9 things you HAVE to do in Puerto Rico

We all love a good tropical vacation, don't we? Swim-up bars, palm tree-lined beaches, fruity rum drinks served in coconuts and pineapples, white sandy beaches... need I say more? But chances are, something holds most of us back from planning the trips we so longingly watch on other people's Instagram feeds. Maybe you don't have a passport, or the idea of not knowing the language scares you. Maybe the flights are too pricey or you don't have the vacation days or the currency exchange is too confusing- whatever your excuse may be, we have you answer- it's time for a trip to Puerto Rico!!

I know, I know... easier said than done, right? Well our goal is to convince you of just how easy- and exotic- Puerto Rico really is. First of all, to give you a little taste of San Juan, check out our latest video recapping our adventures in Puerto Rico!

One of our favorite things about Puerto Rico is the incredible ease of travel for Americans. Being a US territory, this tropical island doesn't require you to have a passport if you're a US citizen. That means no customs lines either! it's a quick 4 hour direct flight from NYC, and all the major US carriers fly into San Juan. That means that you most likely won't have tons of long layovers and your flight time will be so much less than flying somewhere exotic across the world. It's in our backyard! And also, while Spanish is spoken predominantly, you'd be hard-pressed to find somewhere that nobody speaks english! 

Ok- so you're ready to book your trip to Puerto Rico! Here's our list of 10 things you absolutely have to do while you're on the Island. 

 

1. Stay on Condado Beach

There are so many amazing things about this beach... from the rocky shores, the thousands of palm trees lining the sand, and the crystal clear water. It's San Juan's beach resort district, and it's one giant tropical party! We love this beach so much that we decided to stay right on it at the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino! It is literally beach front with the most breathtaking views of Condado-- talk about paradise! The hotel is stunning and has amazing grounds and pools, complete with swim-up bars, a poolside DJ, and a coconut stand where you can purchase alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks in actual coconuts the size of your head! Can it get any more tropical than that?! It's the perfect central location too- halfway between the airport and Old San Juan. get more info about the San Juan Marriott and book here

 

2. Island hop with Vieques Air Link

Most people know about Puerto Rico, but not everyone knows that it is composed of several islands. Just off the east coast of the mainland are 2 small islands, Vieques and Culebra. They are virtually untouched and some of the most gorgeous places we've ever seen. If you need a break from the party that is Puerto Rico, head over to either of San Juan's airports and catch a 25 minute flight on Vieques Air link to explore these exotic tropical islands. Everything from wild horses to black, white and pink sand beaches with perfectly turquoise water- all without the tourist scene. The small airline is inexpensive and so much fun- tiny 8-seater prop planes that make you feel like you're seeing the islands from a bird's-eye-view.. and so much more adventurous than a normal commercial jet! We'll post more about Vieques in our next post, but take our word for it- you'll feel like you stepped into southeast asia without the 20-something hours of travel (or the hefty price tag!).   

 

3. Drink a Piña Colada at Barrachina

Okay, real talk: We quickly realized the first time we went to PR that there is an argument about who invented the Piña Colada. Apparently there was a drink making contest held at the Caribe Hilton, and the bartender who won was the bartender for a place called Barrachina. So the Hilton claims they invented it, but so does Barrachina. Whichever side you agree with, I think we can all agree that Barrachina is totally worth a trip to PR. Every time we're on the island we visit this spot (that we literally stumbled upon a couple years ago!). It's the most amazing Pina Colada we've ever had in the dreamiest setting. Not to mention there are parrots right beside the bar?! It's definitely a must-see. We went for the first time for dinner this past trip and got to witness a Flamenco show for free while we ate! It was such an authentic and cool experience that we will never forget, and it's a League Travels non-negotiable when you're in PR.

 

4. Explore El Yunque Rainforest

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US national park system, but this dense jungle can hold it's own among the greatest rainforests in the world. Spend a day hiking and exploring, watching incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery, and swim in waterfalls- El Yunque is nothing short of magical!  

 

5. Take a Food + History Tour with Spoon food Tours

Guys... there is this incredible Walk + Taste tour that by itself is completely worth the trip to PR! The company is called Spoon Food Tours, and we couldn't recommend it highly enough. It's so informative and, of course, delicious! Our tour guide (Pablo, aka the world's greatest tour guide) knew anything and everything about PR and encouraged everyone to ask questions as we went through Old San Juan. We learned so much history and stopped at loads of restaurants along the way, literally eating and drinking our way through the city. It lasted about 3 hours and was the perfect way to spend a morning! Pablo told us we would leave pleasantly full, but we left totally stuffed and satisfied. You can book a tour with Spoon Food Tours here

 

6. Eat MOfongo

This classic Puerto Rican dish is made from fried green plantains and topped with deliciously flavorful meat or vegetables. You can get it anywhere that serves local fare, and it's a non-negotiable for any visit to PR!

