Rum is synonymous with the Caribbean, so where better to enjoy the tipple and embrace local culture than at its source? Andrew Doherty rounds up three new rum experiences that are sure to tickle your clients’ taste buds
What better pairing than rum and cigars? Clients staying in the Bahamas’ newest mega-resort, Baha Mar, can enjoy both at T2 (pronounced “T squared”). Named after celebrity founders Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake, the lounge offers an extensive menu of premium Caribbean rums, including the Guyanese El Dorado and Plantation 20th Anniversary from Jamaica.
With an open-air terrace and comfortable seating, T2 is a great location to unwind after a day of exploration.
Clients also have the choice to pair their chosen tipple with a cigar, with options including Cuban classics and blends. Open from 4pm to 2am, guests can also enjoy live Bahamian drum music at the bar on selected evenings.
BOOK IT: Funway Holidays offers seven nights at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar with flights from £1,390pp, based on two sharing, departing on 17 October 2019.
• funway4agents.co.uk
Cap Maison has launched a new Chasing Food and Rum package, enabling guests to explore beyond the beach.
“St Lucia is home to producers of some of the world’s most popular, award-winning and best-tasting rums, including Chairman’s Reserve Forgotten Casks and St Lucia Distillers Bounty,” says general manager, Ross Stevenson.
“Rum plays an integral role in the cultural identity of St Lucia and its people, and I think there is no better way to discover the island than by sampling its rum.”
Experiences include a food and rum-tasting experience with a “rummier”, a distillery visit and a Creole cooking class with a local in their home.
BOOK IT: Elegant Resorts offers seven nights at Cap Maison, which includes the Chasing Food and Rum package, flights, lounge passes and transfers, departing on 4 November 2019.
• elegantresorts.co.uk
The Colony Club celebrated its 70th anniversary by launching Barbados’s first Rum Vault. Featuring more than 150 varieties of the spirit, hotel guests and visitors can book private dinners, tastings and mixology classes. For Mike Taylor, product and marketing manager at Lusso, the Vault is the ideal location to learn about the history of the spirit.
“The production of rum in Barbados can be traced back to the 1600s, so it’s not surprising it forms an important part of life and culture on the island.
“Tastings can be arranged on their own or paired with dinner on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. And if you are free on a Wednesday evening, you can match the rum with homemade chocolates prepared by pastry chef Smilie.”
BOOK IT: Lusso offers seven nights at Colony Club from £1,755pp, with flights for bookings made by 30 September 2019.