Blog | Page 15 of 63 | Rum Therapy

November 15, 2016June 6, 2019

Humpback Whales in Maui

Every year, thousands of Humpback Whales migrate 3,000 – 4,000 miles from the Gulf of Alaska to the Hawaiian Islands to mate and birth their calves. Their annual visit occurs during the months of October – April, with the prime viewing season reported to be late January to early March.

In Maui, one of the best places to spot the whales is in the shallow channel (500 – 600 feet) between Maui, Lanai and Molokai where locals report that at times you can look out from your hotel room and see dozens of whales frolicking and breaching!

We are headed to Lanai next and will be taking the ferry over. Although it’s early in the season, we have our fingers crossed that we will get to experience on of the beautiful creatures while making the journey. There are also several tour companies that will take you out on the water where you might get a closer glimpse and some even guarantee a whale sighting (during certain months) during your excursion!

For now, the only humpback whales that we have experienced (in Hawaii) are the ones depicted in some of the stunning artwork found on island. Our favorite so far – the incredible blown glass sculptures created at the Makai Glass Maui in Makawao – which also happens to be right next door to the Hali’imaile Distilling Company where Sammy’s Beach Bar Rum is made.

Have you experienced the Humpback Whales in Maui? 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

November 4, 2016June 6, 2019

2016 Holiday Gifts for Island Lovers!

Do you have an island lover on your list that has been especially “good” this year? Or, are you in need of something tropical to fill your stocking? Well grab a glass of good rum and check out this list of Holiday Gifts for Island Lovers! (and use code HOLIDAY10 at checkout for 10% off your order)

Deck your tree with our Santa Enjoying a Little Rum Therapy or It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere ornament!

Rum Therapy Hats! Pirate Bones, Island Girl & Rum Therapy Cures What Ails Ya Pigment Dyed or Distressed in lots of great colors.

Sarongs and Batik Headhuggers! Headhugger in 4 colors, Full Length Hand Stamped Batik Sarong in Gift Box and Mini Sarong.

Brand new Rum & Cigar Club Tee! Sips and Sticks baby…

Men’s & Women’s Life Is Short Tees! Men’s Tee, Women’s Tee, Women’s Tank
Check out our other Men’s Tees & Women’s Tees too!

Beautiful Caribbean colored Fire Opal Jewelry Sets! Choose from Palm Trees, Starfish & Dolphins.

Anklets & Toe Anklets! Beautiful around the pool and on the beach. Check our anklets and bracelets here!

Got a pirate on your list? Our Skull & Bones Bracelet, Pirate Bones Tee and Pirate Bones Hat will bring them “arrrrs” of enjoyment!

Beach Inspired Necklaces! Salt In The Air, Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses, Sea Turtle & more.

Want to see more? Be sure to check out the Rum Therapy Store, and use code HOLIDAY10 at checkout for 10% off all purchases until November 24!

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!

Happy Holidays!

November 2, 2016June 6, 2019

Presidential Election Cocktail Menu at Bolongo Bay

This presidential election season, the Caribbean’s most entertaining Super PAC (Party Action Committee), Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, is letting constituents vote with their taste buds. Located in the US Virgin Islands, St Thomas is a US territory. While citizens of the US territory don’t have the right to vote, they still have the right to assemble. In island tradition, that’s still a great reason to party. Lobbyists and pollsters can stay back on the mainland because Bolongo Bay’s mixologists have created a ballot of campaign cocktails for all to enjoy.

Available now through Election Day, this special menu lets guests rally for their favorite affiliation, the Cocktail Party. Bolongo Bay will host an Election Night Party on November 8, 2016, featuring all-American food, Presidente beer buckets, live music and its widescreen televisions tuned in for results. Once the president-elect is announced, Bolongo Bay will continue to serve his or her “namesake” beverage through Inauguration Day, January 20, 2017.