 

7. Fly a Kite at Castillo San Felipe del Morro

There are 2 forts that make up Old San Juan that are both pretty epic + historic. One in particular, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, has a huge lawn that people use to fly kites! It's such a cute tradition and an iconic thing to do when visiting Puerto Rico. Even though the majority of people flying kites are kids with their parents, we most certainly took part in the adventure ourselves!

 

8. Kayak in a bioluminescent bay

The first time we went to PR, we looked at tons of photos online from the bioluminescent bay wondering if it was worth it or not. The photos looked insane and to be honest a little too good to be true... it is just something you've never seen before. Neon microscopic organisms that glow in the dark?! We ended up doing it after reading so many reviews and are so thankful we did! Glass-bottom kayaking in the pitch black night and then dipping your hand in the glowing water is something worth experiencing-- even if that is all that you come to PR for! There are only a few bio bays in the world, so it's quite remarkable that Puerto Rico has three! One in Fajardo and La Parguera on the mainland's east coast, and one in Vieques Island- which rumor speculates is the best in the world! Book a bio bay trip here

9. Get Lost exploring Old San Juan

San Juan's historic center, known as Old San Juan, is a beautiful glimpse into Caribbean history. Old, winding streets and colorful buildings make up this neighborhood filled with cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. It's a sight to see during the day, but even more romantic at night when the nightlife starts up. Beautiful preservation and a vibrant food scene truly make this a remarkably exotic place to wander around for a few hours or a few days. Hit La Factoria's late-night secret speakeasy through the back, watch Flamenco dancing at Barrachina on a weekend evening, or wander into any of the seemingly endless open-air bars for a cocktail and dancing. No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without an adventure in Old San Juan!

Hopefully between our video and our recommendations, you're feeling pretty convinced about taking a trip to Puerto Rico soon! We know you won't regret it- and there is so much to see and do that we haven't even gotten to experience yet! Feel free to share some of your favorite PR experiences if you've been so we can make sure to put it on our list for next time! 

Adventures away!

-Zach and Tara

Koh Samui, Thailand - your 24-hour guide

Hey guys!

Three years ago we got married on a South Carolina Beach and left for an adventure-filled honeymoon around the world. For our first stop we wanted something wildly exotic, stunningly tropical, and uber relaxing. We debated Fiji, French Polynesia, and the Caribbean, but a friend’s recommendation steered us towards checking out Thailand. We ended up heading to Phuket, and we fell head-over-heels in love with the country! Everything from the food to the warm, vibrant culture and the stunning landscapes draws you in. Long story short, we couldn’t wait get back. So this last year for our 2nd anniversary we planned a trip to a different island paradise just off Thailand’s southeast coast, Koh Samui. It was hard to imagine a trip that could compare to our first time in Thailand, but Koh Samui didn’t disappoint! We were welcomed with that same Thai hospitality and kindness, ate the freshest curries and noodles, drank our fair share of fresh local juice and Mai Tai’s, and had some incredible adventures exploring the island. The exchange rate with the US dollar is quite good- 35 Thai Baht to 1 US Dollar right now. Your money can take you a long way here! (to give you a better idea, we stayed in Samui for 6 days and our total food + drink cost was only $215 US!)

We know that a trip somewhere new and unfamiliar can be a bit overwhelming to plan, so we’ve put together our favorite things about Koh Samui to serve as your 24-hour guide. While we recommend 4-5 days at least, Koh Samui’s modest size (15 miles long at it’s widest point) can also work for someone with just one day to explore. The island has something for everyone, and whether you prefer luxury resort vibes or jungle adventures, Koh Samui is a must-visit destination for your next getaway.

 

TRAVEL

First things first- getting there. While Koh Samui has a decent sized (and very nice) airport for international arrivals, we found it most cost-effective to fly into bangkok and then book a local carrier for the short domestic flight to Samui. BKK is a major international hub, so you're more likely to score an awesome flight deal arriving there. We recommend then flying a local airline like Bangkok Airways to Samui. You'll have to clear immigration and then re-check in for your domestic flight, but we found it quite simple to do!

for reference: a google flight search for NYC-Samui landed at $891 RT. Flying NYC to BKK came in at $586, and the BKK-Samui flight was $216. Depending on the dates, that saves you around $100 or more!

