couples travel Archives - Have Sippy Will Travel

Visit Barbados. Like, Right now.

September 24, 2019 by Samantha 21 Comments

I’ve been obsessed with Barbados since I was a kid, when I read the Newbery Medal winning book “The Witch of Blackbird Pond” by Elizabeth George Speare. For anyone who somehow managed to escape their summer reading, the book is about a fictional 17th Century young woman who, orphaned, must leave her home in Barbados and travel to New England. Now in Puritan Connecticut, she often reminisces about her home and her childhood growing up in beautiful Barbados.

Yes, as an adult, I now realize the colonizer themes that ran rampant in the book. However, the images left in my mind’s eye of the lush and balmy Barbados had impressed on me the desire to make my way over to the tiny island as soon as I was able. No better time then the present, so we headed over to finally see the nation well known as the birthplace of rum.

Located in the lesser Antilles of the West Indies, in the Caribbean region of North America, Barbados is about a 5 hour flight from New York City. Just 166 square miles in total, it dwarfs the smallest state in the USA by quite a bit (Rhode Island, at 1,034 square miles), it packs a lot into a small space.

Though she be but little, she is fierce. Alright, perhaps not exactly fierce, but definitely a force. On this wisp of an island, you will experience amazing food (yes, quite a lot of seafood, but vegans and vegetarians rejoice, there are plenty of options on this very foodie-progressive island), blissful beaches, friendly people, and incredible scenery. No matter what you are interested in, you will find plenty to keep you occupied while you vacation in beautiful and diverse Barbados.

Not ones to lay about the beach and resort all day, we wanted to see as much as we were able to in our (much too short!) stay. Not that lying about has anything wrong with it- you couldn’t pick a more picturesque place to relax and take in the sun and sand. We did our share of lazing, but spent most of our time exploring the island. The history of the island is as colorful as it’s gardens, and during our stay we enjoyed learning about the island’s first peoples through events in our current time period. Luckily for us, there are some fantastic tour guides who are gracious enough to share Barbadian culture and history with tourists, and they are very thorough. The best part is, the more you learn, the more you want to know.

The Arawaks and the Caribs were the first inhabitants of what became known as Barbados. English Captain John Powell arrived in 1625 and claimed the island for King James I of England. After returning to England and back again, the island was given the name “Los Barbados”, a variation of “Os Barbados”, used by the Portuguese sailors since 1536. It was named after a tree that grew on the island, the “Bearded Fig Tree” aka Shortleaf Fig (Ficus Citrifolia) that the sailors thought looked like a bushy beard. As Barbados was named for it’s magnificent foliage, you can rightly assume that the natural beauty surrounding is going to make it hard to put your camera away.

Regardless of what kind of touring or adventure you are after, you are bound to be excited by and admiring of the natural beauty that will envelop you. One of the first tours we opted to take was a walking tour of Historic Bridgetown. This 3 hour walking tour was the perfect introduction to the area, and was led by local professor and historian Morris Greenidge. Extremely passionate, knowledgeable, and just honestly impressive, Mr. Greenidge is “the” expert, called to discuss Barbados and topics that intertwine with the local history on panels and conferences worldwide.

When there was not enough history or information available, Mr. Greenidge just decided rather than lament it, he would research and write the histories himself. Almost all by himself, as well. Self taught, he has researched and written the history of the island from it’s founders to local legends and heroes as well as walking guides and more. (Side note, some of these books are hard to find outside of Barbados, so you may want to buy them while you are there if you like them. Bonus, he will be happy to sign them for you. I regretfully only bought two of his books at the time, and am having a rough time finding some of the others. Lesson learned, hopefully you can avoid my error.) There are not a ton of books out there on the history of Barbados, not many novels either, so they were a good find and give good insight from that of a lifelong inhabitant. As well, I have to admit that after having spent time with Mr. Greenidge, I hear the books in his voice and they are quite a fun and unique reminder of our time spent touring.

Meeting us in dress slacks, crisp shirt, and suspenders on a blisteringly hot day, Mr. Greenidge speaks slowly and deliberately, often pausing in thought, giving an incredibly thorough tour of a place you can see he loves dearly. We began the tour at Chamberlain Bridge in aptly named Bridgetown (the capitol and by far largest city in Barbados) under Independence Arch. The bridge connects Bridgetown over the Careenage aka Constitution River, which cuts the city in two parts. Formerly a swing bridge that was vital to the shipping industry as well as connecting one part of the city to it’s other half, it’s now rebuilt and designed for the current needs of the island- mostly pleasure boating and fishing. Not only one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean, but also a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is a lot to experience in Bridgetown.

