Month: May 2017

A Caribbean holiday means many things to many different people. For some, it’s all about the beaches, and for others it is about the golf or the sailing. Still more think of a Caribbean holiday as the time to soak up the sun, get a spa treatment or savor island cuisine. Interestingly, no matter what your vision, it is also likely that your view of a Caribbean vacation includes a few signature cocktails.

Most travelers have views of paper umbrellas, pineapples serving as vessels from which to sip a drink, or a long menu of different kinds of rum. The amusing thing is that each of these views is fairly accurate, and there are many iconic and famous Caribbean cocktails just waiting for visitors to enjoy. Below is a list of some of the most famous signature drinks and cocktails you will want to sample during a visit to the Caribbean. Not all are available on every island, but it is quite likely you will find a few drinks that will become your new favorites:

Sam’s Pyrat Rum Punch – Azure Beach Bar on Anguilla

This drink meets many of those iconic visions of Caribbean cocktails. Served in a half of a hollowed out pineapple, it features a blend of Galliano, apricot brandy, mixed juices and Pyrat Pistol rum. Named after the property’s bartender, it is one to sample when on the island.

The Antiguan Smile

This is a drink that is found all over the island of Antigua and one you may want to sample several times in several spots. Originally known as the signature drink of the Curtain Bluff resort, it has since been taken up and is served at almost every poolside bar and beachfront restaurant. It will always use a blend of crème de banana, pineapple juice, sour mix and dark rum.

Rum Punch

Whether it is called rum punch or planter’s punch, this is a drink most famous in Jamaica. Interestingly enough, it originates from South Carolina and used some Jamaican influences. Today, the recipes vary widely with the Round Hill Rum Punch consistently rating as one of the best on the island. Head over to Montego Bay to sample one, which is a blend of special rum, dark rum, apricot brandy, pineapple juice, lemon or lime juice and fruit for garnish.

Turks & Caicos also does its own spin on rum punch, using the island’s signature Bambarra rum. One of the best recipes is known to be served up at the famous Grace Bay resorts and is a blend of grenadine, coconut rum, dark rum, orange juice and pineapple juice.

Le Toiny Punch

If you want to blend romance, world class cuisine, amazing scenery and an iconic drink, a visit to Le Toiny on St. Barts is a good choice. Their signature punch is a unique blend of Havana rum, mango, lime and passionfruit and is noted as one of the finest drinks on the island.

Mamajuana

The famous drink of the Dominican Republic, its precise recipe is a long-kept secret. What we do know is it is usually made with dark rum macerated for roughly three to four days with a mix of bark and herbs. It is then blended with honey and wine and served as a shot. Many claim it has health benefits in abundance, others just say it packs a wallop of a buzz. Available by the bottle in the region, you may want to sample it with caution, and at a reputable bar to get an authentic experience.

There you have a handful of iconic Caribbean cocktails and drinks to sample during your visit. Take some time to find out any other signature beverages in your destination – they are sure to be fun and creative.

One of the very first compromises newlyweds find themselves making is where to go on their honeymoon. Even if you are not looking for a romantic spot to escape after the whirlwind of a wedding day, and you just want an idyllic spot to recharge with your beloved, chances are you each have your own preferences.

Fortunately, there is cosmopolitan St. Martin (or St. Maarten if you are on the Dutch side), with its heavy European influences, its lovely scenery and its amazing range of beaches, restaurants, shops and events all making it a perfect romantic destination.

Where to Go and What to Do

While this island is full of luxurious little villas where you might find yourself lounging in a private pool, surrounded by private gardens and enjoying service or total privacy in an opulent home of your own, there are reasons to hop in the car and explore the island. Here are a few ideal suggestions for the couple visiting St. Martin/St. Maarten for a truly romantic getaway:

Toast the sunset

While you can do this from many different spots, one of the most frequently noted for its romantic atmosphere, its setting on Grand Case Beach (on the French side of the island) and its unimpeded views of the sunset and the sea is Calmos Café. You can sit right on the sand, nosh on some of the café’s signature tapas and even sway to the live music of the house salsa band.