For travel around the Island we rented a moped for a few days, which is definitely the easiest way around. It cost a measly $9 USD per day from our resort, and most of the busy areas have local rentals available (Try Samuipedia). You can also take local taxis quite inexpensively, but make sure you negotiate the rate before leaving!

VISAS

Thailand doesn't require a tourist visa for U.S. passport holders as long as your stay is less than 30 days, so you can Visit Thailand stress free! You can find the most updated visa information here. 

LAMAI BEACH

Koh Samui is lined with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The east coast beaches (Lamai and Chaweng, for instance) have wonderful restaurants, vibrant nightlife and are quite popular, while the west coast is a bit less developed. Chaweng is the busiest beach and the definite hotspot, but our favorite was actually Lamai! It’s less crowded and perfectly tropical. There’s a wonderful beachfront restaurant we loved called the Black Pearl where you can get a delicious green curry or pad thai with your feet literally in the sand. Good food is so easy to find and so inexpensive, so we always found ourselves ordering a second (or third!) round of drinks. Lamai is lined with hotels, bungalows, restaurants and shops, but still feels beautifully un-developed at the same time. It’s a perfect place to spend a morning, an afternoon, or your entire trip. 

CHAWENG BEACH

While Lamai beach came in as our favorite beach in Samui, Chaweng is the busiest and most popular. If you’re looking for a party, you’ll likely find it in Chaweng! The shopping is incredible and you can’t escape the wonderfully carefree vibes that make Chaweng a draw for the young, cool crowd. While Lamai is quieter and more secluded, Chaweng is the beach hotspot that Koh Samui is famous for. Plus, there’s no shame in beach-hopping for a few hours, so get on your scooter and go decide your favorite beach for yourself!

X2 RESORT

Incredible resorts abound in Samui, but we have to tell you about the place we stayed- X2 Resort + Spa (pronounced “Cross-to”). This is technically a 24-hour guide, but if you decide to extend your trip we highly recommend X2. We have a large arsenal of travel sites where we find hotels, and we found this place on one of our favorites, JetSetter.com. Our room was massive, beautifully renovated, and had it’s own private courtyard and pool.  The booking site called it “all-spa inclusive”, but we figured that had gotten lost in translation. To our surprise and excitement, upon check-in we learned that it actually meant all-spa inclusive! Treatments in the stunning, tranquil spa were fully included in our stay and totally unlimited (based on daily availability, but we both got at least 2 ninety-minute treatments per day!). Breakfast was included, the grounds were beautiful and romantic, and it cost us less than $150 per night on a special.

KOH TAO (Turtle Island)

Samui is surrounded by amazing islands, many of which make a perfect half-day adventure. The area is famous for having some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world, so we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to Scuba Dive for the first time! We found the 100 Degrees East dive shop online, and we could not more highly recommend it. If you’re inexperienced with diving like we were, they offer a 1-day PADI Discover Scuba experience. It’s worth every penny. After the brief course, we completed 2 dives and it was one of the most magical experiences of our lives. You have the choice to dive in either Angthong Marine Park (an incredible destination on it’s own) or Koh Tao. We chose Koh Tao and it was perfect. Ask if Kurt is available as an instructor- he really made the experience for us. Imagine stunning coral, all sorts of sea life, a remote tropical island, warm azure waters and being surrounded by thousands of bright, tropical fish. Now go book your dive!

NA MUANG WATERFALL

The beaches aren’t the only place to spend your time in Samui. The island’s interior is a dense tropical jungle! The ride from our hotel to the falls was about 20 minutes, but we stopped off at every cool thing we saw. It took us 45 minutes or so! There’s lot at the entrance to the park where you can leave your scooter for less than 1 USD, and then you hike through the jungle up to the falls. There are two waterfalls, one downstream from the other. It was the end of a dry season when we went, which meant less water, but also more climbing up the rocks! There are a few little shops along the way and some locals selling food- we convinced them to make us a pineapple fried rice with chicken and it was phenomenal (and cost only 250 THB- about $5 US)! You can hike and swim the waterfalls in just a few hours, leaving lots of time to explore the rest of the island! It gets very hot in the midday sun, so we recommend doing this in the morning or late afternoon if possible!

