Costa Rica is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries in Central America. It is full of lush tropical forests, pristine beaches, and some of the region’s healthiest and most delicious gastronomy. Known as a North American traveler’s paradise, its natural beauty and seemingly endless adventure has inspired many people to permanently move there, especially because of its status as a Blue Zone. (If an area is designated a Blue Zone, the population there is known to live longer than average due to diets, physical exercise, and other factors.)

On a trip to Costa Rica, I stayed at Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa, which boasts what I consider some of the best aspects of the country. It focuses on gastronomy, wellness, and so much more, but I also visited during the holidays, and it felt like I was stepping into a summer paradise even though we were right in the middle of December.

Here are seven reasons why this is the perfect place to spend your next winter holiday.

It is Warm

Weather in Costa Rica is split into two seasons (much like the Caribbean): dry and rainy. Both seasons are moderately warm, and if you’re looking to escape moody rainstorms, you should head over during the dry season, which ranges from December through April. I find the rainy season fun, too, but you risk spending a week under a rain cloud that may or may not damper your holiday.

The Natural Hot Springs

Since the resort is partially attached to the Arenal Volcano, it has direct access to the natural hot springs that come from it. This has several wellness benefits but is also the perfect place to relax with a partner on a honeymoon. The thermal spa is a different part of the resort, but if you stay in the hotel, you can access it for free.

It is known as the most extensive network of hot springs in Costa Rica, and it shows. Temperatures range from 72 to 105 degrees. Guests of the resort also have access to the adult-only Shangri-La Gardens, which I consider one of the best parts of the thermal hot springs park.

The Gastronomy Scene is on Another Level

While there, I had the opportunity to try a few of the restaurants at the resort, and they blew my socks off. Restaurants like Tucanes and Ave were stellar, with the latter having various vegan and vegetarian options. The vegan ceviche was one of the best I’ve ever had. The 7-course tasting menu at Tucanes was like a journey through Costa Rican gastronomy history, each dish made with locally sourced ingredients. The somewhat pre-set menu is split into two parts, from the sea, and from the garden, and highlights for me included the Grilled Pacific octopus and Basque cheesecake.

If you need a more intimate dining experience, check out the Ephemeral table. This outdoor bungalow is set in the middle of the tropical forest, and merely the ambiance alone will entice you. Considered the chef’s table of the resort, it boasts a six-course menu. Each dish is supposed to transport you to different parts of Costa Rica alongside a diverse wine and beer pairing. You must make reservations in advance, but this table is the perfect place for any traveler to dine.

Don’t Forget about the Drinks

The resort has four bars, and my favorite is the Bosque bar. Bosque, in Spanish, means forest, and this bar feels like you’re right in the middle of one. There’s a steady stream of cocktail-making classes here, so watch out. Some of the highlight signature cocktails include the Caturra y Teobroma, made with rum, beer, chocolate syrup, and truffle and coffee bitters.

Another pre-dinner cocktail that I particularly enjoyed was the Gente Feliz, which is made with Uchuva Golden Rush liquor, spearmint, orange juice, orange bitter, and prosecco. The back of the bar is dimly lit, and it carries a big-city vibe that fares well with the tropical background. It is one of my favorite places in all the resorts, and the cocktails are on par with some of the best resorts and bars in the world.

An Emphasis on Sustainability

Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa is sustainability focused in all aspects. They’re mindful of everything from community outreach to single-use plastics. Their agenda is separated into three plans: protection of the environment and sustainable use of resources, community outreach and internal development, and cultural management.

It Has Adventure in its Backyard

You have to stay here if you want to zipline through a rainforest and hike through trails dodging different types of frogs and spiders. The resort partners with Jacamar Naturalist Tours, a company specializing in ziplining, white water rafting, and much more. The hotel’s location is perfect for any guest to take advantage of the mountain and its forest or the rivers that flow around it.

Most Rooms Have a View of the Rainforest

You’re only sometimes guaranteed a beach view at some hotels, but you’ll get a stellar view of the Arenal rainforest if you check in. There’s a high probability your stress level will dip when you wake up to the sounds and sights of a living rainforest. If you’re looking for a new destination to spend your holidays this winter, consider Tabacón Thermal Resort and Spa. It’s different enough from a beach resort that will leave an impression, but not too distant, where you’ll miss out on some favorite amenities. Take a chance this winter and discover a new part of Costa Rica. 

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Known for its amazing beaches and marvelous, lush forestry, Guanacaste is a favorite destination for travelers who love to seek adventure in Costa Rica. Between sandy spots like Tamarindo—home to exceptional surfing—and Playa Grande—a fantastic spot for sunsets—this region is already heaven to a beach bum, but the national parks are also an explorer’s dream, as they are home to myriad animal species that turn an ordinary hike into a thrilling educational experience.

Now, imagine living here—or at least spending months at a time in the vacation home of your dreams. It’s easy to close your eyes and picture such an idea after taking a good look at the amazing Sunset Villa currently for sale in the private community of Costa Elena. Priced at $2.85 million, this four-bedroom residence is located an hour from the Guanacaste Airport, which makes it an ideal choice for family gatherings, milestone celebrations, or just those moments when you want to be one with nature without the resort crowds.

With the treetop setting, it hardly needs to be mentioned that the views are downright epic, as the villa looks out at the Pacific Ocean, as well as Salinas Bay and the Orosi Volcano. Nearby Bolaños Island and Nicaragua might catch everyone’s eyes as well since it’ll be tough for residents and guests to leave the terraces and private balconies off every bedroom.

With space for as many as eight people, this Costa Elena Sunset Villa will certainly have the vibes and luxuries of miniature resorts, and the infinity pool will undoubtedly be the centerpiece of every visit. The sprawling dining area is also ideal for memorable family meals; perhaps after grilling the catch of the day from an awesome fishing charter.

The biggest perk of living in Costa Elena, though, is proximity to stunning Playa El Jobo for mornings spent lounging on the sand. That’s not to say it isn’t great to be located minutes from the Costa Elena Beach Club, where guests will also enjoy an even larger infinity pool and other, ever-expanding amenities that will eventually include retail stores, restaurants, fitness facilities, and trails for hiking and biking.

That is, of course, if anyone wants to give up their premium spots beneath the shady beach palapas.