Greet the dawn

If you want to bookend a full day, why not also get up (or stay up) at sunrise. Dawn Beach is the aptly named destination on the Dutch side of the island, and it is really one of the most flawless spots from which to take in the sun as it comes up over the Atlantic Ocean. Don’t forget to give St. Barts a salute as it also sits in the distance and is easily seen from here.

Howl at the moon

Only figuratively, of course. Every month, during the full moon, Kali’s Beach Bar in Marigot hosts an unforgettable party with live music, a charming beach bonfire lit at midnight and delicious barbecue. It is also one of the few times that guests can savor the restaurant’s homemade rum!

Ooh la crepes

The island is full of French cuisine, but what is more romantic than artisanal French pastries, crepes and classic French breakfast? Zee Best is the perfect stop after watching sunrise, this restaurant has been continually chosen as a top breakfast destination, as well as a great place for lunch, and you can savor everything from delectable omelets to melt in your mouth baked goods paired with perfect coffee. You can find them in three spots on the island, so make a point of popping in for a few snacks or meals.

Soaring above it all

Though you may never have considered parasailing as your ideal couples’ activity, the island actually is one of those rare spots with a chance for a couples’ lesson in this activity. The SXM Water Sports Center in Philipsburg is noted for its couples’ sessions and can provide the two of you with a rare chance to take in the amazing birds-eye view together.

Enjoy the beach…in privacy

Though the island is popular, Happy Bay Beach in the northern area of the island is often secluded and perpetually tranquil. Head over on a weekday and you may find that you are among only a few visitors enjoying this private paradise.

There you have several activities that will make it worth leaving your cozy villa. No matter what, any couple will want to savor at least one sunset and one sunrise on this unique island, and we’ve given you two amazing picturesque ways to do so!

One of the absolute best parts of travel is the opportunity to flavor the popular dishes, local favorites and unique cuisines of the places you visit. The entire Caribbean region of the world is certainly a foodie’s delight with its blend of cultures and cuisines that range from Creole and French to Spanish and native favorites. If you are about to visit Antigua, you should know that you have an array of delicious dining experiences ahead and you will want to arrive with a few “must sample” dishes on your list of things to see and do.

The Official Dish

The official national dish of Antigua, and one that rates as a must taste option, is fungee (pronounced foon-jee) and pepperpot. This is actually two things – the fungee is a polenta-like patty that is made of cornmeal and served alongside pepperpot, which is a spinach and meat stew. It takes its inspiration from some African stews and includes okra, though you’ll find a range of variations from household to household and place to place.

The Other Unforgettable Dishes

While you are in Antigua, you also must make a point of sampling one of the island’s traditional breakfasts. This is something you might be able to request if you are in a private villa with a chef, but you can also find it at any local eatery. It is always going to include a portion or two of fungee sitting alongside a serving of salt fish. This will be sauteed with peppers and onions, and often served with avocado, hard egg, plaintain and some salad. There is also likely to be “chop up” and it too is a must try. Typically made of soft, mashed vegetables it will include spinach, eggplant, pumpkin and okra.

Another unforgettable dish is the one called ducana. This is similar to a tamale and is made of sweet potato, coconut, cinnamon and pumpking wrapped in a banana leaf and then boiled as a dumpling. Served alongside fish dishes, it can also be part of your typical breakfast. Many islanders feel that the restaurant known as The Quay serves the very best and serves it once a week.

Yet another iconic Caribbean dish is the soup known as souse. Served cold, it features a clear broth that is full of spices like onion, garlic, hot peppers and lime. Each recipe is different, and many are reminiscent of the fish salad known as ceviche. It is often served as an appetizer or first course and some of the best and most popular is at Russell’s Bar in Fort James Beach, though it will appear almost everywhere traditional Antiguan dishes are served.

Finally, if you want an authentic flavor that is utterly unique, go for goat water. Though it sounds remarkably odd it is actually a stew-like dish that is made with the island’s meat of choice – goat. It is very hearty and features a lovely blend of spices. It is often found on Saturdays in the local restaurants, especially Tony’s in Dickenson Bay. Full of unique options, the menu here is as fun as the environment that is often crowded, lively and equal parts beach bar.