TEMPLES

Samui is home to a plethora of stunning temples and structures, perfect for exploring. The Big Buddha is one of the most famous, located on the northeast side of the Island. It’s quite close to the 100 Degrees East dive shop, so you could visit quickly before or after your dive! Another temple we found particularly intriguing was the Wat Kahunaram temple near Lamai. We pulled off to check this place out on our way back from Na Muang, immediately drawn to the colorful, striking architecture. To our surprise, the mummified remains of a Buddhist monk (sitting up!) were on full display right at the entrance! Buddhist Thais have great respect for death as part of the cycle of life, and the monk’s remains serves as an inspiration to follow the Buddhist ways. The surrounding grounds and temple are a sight to see, and take less than an hour to explore. You’ll have to take your shoes off to enter the temples themselves. As always, visit this religious sight with reverence and respect, as it is highly revered among Buddhist Thais.

DINING

If you haven’t already picked up on this, we LOVE Thai food. After a busy day of sight-seeing and adventuring, we’d recommend dinner in Chaweng, Lamai, or Bophut. (Try the fresh green curry, pineapple fried rice, pad see ew or pad thai- you can't go wrong!) All three of these areas have extensive dining selections and are easily accessible from your afternoon adventures- whatever those may be! The Black Pearl is a perfect spot on Lamai Beach for a leisurely lunch! If you find yourself on the south end of the Island, X2 Resort has a wonderful restaurant called 4K (“fork”), or the Conrad Koh Samui in Taling Ngam is said to have one of the best sunset views on the Island. Let’s be honest though- there’s no bad spot for a sunset cocktail or dinner when you’re in paradise! 

NIGHTLIFE

We can’t talk about Koh Samui without mentioning the nightlife! If you want to party till the sun comes up, make your way from dinner to Chaweng Beach and have the time of your life! This is the party beach, and you won’t regret having a few tropical drinks or Thai beers in this vibrant bar scene. Full Moon Parties happen monthly on nearby Koh Phangan- but as our friend Rachel from Hippie-in-heels blog talks about on her blog, we don’t recommend you stay on Koh Samui to attend the party. If you’re up for a crazy adventure, go for it. Otherwise, make it the next stop on your trip instead of an evening excursion. You can check out KoSamui.com as an excellent reference for more nightlife info (or any other info, for that matter)!

Ok. Enough talking- it’s time to book your trip! Whether you’re stopping by for 24 hours or spending a relaxing month, Koh Samui is truly a tropical island paradise. We’ve only broken the surface of stuff to do, but this is a good starting point for your trip! We can’t wait to return, and can’t wait to hear the recommendations you bring back with you. Adventures or R+R, beach or jungle, luxury or budget- Koh Samui is a must-visit when you’re in Southeast Asia. Heck, it’s even worth its own trip.

Adventure Away!

-Zach + Tara

6 meals worth traveling the world for

We love to eat.

We always talk about breakfast being our favorite meal - and it is - but we don't discriminate against lunch or dinner (or afternoon snacks or late night meals or anything in between)! It's so fun to eat local food as you travel, and we feel like it's one of the best ways to truly "taste" a culture! When we were planning our honeymoon years ago, one of the factors that pushed us to choose Thailand was the chance to eat authentic Thai Food! And, well, it didn't disappoint, and we've been traveling with our taste buds ever since. 

We've been lucky enough to eat some incredible meals in some incredible places around the world these past few years, and we wanted to share our favorites! Not-so-coincidentally, most of these meals were enjoyed in places we would highly recommend for your next travel destination! 

Here they are- eat your heart out and plan your next gastronomic getaway ASAP!

1. POSITANO, AMALFI COAST - Dinner at Li Galli, Hotel Villa Franca

Perched on the top of a hill overlooking Positano's iconic shoreline and just below the Amalfi Coast cliffs, Li Galli is the mouth-watering fine-dining restaurant found in the luxurious Villa Franca Hotel. The hotel alone is worth the trip (as if you need justification to explore the Amalfi Coast), but Li Galli's elegant flare on local cuisine is bucket-list worthy. Executive Chef Vincenzo Esposito and his team work in collaboration with multi-starred Michelin Chef Gennaro Esposito to create a brilliant menu of mediterranean fruits and vegetables, seafood caught in the bay below, and meat from the surrounding italian towns. We had the 7 course tasting menu, added the "cracked lemon" dessert and wine pairings (ok, we also had a cocktail or two before and after), and it was one of the most incredible culinary experiences we've ever had. It certainly doesn't hurt that you're eating in a intimate, open-air veranda watching the sky meet the sea as the sun sets over the cliffs. Impeccable service and attention to detail, warm attitudes and professional yet personable staff are just the cherry on top of a truly sublime gastronomic experience. 