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Kjeld Schigt just wants to make people happy. That’s the simple way to explain why he left a career with BP and other global corporations to run a resort in Costa Rica. Obviously, most people dream about ditching the rat race and settling near a beautiful beach, but for this visionary, it was about taking a concept he already loved and turning it into what he believes to be the perfect version of it.

That concept is a surf resort, and Schigt had already been taking trips to such a property in Brazil to hone his water-based talents before he began to question his path. “I like to have an impact,” he explains. “I like to be creative.” So, he discussed his future with the people closest to him and eventually realized that while he loved taking that trip, it wasn’t consistent. Sometimes it was great, sometimes not so much. After some soul searching and studying, he realized what he wanted to do and ultimately founded the luxurious Kalon Surf resort in Costa Rica.

A lot happened along the way to beginning this courageous endeavor, including choosing a destination, hiring the right team, and, before everything, his first attempts at surfing during various trips to Argentina and Brazil. “Surfing is incredibly difficult,” he readily admits. “It’s a struggle. But when you’re in the water, everybody’s the same. It depends on your own capabilities and how much you put into it, but in the end, everybody can learn to surf.” 

Also a struggle is opening a resort of any kind, let alone one that promises to teach guests how to ride waves. It was a huge investment for Schigt and his wife, but all great dreams require immense sacrifices. The result thus far is a beautiful property that offers stylish accommodations that allow guests to kick back and revel in a glorious day spent learning new tricks, honing old skills, or even overcoming lifelong fears. Six Luxury Ocean View suites deliver stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, while a pair of Junior Suites boast jaw-dropping jungle and ocean views, and these backdrops are enhanced so magnificently by the creature comforts of each room.

Guests seeking extra privacy and space will undoubtedly love the Toucan Bungalow, a two-bedroom setting just a hop, skip, and a jump from the main building, so the exceptional amenities are always nearby with the benefit that other guests aren’t. In all, these rooms serve up the best of what adventurous travelers have loved about Costa Rica for so long: immense natural beauty, unmatched serenity, and excitement around every corner.

Beyond the rooms, however, is the reason guests have chosen to make this resort an annual vacation destination: the surfing. It’s easy for a property owner to post a job ad for surf instructors and just hire any board-rider off the beach. But for Schigt, HR was the hardest part of getting Kalon Surf up and running. He wanted the best of the best so that guests are guaranteed an exceptional, authentic learning experience, and that required a lot of time for choosing instructors, both locally and from other countries, and then luring them to Costa Rica with an opportunity that’s as good for them as it is for guests.

So, what does a visit to Kalon Surf entail? Shockingly, Schigt explains, there’s no surfing on the first day. “We pick (guests) up from the airport and get them to the property. They eat, they get to know the people.” After the first day, the surfing depends on the water. “The ocean dictates what time we go surfing, so let’s say we go surfing at 10, then you have your breakfast afterwards. We do a pool session to make people a little bit comfortable with the board—how to sit on it, how to pedal on it, those kinds of things. We show them some videos of intros on safety and what they need to be aware of at the beach.”

The team also makes guests aware of the beach’s dangers, but fortunately there are no sharks here to worry about, so mostly it’s a lesson on currents and understanding where other surfers are, because no one needs War Child showing up to deliver wave justice. After the surfing, there are delicious snacks and meals, plenty of video analysis, and even some yoga to keep the arms and legs fresh and loose. There are also off-property tours and excursions because this is Costa Rica, after all, and there’s just so much to be explored.

One of the best things about the Kalon Surf experience is the group setting. Guests work and learn together each day, so more experienced surfers can play the role of motivator as well, and everyone can cheer for their peers as they advance and improve. That makes the nightly dinners even more fun, because friendships have been made between people who would have otherwise never met each other. 

Encouragement and comfort always go a long way in convincing people to keep trying something so difficult. Everyone is built differently—mentally and physically—so surfing might sound like a fun thing to try, but one bad lesson could murder ambition. This makes the instructor’s task even more difficult, especially when dealing with varying ages. Schigt estimates that most guests are between the ages of 35 and 65, with 82 as the oldest.

That begs the question: Can everyone leave Kalon Surf with the confidence to keep surfing anywhere else in the world? If they’re willing to put in the practice, Schigt is confident that almost every guest—he estimates 90 percent—will return home with a new skill to brag about.

“I saw it last week,” he recalls, “we had a woman staying with us. She was 32. It was her dream to learn surfing and her Instagram story on day one was, ‘This was the goal for my week and I got it in day one.’ Like virtually everybody stands up on day one, and then we practice. We teach them throughout the week to make small turns, and then usually on Thursday, Friday, we take them to the green waves and often they’re good with surfing them.”

The most common misconception that guests have, he says, is that surfing is easy. Another is that strength is important, which it is but it’s also not the key to success. Most importantly, guests just have to overcome their mental obstacles and his team will handle the rest. And the strong connection between instructors and their students is what will hopefully keep the latter coming back for more.

“Maybe it sounds corny and cliché, but we really love them,” Schigt says. “You come to us for a great experience and our job is for you to have a great experience.”

The post Can an Old Dog Learn New Tricks? That’s Always the Goal at Kalon Surf appeared first on Islands.

By the time April rolls around, most travelers are already neck deep in vacation planning for a variety of occasions. Spring Break, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, summer vacation, 4^th of July, National Golf Month—the list goes on. There are plenty of reasons to celebrate and escape, and there are also undoubtedly deals galore for any holiday on the calendar. And since most of us only take one big, spectacular vacation per year, we choose our options wisely, so the last thing we need is an even more alluring opportunity.

Few occasions are as enticing and fulfilling as Earth Day—April 22—especially with so many resorts in tropical destinations redefining sustainability practices and environmentally responsible behavior. To make matters even more incredible, these properties are also developing phenomenal, year-round experiences, activities, and amenities for the sake of celebrating Mother Earth.

For anyone ready to give back as much as they love kicking back, here are some of the best Earth Day resort experiences on the planet.

Patina Maldives, Fari Islands

The Maldives is a destination so spectacular that it is a once in a lifetime vacation experience for most people, which presents a heck of a conundrum: which resort do you choose? Well, if you’re an eco-conscious traveler who wants to have the most incredible getaway imaginable—Earth Day or not—Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, is always an exceptional choice. The villas alone… wow.