We toured the “best of” and “must see” spots like the garrison, forts, and religiously important buildings, as well as some hidden gems, hearing interesting stories and about local characters, and of course important governmental sites like the Parliament building. We ended our tour in the shopping and restaurant district, which was perfect, as it was indeed lunchtime. Those outdoor cafes are delightful, but if it’s still too hot for you, head indoors and find some air conditioning. Many offer both options.

As mentioned, Barbados is the birthplace of rum, which Bajans are quite proud of. There are more rum tours and tastings then you can shake a stick at (because that’s something normal people do, anyway) so you will have to choose your tour(s) wisely. We really enjoyed out time at St. Nicholas Abbey, which is one of the smaller options in terms of distilleries, but the extraordinary house, gardens, and museum aspect more then made up for that. Located in Saint Peter parish, it gives visitors more then just rum. If it were not enough to be a plantation house, museum, and rum distillery in one, St. Nicholas Abbey is architecturally unique as well, as it is one of only three genuine Jacobean mansions in the entire Western Hemisphere. Built in 1658, it has never had anything to do with the Church despite it’s heavenly name, and was always a sugarcane plantation (until 1947). Barbados thinks enough of this location to name it one of the “Seven Wonders of Barbados“, and we agree. It’s absolutely lovely- and yes, you can indeed visit the distillery and taste the rum.

Historical touring and gardens are a “must” in my book, but with the clear, always warm waters that stretch in nearly every direction you turn, I’m guessing at least part of why Barbados calls to you is it’s open ocean. There are as many ways as there are hours in the day to spend time in Bajan waters, narrowing it down might be the hardest thing you do while on your holiday. Of course, beach lounging has it’s place in the sun (so to speak? Pun intended? Sorry, I had to) but while you are here and escaping your ordinary, why not opt for some extraordinary as well? I highly recommend taking the time to go snorkeling or scuba diving. The water is warm and clear as day, the fish and underwater flora are varied and beautiful (and friendly! No fear of humans, and will swim in your oh-so-close proximity), it’s both a relaxing as well as exciting day. About how many things can you say that? As well, I cannot, cannot recommend taking the Bliss Boat tours enough. When you book, make sure you head out with Hayden and Emmanuel, they and their crew are the most excellent team. Experienced, fun, easygoing, and the best part- well prepared. Honestly just all around cool people. This was a standout portion of our time in Barbados, and the people made it so as much as the location and tour itself. Hayden and Emmanuel will get you to all the best spots in their glass-bottomed-boat, and while not crowded with other boats or catamarans. This is important, since you don’t want to be swimming into other people (or have them endlessly crashing into you).

Not only that, but it makes for better photos and wildlife spotting. There is an excellent chance you will not only see, but swim with turtles (who are treated with the respect and care they deserve). Hayden comes with you and your group, and takes underwater photos that he sends everyone in a Dropbox after the trip for no extra fees. These are beautiful, we cherish them. Visual keepsakes of this amazing time are priceless and quite special, some of the shots are amusing as well. Really- this excursion is one to top the list. Don’t forget to book with Hayden, you will be so thrilled that you did.

One rainy day, we decided the best use of our day would be to take surfing lessons. Water above, water below- it was such an interesting experience. We headed out to the deAction Beach Shop, owned and operated by world ranked windsurfer and “Bajan beach culture promoter” (as per self and personal site), Brian “deAction Man” Talma. The word I would use to best describe it would be “groovy”. It was a chill place with a relaxed vibe, covered in art mostly created by Talma himself (some available for purchase) as well as beach and surf paraphernalia. Located in the Silver Sands area, equipment rentals are available, as are lessons. Take your pick of equipment- starboard boards, surfboards, sail models, SUP/ stand up paddle boards, and more are available for rent. Wetsuits are also available if you would like. After you have signed in, met your instructor, and chosen your equipment (or had it chosen for you), you will all head out to a local beach where there aren’t many swimmers. This is important, because you don’t then need to worry about hitting anyone as you flail about on your watercraft of choice. If you are new to the sport and anything like us, you might not be the most graceful as you learn. We ended up falling off the boards and “into the drink” more often then not, but by the end of the lesson we had each gotten up and stayed up at least a few times. I don’t mean to brag, but one time even making cleanly it to the shore (pinkies up, quite fancy). Clearly, headed for the pros. This was different than everything else we had done while in Barbados- it was physical, it was fun, it was at times silly, and something we had never tried before. It was letting yourself look foolish and perhaps act foolish as well. It made us a little closer by doing this new thing, where we looked goofy and were constantly coughing up ocean water, a good example of a lovely (loving) bonding experience we still talk about and won’t forget.