If you are also eager to find some island drinks unique to this locale, consider such choices as sea moss or sorrel. Served in a blend of ice, milk, cinnamon, vanilla and sugar, these drinks are unlike anything you may have experienced before. You will find them throughout the Caribbean alongside such familiar classics as ginner beer or fruit smoothies, and you may also want to sample peanut punch which is a milkshake like drink featuring peanut butter, sugar and milk.

Experiencing these dishes will add a new level of pleasure to your journey and leave you inspired to recreate them or revisit them once you return home.

Whether you are visiting the Amalfi coast during the peak season or one of the quieter low season months, you have much to see and do. You also have much to taste as this region is a true food and wine lover’s destination. With no train services running to the region, most travelers arrive by car, sea or even bus. However, it is a very wise choice to hire a local guide and driver to take you along the unforgettable, winding roads that follow each gorgeous curve, bay and vista.

This is especially true if you intend to pay a visit to the area’s lovely vineyards and enjoy a day or two sampling some of the astonishing vintages produced there. After all, the curvaceous asphalt is difficult enough to negotiate with the typical traffic, and a warm flush of wine might prove disastrous.

Instead, why not sit back and allow yourself the chance to take in the 32 miles of scenery that includes unprecedented views of the land and sea that stretch between Sorrento and Vietri sul Mare? This makes the journey as much of the destination as the vineyards themselves!

Along the way, be sure you savor, as one writer so aptly advised, the sweet aromas and fresh ingredients, as they “set the tone for some of the most romantic eating venues Italy has to offer. Sate your appetite with the fresh catch of the day, shellfish, squid, creamy mozzarella and succulent cherry tomatoes. Wash the meal down with the crisp, flinty tasting white wines of the Campania region or a chilled glass of frosty limoncello.”

Itineraries Possible

Some of the greatest itineraries include tours departing from Sorrento or simply centered on this area. For example, it is possible to take a tour up the famed Mt. Vesuvius and then enjoy a picnic in the crater at the top which takes in views of Pompeii and Naples in the distance. A good vineyard for this trip would be the Le Cantine del Vesuvio winery where you can tour the estate and enjoy a luncheon with one of the wines available.

The area around the Irpinia region is also ideal for the avid wine enthusiast. In this area are several estates that provide a perfect day trip with plenty of opportunity to savor wine and foods of the area. A good itinerary would include a departure from Ravello or Positano and then a drive towards the Apennine Mountains. Home to a remarkably fertile wine region, travelers may want to head towards Taurasi to enjoy some impressive red wines. Several estates offer tours and tastings, and it is here that you can sample the Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita wines that include fiano di avellino, Taurasi and greco di tufo.

Nearby, is Montemiletto with lovely cafes or you can visit Sorbo Serpico noted for its picturesque looks and setting and its lovely vineyards.

The wine lovers might also want to head to the world-famous Campania region and pay a visit to the equally famous Casale Villarena, with its historic cellars and its amazing wines. Paired with some of the local cheeses, it is an unprcedented opportunity to enjoy a wine tasting in a truly ancient setting. Dated to the 1500s, the cellar is a sight you won’t soon forget.

This entire region is full of vineyards (all within the Sorrento Peninsula), and there are both ancient Greek and Roman sites to enjoy. While exploring this part of the Amalfi coast, don’t forget to pick up some pecorino, parmigiano, caciocavallo, and provolone del Monaco cheeses produced here.

Wine and food lovers can rejoice because the Amalfi coast has some wonderful experiences waiting.

You have decided that gorgeous Costa Rica is the next destination you will visit. It could be due to the country’s astonishing scenery, its amazing wildlife, reliable weather or a combination of these things. With some of the finest luxury rentals in the Central American (and even South American) region, it is a fantastic choice. The question then becomes “is there a better time to book airline tickets to Costa Rica?” In fact, it may even come down to wondering whether there is a best or ideal time to pay a visit.

The simplest answer is that you might find fewer visitors, lower pricing on airfare and some accommodations, and yet wonderful weather during the “shoulder season”.