But as much as this resort was designed to make guests feel like the most important people in the world, it also has a huge emphasis on sustainability and offers travelers a holistic conservation experience. For starters, people can adopt both coral and hawksbill sea turtles, although don’t get too excited—you’re not taking anything home. The resort’s coral conservation and propagation projects are ideal for guests who don’t mind getting a little dirty cleaning the beaches and aiding in the preservation of the region’s stunning reefs. And as for those turtles, the Oliver Ridley Project is dedicated to protecting and preserving the critically endangered species.

Kids will be happy to give back, too, even if they don’t know that they’re making a difference. The kids’ club, for example, is entirely solar-powered, but beyond the games and activities they can also attend the “Blue School” to learn about the importance of the ocean and why it is important to preserve it.

Jamaica Inn

For travelers who would love to help the hawksbill sea turtles but can’t travel halfway around the world, Jamaica Inn is a fabulous alternative. Set on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, this property’s mission has been conservation for 65 years and running. On track to be carbon neutral by 2025, new solar panels and a sustainable waste-water system are among the latest efforts, but guests will undoubtedly love the ways they’re able to give back, too.

Resident sea turtle expert Mel Tennant of The Oracabessa Turtle Bay Project and Sanctuary will lead visitors on the unbelievable experience watching (and helping, if necessary) baby sea turtles make it safely to the sea. And few resorts boast a turtle calendar for the sake of allowing people to book when those critters are expected to hatch.

Jamaica Inn is also partnered with The White River Fish Sanctuary for the effort to restore and preserve the island’s coral reefs, and guests can see and learn about the new coral growth in glass-bottom boat tours. Even more exciting, anyone who loves a great wellness visit can take part in the Ocean Spa’s unique Farm to Skin Foraging experience, which leads guests into the on-site tropical gardens to pick the ingredients used in making the natural spa products.

Hotel Belmar, Costa Rica

Hotels all over the world can learn a thing or two from Costa Rica’s Hotel Belmar, which not only became the first carbon neutral property in Monteverde in 2019 but just last year achieved climate positive status. Of course, that’s on top of the fact that it’s already widely considered one of the best in Central America, if not the entire world. For a Costa Rican vacation that delivers the most of this ecologically diverse destination, travelers cannot go wrong by staying at the place that asks them to “Offset Your Footprint.”

The toughest part is trying to fit every experience into one visit, as Hotel Belmar offers an astounding array of adventures, beginning with the trio of activities in the amazing 17-acre SAVIA Private Reserve. Experts are waiting to take no more than six guests at a time on a Bird Quest that will introduce them to as many of the region’s 400 species of birds as they can spot on this four-hour morning trek. They can also head into the forest’s canopies for the Morning View journey and then return later in the afternoon to explore once more and watch how the preserve changes for Nightfall.

Food always plays a crucial role in the guest experience at any resort, and visitors will likely rave about the farm-to-table dining experience, as well as the garden-to-glass cocktail class. And for anyone who simply must know where their ingredients are coming from, the hotel offers horseback tours of the family-owned Finca Madre Tierra, the country’s first carbon neutral farm.

Mount Cinnamon Resort, Grenada

At Mount Cinnamon Resort in Grenada, April is Earth Month. While travelers can learn about this property’s sustainability practices—that led to it receiving Gold Green Globe Certification—throughout the year, they should prioritize this month just for the myriad special activities.

For starters, the resort’s general manager hosts a weekly cocktail party, but in April the guest of honor is Jonnel Edwards, Marine Biologist and Environmental Sustainability Consultant for Mount Cinnamon, who speaks with guests about the team’s efforts. This month kicked off with a cocktail party for local farmers, who showcased their prize crops. Multiple beach cleanups offered guests the opportunity to see the staff’s commitment firsthand, and the resort’s gardens received extra special attention for replenishing the ingredients that are used in the two on-site restaurants.

Guests at Mount Cinnamon are also invited to take part in the Pack for a Purpose program, which isn’t an environmental endeavor but does contribute to the island’s community. By packing even a few of the supplies being collected for St. George’s Primary School, visitors can help improve the educational experience for more than 400 children.

Big Cedar Lodge, Missouri

When most of us hear the name Big Cedar Lodge, we think of the Midwest’s best golf experience and a fisherman’s paradise. But the collective Bass Pro Properties—Big Cedar Lodge, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Wonders of Wildlife, Finley Farms, and Big Cypress Lodge in Memphis—excels at offering travelers so many opportunities for education and environmental awareness that an entire year’s worth of vacations can be spent enjoying and appreciating each one.

For the big day, guests at Big Cedar can participate in the Earth Day 5K, while the Kids Adventure Club hosts nature-focused crafts, outdoor games, and a scavenger hunt. Nearby sister property Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is taking visitors on a casual hike before they can stop by the amphitheater to learn about and meet the resident turtles. And a little further up the road in Springfield, Wonders of Wildlife is home to the only sea turtle rehabilitation facility in the Midwest, and it also one of only seven participants in the Orinoco crocodile head start program, as guests can see the park’s pair of junior crocs that will spend two years growing up here.

It’s hard to pick just one of the adventures, but no family can go wrong with Big Cedar’s Top of the Rock Lost Canyon and Nature Trail. The 2.5-mile excursion is enjoyed by electric cart, so no one will break a sweat as they marvel at the beauty of the Ozarks’ caves. Kids will love the butterfly garden, which was created to repopulate the region’s species, and an exceptional education awaits at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.

The post It’s Always Earth Day at these Incredible Eco-Forward Resorts appeared first on Islands.

If diving into your next Caribbean, Costa Rican, or Bermudan vacation includes a desire to experience a destination on a more local level, your first consideration should be your resort choice. Loyalty programs might steer you toward a favorite hotel brand—and earn you coveted reward points—but when planning to chill out in paradise, why not ditch the familiar and opt for something unique? 

Staying at a smaller property owned and managed by a family with roots in the community promises not only a more personalized welcome but also insights into island culture. You’ll get insider tips and feel like you’ve gotten to know the destination as a friend rather than a tourist. 

Here are 10 hotels and resorts in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Bermuda that offer family-owned hospitality.

Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba

Owned since 2011 by sisters Stephanie and Kimberly, who were born in Aruba before moving to Belgium as young children, Boardwalk Boutique Hotel Aruba is a unique oasis that has been expanded and refined with a focus on eco-friendly practices (it has 80 solar panels) since it first opened on a former coconut plantation just off of Palm Beach more than 30 years ago. 

Now featuring 46 private casita-style suites decorated in island-inspired pastel hues, two pools (one with over-water hammocks), an outdoor yoga deck, beach huts with sunbeds just a three-minute walk away on Palm Beach, and healthy vegetarian and vegan breakfast and lunch options at Eduardo’s Beach Shack, the property is perfect for travelers looking to dine around at night (there are walkable options nearby) and experience the Dutch-Caribbean flavors of Aruba.

Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, St. Thomas

Set along 1,000 feet of golden sand on the southern coast of St. Thomas about 4.5 miles from Charlotte Amalie, Bolongo Bay Beach Resort has been owned and operated by the Doumeng family since the 1970s. The 74-room resort features beachfront, oceanview, and garden rooms decorated with a tropical touch, which can be booked on a room-only or all-inclusive basis. 

Complimentary snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding is available right from the beach and guests can also book Bolongo Bay’s 53-foot custom catamaran, Heavenly Days, for sailing trips to swim with turtles, explore St. John National Park, or enjoy a sunset cruise. The Oasis Restaurant and Pool Bar serves locally inspired menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the property is working to rebuild its famous Iggies Beach Bar and Grill, which has been shuttered since back-to-back hurricanes slammed St. Thomas in September 2017.

Frangipani Beach Resort, Anguilla

Featuring just 19 rooms and suites, including a new four-bedroom villa, Frangipani Beach Resort overlooks Meads Bay on one of Anguilla’s most idyllic beaches, where powder-soft sand is washed by calm aquamarine water and a neat row of fringed palapas provide shade—whether you opt to swim in the ocean or in the beachfront pool. The hotel, owned by the Kircher family and managed by Shannon and Scott Kircher, invites sun-seekers to “come as a guest, leave as a friend.” 

It is home to the award-winning Straw Hat restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (with menu options such as blackened shrimp, mahi mahi, lobster tacos, and goat gyoza dumplings). Activity-wise guests can enjoy complimentary watersports, both motorized (tubing, wakeboarding, and waterskiing) and non-motorized (kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and Hobie Cats) or book a beach-hopping excursion to tiny Sandy Island for snorkeling and lunch. 

It’s also easy to stroll along the sand to one of Meads Bay’s beach bars/restaurants to mingle with locals while enjoying an Anguillan sunset. 

Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant, Nassau, Bahamas

Wine aficionados likely know about Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant—its award-winning cellar holds 250,000 bottles—and foodies flock here for excellent Bahamian cuisine. But this historic, family-owned hotel is also a serene and romantic place to spend a few nights right in the middle of downtown Nassau. 

That means the beach is a taxi ride away, but the lushly landscaped and hand-painted pool serves as a cool oasis for sipping a cocktail between dips and its 18 rooms and suites are decorated with antique furniture befitting a nearly 300-year-old home. The original mansion was built in 1740 by notorious pirate Captain John Graysmith, first became an inn in 1844, and was purchased by Enrico and Anna Maria Garzaroli in 1973, who with their family have built it into a luxury mecca for lovers of food (including chocolate, with a daily Chocolate and Spirits Pairing), wine (stay on a Friday to enjoy a weekly cheese-paired tasting of eight wines), and cigars (the Garzarolis also founded Graycliff Cigar Company).

Jake’s Hotel, Jamaica

Jamaica is famous for its cookie-cutter all-inclusive resorts, but it also has several smaller hotels that offer a less-filtered view of the island and its culture. One of the most welcoming, eclectic, and feel-good is Jake’s Hotel, located not in Montego Bay or Negril but in Treasure Beach on Jamaica’s South Coast. 

Its mix of 49 bohemian-style hotel rooms, cottages, bungalows, and villas—each artistically decorated in bright and uplifting island hues with touches of Morocco and Antoni Gaudi—was the vision of Sally Henzell, who was later joined by her son Jason and daughter Justine. Starting with a restaurant and then a single villa in the early 1990s, they have since created a vacation enclave unlike any other. 

As guests strike up new friendships around the saltwater pool and lively bar, the vibe is hip yet easy-going and authentic. Even better, Jake’s supports the surrounding community in many ways, from sourcing ingredients for its three restaurants and bars (Jack Sprat, Jake’s Restaurant and Dougies Bar) from local farmers and fishermen to employing residents and supporting the Breds Treasure Beach Foundation, which fosters community empowerment through education and training. 

Montpelier Plantation and Beach, Nevis

Montpelier Plantation and Beach, a luxurious hideaway located 750 feet above the Caribbean amid a former 18^th century sugar plantation, is owned and managed by the Hoffman family, who have resided on this small Caribbean island for four generations. There are 19 airy rooms and suites, each with elevated décor that feels more contemporary than historic, and a two-bedroom Tamarind Villa with its own private plunge pool. 

A spacious and serene pool overlooks a historic stone windmill and guests who prefer the sand and sea can hop a shuttle to the property’s private beach just six miles away. Equally indulgent is the cuisine in Restaurant 750, where specialties include butternut bisque and pan-seared line-caught wahoo, and Indigo, a more casual poolside eatery. But the ultimate culinary experience is the Mill Privée, an intimate, candle dinner for two inside the 300-year-old windmill.

Ti Kaye Resort and Spa, St. Lucia

What began in 1991 with a land purchase by St. Lucia resident Nick Pinnock, became a dream that he eventually transformed into reality years later when he built and opened Ti Kaye Resort and Spa, a secluded, adults-only boutique resort located cliffside above Anse Cochon on the west coast of St. Lucia. 

Designed in traditional cottage style—“ti kaye” means “little cottage” in the local Creole language—the property features 33 oceanview rooms and cottages, some with private plunge pools, designed to face the sunset. Romantic mahogany four-poster beds, large balconies with hammocks and rocking chairs, and private outdoor garden showers provide an unplugged, back-to-nature vibe, but air-conditioning and Wi-Fi are fully 21^st century. 

There are two restaurants: elegant Kai Manje offering stellar views and locally sourced menus, and more casual Ti Manje on the beach serving lunch and pizza. There’s also a pool and a small Kai Koko Spa, which uses locally sourced ingredients to complement Ti Kaye’s authentic St. Lucia spirit.

