TRAVEL | FLAVOUR JOURNEY,
CARIBBEAN RESORTS
Tantalise your taste buds and satisfy your wanderlust simultaneously by timing your island hops to coincide with the region’s numerous gastronomic festivals. From exclusive culinary events that will surprise the most discerning gourmand to enticing street foods and celebrations of local specialities, the Caribbean’s foodie fests are an epicurean delight.
FLAVOUR JOURNEY, CARIBBEAN RESORTS
Words by Natasha Were.
Grenada Chocolate Fest, Grenada
A week of chocolate-themed events and an unspoiled tropical island as the backdrop – who could resist such an offer? Visit Grenada in May, and when not exploring its waterfalls, spice gardens, pretty port towns and underwater sculpture parks, you can tour cocoa plantations, meet cocoa farmers, and watch single-source, bean-to-bar chocolate being made. If a week of celebrating all things chocolate is not enough indulgence, book into the five-star all-inclusive Spice Island Beach Resort. Spread along gorgeous Grand Anse Beach, the only thing more impressive than the lavishly appointed rooms and complimentary amenities is the warmth and attentiveness of the staff. www.spiceislandbeachresort.com
Nevis Mango Festival, Nevis
Nevis alone grows 44 mango varieties — and when the sweet, scented fruits ripen, the island erupts in celebration. Nevis Mango Festival is an entire weekend dedicated to pushing the boundaries of mango use. From mango tastings and mango eating competitions to mango mixology and mango-themed cook-offs, it’s juicy, sunny, finger-licking fun. When you’ve had your fill of mango madness, the charms of the Four Seasons await: with its plantation-style design, beachfront location, mesmerising views and exceptional sporting facilities, it’s the perfect blend of island charm and next-level luxe. www.fourseasons.com
Cayman Cookout, Cayman Islands
There’s no post-holiday fasting for foodies in Cayman as come January it’s the Cayman Cookout. Now in its 15th year, the five-day event, headlined by Chef Eric Ripert and supported by a cast of celebrity chefs, includes fascinating cooking demos, exciting competitions, glamorous pool parties, and intriguing food and beverage pairings. The glittering festival takes place in and around the Ritz-Carlton, so there is no better place to base yourself than this exquisite resort, whose 144 manicured acres include six dining venues, a sensational spa, a golf course, and 300+ timelessly elegant rooms and suites. www.ritzcarlton.com
Caribbean Food & Wine Festival, Turks & Caicos
One of the region’s most star-studded gastronomic fests, the Turks and Caicos Food & Wine Festival unfolds at some of the islands’ most stunning venues. From multi-course feasts to food and wine pairings, the festival brings together culinary celebrities, winemakers, distillers, mixologists and foodies to share gastronomic innovations and creations. If you over-indulge, work off the extra calories at H20, a stylish eco-resort that bills itself as a world-class watersports destination. Situated on the calm, shallow shores of Long Bay, it’s ideal for everything from snorkelling to e-foiling, kiteboarding and chilling. www.h2oresorttci.com
Food and Drink Festival, Jamaica
From spicy jerk dishes to plant-based Ital cuisine and premium rums to aromatic curries, Jamaica’s flavours are diverse – and there’s a festival for every one of them. In March, the island pays homage to its most prized export: Blue Mountain coffee. Spend a day in the misty hills, savouring the stunning scenery and the array of delectable coffee drinks and desserts, watch roasting demos and barista competitions, and listen to live music. Back at sea level, Kanopi House’s spectacular tree houses, tucked in among banyan trees and ginger lilies, overlook the idyllic Blue Lagoon — the ultimate place to commune with nature in luxury. ww.kanopihouse.com