((See more about our stay at Hotel Villa Franca here))

2. KOH SAMUI, THAILAND - Lunch at The Black Pearl, Lamai Beach

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We first visited Thailand three years ago on our honeymoon, and we've been obsessed ever since. It's an exotic tropical paradise, and the food alone is worth the 12+ hour flight. Thai culture is kind, warm and gentle, and the landscapes are as stunning as they come. Koh Samui ("Koh" is thai for Island, so literally "Samui Island") is a wonderful island just off the eastern coast of the mainland in the Gulf of Thailand. It's less developed and touristy than Phuket, but still very visitor friendly. We stayed at the secluded, romantic X2 Resort and rented a moped to explore the island, which is only 25 km long at its widest point. Lamai Beach is on the south eastern side of the Island, and it's much less crowded than the other beaches we visited (Chaweng Beach, for instance, is the perfect beach if you're looking for a party). Don't let that fool you though- in our opinion, Lamai the best beach on Samui. There's a perfect little restaurant called The Black Pearl at the edge of the sand with tables extending out over the rocks. Bare feet in the sand and the turquoise waves crashing just feet away, fresh green curry, pineapple fried rice and a couple of mai thais are literally the things tropical dreams are made of. 

3. DUBAI, U.A.E. - Breakfast at Khaymat Al Bahar, Jumeirah Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah Hotel

If you haven't been to Dubai yet, add it to your list. It's an amazing, intriguing place and, if you can handle the heat, it's a must-visit destination. The futuristic city is literally built up out of a desert on the arabian peninsula, and the juxtaposition of old and new is a sight to see. You feel like you're teetering between a page out of Arabian Nights and a scene from the Jetsons. Emirates, the national airline, is our favorite carrier in the world, and with efforts to become a contender for top tourist destinations in the world by 2020, Dubai is extremely tourist-friendly. Our flight arrived early in the morning, so we jumped in a cab and drove out to the Al Qasr Hotel in Madinat Jumeirah. A friend told us about the poolside restaurant's unmissable breakfast buffet at Al Qasr, but we had to jump through a few hoops to get in without being hotel guests. A short runaround finally lead us to a concierge who was able to book us a reservation (begrudgingly, perhaps, but a reservation nonetheless). He directed us to a pickup point where a driver picked us up in a golf cart and escorted us through the sprawling property to Khaymat Al Bahar. We had the full breakfast buffet, and it was worth every penny. The endless spread was Lebanese inspired and gorgeously presented, but we were hard-pressed to think of a single thing they didn't offer. We ate outside on the patio, which sits on the edge of the beach and with perfect views of the Burj Al Arab. We ate enough food and drank enough lattes to feed a small army, but we couldn't bring ourselves to leave! As you know, breakfast is our thing- so we were in absolute heaven. ((if you don't have a reservation as a hotel guest, get there early to ensure you can get a table! We arrived around 7am))

4. DUBAI - U.A.E. - High Tea at At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa

Ok, Dubai was so good that two restaurants in Dubai made our list. We knew we couldn't visit the UAE without a stop at the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Rather than just the observation deck, we opted into celebrating our anniversary with High Tea at At.mosphere lounge on the 122nd floor. It's definitely on the expensive side, but worth it if you're looking to splurge on an experience or celebration. You enter the building through the exquisite Armani hotel, where hostesses in flowing black Armani gowns escort you to the restaurant's lobby before you take elevators to the 122nd floor. From start to finish, the extravagant high tea experience was dazzling and delicious. We reserved our table early enough to score a window table, and the views of the city far below and not-so-distant desert was absolutely captivating. Teas, coffees, champagne, cocktails, and an endless flow of finger foods and pastries left us happily stuffed for the rest of the day, and the impressive service was the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary in extreme style.

5. KEY WEST, FLORIDA - Dinner at Latitudes Restaurant, Sunset Key Cottages

Sunset Key Cottages is a private island resort just off the west side of Key West, and it's gotta be the best kept secret in the Keys. You can only board the ferry to the Island if you're a resident, a resort guest, or have reservations at the restaurant or spa. It's a short leisurely ride to the landing at Sunset Key, and Latitudes restaurant stretches to the right of the dock on glorious display. Surrounded by palms and built in that endearing Florida Key style, Latitudes was voted #1 best restaurant in Key West, as well as top 100 most romantic restaurants in the US for 2017- and for good reason. The food was absolutely incredible from start to finish, and the service was professional, warm and fun. The patio is large yet surprisingly intimate, and the warm Caribbean breeze made it all the more dreamy. We're still dreaming about the food- crab cakes, beef carpaccio, scallops, catch-of the day and mouth watering sides, breads and desserts... and you can't possibly visit Key West without eating key lime pie at every chance you get! We've had a few key lime pies over this year, but this one was far and above anything we'd ever tried before. We'd dare to say that it's worth a trip to the southernmost tip of the US just for a slice of Key Lime pie at Latitudes.