Villa Beach Cottages, St. Lucia

Now managed by the founder’s grandson, Colin Hunte, Villa Beach Cottages is the kind of small, independent resort that you might stumble upon by chance—and then be so glad you did. Set along a quiet beachfront on Choc Bay on St. Lucia’s northwest coast, just four miles from Castries and three miles from Rodney Bay, the property features 20 villa suites with island-inspired colonial architecture such as gingerbread gables and jalousie-framed windows, along with fully equipped kitchens (stocked upon request with starter pack or custom grocery lists).

This makes the property perfect for families and ideal for travelers who like to prepare breakfast and lunch themselves and then dine around at dinner time (several restaurants are within walking distance, and many are within a 10-minute drive). There’s a small plunge pool and a heated Jacuzzi and complimentary kayaks and snorkeling gear. 

Adventure-lovers can book an array of excursions and sweets lovers shouldn’t miss the “bean-to-bar” chocolate tour to La Dauphine Estate, also owned by the same family.

Hotel Belmar, Costa Rica

Costa Rica isn’t an island, but this popular Central America country attracts tropics-loving travelers who appreciate its wild-at-heart rainforest lapped to the east by the Caribbean and to the west by the Pacific. And set in the middle amid the Monteverde Cloud Forest is Hotel Belmar, a family-run boutique property that mixes upscale sustainability, farm-to-table dining, eco-conscious adventure, and artistic culture—all under the enthusiastic watch of general manager Pedro Belmar. 

He grew up at the property, which his parents opened 37 years ago, and now oversees its 26 rooms and suites, which range from terraced Peninsula Rooms to a Penthouse Suite with 270-degree views. There’s no pool, but there are soaking tubs in the rooms that are perfect for Monteverde’s crisp evenings and a natural spring-water swimming pond that guests are welcome to use. Nine acres of cloud forest with resident monkeys and sloths along with SAVIA, the hotel’s new 17-acre nature preserve featuring hiking trails and canopy bridges suspended amid the treetops, supply plenty of active adventure for nature lovers as do daily early morning bird-watching walks. 

The hotel also has an onsite microbrewery with regular music events and an Artist Residency program during which artists create works inspired by nature and interact with hotel guests. 

The Reefs Resort and Club, Bermuda

Owned for more than 40 years by native Bermudians, the Dodwells—David Dodwell, Sr. purchased the resort in 1981 and his son, David Dodwell, Jr., is currently general manager—The Reefs Resort and Club dates to 1947 and occupies a prime cliff-top perch overlooking a postcard-perfect cove on the island’s South Shore. 

Featuring a salmon-hued exterior and a pink-sand beach, the boutique resort offers 62 rooms, suites and cottages (there are also 19 private condos available for rental) and its staff is known for the kind of welcoming hospitality long-associated with this 21-square-mile British overseas territory. Guests can choose to dine at several on-property restaurants, including Aqua Terra for seafood and farm-to-table specialties and Coconuts (open seasonally) for more casual local fare along with tropical cocktails prepared at The Sand Bar. 

A photogenic infinity-edge pool and hot tub, complimentary snorkel gear and stand-up paddle boards, two all-weather tennis courts, and a La Serena Spa round out the leisure offerings. And the view? It’s definitely sublime.

The post These Family-Owned Caribbean Hotels and Resorts Know a Thing or Two about Warm Hospitality appeared first on Islands.

Costa Rica packs adventure into every corner, from the rainforest to the ocean. It’s hard to go wrong in this eco-paradise that offers a surfeit of hiking, surfing, day-trip tours, and more—however, there are a handful of experiences that combine the beauty of this destination with once-in-a-lifetime magic. 

Here are our top picks on what not to miss during your next trip to Costa Rica.

Witness Sea Turtles Giving Birth

With coasts on two oceans, Costa Rica offers twice as many opportunities for witnessing the magic of sea turtles laying eggs. Arguably the best place is the Las Baulas Marine National Park on the Nicoya Peninsula, part of Guanacaste Province—because there it’s possible to watch leatherbacks, the largest sea turtle species at up to six feet in length. This experience is offered seasonally, October 20 and February 15, with the peak falling December to January. 

For an organized night tour, make reservations through the Local Guide Association, organized through the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE).

Scuba Dive with Hammerhead Sharks

Costa Rica’s Cocos Island is famous the world over for being one of three destinations on the planet where scalloped hammerheads school by the dozens. This outpost isle—the inspiration for Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park—lies 340 miles offshore, making it beyond the reach of day boats. 

Rather, companies such as Aggressor Adventures offer both four- and 10-night sailings to this magical destination; guests sleep and eat aboard their yachts during the trip, relying on zodiacs to zip to dive sites as well as to shore to access hiking trails. Can’t swing the expense? Day trips to the Bat Islands are offered by other operators. While you won’t likely see hammerheads, sightings of bull sharks and schools of jacks are common in these islands.

White-water Raft a Class IV River

This destination has steep mountains and enough rainfall April to November to make for some thrilling kayaking and rafting. Costa Rica is home to 14 main rivers, with almost a dozen offering commercial trips. The Rio Toro—in English, the Bull River—delivers Class III and IV rapids through the heart of the green interior. Most guides double as comedians, keeping the mood light while keeping you safe—and lifting you back into the boat by your PFD after you hop into the latte-colored water to cool off. 

Travelers can have a dialed-down experience with the Class I and II Penas Blancas river or commit to a bigger adventure by booking a multi-day trip on the Class III and IV Sarapiqui River.

Meet a Sloth

Surely the inspiration for Jim Henson’s muppets, sloths can’t help but delight with their stick-like, often outstretched arms and their comically slow speeds. In the town of Limon on the Caribbean coast, the Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica welcomes visitors for two-hour insider tours of the 320-acre site. 

Guests join workers as they feed their rescued sloths, many of which were taken in after being harmed by the electric wires brought in following new construction. Tours are educational and include time wherein the sanctuary workers hold and interact with the sloths, allowing visitors a chance to witness the behavior of this otherwise largely sedentary animal.

Traverse a Hanging Bridge

Costa Rica’s rainforests impress even from ground level, but the higher vantages of Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park put hikers at the top of the canopy—right at bird and monkey level. The hanging bridges path is 2 miles, offering 16 hanging bridges that traverse rivers and lead to open areas with relatively unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano. 