I could go on for ages about all there is to do and experience in Barbados, and that’s not even touching upon the amazing food (don’t even try to diet) or the laid back atmosphere, the gracious people we were lucky enough to meet and spend time with, the perfect weather (even during it’s bursts of rain, perfection), and of course, more food. I was ridiculous to wait 20 years to visit Barbados, I kept putting it off, because…well, you know. Life. I won’t be waiting 20 more to return. Don’t wait. Book the vacation you’ve been waiting on. Visit https://barbados.org to find exactly what’s calling your name.

Filed Under: baby, travel Tagged With: couples travel, island, islands, travel

Coconut Bay Resort, St. Lucia

June 4, 2019 by Samantha 18 Comments

No matter what kind of vacation you are looking for- family trip, a romantic couples retreat, girlfriends getaway- you can find what you are looking for on the diverse island of St. Lucia. Coconut Bay is located near the airport (in fact, just five minutes away), so you won’t have a long trek to your room once you arrive. That’s never a welcome surprise, is it? Once there, you are greeted by friendly staff with cool towels and cold drinks of your choice- water, rum punch, or champagne.

As you refresh and cool off, you and your entourage check into your room. You can take your bags or have them taken to your room for your, and your vacation really begins. A recently renovated resort on 85 acres, the all inclusive Coconut Bay offers plenty to see, do, (eat!) and explore. There are nine restaurants, seven bars, five pools, a fully functional and not all all lacking fitness center (lets face it, often “gyms” while vacationing are weak sauce) the largest waterpark on the island, and more. Did I mention it was all inclusive? Because that makes things so. much. easier. Also, the beach is just past the pools- no long hike to and fro.

We took my daughter for a long weekend, and there was definitely not enough time to see all that we wanted to on the resort, let along the island. So it’s a great spot for a quick getaway, but for sure even better for those who like a more immersive experience. If you are traveling as an adults only getaway, you will likely prefer to stay o the “Harmony” wing of the resort, which does not allow children. When you get a moment to get away from it all- your routine, the kids, the noise- the last thing you want to hear is someone else’s kids screaming, and that’s totally fair and understandable- and other adults get that. It can be hard to find time to reconnect as a couple, and Coconut Bay makes sure you can have those quiet moments you are looking for, complete with hammocks and lounge chairs everywhere you look.

Brining the kids? Totally cool. I usually do as well. The “Splash” wing is for families, and where you will find the waterpark, the only resort petting zoo on the island (and the only one I can remember seeing ever in my own experience), the Kidz Club, and even a paintball course. It is for sure the louder side of the resort, and there are plenty of family friendly activities to keep everyone busy. Also, a note for those looking to keep active while traveling- they have really good fitness classes offered. Actual quality, that are both fun and challenging. You will be working up a sweat but enjoying yourself at the same time. Again, not something I see all the time. Places might have gyms and classes, but they are not usually anywhere near this intensity, and we were super impressed.

If you are getting away for a couples retreat for a girlfriends getaway, there are plenty of places that are kid free. Sometimes, you just need some quiet time. With separate pools, cabana area, and bar, the “Harmony” area has adults only peace and quiet in mind. The rooms are luxurious and have evening turn down service, and there are quite a few options when it comes to views. Pool, ocean, or garden, they are all beautiful (and what tropical view would you turn down right now, really?)

There are great packages at the Kai Mer Spa, which you can receive indoors or outside, in your own private cabana, beachside. Nothing like a warm ocean breeze, is there? That’s like a double shot of relaxation. There are quite a few massage options to choose from, as well as other beauty options, like nail salon services and more. You can go on your own, or with your girlfriend, partner, daughter- whatever works for your party.

There are also plenty of touring options, should you want to venture outside the resort. Head to the front desk and choose from a great variety of options. While most resorts offer some kind of tours, Coconut Bay has a really large variety to choose from. St. Lucia is a tiny island, but it has a lot to offer. Not many islands have active volcanoes, mountains, award winning scuba locations, several kinds of sandy beaches (including black sand), amazing vegetation and flora and fauna- it’s a one of a kind island.