((You can see more about our trip to Sunset Key on our post here)) 

6. NYC - Dinner at Kuma Inn, Manhattan's Lower East Side

Ok, we couldn't leave NYC off our list, even though we don't have any photos of this one! There are so many incredible places to eat in the Big Apple, but Kuma Inn is our absolute favorite. It's a locals-only type spot because it's not easy to find. The entrance is a barely-marked doorway off of Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side, and other than a red spray-painted sign on the doorframe, you'd never know you were there. The door leads you up a dodgy flight of stairs and through another unmarked door into the hole-in-the-wall cash only, BYOB joint. There's only a handful of tables, but the insanely delicious filipino, thai and southeast-asian tapas keep that place packed every. single. night. The food flows out of the open kitchen as it's ready and we have yet to eat something that we weren't completely obsessed with. The rice crepes, chinese sausage, coconut sticky rice and arroz valenciana are a few of our staple favorites, and the nightly specials are always amazing. They're only open for dinner, so grab a few bottles of wine or sake and find your way to the LES to experience the glorious gastronomic feast that is Kuma Inn. 

Do you have a favorite restaurant that you'd travel just to eat at? Tell us in the comments below!

 

Here's to the adventure....

Zach + Tara Brose

10 amazing things to do during your stay at Margaritaville Key West!

Cue Jimmy Buffett singing "Margaritaville..."

Last week we escaped the winter blues in NYC and went south. As far south as we could go, actually, without leaving the country. We went to Key west, the southernmost point in the Continental United States. (The "southernmost point" marker on the island is a tourist hotspot with people waiting in line to take their picture with the sign, actually). 

Just 90 miles north of Cuba, surrounded by stunning turquoise waters and tiny islands, Key West was the perfectly tropical weekend trip we wanted without busting out our passports. Key West has an international airport, but we were coming off of a few days in Miami, so we booked some crazy cheap tickets in and out of MIA for just $80! And, since it's an easy (and beautiful!) 3 hour drive through the keys, we loved the idea of a short road trip!

While we were in Key West we stayed at the stunning Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, and we couldn't wait to share this incredible property with you! It was the perfect Resort for a fun, relaxing weekend in the sun. From the tropical pool vibes and outdoor dining to the spacious, modern rooms and ideal island location, we found ourselves completely comfortable and relaxed from the moment we arrived. The staff is warm and welcoming, and there is SO much to do without going far. If you're the type who prefers to spend your vacations sitting poolside sipping Key Lime Margaritas, this place is for you. At the same time, though, Margaritaville's marina location and close proximity to Duval street (an easy 5-minute walk) makes it the perfect base for your island adventures. Tara and I are somewhere in the middle, so our ideal property offers both- and that's exactly what we found in Margaritaville!

So, we wanted to share our top 10 things to do during your stay at Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina. It was challenging to narrow it down, so you'll just have to come and see the rest for yourself! 

1. Breakfast at Bistro 245

If you know us, you know our obsession with breakfast. When we're home in NYC, we make breakfast together every day. It's a few moments of guaranteed quality time in the midst of our chaotic schedules, and that habit has carried into our travels! We love to load up on a great healthy breakfast to kick off our day, and Bistro 245 delivered! (Not to mention how thrilled we were to get fresh pressed green + red juice! Eating healthy can be a challenge on the road, but not at Margaritaville!)

 

2. Shop (and eat/drink) your way down Duval Street

Key West is a treasure trove of restaurants, bars, history and attractions, and you can find it all on Duval Street! Imagine New Orleans and the Virgin Islands combined to form one main drag... that's Duval!

 

3. Chill Poolside

Ok let's be honest.... this is everyone's dream in the middle of winter. Margaritaville does it right! Work on that tan in the hot FL keys sun, or relax in the shade of a palm tree. Just sit and relax without lifting a finger and order your favorite summer cocktail from Castaways, the pool bar, and you'll find yourself singing "wasted away again in Margaritaville" in no time!

 

4. Order Room service and enjoy a romantic night in

Or, like we did, follow up dinner with champagne and dessert! Chocolate covered strawberries, a bottle of bubbly and a jacuzzi for two was just what the doctor ordered. 

