Tropical Tidbits Spring 2022

by Sue C Travel

Post pandemic paradises in the Caribbean

I won’t lie. It was no easy feat island hopping around the Caribbean recently with all the protocols. It was exhausting. But I was delighted to discover that so many islands took advantage of the enforced downtime to improve their tourism offerings on so many fronts. And now that restrictions are falling away everywhere, it’s time to book your tropical revenge trip. Let’s look at what’s new …

Aruba’s new elevated & interesting culinary venues

The number of exciting new dining locations is really on the rise. Literally. Now you can enjoy elevated private catered dining experiences at the very top of the iconic California Lighthouse brought to you by Experitours. And you can now dine once again at the top deck of the legendary historic big red windmill (De Olde Molen). Also elevated is the The Vue Rooftop Bar, a trendy supper club on top of the Cove Mall. And nearby, Radisson Blu’s Sunset Bistro is set upon a rooftop infinity pool. And though not in an elevated location, it’s the cuisine that’s elevated to the max at Chef Urvin Croes’ new Infini Chef’s Table experience in Eagle Beach. His culinary artistry is not to be missed.

Other new interesting venues downtown include the hip, cool affair of Patio 15 set around a historic restored monument building. And for the best freshly caught fish, Taste My Aruba has recently moved to a gorgeously restored century-old heritage house, too. Also new is Bochincha, a multi-story collection of food and drink food truck type kiosks made from old shipping containers. And speaking of food trucks, seek out the new one draped in Aruba flag colors near the airport called Big Poppa’s BBQ. Or dine wherever you like with Picnic Aruba that will set up a lavish spread on a beautiful beach. For more new, visit: www.aruba.com

Curaçao explodes with new art, cuisine, & culture

Punda Vibes festival is back! It’s a weekly Thursday night outdoor street party that ends with spectacular fireworks display over the water. And new outdoor art murals and installations have sprung up all around the historic barios (neighborhoods) of Willemstad. Seek out the latest in Scharloo and Otrobanda where you’ll also find trendy new cafes and bars settling in to enhance the newly minted cultural scene. Find Bario – specializing in urban street food including dishes made with lionfish, or Ceviche 19 Gastrobar in the historic Rif Fort. Try their Blue Curaçao ceviche full of fresh fish and seafood, and yes, it is blue!

And now completed is the building-sized labyrinth Cathedral of Thorns, made entirely by hand using thorns. You’ll find it on the grounds of Landhuis Bloemhof. For new immersive experiences for foodies seek out the intimate backyard dining venue of Tableau Food Garden, or Vittle Art that offers truly special sensory encounters out in the countryside. And health and wellness fans will be happy that the annual yoga retreat is back, visit: yogaventure.ca/

On the new accommodation front, Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa now offers guests a sophisticated and intimate all-inclusive experience. And the brand-new family-friendly Mangrove Beach Corendon Curaçao All-Inclusive Resort also offers a great waterpark for kids. Read all about it on page 63. And for Curaçao’s underwater news year-round,  visit: www.divecuracao.info

Bonaire rebounds with new attractions & resorts

Ever heard of “Blokarting”. It’s an adrenaline filled adventure of driving a wind powered wheeled cart with a sail on land. New Bonaire Landsailing Adventures has one of the longest tracks in the world, and they also offer a great combo adventure tour where you can also explore and snorkel in the island’s ancient caves. Then, there’s the unique Piedra So golf course where the greens are really red sand and there are meandering goats and donkeys as “hazards”. For new food and drink outlets seek out Hofi’s lovely urban garden setting or Tiki & Co for killer exotic hand-crafted cocktails. Also, exotic is the new dining spot at Delfins Beach Resort called Senang specializing in Asian delights. And an exciting new annual festival called Bonaire Rum Week will take place this June.

On the accommodation front, Chogogo Dive & Beach Resort Bonaire is a brand-new sprawling complex near downtown and offers day passes to their property that includes a lazy river ride. And the new Senses Boutique Hotel and Apartments now offers a high-end luxurious urban stay for discerning travelers. New villa rentals continue to abound, too. SunRentals Bonaire has 30 villas to choose from.  visit: www.sunrentalsbonaire.com

Crop over is back in Barbados!

Barbadians are jumping up for joy to learn that their beloved summer festival that celebrates the end of the sugar cane growing season will be back after a two-year hiatus. Historically, it has attracted thousands of visitors from across the globe who come to enjoy local heritage, culture, music, food, and dance. Events begin in May, but it’s the first Monday in August that’s the big-blow party when throngs of revelers hit the streets in carnival style. It’s called Grand Kadooment, and Barbadian born Rihanna often joins the parade. For a full calendar of the events,  visit: www.visitbarbados.org

New Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club Opens

Formerly the Resorts & Residences by CuisinArt before recently reopening as Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club, this stylish legendary collection of 178 spacious guestrooms, suites, and villas set upon 300 acres along the romantic Rendezvous Bay promises to continue to deliver the type of sophisticated barefoot luxury for the type of well-heeled and discerning travelers that this property has always been renowned for. They continue to add their own unique touches and refreshes but have not forgotten to remain down-to-earth to incorporate the island’s welcoming and friendly local style and experiences, and they continue to use the historic on-site hydroponic garden and orchard to help fuel the new American menu helmed by their culinary team. Remastering of the iconic 18-hole signature design championship course has also been done and overseen by Greg Norman Golf Course Design, and a serene sanctuary is discovered at the Sorana Spa with forward-thinking health and wellness programs and treatments. Visit: www.auroraanguilla.com

Sweet new Anguilla secret escape

If getting all fancy is not in your budget, then Anguilla also has a cute and charming new petite cottage style-studio called The Hummingbird available through Airbnb. Ensconce yourself in Caribbean comfort with a wonderful super host Trudy Nixon who knows the island inside out as the publisher of True Anguilla, and operator of a new island TV channel for tourists. She has also authored two fun fiction books based on her life on and off the island. Nixon knows all the best spots to guide you to a stellar holiday there, and you have full access to all the spectacular beaches without the exorbitant price tag of the high-end resorts.
www.facebook.com/HummingbirdAnguilla

Go shark tagging in Grand Exuma

As if there wasn’t enough to do at Grand Isle Resort & Residences, like playing golf at a championship course, swimming and sailing in emerald waters, luxuriating at the spa, indulging in gourmet dining, or simply enjoying the grandeur of their spacious villa accommodations… now, they’ve added something new. Shark tagging! They’ve teamed up with Beneath the Waves (BTW), to offer guests the opportunity to safely participate in this important initiative that helps to conserve marine life. BTW will also soon offer snorkelling with marine biologists as another environmentally mindful excursion. Both great ways to give back and feel good about being so pampered there. Visit: https://grandisleresort.com/