The watersports are plentiful, from water skiing to sailing to kite surfing and more. Snorkeling is amazing, the waters are beautiful and there are many kids of marine life to find. There is also a beautiful botanical garden with waterfall and thermal pools, ziplines, rainforest sky rides (a unique attraction) and more. There is also an active volcano, aforementioned, that creates a thermal bath and spring. Those willing can climb into the sulfuric smelling waters and coat themselves with the gray mud that is created by the ash. Wash it off in the warm waters below, and your skin glows for days. Really, your skin will look and feel amazing. Wear a bathing suit you don’t love or is dark, the mud will stain. Sulphur Springs is also the world’s only “drive in volcano”, where you can really drive right up and see steam rising, bubbling, and feel the heat. You can’t get too-too close, and you will be accompanied by a ranger who will make sure safety rules are followed and tell you about the volcano. DO NOT MISS THIS!

For hikers and climbers, you will want to save a day for St. Lucia’s iconic Pitons, which technically can both be climbed, although only one is legally sanctioned. Gros Piton, the legal mountain, is steep and challenging. Taking you up roughly 2000 feet in an average of two hours (and two more hours to get back down), there are benches and areas to rest. Bring plenty of water, you will be glad you did.

A Unesco World Heritage site, nature lovers and hikers will not want to miss Gros Piton. You will register at the base of the mountain, pay the fee of $50 per person (in US dollars), and hike with a guide. Guides are at the base of the mountain, and reservations are not required. As the hike is not a short one, tours are available from 7am until 2pm daily- last tour ends at 2. It is recommended to go early.

After your day out, head back to the hotel, relax, and grab something to eat before choosing which pool to lounge next to.

Relaxation AND adventure- sounds too good to be true? Visit https://cbayresort.com to choose a package that works for your next vacation.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: couples travel, family travel, island, islands, travel, vacation

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mecico

March 5, 2019 by Samantha 21 Comments

It’s that time of year that feels like winter will never end. First, Winter. Then, “False Spring”, wild cold snap, at least one more blizzard that will lead to “second False Spring”, and then maybe we can finally start to melt. I’m thinking about a shortcut to getting warm.

Mexico is calling. It’s just a short plane ride away, and it’s beautiful beaches, resorts, and diverse entertainment are just the thing to help wipe away the winter blues. Not to mention the food….don’t even try to stay on your diet. Just GO with it.

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts has beautiful options to fit all sorts of budgets and travel styles. What they call experiencing the ‘Mayan jungle without sacrificing luxury’ in Riviera Maya, you can visit Mexico and stay in a resort within a giant resort that you are free to move about in.

Bringing the whole family? That’s great, there are rooms and portions of the resort designed with you in mind. Events just for kids, treasure hunts, kid friendly foods and activities, and no adults who don’t want to be around kids glaring at you when your child has an inevitable meltdown. Hey, kids are kids, even on vacation, right?

Running away from the kids? That’s fantastic- mom and dad need some time off sometimes. You are people, too, after all. Maybe all you want is some kid-free time. That’s totally doable at Bahia Principe, there are adults only beaches, pools, restaurants, and resort areas where you won’t have to see a single under 18 if you don’t want to.

No matter how you choose to travel or whom with, you will love the white sand beaches and lush natural scenery. If you are interested in Maya culture, this is the place to visit. The resort is located within close distances to iconic landmarks such as Chichen Itza and the ruins of Tulum that you won’t want to miss. While you are there, active travelers and nature lovers will want to take the time to visit the Sian Ka’an Biosphere, a natural reserve offering tropical flora, an equally impressive underwater world that is home to plenty of fish and coral formations, and Cenote Dos Ojos, which is part of the world’s largest underwater cave system- truly impressive.

There are quite a few ways to see these beautiful treasures, the front desk can offer you trip options that leave right from the hotel. These and other excursions will give you a better taste of the area and you will observe and experience more of what makes Mexico a top destination for travelers.

Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an portion of the property was designed with the adult guests in mind, offering up the best of the Mexican Caribbean and all the comfort of home (without the cold you left behind or the work of being at home- thank you, housekeeping!) Sian Ka’an boasts 420-rooms on it’s property, as well as four pools, four restaurants, five bars and sporting facilities including a soccer field, tennis courts and the brand’s Riviera Maya Golf Club. There are daily activities such as yoga and bocci, which are listed on the main board for you to see when and where things are located for that day.

The resort is all inclusive, has 24 hour WiFi, a snack bar open all day and night, room service as well as wait service at the pools, an hour per day free to use paddle surf, kayaks, tennis, catamarans for hire, or snorkeling, and much more.