Bolongo Bay’s 2016 Presidential Campaign Cocktail Menu includes:

Trumpical Punch: This swirl of controversy mixes up USVI strawberry and raspberry rum, topped with a comb over of cranberry juice. Served on the rocks, it’s going to be “huuuuge” and “make America great again.”
Chillary: Coconut rum, blue curacao, splash of pineapple juice and coconut cream become “stronger together” when shaken. Unlike 33,000 emails, this is served uncharacteristically straight-up.
Rum for the Border: Can’t handle the craziness? Start a new life with this mix of coconut, pineapple, citrus and banana rums and fruit punch for the win.
Screw’d Either Way: If the final two candidates lack “ap-peel” let this mix of orange vodka, orange juice and a splash of Sprite drown the sorrows. Served on the rocks…with a chaser of “hard place.”
Server Dilemma: The secret is out…banana liquor, blackberry brandy and pineapple juice with a splash of grenadine. Served on the rocks, it can only be ordered through Iggies private email server.
Under Audit: The ingredients are under audit. Happens every year. Surely everyone understands. While this information is classified, Bolongo Bay is willing to release them, but only to guests who visit.
Known as the Caribbean’s most entertaining beach resort, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St Thomas offers 365 days of fun, sun and rum year round. Find out more on the Bolongo Bay website.

October 21, 2016June 6, 2019

Gage Sunglasses – Sunnies for Beach Bums

We received two pairs of good lookin’ shades just the other day from Joe, the owner of Gage Sunglasses – a company that makes sunglasses for beach bums by beach bums. Hello! We were definitely interested in trying them out.

Joe is a one-man show when it comes to Gage Sunglasses and operates out of his home office on Long Island in NY. Joe says that Long Island has some of the nicest beaches in the country, and he’s been a beach bum for essentially his entire life.

Joe and his fiancée

The idea for Gage Sunglasses came about when Joe, who has an entrepreneurial spirit and had a dream of one day building his own brand, remembered how many times he’d either lost or broken expensive “designer” pairs of sunglasses…usually casualties of the ocean or accidentally sitting on them. He disliked “gas station” sunglasses, and had trouble finding fun, affordable shades, so that’s where the idea of Gage Sunglasses – sunnies for beach bums was born!

So what do we think of our new Gage shades?

Right away we noticed how incredibly light they were. Almost forg0t they were on and that translates to super comfortable.

Frames. Flexible, so you can bend them a little to fit your face. Cool!

Lenses. Impact resistant so when we inevitably drop them they shouldn’t shatter or break AND UV400 for protection from the rays.

The look. We love the beachy colors and relaxed styling.

The price. Great! At 25 bucks, we can afford to get a couple of pairs and not feel so bad if a pair flies off while sailing or parasailing (yes, that has happened…).

Check out the Gage Sunglasses Facebook page and Instagram feed for more beach bum inspiration and if you’d like to pick up a pair of sunnies for yourself, you can find the styles and colors available on their website.

Thanks Joe! We’ll be doing some additional testing soon when we practice our beach bum skills (in our Gage sunnies!) on the beaches of Hawaii!

(photos courtesy of Gage Sunglasses)

This is a sponsored post. Although we were compensated by the company who sponsored it, the views are solely our own and we only recommend products or services we believe our readers will enjoy.

October 10, 2016June 6, 2019

8 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Culebra

Culebra is a picturesque little island that lies approximately 17 miles east of Puerto Rico. It’s an island municipality under the domain of Puerto Rico. At seven miles wide and three miles long, Culebra is the smallest of the inhabited Spanish Virgin Islands.

Although modest in size, Culebra has a welcoming small island charm, stunning beaches and amazing snorkeling. There are no large resorts on island, but there are a few cottages, guest houses and villas available for rent. Due to a good ferry schedule, many visitors come to Culebra just for a day visit. You can also take a short flight from PR, which may give you more time to play.

What should you do if you’re lucky enough to spend some time on this pretty island? Check out this list of the 8 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Culebra to start your planning!

1. Flamenco Beach

Frequently listed as one of the top beaches in the world, Flamenco is even prettier than a postcard. A long swath of soft, white sand surrounded by stunning hues of blue…
See more photos of Flamenco Beach here

2. Tanks on Flamenco

Although it’s a rather abnormal attraction to list, the old tanks on Flamenco Beach are interesting enough to seek out. On the far west side of the beach you will find one sitting in the beautiful water just off the shoreline. Painted over and over by the locals, the tank is a vivid reminder of the history of Culebra when it was used as a training site for the US Navy.
Read more about it here

3. Snorkeling

You’ll find clear water and pristine snorkeling spots in several areas on Culebra. Best part? Most have beach access, so just slip on your flippers and mask and get going!
Discover some of the best snorkeling spots on Culebra here