A Bit About Shoulder Seasons

Just as it sounds, the shoulder season is that time that is wedged between the high and low seasons of any destination. It is typically a time when the less desirable weather has yet to begin or is just coming to an end and when the crowds have either dispersed or have yet to arrive. It is a wonderful time to book airline tickets and a holiday in Costa Rica because there are even more benefits than fewer fellow travelers and amazing prices on airfare and accommodation.

For example, many travelers who book a visit to Costa Rica during the traditional “dry” season are unhappy with the lack of verdant growth and lush green landscapes extending in all directions. This is because the rains have yet to trigger those changes in the landscape. Yet, shoulder season travelers do enjoy this wonderful experience of Costa Rica.

In addition to these benefits, the shoulder seasons also give you a better chance to experience a more authentic interaction with locals, as the floods of travelers have yet to arrive. You’ll get a warmer welcome because traveler spending is at a low level, and because the locals are have yet to grow a bit weary of the large crowds.

The shoulder season typically runs May/June and Sept.-Nov., with peak travel often being in line with holidays such as Christmas and Easter. The rainy season that occurs during the typical northern hemisphere summer months peaks June through August. However, even that season isn’t as rainy as most imagine. Experts would tell you that rains occur in the late afternoons, and only for a few hours. This leaves the greater part of the day free for you to head out for any number of pleasant excursions.

What to Expect

Of course, with the rains comes a change in humidity, and shoulder season travel can be a bit on the “muggy” side. Fortunately, you can take a day or two to acclimate yourself to the difference in the air and climate, and within that short span you should find that you are able to do your normal level of activity, even if that means a lot of walking or hiking outdoors.

Also remember that with the rains come some of the peskier insects. A simple remedy is to tote your favorite insect repellant, but also ask your accommodation provider to supply insect netting over your bed for good sleep.

The benefits of booking a visit to Costa Rica during the shoulder season so greatly outweigh any of the other issues, that it just makes good sense to choose this time. Booking your airline tickets is just the first step. Also find your ideal accommodation during this quieter time and enjoy tremendous privacy, luxury and attentive service. Don’t forget to plan a guided river tour as well as this is something that most travelers never forget, and is even more enjoyable when the rains of the shoulder season in Costa Rica have just started.

If you are planning a holiday in Barbados, it is likely that you already know which beaches you will visit, which golf courses to book a tee time or two, and which restaurants rate as the “must try” destinations. However, even with all the writing and coverage of this lovely island’s “best” experiences, there are some hidden gems and even overlooked experiences that just can’t be missed.

If you are paying your first visit to Barbados, or your hundredth, you may enjoy learning about these lesser known, but impressive and appealing destinations.

Hunte’s Garden

This is the creation of famous horticulturist Anthony Hunte. It dates to the 1950s, so is mature and impressive. It was only recently opened to the public, and is something that can easily rival the more famous and frequently visited Andromeda Garden. Full of native species, it is home to both plants and animals.

Harrison’s Cave

Though many more know about this destination, many don’t make a point of visiting or planning a visit at the ideal time. Head here as early as you can in the morning and avoid any crowds. This is a place to take your time and marvel at the amazing stalagmites and natural growths. Also, take time to enjoy the nature trails. Few visitors realize how unique the setting is, and don’t take advantage of the scenery that surrounds you as you exit the park. Also, skip the snack bar and restaurant here. Instead, stop by the restaurant just outside the entrance. This is a great way to try the local dishes prepared in the iconic ways.

Welchman Hall Gully

It is astonishing that so few people visit this wonderful, natural gully. It is packed with native flora and fauna, and is a self-guided tour that lets you take all the time you want as you explore this otherworldly setting. It is remarkably quiet and incredibly peaceful here, and if you are quiet and calm enough, you may see the charming green monkeys that make this gully their home. There are feeding platforms, and monkeys do visit during the day, but little compares with catching glimpses of them playing together and grooming away from the formal viewing areas.

Animal Flower Cave

This is not a place full of animals but a wonderful destination in which you can see the amazing array of sea anemones that live in the shallow pools just inside the cave’s entrance. Don’t ignore the exterior of the cave either, and be sure that you pay a visit to the different vendors and food booths, as well as finer dining spots, which have appeared nearby. In fact, you may want to book an entire day in the area to be sure you enjoy shopping for crafts, nibbling local goodies and favorite dishes and taking in the lovely sights.