 

5. Sunset Celebration

Every evening at Sunset, Margaritaville hosts a fun celebration on the pier next to Bistro 245 filled with music, food, vendors and street performers, and it's a great way to transition from day to night! Take in the sunset while being entertained and sipping your favorite cocktail!

 

6. Wind and Wine Sunset Sail

Since Margaritaville sits right on the Marina, it's the perfect base for nautical adventures! We took a sunset "Wind and wine" sunset sail from Danger Charters, and it was everything. You sail on a 65 foot schooner out into the most stunning Caribbean sunset while a wine expert brings you through a flight of 9 different wines. A glass of bubbly to start, then 4 different whites and 4 different reds. Combined with Hors Devours and a tranquil sea, this was one of the highlights of our trip! ($85/person, Sails nightly from the Marina outside Margaritaville)

 

7. Key Lime everything!!

Key lime pie, Key Lime Cooladas, Key Lime Margaritas, Key Lime everything! When you're in Key West, it's a non-negotiable!

 

8. Have a drink on the Sunset Deck

Above the pool and overlooking the Ocean, the Sunset Deck is the perfect setting to take in the gorgeous Key West sunset! It's roomy and covered in strung-up lights, and it's basically the perfect way watch Nature's dazzling display. 

 

9. Ride Bikes to the Southernmost point

We rode bikes from the resort and spent an afternoon exploring Key West. If you ride all the way to the very end of Duval Street, you hit Key West's Southernmost point- which is in fact the southernmost point in the continental United states!

 

10. Make new friends

One of our favorite parts of Margaritaville was how friendly everyone was! The staff and the guests alike- we found a rare combination of private luxury and cordial mingling. Generally, at a resort where people are partying together, you sacrifice the peaceful romantic vibes for the fun. But, at romantic, secluded hotels you can sometimes lose the fun you find at a more upbeat property. Maybe it's the name, or maybe it's the well-thought out resort design, or maybe it's just the magical island vibes... but at Margaritaville you truly get both!

Here's to the adventure...

Zach + Tara

*This post was sponsored by Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina, but our opinions, as always, are our own! 

St. Croix in a day

If you're anything like us, you spend most of the winter months researching tropical getaways. The very thought of a sunset stroll along the beach is enough to book a flight to a beautiful, warm destination! If you're not an avid traveler, however, or current with your passport, it's easy to get overwhelmed when planning a trip somewhere you've never been before. 

Last month we flew to St. Croix to partner with the beautiful Renaissance Carambola Beach, and we loved it so much that we wanted to take the opportunity to give you a taste of what St. Croix has to offer! As part of the US Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. Thomas, & St. John), US citizens are not required to have a passport to visit- a valid Gov't ID and birth certificate will suffice! English is the main language (with a beautiful island flare, of course) and currency is the US dollar. St. Croix is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, stunning Scuba diving and snorkeling, and incredible natural landscapes. 

Most Major US carriers fly to St. Croix, and you can often find round trip tickets for less than $400. St. Croix was one of several stops on our trip- which made our flights even cheaper. We flew in from Orlando, which cost us around $170 per person on JetBlue. Our outbound flight took us to St. Thomas (our next stop), and cost us a measly $75 per person on Cape Air. Either way you do it, it's extremely affordable! Taxis are easy to grab from the airport and the main cities, and your resort can easily call one for you as well. One thing to keep in mind is that food in St. Croix can tend to be a bit pricey since everything is imported. The good news is that the rum is CHEAP!

There's loads to do it St. Croix, and we wish we could have stayed longer to see it all. We'll highlight some of our favorite experiences (and include a few more that came highly recommended) for you to get a taste of what the Island has to offer. You really can't go wrong in the US Virgin Islands!

 

Buck Island Reef National Monument

You cannot visit St. Croix without visiting Buck Island. It's one of the most stunning beaches in the world, with crystal clear turquoise waters and a protected barrier reef. The snorkeling is incredible and the national parks system has put a series of markers along the way to guide your tour. The area is known for attracting all sorts of beautiful tropical fish and sea turtles. The only way to the Island is via licensed concession companies (6 options) or private boat. Big Beards does both a half day (8:30-12:30ish) and a full day tour (9-3:30ish), and we highly recommend them. The crew is spectacular, and you take the trip on a beautiful catamaran. Half-day tours are on a power catamaran, and full-day tours are on a sailing catamaran and include unlimited rum punch and a beach BBQ (burgers, hotdogs, mahi mahi, veggie burgers). Full-day: $105/person, half-day: $75 per person