4. Eating

You’ll find some of the same delicious treats on Culebra as on Puerto Rico, such as this Puerto Rican Pincho served from one of the food kiosks on Flamenco Beach, but there are other dining options to explore as well. Mamacita’s serves up dishes with a Mexican flare and you can find a few other delicious options here

5. Explore by Golf Cart

Culebra is not a large island and you can certainly explore a lot of it in one day. Best way to get around? You can rent a jeep, but why not just rent a golf cart? Economical and easy to zip around it!
Here’s one of the rental agencies on Culebra

6. Zoni Beach

You may get so stunned by the beauty of Flamenco that you will forget to visit some of the other gorgeous beaches on Culebra. One of our favorites? Zoni Beach, on the islands northeast side – quieter than its famous neighbor, but still beautiful.

7. Culebrita
Just off the eastern shore of Culebra sits Isla Culebrita, a small uninhabited island that is a wildlife refuge. Only a few people visit Culebrita each day, so it’s likely that you’ll have plenty of space to explore the beaches, an old lighthouse, relax in tidal pools and snorkel. You’ll need to hire a water taxi or join an excursion to get to Culebrita.
Find out more about this pretty island here

8. Top off the day with a drink at The Dinghy Dock

Top off a perfect day on Culebra by stopping by The Dinghy Dock to check out the huge tarpon swimming right off the dock, chat with the locals and listen to the tales of sailors that frequent the bar and enjoy a refreshing drink – such as this cold and creamy Bushwacker.

Have you been to Culebra? 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. All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.

September 29, 2016June 6, 2019

Should You Travel to the Caribbean During Hurricane Season?

We’ve all seen them. Photos of the storms and destruction caused by hurricanes. It’s almost enough to keep us from traveling to the Caribbean during hurricane season. Almost.

We used to completely avoid traveling to the Caribbean and Bahamas during the months of June – November (official hurricane season), but after looking at statistics, we have occasionally chosen to take advantage of the lower rates and quieter season with a few precautions and strategies in mind. After all, statistically, you are more likely to be involved in a serious hurricane event in parts of the US mainland than much of the Caribbean. Of course there’s always a risk, but all we can do is try to reason with the hurricane season…

A few things to keep in mind when considering island travel during the summer and fall:

1. The peak months for hurricane storms are August, September and October.
2. The Bahamas, Bermuda, Turks & Caicos and the Eastern Caribbean islands historically tend to be affected by more storm weather during hurricane season than islands farther south.
3. The islands least likely to be affected by hurricanes are the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), followed by Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Grenada.
4. Even in the islands most affected by storms, the likelihood of encountering a serious one during the time you are there is slim.
5. Because more people avoid the Caribbean (and Bahamas) during hurricane season, you may be able to find some terrific low season rates.

Additional things to consider:
Some establishments (bars & restaurants) close for a month or two during hurricane season (usually in the August – October time frame), so if there’s a place you’d really like to experience, be sure to check and see if they will be open during your visit.

Travel insurance can help cover you in the event your vacation is cancelled or postponed by weather. Be sure to check with a reputable travel insurance company and make sure they specifically offer trip-cancellation insurance, which ensures that travelers who have purchased airline, cruise tickets and hotel stays will be fully compensated if a storm prevents them from traveling.

Some resorts offer a hurricane guarantee, but be sure to carefully read it and understand it before booking. It may be full or part coverage or a voucher for future travel.

Consider downloading the free Red Cross Hurricane app to keep you up to date on hurricane info wherever you are vacationing.

Armed with facts and good information to help you make the best choices of dates and areas, you might just become a fan of the lighter crowds, cheaper accommodations and beautiful weather of the summer and fall in the Caribbean.

Do you travel to the Caribbean during hurricane season? Tell us about it!

Find more Tropical Tips at our Tropical Tips & More directory

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

September 20, 2016June 24, 2021

4 Delicious Recipes to try on National Rum Punch Day!

Happy National Rum Punch Day! In case you feel like celebrating (or just need a good recipe in the future), here are 4 delicious recipes to try on National Rum Punch Day. Let us know which one is your favorite!

