Virtual Vacation Series: Nevis Mango Festival (Day 2)

TIME: 8:00AM

I like to rise early and take in the stillness of the day when I’m on vacation. Here at Montpelier Plantation and Beach, you’ll catch a splendid view of the lush island greenery from your private front porch (how many hotels can you say have a front porch?). Montpelier is made up of quaint little villas that pepper this hillside property. After a restful sleep (my intermittent fasting is on pause for this entire trip!), it is time to grab a tasty breakfast at the Indigo Restaurant, my favorite little spot by the pool. Feel free to meet me there at 9:00 am (we’ll be heading to the Mango Tasting at 10:00).

Breakfast at Indigo Restaurant

TIME: 10:30AM

The Mango Tasting is well under way! Ronald King, known as “Bankie”, from the Nevis Agricultural Department will be taking us along on this fabulous mango tasting journey at New River Estate with one of the island’s very own farmers (I can just smell the sticky sweetness in the humid, still heat of the Caribbean air). Did you know Nevis grows over 44 types of mangoes on the island? Bankie tells us about some of his favorite Nevisian mangoes while describing their flavor, texture and uses. Watch the video to find out how to eat them, which ones are best for slicing, pulping, cooking or eating straight off the tree.

Which one would you iike to try? My mouth is watering for the Brazier Syrup Mango and the Ice Cream Mango.

TIME: 12:03PM

I’ll be kicking back here at the Drift Restaurant where you can sample some amazing dishes made with - you guessed it - mangoes! You may want to try the Lobster Mango Salad or the Mango Cheesecake (I know I’ll be getting a slice or two of the cheesecake with a nice chilled glass of white wine). Oh, and did I mention that the Drift is a cute little beach house? Excuse me while I go play “red light, green light” with the little waves crashing along the shore! Pull up a chair and relax, we’ll be hanging out here for a while!

*Something I always cherish on my group trips are the conversations I have with ladies whom I’ve either just met or haven’t seen in some time. These conversations are always so dope, empowering and motivating. Uplifting.

TIME: 4:30PM

After freshening up a bit and relaxing in my cute little villa back at Montpelier, I realize I can still eat a little something. Heading to Indigo (by the pool) to dine on a lunchtime special of curry chicken with mango chutney (Remember, I told you to bring your belly - or two). You are more than welcome to join me!

The Premier Room at Montpelier Plantation and Beach - The perfect place to write, be reflective and plan your next move.

Amazing views on both sides of your villa

The Indigo Restaurant, by the pool

The Curry Chicken with Mango Chutney (that I wish I could bottle up and take home with me!)

TIME: 8:00PM

You guessed it, time to eat again! We’ll be having dinner and drinks at Sunshine’s Beach Bar and Grill. I love this local chill spot; there’s a bonfire on the beach and the ribs are REALLY good here. If you’re a fan of rum punch, you’ll definitely want to try the island favorite Killer Bee (from what I’ve heard, one drink will have you done for the night! Side note - I had one and was fine but try it at your own risk sis!). Good food, good music and good company - the perfect way to end our first full day in Nevis.

Sunshine’s Beach Bar and Grill: Good food, music and vibes!

The infamous Killer Bee; drink at your own risk!

TIME: 11:00PM

Be ready at 10:00 tomorrow morning, we’ll be attending the Festival Cook-Off!

Virtual Vacation Series: Nevis Mango Festival (Day 1 - Arrival)

A view of Nevis Peak from the grounds of The Four Seasons Resort

TIME: 4:10AM

It’s a sticky and balmy warm July morning here in New York City. Already, you can tell the day is going to be a scorcher but we’re on our way to more authentic tropical weather. Our flight towards Nevis departs from John F. Kennedy airport this morning at six. We have a brief layover in Miami for about two hours. Getting to Nevis is pretty easy; flights to St. Kitts depart daily out of the Miami International Airport. From St. Kitts’ Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport we’ll hop a water taxi across the water to Nevis.

The time is now 6:45 am, the flight has departed on time and we are on our way to Miami! Pilot says we should be arriving to clear blue skies there in about three hours and twenty seven minutes. He ensures a smooth flight. I’ve closed my window and turned the music in my AirPods up. Time to get some sleep (until that snack cart comes around of course!).

TIME: 10:10AM

Upon landing in Miami, I make a quick run to the bathroom and head to the cute little Cuban restaurant named La Carreta near our gate for St. Kitts. This eatery has some really good empanadas, homemade plaintain chips and tropical fruit juices (I always get the mango!) just to name a few things worth grabbing on a short layover. Now that I have everything I need, I head back to the gate to wait for group members arriving from other connecting flights. Now, if you’re new to traveling with Coconut + Concrete and are traveling alone, I’ve got you covered. A few weeks before our departure you received a welcome packet with a necklace that will make you recognizable to others in the group (in the past I’ve sent necklaces with flip flops or pineapples as the charm piece). Wear your necklace so that we notice you!

All of the ladies I was expecting have arrived and we are now boarding our flight to St. Kitts. The women are chattering with excitement and are anxious to arrive on the sunny island of St. Kitts. I take my seat and buckle up. It will be about another three hours and change before we arrive so get comfy! I’ve downloaded a few Netflix series to my phone to keep me entertained.