If you are traveling with children, there are other options just as beautiful and accommodating- Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal, Grand Bahia Principe Coba, and Grand Bahia Principe Tulum, all family-friendly properties as well as being home to the brand’s Bahia Scout program for younger travelers. The options for fun and relaxation are limitless.

Love golf? You are in luck, because the beautiful course at Riviera Maya Golf Club was designed by the world-renowned Bobby Jones II, and was chosen as one of the top three golf courses in Mexico by Golf & Spa Magazine. The course also ranks in the top five of Golf Digest’s list of best courses in Mexico, so this will be a must putt for any golf enthusiasts. Featuring an 18-hole course as well as a nine-hole executive course (which takes you through the Mayan jungle, surrounded by cenotes and natural lakes), the beauty of the area and natural landscape are worked right into the course’s design, you won’t see another like it.

With so many ways to relax and get away from it all, why spend another week in the cold? The next time you feel the urge to get away, visit https://www.bahia-principe.com to see what best fits your warm weather wishes.

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: couples travel, mexico, travel

Le Blanc Spa Resort, Los Cabos Mexico

December 12, 2018 by Admin 27 Comments

A Luxury Adults Only Getaway to Mexico

When you are looking to vacation without the hassle, to just enjoy yourself in the deluxe accommodations, to indulge on your next trip, you need look no further than Le Blanc All-Inclusive Spa and Resort. Located in popular Los Cabos on the west coast of Mexico, Le Blanc offers everything you are seeking and more.

This is Le Blanc’s second location, the first being their top rated Cancun resort from Palace Resorts, recognized by AAA as a Five Diamond Awarded brand. With this new location on the opposite coast they have raised the bar. Fine dining, ocean front views, spa and fitness facilities are all added on to the pure natural beauty of the Baja Peninsula.

Taste enthusiasts will love the variety of foods available during your stay. Le Blanc offers gourmet delicacies with curated menus by world-renowned pastry chef, Antonio Bachour. If you too enjoy baked goods, they are a top choice for me and hard to resist, what could be better than a selection of dishes from a chef who shares that passion.

If you are all about the water bring plenty of swimwear. The Pacific is just footsteps away for visitors that want to catch some waves, or you can relax in one of the four pools. Maybe an evening under the stars enjoyed from a hot tub? All this talk of water making you thirsty? Float on over to one of the swim-up bars for some internal hydration.

Vacation just isn’t vacation without some full on relaxation, which for me means time in the spa. Most exciting to me at Le Blanc was their hydrotherapy along with the Asian and European fusion of features. Hot and cold pools, herbal steam sauna, and ice room, which I totally love when going to the Korean spa but have not come across at another resort, make this place stand out.

From the amazing food, to the tranquil comfort of the rooms, and the shear beauty of Los Cabos you could not pick a better getaway than Le Blanc Spa and Resort for your next trip. Adults Only is just what you may need to relax and unwind in paradise so take advantage of all there is to offer at Le Blanc.

Find out more about the resort on their website – Leblancsparesorts.com

Filed Under: travel Tagged With: adults only, adults only travel, all inclusive resort, all inclusive resorts in mexico, all-inclusive, couples travel, le blanc los cabos, los cabos, mexico, travel, travel mexico

Get Away In Las Vegas Without The Kids

August 1, 2013 by Samantha Leave a Comment

During the summer, family vacation destinations get a great deal of attention. Indeed, the warmer months of the year can be perfect if you want to find a nice beach or kid-friendly resort for everyone to enjoy for a few days. But what if you want to enjoy a summer getaway without the kids?

For most parents, this is an appealing, and even therapeutic concept. The idea of leaving the kids with friends or family for a few days to enjoy an adult getaway means enjoying some relaxation as a couple together, rather than as parents in a crowd!

If you’re looking for just such a getaway this summer, Las Vegas may be the perfect destination to consider. You hear about the partying and the nightclub scene in Vegas, of course. But it’s also an incredible place for parents to soak up some entertainment, romance, and deep relaxation. Here are 5 specific tips to consider for your Vegas getaway.

1. Stay At A New Resort

The classic resorts you’ve seen in movies about Las Vegas are fun, but they tend to be busier, gaudier, and a bit less relaxing. Consider the ARIA instead. This is a sparkling, incredible new resort built more for luxury than for bright lights and casino activity. Of course, you’ll still find crowds, busy pools, and a casino floor. But you’ll also find unrivaled comfort and luxury.
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Filed Under: travel Tagged With: couples travel, Get Away In Las Vegas Without The Kids, las vegas vacation, travel, trips to las vegas