1. Authentic Rum Punch

1 of sour, 2 of sweet
3 of strong, 4 of weak
Find out what that means in this
Authentic Rum Punch Recipe

2. Caribbean Rum Punch

Use the juices listed, or create your own signature Rum Punch by changing up the flavors!
Caribbean Rum Punch Recipe

3. Coconut Rum Punch

If you like the taste of coconut, you’ll love this one!
Coconut Rum Punch Recipe

4. Pineapple Rum Punch

Two less ingredients than the Coconut Rum Punch and you can substitute a gold rum for the Coconut Rum. Less ingredients = more pineapple taste! Mmmm…tropically delicious!

Pineapple Rum Punch Recipe

Find more rum recipes here:

Rum Recipe Picture Directory

Rum Recipes by Category

Rum Therapy Recipes on YouTube

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

September 17, 2016June 6, 2019

8 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Vieques

Isla de Vieques, a small island located approximately 8 miles off of Puerto Rico, is easily reached by ferry from Fajardo or a short flight from San Juan International Airport.

Considered one of the two main Spanish Virgin Islands, Vieques is probably best known for either its Bioluminescent Bay, said to be the brightest in the world, or its history with the US Navy as a former bombing test range.

Not as well known is the fact that Vieques has not been overly commercialized, has a good number of beautiful unspoiled beaches and retains its small island charm. Want huge resorts, nightlife, casinos or crowded beaches? You’ll have to look elsewhere, but if you want a quiet island with friendly people where you can get away from the grind, you might just fall in love with Vieques.

Thinking of visiting? Check out this list of 8 Things You Shouldn’t Miss on Vieques to help you start your planning.

1. Sun Bay Beach

Just one of the beautiful beaches on Vieques, Sun Bay has a long expanse of soft, golden sand and calm shallow water, making it a great beach for the whole family. A snack bar and restrooms are close by too. You may find horses wandering the grounds and enjoying the beach and scenery as well.

2. Horses

Speaking of horses… (see above) It may seem an odd addition to the list, but be sure to watch for the horses that roam freely on Vieques. Find out more about these beautiful creatures here: Vieques, Where the Horses Roam Free

3. Mosquito Bay (Bio Bay)
Mosquito Bay, on the southern side of Vieques, is a bioluminescent bay. Best observed during the New Moon phase, the waters of Mosquito Bay, that are rich in a single celled dinoflagelate organism, “light up” at night when they come in contact with another organism, such as a boat, oar, or person. There are several bio bays in the world, but Mosquito Bay has claimed the title of “the brightest” bio bay in the world by the Guiness Book of World Records.

4. Hike to Playa Negra – a black sand beach

Playa Negra is a black sand beach just west of Esperanza. The color of the sand is a little surprising given the goldens, tans and whites of the other beaches on Vieques, but the pretty hike down a riverbed to the beach made it worth it to us. We were the only ones on the path except for a mare and her foal who walked right past us.

5. Enjoy a rum punch at Bananas

Thirsty after your hike to Playa Negra? Stop at Bananas Beach Bar & Grill in Esperanza for a delightful Rum Punch. Want to stay a little longer? Check into Bananas Guesthouse – a no frills place that’s close to the Bio Bay.

6. Enjoy the shops, museum and restaurants at El Malecon, Esperanza

The coastal side of Experanza is known as El Malecon or “The Strip”. Here you will find a few small shops, some restaurants, a museum, a beach and a beautiful view. This is probably the busiest area on Vieques and a favorite hangout for visitors. Tours for the Bio Bay leave from this area.

7. The Rest of the Beaches

We visited a number of Vieques beautiful beaches during our visit and were pleasantly
surprised with the beauty and solitude of many of them. If you have the time, rent a jeep and see how many beaches you can visit. They’re all a little different, but none are crowded.

8. Catch a sunset at Al’s Mar Azul

Before catching the ferry back to Puerto Rico, stop and enjoy a sunset (with your favorite cold drink) at Al’s Mar Azul – just a block from the ferry. The sunsets here are spectacular and it’s a beautiful way to end your day on Vieques.

Have you been to Vieques? Tell us about it!