We like that the bridges create dramatic setting for photos—and we really like the thrill of walking across a swinging, bouncing bridge that feels alive with every step, making for an undeniably exciting way to experience the rainforest.

River Cruise in Tortuguero

Costa Rica’s east coast—the Caribbean shore—may as well be called the Forgotten Coast, given that most Americans head west just after touching down. True, the eastern side isn’t as developed, but that’s part of the charm when staying at eco-resorts that offer daily boat tours upriver for easy viewing of scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, White-Faced Capuchin monkeys, tiger herons, crocodiles, and every other species that calls this jungle home. 

We like the Tortuga Lodge for its clean accommodation, onsite restaurant serving upscale Costa Rican food and daily riverboat wildlife viewing tours guided by a naturalist.

Stay at a Working Coffee Plantation

Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm and Inn somehow manages to be one of the country’s most prolific producers of organic coffee—and a luxury boutique resort with 14 one-of-a-kind suites and villas. The inn, like the coffee, is organic in its design, from copious amounts of curves, arches, and spirals in the architectural design of the inn to the murals adorning bedroom walls. 

We especially love the Guarumo suite for its oversize soaking tub that accommodates at least two people and affords views of the plantation and surrounding cloud forests. Staff number guests one-to-two, so there’s plenty of attention during a stay, from the guided tours of the coffee plantation to the elaborate and inventive four-course dinners.

Tour the Rainforest by Night

Like any environment, the rainforest sees a new cast of fauna come nightfall—and you will, too, if you join a night hike with Monteverde Wildlife Refuge. Groups of eight guests join a guide; all are given headlamps and walkie talkies to share findings, whether it’s sleeping birds such as toucans and quetzals or frogs, insects, and snakes. Monkeys are a common sight, as are olingos, a brown-button-eyed cousin of the common racoon. 

A welcome find is the kinkajou, a rainforest tree-dwelling mammal that looks like a Japanimation take on a tiny bear crossed with a rodent. Guides will also point out how to spot the eye shine of frogs and other amphibians.

Kayak into a Trippy Light Show 

This after-hours tour of Paquera Bay, part of the Nicoya Peninsula, is best booked on a night with or close to the new moon. The lack of light pollution allows for an even brighter display of bioluminescence, a tiny organism that glows electric blue or green when disturbed, such as when a kayak paddle pushes past. 

These guided tours take groups of no more than 10 guests to witness this natural phenomenon, which feels much more like the work of CGI than Mother Nature.

Whale Watch

Humpback whales ply the waters off Costa Rica more than six months out of the year—that’s because it draws these animals from both the northern and southern hemispheres. December to March, whales migrate here from Alaska. Late July though September, southern hemisphere whales make the journey up from Antarctica. 

As to which coastal cities and areas to target for a whale-watching tour, you have your pick: Tamarindo, Flamingo, Drake Bay, and the Gulf of Papagayo all see their share of cetacean action. However, the best place is the town of Uvita, home to the Marino Ballena National Park.

The post 10 Ways to Make Your Costa Rica Vacation Unforgettable appeared first on Islands.

If wellness is on the mind, especially as the New Year approaches, few resorts anywhere in the world offer an experience quite like Tabacón Thermal Resort in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Renowned for its legendary hot springs and thermal waterfalls, this property is set within more than 900 acres of magnificent rain forest, making it one of the best possible bases for adventure. But now, with the addition of 14 adults-only rooms and suites, this is now more than ever the perfect choice for a romantic escape.

Eight Honeymoon Suites and six Rainforest Rooms were designed by Costa Rican architect Adriana Cruz to not only set the mood, but also pay tribute to the lush surroundings and leave the smallest footprint. Guests will find comfort and calmness in locally sourced furniture and accents, including native stone and décor from a Costa Rican watercolor artist. Of course, the biggest focal point from the expanded terraces of the suites will be the Arenal Volcano, but there’s no such thing as a bad view here.

The additions that will have guests arguably the most excited are the four suites with private plunge pools. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with the other option—freestanding bathtubs on the marble terrace—but being able to slip into these warm pools, which are fed by the natural springs, will be almost as good as a dip in the thermal river itself. Just far more intimate.

Tabacón’s 18 pools combine to form the country’s largest network of naturally occurring hot springs, and guests have long visited for the thermal experience’s soothing effects. And if that’s not enough, The Spa at Tabacón incorporates the spring water and various local ingredients into personalized therapies and holistic treatments that will help guests forget why they needed a vacation in the first place.

The post Costa Rica’s Tabacón Thermal Resort Debuts a Quartet of Phenomenal Plunge Pool Suites appeared first on Islands.

I’m a high-end hotel aficionado. I love nothing more than turndown service; crisply starched high-thread-count sheets; frigid air-conditioning; and the way my room is magically transformed into pristine condition while I’m away from it. So, needless to say, camping is not my thing. Pitching a tent; sleeping in a bag on the ground… no, thanks. Let others romanticize sleeping under stars; I’d rather glimpse them from the comfort of my climate-controlled suite.

Which is why I had reservations about staying at Kinkara, an eco-friendly resort in the southern portion of Costa Rica, where tracts of tropical forest are encircled by imposing mountain peaks and punctuated with a clutch of—you guessed it—canvas tents.

Still, as the six-seater plane I’d boarded from San Jose International Airport touched down on Kinkara’s grass airstrip, I couldn’t help but be excited. Lush foliage rushed up to meet us as we landed, followed swiftly by my host, Edison, who offered a warm smile; a chilled towel (now we’re talking!); and an earthenware cup of refreshing hibiscus tea Costa Ricans call Jamaica.

As we walked through the resort’s handsome clubhouse, Casa Bulú, Edison briefed me on the activities I could do during my stay. Between swimming in the river and several waterfalls on the property; running and biking mountain trails and touring the resort’s farm, I wouldn’t be bored. I could reconnect with my inner self during a traditional sweat lodge ceremony in the on-site temazacal or get blissed out and bendy in yoga classes in the open-air pavilion, El Morén. “Here, everything is peaceful,” Edison said. “It’s easy to find yourself.”

Indeed, I thought. But first, let’s find my tent.