Bathsheba Beach

Barbados has some amazing beaches and these vary between the well-known favorites and the lesser known gems. However, Bathsheba is one beach that just cannot be missed. It is situated along the east coast and is noted for its natural, stunning rock formations that appear to be sculptures strategically placed and quite stunning. There are no services here, so be sure to pack a picnic and some drinks and enjoy a bit of time taking in the otherworldly scenery here.

The Flower Forest

More than 50 acres of protected botanical forest create a breathtaking experience. It is home to severely endangered plants, and you may be lucky enough to see the famous Torch Lilies in bloom.  The views here are quite astonishing and it is likely that you might see a wedding or special event here during a visit.

This list represents but a few of the amazing and often overlooked destinations on Barbados. Give one or two a try and really put the perfect finishing touch on your holiday.

You decided to book a holiday in Barbados because you know all about its scenic beauty, world-class golf, and simply the best beaches. However, you may not know that there are some hidden gems or lesser-known beaches in Barbados and bays that can provide you with an unforgettable day (or two…or three!) in the white sand and sun. Though this island is famous for its gorgeous beaches, there are a few lesser-known gems we would like to share, and which we hope you keep as your secret favorites, too.

Note, most of the destinations in Barbados remain uncrowded and laid-back, but we suggest the following Barbados beaches because they are especially quiet and without the usual array of vendors and travelers that can make some beach locations a bit more crowded or boisterous than you would prefer. Also, remember that Sundays are popular beach days for islanders, so if you find great beaches in Barbados that seems busier than you expected, and it is a Sunday – make sure to return on a weekday and enjoy the difference that a day makes.

Also, keep in mind that few of these hidden public beaches Barbados has any sort of services like showers, restaurants or facilities. Be prepared to pack in and pack out, but also be sure that any efforts are well worth it!

Walkers’ Beach

This is often described as a windswept beach, and it is located on the northeastern corner of Barbados where the waves crash along the sands and where Long Pond offers you a great place to bird watch and go swimming at one of the most popular beaches in Barbados. The landscape here is full of native plants and cacti, and this is one of the beautiful beaches that offers a perfect place to spend the day or enjoy a brisk walk.

Ginger Bay

A good alternative to the famous beach in Barbados – Crane Beach, it offers an amazingly secluded and private spot where walkers can find all kinds of fossils in the rocks that line the white sands. Tucked behind The Crane Hotel, it is wrapped by limestone cliffs and features an enchanting row of palms that sway in the breeze and offer welcome areas of shade.

Foul Bay

With plenty of shade trees, this beach is better for a great picnic than for swimming. Though the waters are alright for swimming, there are often very large and rough waves, making this a picturesque beach, but not a family-friendly beach for swimming. This beach does have one facility onsite.

Drill Hall

This is often called Brandon’s Beach, but it is not the same Brandon’s Beach as that near Bridgetown. This Barbados beach is situated on the southern coast and is adjacent to the Hilton Hotel. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that this ensures crowds – it is often incredibly quiet due to the large rocks that dominate the setting. This creates all kinds of great tranquil pools in which you can relax as you watch the surfers take on the waves just off shore.

North Point

As its name implies, this beach sits at the northern tip of the Barbos island and remains one of the most tranquil and even deserted spots thanks to the abandoned hotel project that sits back from the edge of the beach. Though it was once one of the best beaches in Barbados due to a military base nearby, it is now one of the most peaceful and hidden gems you can find and enjoy.

There are other little secret beaches that include Paradise Beach, Crane Beach, Bottom Bay, and Cattlewash, among others. Be sure to spend some time looking for and exploring these quiet and undisturbed spaces as they can often put the perfect finishing touch to your time spent on the lovely island of Barbados.

A top choice among those in the know, the Marbella area of Spain was once home to small fishing villages, but now reigns as one of the finest and most sophisticated beach resorts throughout the region. Modern and appealing, it has retained its history, which dates back to 1600 BC. Whether in the Old Town or on the “Golden Mile”, travelers will catch glimpses of this region’s unique culture and historic past.