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

September 7, 2016June 24, 2021

The Best Piña Colada Recipe

There are good Piña Coladas and then there are excellent Piña Coladas and we have well, tried our fair share. Although the standard Piña Colada Recipe is by far the easiest, by taking just a little extra time and adding a few more ingredients you can turn that average Piña Colada into a creamy and rumlicious tropical delight. By freezing the pineapple, you reduce the need to use as much ice and less ice = more flavor. Plus, the addition of the fresh lime juice, heavy cream and just a dash of bitters makes this a Piña Colada you won’t soon forget.

*We love bringing you amazing rum recipes! Our recipes may contain affiliate links to products that we use. 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!

Print Recipe

The Best Piña Colada Recipe

Course: Drinks

Servings:

Author: Rum Therapy

Ingredients

2 1/2 to 3 c. fresh pineapple (cubed)
4 oz. gold rum (we used Cruzan Aged Rum)
3 oz. cream of coconut (such as Coco Real or Coco Lopez)
2 oz. heavy cream
1 tsp. fresh lime juice
1 c. ice (add just a bit more if needed)
1 small dash of Agnostura bitters (easy does it!)
toasted coconut
nutmeg
1/2 – 1 oz. dark rum to be used as a floater (we used Myers’s Dark Rum)
Maraschino cherry and pineapple slices for garnish

Instructions

Freeze fresh pineapple chunks until firm. In a blender, add rum, Coco Lopez, heavy cream, lime juice, the bitters and the pineapple and blend together. Add ice and blend again until creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a few drops of cream or pineapple juice and blend until the desired consistency. Serve in a tall glass. Add a floater of dark rum, a sprinkle of nutmeg and toasted coconut and garnish with a cherry and a pineapple slices.

Other recipes you might be interested in:

Piña Colada
Skinny Piña Colada

September 7, 2016June 6, 2019

PiZZA Pi VI – A One of a Kind Floating Pizza Boat

A floating pizza factory? A commercial grade food truck boat? A one of a kind offshore dining experience in the beautiful VI’s? Check, check and check!

PiZZA Pi VI is the brainchild Sasha and Tara Bouis. Sasha is an MIT grad who worked on Wall Street for five years before realizing that being “cubicle plankton” was not enough for him. Tara, originally an elementary special education teacher in Indiana during the winter and a SCUBA instructor at SeaTrek BVI was also an award winning chef and culinary judge who trained specifically in the art of the New York style pizza pie.

Together they rebuilt their aluminum sailboat, retrofitted it with commercial grade pizza ovens, an oversized pickup window and an eye-catching paint job. They then named the boat Pi, with a pizza business in mind.

PiZZA Pi VI opened in November of 2014 and is anchored in Christmas Cove, Great St James Island. Sasha and Tara live on land nearby and dinghy out to open and serve pizza daily from 11am until sunset (closed Mondays & Thursdays).

Because of limited space in the galley, they offer 5 types of pizzas from traditional NY style to specials that vary depending on local and seasonal ingredients.
Some of the fan favorite pizzas include:

“Sweet Home Indiana” – Porcini sauce, sage sausage, pickled sweet corn & fresh spinach

“Blumin Onion” – Aioli sauce, chopped leeks, radicchio, blue cheese & honey to finish

“Mango Mami” – Tangy mango sauce, red onion, fresh mango, bacon & goat cheese

See their menu here

To visit PiZZA Pi, you need to find your way out on a boat. Visitors to St. Thomas or St. John can rent a charter boat for a full or half day trip and along with great pizza they get to enjoy an action packed day tailored to their group by a knowledgable captain. They also serve dinner to many of the week long charter boats that make St. Thomas their home port. Enjoying great food on a boat while snorkeling in pristine waters is the PiZZA Pi experience.

Although closed for the season right now – PiZZA Pi needs your help. The food-truck-boat has operated in Christmas Cove, US Virgin Islands for nearly two years now, but in order to continue, the local government is requesting a show of public support. If you have already enjoyed the pizza and the experience of PiZZA Pi VI, or even if you just hope to in the future, Sasha and Tara ask that you would consider signing the petition to keep PiZZA Pi VI in Christmas Cove. They are hoping to get at least 5,000 signatures, and have received over half already. If you’d like to support PiZZA Pi VI – A One of a Kind Floating Pizza Boat, you can find the petition here:
Petition for PiZZA Pi VI

And – if you’d like to find out more about PiZZA Pi VI, check them out here:
Website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

all photos property of wherethecoconutsgrow.com