No doubt your Caribbean honeymoon fantasy sees you lounging on a sugar-sand beach, facing crystalline waters, with your hands wrapped around —besides each other — an ice-cold cocktail. when in the region, most likely the aforementioned treat is a flavorful concoction mixed with the local specialty — rum. The liquor — which was originally made as a way to utilize the “waste” from sugar, now called molasses — has a storied past throughout the island region. Rum was once associated with rebellion, piracy and, at times, was called a poor man’s drink. But today’s blends are more sophisticated. And the spirit’s resurgence can be chalked up to nouveau cocktail culture, as well as international — and discerning — patrons seeking new favors.
Not only can you sip the spirit at any honeymoon-perfect hotel and made-for-romance beach, you can also learn about it with a distillery tour. Scattered across the Caribbean, these rum-crafting outposts blend a bit of chemistry with a sense of island history against a spectacular backdrop. Here’s where to taste.
The Bahamas
Nassau, this archipelago’s capital island, has long been associated with pirate lore and its accompanying spirit. It’s also home to the historic Buena Vista estate, which houses the John Watling’s distillery and 225 oak barrels filled with aging rum. Built in 1789, the estate has had many iterations including that of a private home and inn and it was also featured in the Bond movie Casino Royale. later, head off the coast of Nassau to the uninhabited sandy Toes Rose Island. You’ll be greeted with a welcome drink as you disembark the boat. Popular pastimes here include snorkeling and kayaking. Lounging on the powdery sand is also prevalent, as is participating in the popular Sundays-only Beach Bar party with Bahamians and fellow travelers.
Where to Stay: The celebrated One & Only Ocean Club, located on neighboring paradise island, encompasses a pristine beach, world-class golf, tennis and a romantic, seaside restaurant helmed by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten (rates start at $745 a night; oneandonlyresorts.com).
Next: Cayman Islands ►
Cayman Islands
The pristine Cayman Islands aren’t exactly known for their party atmosphere, but imbibing here is certainly a fun pastime. Start with a visit to the islands’ first and most renowned rum company, Tortuga Rum Company, known for the region’s ubiquitous Tortuga rum cake. Then check out the only distillery located on Grand Cayman, Cayman Spirits Company. The 30-minute tour includes a tasting of three rums, plus their distiller’s special, which is available only on-site. You may need a rum shot before visiting stingray city. According to Cayman legend, kissing a stingray brings seven years of good luck. Standing in only three feet of ocean, you’ll be surrounded by at least two dozen friendly stingrays waiting for you to pucker up. Conveniently nearby, Rum Point Beach offers sun, sand and a seaside lunch, featuring local conch, fresh-caught fsh and, of course, rum.
Where to Stay: The ultra-luxe beachside The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman boasts beautiful rooms and chef Eric Ripert’s world-class Cayman cookout event, which features fellow celebrity chefs, including Anthony Bourdain and Daniel Boulud (room rates start at $389 a night; ritzcarlton.com).
Next: Barbados ►
Barbados
With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, a docile Caribbean side and a more wild Atlantic one, the coral island of Barbados is a no-brainer when it comes to #PostcardPerfect travel. The photogenic isle is also home to Mount Gay Rum, the world’s oldest operating rum distillery, founded in 1703. Here, you can pour and taste the house’s most premium variety, aptly named 1703, among other of the label’s celebrated selections. Partaking in Cuban cigars is also encouraged. Held in November, the Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival, gives spirits connoisseurs and food fans a chance to taste upscale versions of local delicacies cooked by celebrated chefs, such as Marcus Samuelsson and Tyler Florence.
Where to Stay: Sandals Barbados, located in St. Lawrence Gap, is the popular couples-only resort brand’s latest outpost. The hip enclave features swim-up suites, cocktails at your leisure and Sandals’ first Indian restaurant (room rates start at $370 per person, per night and are all inclusive; sandals.com).
Next: Jamaica ►
Jamaica
Few places on earth are as hospitable to free spirits as Jamaica. This easy-going island is proudly home to denizens celebrated for being patriotic rebels, music lovers and experts in leading a laid-back lifestyle. Jamaicans also take extreme pride in their rum. Tour the most popular rum distillery, the eco-friendly Appleton Estate. The liquor crafted here has a unique taste thanks to the property’s limestone-filtered water. Appleton’s manufacturing process is emission-free, thus preserving the beautiful countryside for which Jamaica is revered. For another look at the spirit, go “rumming” around the coast on Island Routes Reggae Catamaran Cruise. The three-hour boat excursion includes sampling fruity rum cocktails and appetizers while jammin’ on the sparkling waters of the Caribbean.
Where to Stay: Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Montego Bay may look familiar because it has been featured regularly in movies (hello, How Stella Got Her Groove Back) and is famous for hosting JFK and Jackie, among other bold-faced couples. This intimate oceanfront property boasts guest rooms impeccably designed by Ralph Lauren (room rates start at $479 a night; roundhill.com).
Next: Martinique ►
Martinique
This tiny French island in the Lesser Antilles of the Eastern Caribbean houses a whopping 11 rum distilleries. Visit St. James Distillery and Rum Museum, then ride a steam train through the lush sugarcane fields. The adventure concludes with a tasting session of several local rums. Known by its fans as the island of “never-ending summer,” Martinique has a sunny, comfortably breezy climate, so hitting the beach is a must-do. Diamond Beach has some of the prettiest vistas in the Caribbean. Explore further afield on the hill overlooking the strand and you’ll see the Anse Cafard Slave Memorial, one of Martinique’s most photographed and revered locations. Twenty white stone effigies commemorating an improperly anchored slave ship face the sea.
Where to Stay: Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa, considered one of the world’s most romantic hotels, features an amazing culinary program and bespoke experiences for every guest (room rates start at $400 a night; capest.com).