Old Town and Orange Square

In the actual town, Marbella has a great deal to see and do, and the history of this site is impossible to ignore. There is a castle dating to the time of the Moors, there is an Andalucian quarter with heavy Moorish influences, and there is the Orange Square. This is a charming square surrounded by masses of orange trees. Outside of this lush and verdant perimeter, is a labyrinth of narrow streets plenty of tapas bars, cafes and restaurants and appealing shops. It is the perfect choice for the ardent people watchers or those who just really appreciate the authentic atmosphere of an old town such as Marbella.

Orange Square is actually in the heart of Old Town, and you must make a point of wandering the different cobbled streets and enjoying the appealing architecture with its flower-laden balconies and classic tile work. If you are visiting at the right hour for some tapas, one of the local favorites is Bar El Estrecho, and authentic cuisine is always available at The Orange Tree as well.

The buildings in this area date back to the late 1400s and early 1500s and the fountain in the center was actually commissioned by Christian Marbella, the first mayor of the city, in 1504. The Chapel of Santiago dates to the 1400s. As you exit the square, heading east, you can find the ruins of a Moorish castle and the entrance to the Plaza de la Iglesia. This too dates to the 1400s, and the Santiago Chapel just a short distance down the hill is yet another 15th century gem.

The Golden Mile

This is the true coastal area of Marbella and offers travelers a four mile stretch of luxurious properties, hotels, and beaches. It begins along the western edge of the city proper (at Plaza Bocanegra) and runs all of the way to Rio Verde. It features some of the earliest up-market buildings, as well as landmarks lke the Marbella Club Hotel and the Puente Romano Resort.

Begin exploring this at the charming Paseo Maritimo that is lined with palms and runs to Puerto Banus. There are many fine restaurants spots here, so be sure you choose a few to enjoy a nibble, some beach scenery and a moment or two to just savor the setting. As you continue along the way, you will reach Puerto Deportivo and then the Marbella Lighthouse. You can see this for a long way, and it stands more than 29 meters in height. Built in the 1860s, it is now automated and still a working lighthouse.

We strongly recommend that you take a moment to refuel here and enjoy a hot chocolate with some churros at one of the many cafes in this neighborhood. You will continue along the way (passing a new shopping center) and then you are on the beachside walk that leads to the Golden Mile.

There is so much to see and do in Marbella, and one of the finest experiences will be to spend a day or two exploring the Gold Coast towns of Puerto Banus, Benavhavis and Gibraltar to the far west point of this exotic region.

Whether you are headed to Jamaica for your first visit or your twentieth, you may already know about the scenic beauty, the wonderful culture, and the many amazing things to do throughout the island, but have you considered the food? While Jamaica does not often rate as a world-class destination for gourmands or even the dedicated foodies, it is actually a spot with a huge list of “must try” flavors and local specialties.

Just consider how many cultures have influenced the food, and the way that its location also has impacted the dishes developed there. In traditional, authentic Jamaican cuisine you will see influences from the cuisines of Africa, China and India as well as Britain and even Spain and the U.S.

So, to be sure your upcoming Jamaican holiday is as flavorful as possible, we offer you these suggestions:

The National Dish

Ackee and saltfish is considered the island’s national dish, and it is most often served for breakfast. The ackee is a fruit that is bright red with yellow flesh, and it is just the ripened flesh that is cooked up and served with the fish, breadfruit, boiled green bananas, boiled dumplings, and Johnny cakes.

Jerk

Spiciness is a huge part of Jamaican cooking and the term “jerk” is used to describe a blend of flavors that are used as a dry rub and marinade in addition to a sauce. The most commonly prepared dish is jerk chicken, and you can expect to find an array of flavors (mostly native to the island) in the dish. Scotch bonnet peppers, cinnamon, nutmeg and pimento are the strongest and most common. These are rubbed on the dry chicken and then the meat is slowly roasted for a few hours. Served with a hard-dough bread on the side, it is a heavenly dish.

Patties

These are not the patties that most of us envision when we hear that word. Instead, they are more like a small pie. They are made both sweet and savory, and you will find them everywhere. The best are the homemade versions so often found in stands in the markets. They will usually feature meat or vegetarian fillings seasoned with a curry-like or stronger blend of spices. They are fried or baked and make a fantastic snack or great packable dish for a picnic.