TIME: 3:00PM

Welcome to St. Kitts & Nevis! After clearing customs we board a comfy air-conditioned shuttle van towards the beach where our water taxi will be waiting. I think this is truly the best part about getting to Nevis - the experience in getting there is a treat in itself. Your vacation starts the moment you step out of the airport. Keep your eyes wide open as we drive towards the dock. The views of St. Kitts are breathtaking! Have your camera ready to snap some shots of the stunning Timothy Hill.

In St. Kitts, a view of Timothy Hill from the shuttle van

Upon boarding the water taxi you’re offered a Ting or a Carib beer. I prefer a Ting, the sweet tangy twist of the popular island grapefruit soda is refreshing as we bounce over the waves, Nevis Peak welcoming us in the distance growing nearer and nearer as we approach the small island. The ride is only about seven minutes and I’ve decided to sit out front in the sun, where you can enjoy the occasional spritz from the salty azul waters below.

As we disembark from the water taxi, a shuttle van is waiting to take us to our lovely hotel, Montpelier Plantation and Beach. If you pay close attention, you’ll see that Nevis Peak is just about visible from every turn and corner on this island. I love that, it’s like a close friend that’s always by your side.

TIME: 5:46PM

We pull up to Montpelier and Cosmo, the resident pooch (and welcome committee!), welcomes us warmly. Cosmo may be large but not to worry - he is the friendliest dog you will ever meet. We are greeted warmly by the staff who already knows your name and where your room will be. Immediately, you know you’ve found your home.

After getting settled in, feel free to explore the resort grounds. Montpelier is peaceful with stunning views of luscious hills and valleys in the distance. Though not situated directly on a beach, a complimentary shuttle can whisk you away the hotel’s secluded beach.

Meet me at the bar at the Indigo Restaurant (by the pool) for a refreshing drink after a long day of travel. See you in a bit!

TIME: 8:00PM

I’m in the for the night. Tomorrow kick’s off day 1 of the Food and Mango Festival - Get your belly ready!

COVID-19 and Travel: Should I Still Go?

2020 has come and let us know that we aren’t in control of anything. We can plan the most detailed event or vacation but ultimately we’ve learned that things can change, and they do. Rapidly. In the blink of an eye. For example; I had planned to take my first carnival trip this year. I had rounded up a few ladies, found the most perfect luxurious resort and an event company, The Carnival Boutique, to book costume and event packages. I had started a gym routine and changed my diet.

I had two small groups planned for this summer; one group would see the Nevis Food and Mango Festival and another group would experience a full carnival experience in Antigua. I had begun building excitement on social media with countdown timers and colorful photos. Then COVID-19 hit with a ferociousness that turned the whole world upside down. Travel plans came to a sudden halt.

Trips were cancelled and refunds are still being processed.

…But I still want to travel this summer, should I?

As regions are slowly beginning to open their airports back up, traveling this summer is definitely possible. However, it is truly a personal decision should you decide to go - be informed!

According to The Points Guy:

• The CDC states that travel increases your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19

• Masks are required but not mandated by law

• Flights are still limited but increasingly filling up

• Food and beverage service on flights have been severely limited, including in first class

• Delta has blocked middle seats from being booked and capped first class capacity. American and Spirit are blocking middle seats on most flights. Southwest is reducing the maximum number of flights sold per flight. United has created a system to avoid seating passengers together (unless traveling together)

• TSA is now allowing hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces in carry-on bags until further notice

• TSA is also permitting the use of driver’s licenses that expired after March 1, 2020 as acceptable identification at security checkpoints

• Touch as little as possible! For example, print your boarding pass rather than handing your phone over to an agent for scanning.

• Using Clear can also minimize the handling of your ID

• Wipe down your surfaces using disinfectant wipes

• Be prepared to quarantine if required. Many islands around the Caribbean have many security measures in place to prevent a quarantine. Be sure to research your location before you go.

• The overall experience of flying during COVID-19 has been described as unusual and far from “normal”

• Travel insurance is also super important, check out this highly informative article by Parlour Travel here

On the other hand (and with safety regulations in place), Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, St. Lucia and the U.S. Virgin Islands (though under a state of emergency) are now open for business with a limited amount of hotels ready for business.

Will you be traveling this summer?

Virtual Vacation Series: La Creole Beach Hotel and Spa, Gosier, Guadeloupe (Day 1 - Arrival)

The lobby at La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa

You’ve just arrived at La Creole Beach Hotel and Spa and climbed out of the van from the airport. A short ride, only 20 minutes.

“Welcome home!” the concierge tells you cheerfully. You’ve just been given the cool, crisp, white washcloth (scented with lemongrass) that felt like it came out of a freezer. At the same time, you’re offered the traditional rum punch (or fruit punch, whichever you prefer) upon your arrival.

The concierge leads you into an open air lobby, where the air is warm, breezy but tantalizingly humid. I love this weather. It’s a balmy 82 degrees. Quite different from the bright and rigid 50 degree weather we departed from earlier this morning at JFK.

After checking in you receive a pleasant surprise: You’ve been upgraded to this beautiful ocean view Mahogany Suite! Upgrades are ALWAYS appreciated. I got to tour this suite during my trip here in November of 2018 and let me tell you it is EVERYTHING! (which you will soon see for yourself)

You’ll be waking up here for the next few days.

The view from your suite. Dreamy.

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for Day 2!