It was, as it turned out, a delightful surprise. One of 20 two-person tents in the Mandala Village (there are six more that sleep up to four in the Family Village), my “room” was simply but comfortably furnished, with a queen bed and bedside table, luggage rack, a hanging rack for clothing, and straw matting underfoot. Minus a TV and air-conditioning (which I didn’t miss since temps here, 3,000 feet above sea level, were pleasantly cool), it had all the comforts of a typical hotel room. Well, except for one thing.

“The bath houses are just nearby,” Edison said, as if sensing my apprehension. Truth be told, the bathroom was what I’d been most nervous about. When I’m out and about, I’ve been known to “hold it” for hours rather than answer the call of nature communally. But the facilities, about a four-minute walk through the garden, were models of contemporary convenience and scrupulously maintained. Instead of the rustic lavatory I’d been dreading, each light-filled bath house (one for each sex) had four toilets; a mirrored vanity with four vessel sinks; and an equal number of open-air showers with locally sourced organic body products. Hooray! Now I could eat!

And over the next few days I certainly did, feasting with abandon on the bounty from Kinkara’s organic farm, which supplies 80 percent of the food served. Days filled with activities—running the airfield, swimming in the creek, and traipsing over rugged, jungle-carpeted hills on a day trip to the magnificent cascade at Eco Chontales waterfall—stimulated my appetite.

At breakfast, I’d fuel up with a bountiful spread of tropical fruit; house-baked hemp and passionfruit muffins; tamales; and rice and beans, enjoyed family-style with fellow guests. When lunchtime rolled around, the farm-fresh offering of starfruit salad, roast chicken with polenta and vegetable ragout filled the gap. And at dinner under a marquee strung with glowing lights, the homegrown harvest on my plate (and a house-made cacao dessert) was a flavorful and nourishing reward. Perhaps I could get used to this …

But all too soon, it was time to fly home. And as the prop plane soared toward the Pacific coast, leaving Kinkara in the jet stream, I reflected on my brief stay. I’d seen majestic jungle waterfalls; discovered I loved golden milk (a soothing hot drink made with turmeric grown on site); and that I’d never love kombucha. Most important, I realized that camping isn’t so bad when you don’t have to pitch the tent yourself, sleep on the ground, or “go” in the woods. And, as for turndown … well, I was shocked to realize I hadn’t missed that at all.

(From $190 double occupancy in low season; $240 in high.)

The post Inside the Magical Luxury of the Kinkara Glamping Experience in Costa Rica appeared first on Islands.

When it comes to planning the perfect family vacation in Costa Rica, the only problem is never having enough time to experience everything this Central American paradise has to offer. Fortunately, the best family-friendly resorts offer tours and packages that deliver the many thrills of Costa Rica in a way that fits your schedule and budget. Most will even design a custom package that caters to everyone in your family, so adults and children will be pleased.

From beautiful beaches to the lush forests of Costa Rica’s many national parks, there are myriad places to visit, each offering a variety of activities and adventures for people of all ages. The biggest challenge in getting the most out of your Costa Rica family vacation? Knowing where to begin.

Make a Beach Checklist

The question isn’t “Which beach should we visit?” It’s “How many beaches can we visit before our vacation is over?” Costa Rica has beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts that are perfect for everything from rest and relaxation to catching waves or watching professional surfers.

One of the most popular beaches is Tamarindo in Guanacaste on the Pacific side, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine or schedule a beginner surf lesson from one of the many local shops, like Iguana Surf. Not far from Tamarindo is Playa Grande, which is well-known for its great surfing, as well as nesting leatherback turtles. Jaco Beach, Flamingo Beach, and Conchal are also great options in the Guanacaste region.

Located in the Limón province on the Caribbean coast, Playa Bonita is the region’s most popular beach for travelers looking to drop their towels and get some sun. Further south, Playa Blanca is tucked away in Cahuita National Park, where guided tours take guests up close to the coral reef. Underwater enthusiasts can also swim out to the reef located near Punta Uva, but if you’re heading that far south it’s worth it stop at Playas Cocles and Cahuita along the way.

Visit the Islands

Costa Rica, as we learned in world geography, is not an island. However, the country is home to a number of uninhabited or scarcely inhabited islands that make for great day trips. Isla Tortuga is a perfect place to begin any family vacation, as companies like Zuma Tours offer boat trips from various locations, like Mal Pais and Tambor, that take guests down the coast to spot dolphins and whales, before arriving on the island for a day of snorkeling and exploring. The waters surrounding Tortuga are home to angelfish, morays, needlefish and more.

In addition to everything Tamarindo’s beaches offer, visitors can hire a guide for a kayak trip to and around Isla Capitán, which is also a popular spot for snorkeling. Divers can book day tours of Isla del Caño’s coral reefs and marine life.

Tours and adventures are also waiting to be experienced on Isla del Coco, Damas Island, Chira Island, and more.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Costa Rica has no shortage of great snorkeling, and the aforementioned beaches and islands are just the beginning, with spots like Manzanillo Beach and Playa Chiquita also offering unique underwater views.

Head to Ballena Island Marine Park on the Pacific coast for the ultimate combo trip that starts with whale-watching and a visit to the caverns of Ventanas Beach, and ends with snorkeling and observing the park’s vast array of marine life.

Or, more experienced divers can experience the thrill of getting up close and personal with bull sharks by heading to the Bat Islands, where Rocket Frog Divers will take them into the “Big Scare,” where Pacific giant mantas also await them.

Hang Ten

Costa Rica has become one of the best destinations for surfers in the world because of the beaches and perfect waves, but it also helped that certain spots were featured in the 1994 film The Endless Summer II. Ollie’s Point and Tamarindo are iconic locations worthy of a Facebook check-in just for their cinematic legacy, and visitors should check out Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, which offers instructional packages for all levels and occasionally welcomes Endless Summer star Robert August as a guest. The camp even has a hotel for the most dedicated students.

On Playa Grande, head to Frijoles Locos Surf Shop for surf lessons and board rentals. Another popular location is Playa Hermosa, located just south of Jaco, and Playa Avellana in Guanacaste is also a good alternative beach for beginner and intermediate surfers. Or, for anyone who wants surfing to be the alpha and omega of any getaway, book a stay at Kalon Surf, Costa Rica’s all-inclusive surf resort.