Carambola Tide Pools

One of the coolest adventures we went on was the hike from our resort to the Carambola Tide Pools. The Renaissance is not only located on an idilic beach in one of the best part of the islands, it's also just a 45 minute hike from the famous Carambola Tide pools. You can hike to the rocky beach where the tide pools are situated no matter where you're staying on the Island, but it certainly is a wonderful perk of staying at the Renaissance. The first lag is mostly uphill, and it opens into a grassy clearing with stunning views of the coast. another 20 minutes or so and you arrive at an untouched beach, and you can climb the rocks to make your way into the tide pools. We spent the afternoon exploring and swimming in the pools before making our way back to the hotel. You don't have to be a hotel guest to explore the tide pools though! Just park in the upper parking lot outside the gate at the Renaissance Carambola Beach or have your driver drop you by the gate and ask the guard which way to go! The best part? It's Free!

Cruzan Rum Factory Tour

It's not a Caribbean vacation unless you're sipping a steady supply of rum! The Cruzan Rum Distillery tour was the perfect afternoon activity for anyone who loves to drink! Even if you don't drink, the guides are fun and super knowledgeable about the history, the distilling process, and all things Cruzan (But let's be honest... the real star of this tour is the rum). The tour costs $5 for adults over 18 - and you only have to be 18 to drink in the Virgin Islands - which is a killer deal for all the rum you drink. After the tour they bring you back to their bar, where we sampled all the rum we wanted and ordered 2 full cocktails from their extensive menu, all included in our $5 fee! The best part, though, is that the US Virgin Islands allows you to take up to 6 bottles of local rum back home as a FREE checked bag at the airport! The 1L bottles of dark or flavored rums are only $7 or $8 each (!) and if you buy 4-6 bottles they give you a free travel box. So of course we brought 6 bottles back home with us! Doesn't get much better than that...

Downtown Christiansted

If you're looking for a relaxing afternoon, try exploring downtown Christiansted. You can get all the souvenirs your heart desires, walk the boardwalk, wave for the 24/7 gotostcroix.com webcam, drink your way through all the bars and experience the true relaxed island vibes. Most shops close around 5, but there's a good selection of restaurants to choose from if you want to stay for the evening. (Since we mentioned it, GoToStCroix.com is another excellent resource if you're visiting the Island!)

Sunset walk on Carambola Beach

If you're staying at the Renaissance Carambola Beach (which we highly recommend), you have access to one of the most stunning beaches in St. Croix. Nestled into a private bay on the lush northern coastline, Carambola Beach has that famous Caribbean turquoise water and is surrounded by jungle-covered hills. The sun sets in stunning display every night over the bluffs that disappear into the sea on the western horizon and makes for the most romantic Caribbean setting for a stroll. This is best done with a tropical rum drink in hand, of course!

Massages on the beach

When you're in the Caribbean, a massage on the beach is the perfect way to relieve every last ounce of stress. The Spa at Carambola is just the tranquil escape from reality that the doctor ordered. Call for a reservation and ask for your massage to be on the beach. It's in a perfectly private corner of the beach under an open-air hut, and the waves gently splash just feet away. Its impossible not to smile through the entire experience. We left our massage feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and utterly stress-free, and we've lovingly (and longingly, from NYC) deemed it a #LeagueTravelsNonNegotiable when in St. Croix!

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Paul and Jill's Equestrian Stables are constantly winning awards and have a reputation for incredible experiences. Their tour bring you through the rainforest and out onto the beach. 1.5 hours, $99 per person (cash/TT only)

Scuba Diving

St. Croix is famous for its diving. The entire North Shore is lined with "The Wall"- underwater cliffs that drop some 13,000 feet and are topped with one of the largest live reefs in the Caribbean. There's no shortage of dive shops, and you can cater your dive whichever way you want! St. Croix has it all. Dive by the wall, through shipwrecks, under piers, at night, from a ship, straight off of the beach- really anything! If you're not a certified diver, no problem! Most shops offer a one-day Scuba Experience, perfect for the beginner. Sweet Bottom dive shop offers a dive experience starting at just $90! Some other options are St. Croix Scuba & Dive Experience, just to name a few!

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Ok. As you can see, St. Croix has something for everyone. It's so simple to get to from the US, no passports required, and it's really the perfect tropical escape in every way. There's so much we didn't mention, like glass-bottom kayaks in a bioluminescent bay and the beer-drinking pigs... but you'll just have to plan a trip to see those for yourself! 

Have any St. Croix favorites? Let us know in the comments below!

Adventures Away!

-Zach + Tara