Tropical Tidbits Summer 2023

by Sue C Travel

Summer is Sea Turtle and Whale Shark Season!

There are many good reasons to head to the Caribbean islands or Mexico in the summer beyond the deeply discounted accommodation rates and the less crowded beaches. This is the season to witness the awesome event of baby sea turtles hatching and scampering off to the ocean. Many resorts give them a helping hand with building protective barriers around the reefs and lowering their lights at night so the turtles don’t mistake them as the reflection of the moon off the waves which is their guiding signal to get to the sea. They also alert guests as to the hatching events so they can witness one of nature’s miracles first-hand, it’s a bucket list worthy experience.

The summer months are also the best time to swim and snorkel with whale sharks in the Mexican Caribbean. Just off of Cancun is one of the prime spots where these gentle mammoth fish congregate to feast on a surplus of plankton in this area, they are typically solitary animals and this is the only time they gather together en masse. But make sure you book your outing with a reputable touring operator like Cancun Adventures, one that only does small groups, uses reef safe sunscreen, and respects the animals by keeping their distance. Do your research first.

New Ocean Conservation Programs at Jade Mountain & Anse Chastanet

Spearheaded by Executive Director Karolin Troubetzkoy, a female pioneer in the Caribbean travel and sustainability space, these St. Lucia sister resorts have taken great measures to plant coral nurseries and launch ocean-inspired sustainable action projects to help protect and preserve the local environment. In addition to running the island’s largest dive operation, the properties’ ‘Reef Life And Renewal Ambassador’ hosts a new series of hands-on, educational courses that range from PADI Reef Rescue Dives and Dive Against Debris workshops to an Invasive Lionfish Tracker Speciality Course, a Sea Turtle Awareness Specialty Course, Coral Reef Restoration Courses and more. (Photo above)

Visit: www.jademountain.com

Anse Chastanet is Awesome for Kids

Think of the lush and lovely island of St. Lucia and ‘romantic escape’ might be the first thing you envision, and you’d be right, it is an ideal oasis for couple-canoodling. But there is lots to do for kids, too, especially if the family stays at Anse Chastanet. The lovely little boutique resort has curated some wonderful creative programs to enrich a child’s island holiday, especially this summer. And parents will adore the fact that the kids are having a blast while they squeeze in little more alone time on the beautiful beach. The new kid-friendly programs span a gamut of interests, too. Master Chef Juniors in training will love the “Eat What You Grow’ harvesting and cooking class experience, while young bakers will adore the ‘Bean-to-Bar’ cacao harvesting and chocolate making classes led by the resort’s ‘Chocolate Alchemist’. Adrenaline rush seeking kids can go jungle biking or hiking on tree-lined trails while the resort’s annual summer Sea Kids Camp offers snorkeling with sea turtles, exploring underwater reefs with PADI dive certification courses (ages 10+) and participating in coral reef restoration workshops, too. And budding artists can express themselves in the new Discover & Paint Marine Critter Class led by a local artist. And they all can wind down at day’s end with kids’ yoga and meditation classes. Bet they’ll sleep well!

Find out more at: www.ansechastanet.com

New Wine and Spirits Ventures in Aruba

Against all odds, the arid, semi-desert, cacti-studded island of Aruba has managed to grow grapes that can be made into wine! It has been a labor of love for some very determined vintners out in Alto Vista valley (near the famous chapel,) and they are finally reaping the fruits of their labor with very welcome rewards. Alto Vista Winery is now producing half a dozen of their own wine brands plus a Red Star artisanal rum. Guided tours for visitors are now available and culminate in sommelier led tastings in their lovely indoor-outdoor patio. Products are also available for purchase.

Visit: https://www.altovistawinery.com/

Pepe Margo Distillery is another new, spirited Aruban venture right downtown Oranjestad in an area fast undergoing an exciting urban renewal The beautifully refurbished heritage home of a well known local hostess and great cook Margo Arends affectionately known as ‘‘Pepe” (auntie) Margo is now home to a charming artisanal distillery in her name making their own gins and the first-ever molasses-based rum to be fermented and distilled in Aruba. As Margo was known to do, they now graciously host guests on a beautiful patio garden but with a twist. They offer up with craft cocktails made with their spirits and exceptionally creative tapas. Guided tours are available, but the bar and garden are open for a visit anytime. Products available for purchase make excellent made-in-Aruba souvenirs, too.

Visit: https://pepemargodistillery.com/

A Private Island Paradise in Fiji

If you’re seeking a private retreat that Fantasy Island dreams are made of, Turtle Island Fiji, secreted away in the azure waters of the Yaskawa archipelago totally fits the bill. Even your exciting arrival via private seaplane and greeted by welcoming staff is reminiscent of the popular television series. And you barely need to share this all-inclusive idyllic experience with anyone else but your significant other. There are only 14 bures (Fijian villas) yet 12 private beaches, and you have your own dedicated local concierge to help you enjoy the local culture and activities like snorkeling, fishing, scuba diving, beach horseback riding… or you can choose to do nothing at all!

Visit: www.turtlefiji.com

Comprehensive New Development in Puerto Escondido

Slated to open summer of 2024, OCN Resorts & Residences will offer grand complex of luxury vacation villas and units for purchase with world-class amenities, including culinary concepts by chef Brad Kilgore, winner of the prestigious James Beard Award. Situated next to Laguna de Manialtepec, a bioluminescent lagoon, a wide range of water activities will be offered amid stunning natural surroundings and a lush jungle ecosystem. Resort bookings begin in spring 2024.

Visit: www.ocnresorts.com