you don’t need to worry about passports or customs or international cell phone charges, the way you would with many other Caribbean islands. US currency, and both English and Spanish prevail, and driving is on the right side of the road unlike many other Caribbean islands. You can fly into the capital of San Juan on the northeast of the island, and enjoy Old San Juan’s rich history, great restaurants, party night life, and wonderful museums. After a couple of days, drive west to the Isabella area of Puerto Rico, or you can fly straight to Aquadilla airport.

If you opt to take the east to west road trip, and are willing to go a little inland, two memorable attractions in Puerto Rico are the Arecibo Observatory, and the Rio Camuy Caves (787-898-3100.)

For more help planning a great trip, check out www.SeePuertoRico.com

What more can you share about Paddle Boarding or about Puerto Rico? Please add your comments below.    Viva the good life!

-Lisa TE Sonne for LuxuryTravelMavens

 Photographs © Lisa TE Sonne,

A view from The Crane Residential Resort- a destination since 1887.

The footwear I wore longest my first day in Barbados was fins. I spent enchanted hours in the morning, scuba diving through the coral gardens in 88 degree water with schools of neon blue fish for company, off the western resort lined-and-designed Caribbean side of  the island.

But the rest of the day, I was indulging in “barefoot luxury in Barbados” – The Crane Resort way – on the eastern, more private Atlantic side of this multi-faceted vacation mecca.

I woke barefoot in a big hand-carved four-poster bed with the rhythmic  sounds of the Atlantic surf. The bed, authentic Barbadian furniture,  was similar to those used in the resort since it first opened as a hotel in 1887, triggering more than a century of legacy. Locals say that in the late 19th century, the visiting celebrity “Buffalo Bill” Cody paid for his stay by leaving a watch and the gold chain to his timepiece.  In the 21st century, 252 accommodations offer golden refuge for travelers from timezones around the world.

I padded across the marble floor to open the tall shuttered doors to my spacious balcony, part of my 1,200 square foot residential suite at the Crane Residential Resort.  My refrigerator was already full of fruits and eggs and the makings for great coffee were on the counter. A five-jet shower awaited too.  I was well fortified for a drive across island, and relaxing diving.

Catamaran dive boat to explore the Caribbean waters on the western side of Barbados

 BEAUTIFUL BEACH

When I returned to my Crane “home” from easy  diving with Hightide Water Sports, my swimsuit was still wet, so I headed barefoot to the Atlantic Ocean that looked so beguiling from my balcony. My toes were tickled as I walked a small part of The Crane’s 40 acres of landscaping (tended by over 20 landscapers) to the cliff’s edge for sweeping views.

The Crane Resort’s elevator to the private beach below the gardens and suites

Both a glass-fronted elevator and steps descend three flights from the cliff perch to powdery sand that massaged my toes.  In certain lights, the sand shimmers pinks.

Barbados is the eastern most inhabited Caribbean island and the Atlantic waters on the island’s eastern side can be boisterous for body surfing and bogey boarding.

Atlantic surf below The Crane Residential Resort

It was fun to frolic in waves that were more than 20 degrees warmer than the ones I had last played in, off the California coast.  I swam past the breakers and floated on my back reveling that no land mass was between me and Africa! Just leagues and leagues of beautiful sea.

To the side, I could see some old steps along the side of the protecting promontory where two boys fished.  I had been told that the steps, dating back to 1769, were a part of a private sanctuary for women who wanted to get around the societal expectations forbidding females to get wet in public. Here, they could enjoy the ocean.

On the beach today, men and women openly swim, body surf, sun on lushly padded lounge chairs or walk with rum drinks served in fresh coconut shells from the beaches’ bar. I was content to gently undulate with the swells on the bathwater warm ocean, my toes pointing to the tropical sky.

POOLS AND BATHS
Options to wash off the sand and salt are many starting with the outdoor showers. The Crane’s grounds have several sets of swimming pools. One set of pools flows over 1.5 acres with cascading connections and jacuzzi.  Many of the Resort’s suites come with individual pools either as part of a front yard or as part of an outdoor upper level. I enjoyed The Crane Beach Pool’s proximity to the ocean sounds and sands.

One of The Crane’s swimming pools with Ocean view

SERENITY SPA

My next barefoot foray on this deliciously naked toe day was the Serenity Spa, one of the Crane’s nurturing niches.  I received the “Travelers Paradise Express” which weaves together Swedish, Lomi-Lomi (Hawaiian) and Deep Tissue very effectively with talented Lashawn also rehydrating my dry post-airplane skin with almond lotion. I particularly liked – of course – the foot rub part!

It’s enjoyable to try massages that are signature for their geographic and cultural context like a Mayan themed treatment in Cancun, Mexico, or an amber massage in the Baltics, so I had been hoping for some kind of Barbados rum massage or pink sand defoliation (I made those up), but the actual eclectic Serenity blend of massage techniques worked wonderfully and does suggest Barbados’ international legacy. For centuries, Barbados was a key portal for the trade of goods, people, and ideas between the Americas, and Africa and Europe.

My feet were quite glad to receive three kinds of massage blended.

A Zen dinner in the Tatami room. Shoes are parked outside and our legs rest below floor level while we enjoy great Japanese and Thai food without leaving The Crane.

ZEN TIME

How could this barefoot day get any better?

Answer: Dinner in the Tatami room of the fantastic Zen restaurant on the Crane grounds, a Zagat’s favorite for Barbados. Shoes were parked outside the private room as new friends – travel writers and tourism experts – bared soles and souls with stellar sushi, sashimi, and lots of laughs.

After a day of Caribbean diving, Atlantic ocean play, pools, foot massage, and Zen repose, I returned to my suite with its own  jacuzzi bathtub, lounge chairs for star gazing and tradewinds on the balcony,  and the luscious four poster  bed.   What a welcoming sequence  to enjoy  barefoot luxury in Barbados – the Crane way!

PS: The next two days, I did don shoes when I left  the Crane, ironically to check out the big rich history of the little Island that influenced the world and the first President of the United States.  I say ironic because for  a key period,  barefoot slaves helped drive the economic prosperity of Barbados. Now it’s liberated barefoot visitors who help fuel Barbados’ top financial engine – tourism.   I am happy to kick off my shoes,  and the Barbados Tourism folks  can help you plan your own footprints in the sand.

-Lisa TE Sonne for LuxuryTravelMavens.com

 Photos by Lisa TE Sonne

Follow her adventures: @ExploreTraveler