Visit a National Park

With 28 national parks, Costa Rica is way more than a destination for beach bums and surfer dudes. There’s no better way to work off a few trips to the breakfast buffet than by hiking the trails of the country’s lush forests, and there are so many tours ready to deliver the best of these parks, their wildlife, waterfalls and more.

Manuel Antonio National Park features two beaches–Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur Beaches–that require shoes to reach. Start with a guided hiking tour or take to horseback and visit the park’s waterfalls. The Titi Canopy Tour invites families with children ages four and older to experience Manuel Antonio from above, with a new double cable zip line that is good for racing to the bottom.

On the Osa peninsula, Corcovado National Park is the home to a vast array of wildlife, including scarlet macaws, squirrel monkeys and jaguars. The aptly named Jaguar Corcovado Tours offers families a “Lioness” day tour that keeps things simple yet rewarding, as the journey ends with a dip in a creek known as La Hedionda.

A trip to the Monteverde Cloud Forest begins with a guided sky walk over suspension bridges as long as 984 feet. From there, the adventures are plentiful, with guided canopy tours, visits to coffee and chocolate farms and even a snake tour for people who aren’t scared of the reptiles and amphibians that call Cloud Forest home.

Head to the beach in Tortuguero National Park to view the green sea turtles, leatherbacks and hawksbill turtles that nest here. Night guides are even available to watch the turtles crawl across the sand and dig their nests.

The Ultimate Water Slide

For fearless thrill seekers, the Buena Vista Lodge is a destination even if you’re not staying there. Located near Rincon de la Vieja National Park, the hotel offers several adventure tours that include an extreme zip line and Tarzan swing.

But people travel to this area for another reason: The Jungle Water Slide. At 425 meters, this is not your typical water slide, which is why guests are given a helmet and tube. Hop in at your own risk and bring a GoPro.

A View from a Volcano

Arenal Volcano National Park is a trip within a trip, offering everything from birdwatching (approximately 850 species can be spotted) to rafting on the Balsa River. The 4-in-1 tours allow guests to take in as much as possible in a day’s time, with most of the tours ending at the park’s various hot springs.

Get an up-close view of the Irazu Volcano National Park’s craters and bright green lagoons on a half-day journey that begins with a bus ride on the road to the top of the volcano. A fun game can be made of spotting the area’s two bird species–the Volcano Junco and the Volcano Hummingbird.

Tenorio Volcano National Park is Costa Rica’s youngest, but it still offers as much as any of the other parks. A can’t-miss tour features a journey along the Rio Celeste that results with a visit to a hidden waterfall.

Gone Fishing

As if everything offered on land isn’t enough, Costa Rica also offers adventures at sea, especially off the Pacific coast. Costa Rica Sport Fishing Tours provides the opportunity to catch rooster fish, wahoo, Spanish mackerel and so much more, with six locations available for fulfilling every fisherman’s wildest dreams.

The post How to Plan an Incredible Family Vacation to Costa Rica appeared first on Islands.

There’s just something about riding on a zodiac that makes you feel alive. As we skipped over the dark water toward the beach of Costa Rica’s Playas del Coco, I caught sight of a frigate bird flying overhead, the first time I’d seen one since a trip to the Galapagos in 2007. As we bumped along on the zodiac with the beach getting closer and closer, I turned back to watch Ocean Victory, the small expedition ship I’d spent the last week on, shrink in the horizon. 

To be fair, it would be a slight exaggeration to call this 14-night cruise from San Diego, California to San Jose, Costa Rica, expedition sailing—but it’s not exactly your average Mexican cruise ship experience, either. 

As the first expedition ship to debut from American Queen Voyages, Ocean Victory manages to straddle the line between small ship luxury and intrepid expedition experience. On board, you’ll find 93 upscale, comfortable, and very spacious staterooms (most with private balconies), two hot tubs and an infinity pool, a gym and Polar Spa, two restaurants, a barbecue deck, three bars, and an entertainment lounge with live music. There’s also a collection of kayaks and zodiacs for water exploration, a water-level observation deck, and some of the most enthusiastic staff you’ll meet. (Unfortunately, the ship’s kayaks and Polar spa never made an appearance on our sailing, but it’s a small price to pay.)

Normally, Ocean Victory runs expedition sailings in Alaska and British Columbia, as well as Patagonia and Antarctica (the latter two are through Albatros Expeditions). The 459-foot vessel was purpose-renovated with an innovative XBow hull designed to navigate through glacial waters with minimal marine disruption and better stabilization. This allows the ship to create nook-and-cranny expedition itineraries that give guests access to places and experiences larger cruise ships just can’t reach. 

However, twice a year, Ocean Victory heads to the warmer waters off the Pacific coast of Mexico and Costa Rica before it’s handed off for its winter season. While these sailings are more akin to a regular cruise—don’t expect to drop a kayak in the middle of the ocean—American Queen Voyages stays true to the mission to seek out destinations off the beaten path, picking mostly smaller port towns like Manzanillo, Chiapas, and Huatulco in Mexico, and Playa del Cocos in Costa Rica. 

Included tours are available at each port and led by local operators who are genuinely appreciative to have you visit. Locals flash big grins and wave, and proudly share aspects of their culture with the group—we had an entire town shut down their town square for our arrival. Some tour highlights included snorkeling with sea lions in La Paz, hitting the beach in the ultra-charming Huatulco (it’s right at the end of the port dock!), tasting your way through every step of the chocolate making process and driving through a local Chiapan village to get to the Mayan ruins of Palenque, and spotting loads of wildlife along the Tempisque River in Costa Rica’s Palo Verde National Park.

When not in port, our time was spent having drinks and dolphin-spotting at the top-level Observation Lounge on Deck 8, enjoying afternoon tea snacks, or learning a new skill, like printmaking or playing the nose flute. If you’re really lucky, you might find yourself on the back deck battling it out with crew and passengers in a fierce game of cornhole. 

As a huge bonus, Ocean Victory’s Mexico and Costa Rica sailings still have the Alaska expedition team on board. During our cruise we had daily lectures or presentations given by the ship’s expedition staff and local destination experts—a staple of most expedition cruises—schooling us on conservation, biology, culture, and historical topics. We also got to dabble with a few hands-on science experiences, such as crawling for plankton off the side of the ship and checking samples under a microscope. 

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