Escoviche

This is similar to ceviche of Latin American cuisine and is made using the freshest seafood that is then marinated in spices, onions and a strong vinegar. This “cooks” or makes the fish safe for consumption and creates an amazingly delicious dish. It is often served like a seafood cocktail, and is an unforgettably light and fresh starter or even main course.

Plantains

Looking just like bananas, these large, green skinned fruit are much starchier than bananas and are often fried as a side dish. They end up with a texture similar to a properly cooked sweet potato, but are fabulous as a snack when sold in market stalls. These are a must try, and most find they want to try to prepare them on their own when they get home. If you have booked a villa with a cook, you may want to ask them to show you just how it is done!

Curry Goat

Apart from jerk chicken, this is the most frequently prepared dish. It is exactly what its name describes, curried goat meat, and it is often quite spicy. It was once only prepared for special events, but is now an everyday dish often served with rice and peas on the side.

These are the basic dishes that you must try when visiting Jamaica. You can find them on five-star menus in addition to small, local restaurants. If you have a rental with a local cook, you may also ask them to teach how to prepare some of the island’s classic dishes as well.

Sadly, the Emerald Coast is often described with the words tourist destination when it is much more appealing than your average holiday locale. Located in northern Sardinia, it stretches around 20km and is home to some of the finest golf courses, sugary white beaches, and premium villas. In fact, it is the most opulent and luxurious area in Europe, easily making it far more than a tourist hotspot.

While famous for its beaches, these are also not your run of the mill locations, and most require a bit of navigation to reach them. That’s okay, because one of the finest experiences that any visitor to Emerald Coast can enjoy is a drive along the winding coastal roads. In fact, one of the best is the road that leads up to the peak of Monte Mora, bringing neighboring islands like Caprera and Tavolara into sight.

However, sightseeing is not a major activity apart from visits to some of the popular towns, such as Porto Cervo and Cala Gonone. In fact, the latter should be considered a must as it offers you a wonderful range of activities ideal for a day trip or overnight. You can visit may of the finest Nuraghic sites and even catch a boat from the harbor and head to the famous Grotta del Bue Marino. If you book a fully guided tour, you can even enjoy the easy walk to the caves, where underground lakes and an array of stalactites and stalagmites wait to leave you in awe.

The Beaches

Obviously, you are going to want to spend some time experiencing that key draw to the area, the beaches, and fortunately all the beaches here are open for visitors to enjoy. Among the most famous are Liscia Ruja, Piccolo Pevera, and Spiaggia del Principe. However, you will want to make a point of finding Cala Pietra Bianca and Poltu Li Cogghi because they are some of the best “secret” beaches in the area.

At the top of your list should also be La Cinta beach, as it is the most famous with its lagoon and stretch of sand bordering the sea. Home to many birds, it is also the greatest spot for people watching. Head towards the northern end of the beach to avoid crowds and be sure that you book a seat on one of the lagoon boat tours, if they are running, as this supports the local wildlife sanctuary.

Porto Cervo

It is impossible to touch on all the wonderful experiences available in Porto Cervo in just a few lines. However, it is important to make a point of spending a day or two wandering this appealing port town. It is truly picturesque with its row upon row of pastel-hued houses and buildings peering out over the water. The village proper is at the southeastern end of the port and here is where you find some nice bars, restaurants and local shops. It is at the new marina where the more exclusive options of the area are to be found. The nightlife, gourmet dining and exclusive hotels are here, though not all are tucked into Porto Cervo.

Other Destinations

Olbia is another spot to travel if you would like to experience some of the sights popular in the Emerald Coast region, and these include the Church of San Paolo, the Palazzetto Umbertino, Sacred Well of Sa Testa, and the Cabu Assas Nuragic site. Visitors will also want to take in the scenery from Porto Rotondo, and enjoy its many high-end shops and boutiques. From here, you can also find amazing views of the Gulf of Cugnana. Lastly, if you are looking to experience the authentic Sardinia, be sure you book a table at one of the area’s agriturismo restaurants, especially one where locals seem to dine right along with travelers.