With International Rum Day approaching on August 16, we have compiled a list of exciting rum offerings that offer more than the classic Mai Tais and Daiquiris for those looking to celebrate the occasion.
Break Into the Rum Vault at Colony Club by Elegant Hotels (pictured)
Considered to be the birthplace of rum, Barbados is the perfect setting for travelers hoping to acquaint themselves with the tropical tipple. Situated on the finest stretch of Barbados’ Platinum West Coast, Colony Club is home to the island’s first-of-its-kind Rum Vault, where Rum Ambassador Corey Sobers inspires and entertains with his extensive knowledge on the liquor and impressive mixology skills. The vault boasts a selection of 150 rums from around the world including Barbados and its neighboring Caribbean islands, South America, Mauritius, Fiji, Japan and more.Guests can enjoy rum-and-chocolate pairings, tasting flights, and intimate multi-course, rum-paired tasting dinners like the popular “Storied Rum Dinner,” “Kill Devil Vault Tapas Dinner,” or “Tales of the Vault Dinner,” at the helm of Sobers and Vault Chef Wayne Maynard.
Savor Rum & Cactus at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
The “Cadushi,” which literally translates to “cactus” in Aruba’s local language Papiamento, is the signature cocktail at The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba. With fresh cactus purée, lime juice, triple sec and Caribbean white rum, the Cadushi is representative of the various cacti species that grow on the island’s natural landscape. Guests have the opportunity to request a rum flight tasting featuring the popular Cadushi alongside premium rum flavors from Aruba and beyond at the onsite Divi Sushi Bar & Lounge year-round.
Feel Like a Celebrity at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
Invented nearly 60 years ago, the “Aruba Ariba” is the island’s take on the classic rum punch. This refreshing orange-red cocktail at Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, named the “Celebrity Aruba Ariba,” incorporates local favorite Papiamento Rum, Grey Goose, crème de banana, fruit punch, Grand Marnier, a dash of “Coecoei” (or local agave plants), and dehydrated orange. Guests can enjoy the fruity Ariba Ariba beachside or at the property’s notable H2Oasis Adult Pool Bar.
Relish Rare Rum at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman is home to the Silver Palm Lounge, named after the National Tree of Grand Cayman. The bar pays homage to the Caribbean island’s famous export: rum. The curated armoire includes a selection of the top shelf rums paired with exquisite cigars and the finest chocolates from the Caribbean. Notable local rums include the Seven Fathoms Rum and the more rare specialty rum, The Oloroso Cask Finish Rum. Its international selection includes Saint Benevolence Clairin from Haiti, Black Tot Rum 40-Year-Old from Guyana, and Blackwell Rum 007 from Jamaica.
Light a Cigar with Brugal Rum at The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Norte
The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Norte offers guests an exquisite “Cigar and Brugal Rum Tasting” experience at its renowned Baia Bar overlooking the spectacular Atlantic Ocean. The Dominican Republic’s Brugal Rum is internationally recognized, boasting more than 130 years of rum-making experience. Guests have the option to pair their Brugal Rum-based beverage with an exclusive hand-rolled cigar from the hotel blended by third generation Master Cigar Blender, Klaas Kelner, to further enhance the authenticity of the occasion. The blenders meticulously mix Dominican tobaccos as rich as the culture, music and agricultural lands of the island. The Guest Concierge onsite can also coordinate tours to the nearby Brugal Rum Factory, once the factory reopens this fall.
The Crane Resort, Barbados
There is no better place to celebrate International Rum Day than Barbados, which is widely considered to be the birthplace of rum. Beach Houses, a collection of oceanfront villas in Barbados from the historic Crane Resort, invites guests to get acquainted with the island’s famous spirit with the Explorer Package. The package’s ‘Trail, Tram & Rum Day’ includes a tram tour of Harrison’s Cave, which boasts crystallized limestone walls and deep pools of crystal clear water beneath the earth’s surface, followed by a typical Bajan lunch. A subsequent Signature Tour at the iconic Mount Gay Rum Distillery, where guests can sample various varieties and learn about the history of the spirit, is destined to inspire a brand new appreciation. Convenient travel perks include daily breakfast, expedited fast-track airport arrival service and round-trip transfers.
Perfect for a slice of tranquil paradise, Beach Houses are tucked away on the island’s wild east coast. The one- to three-bedroom villas boast breath-taking Atlantic views, infinity pools with expansive terraces, fully-equipped kitchens and a ‘no tan lines’ level of privacy. Guests can also enjoy the five-star facilities at The Crane Resort just a short drive away, with car rental, grocery and meal deliveries available on request.
The Explorer Package starts from $367 per night (minimum stay 7 nights) and is valid until April 29, 2023. For more information, visit beachhouses.bb. Book at beachhouses.bb/special-offers.
Round Hill Hotel and Villas
Round Hill Hotel and Villas’ signature cocktail, Liz’ Rum Punch has become a guest favorite since its creation. Ms. Shawn Towers created the cocktail to pay homage to her grandmother and Round Hill co-founder Elizabeth Pringle. This unique take on the classic Jamaican cocktail incorporates a scotch bonnet pepper, which was a favorite of Elizbeth Pringle. The resort’s bartenders even created a jingly to remember the contents of the drink, “1 part sour, 2 part sweet, 3 parts strong and 4 parts weak.”
Jamaica Inn
Jamaica Inn’s signature drink, Teddy’s Planter’s Punter, is served complimentary upon arrival and on the beach at 11am for all guests. Jamaica Inn’s take on Planter’s Punch is named after the property’s late bartender Herbert “Teddy” Tucker, who worked at the property for nearly 60 years. The simple yet effective recipe includes the following ingredients:
Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead
Brassica, the newly opened signature restaurant at the renowned Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, boasts a highly-curated beverage menu and cocktail program that tells the story of the American craft cocktail evolution throughout history. Each menu item is crafted carefully to excite the senses, while showcasing innovative ways of approaching cocktails at the helm of Brassica’s lead bartender Cara McInerney. The Roman Punch is a must-try for rum enthusiasts in Atlanta this International Rum Day. It comprises two rum varieties: Appleton Estate Rum offering tropical nose, dried stone fruits and hints of banana, subtle vanilla and caramel from bourbon barrel aging; and Ten to One Blended Rum featuring nutty flavors with baked fruit pastry alongside notes of tobacco. This complex yet sweet punch also includes Remy Martin Cognac, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao, raspberry syrup, lemon juice and port. Influenced by ‘celebrity bartender’ Jerry Thomas and his influential book How to Mix Drinks: Or, The Bon Vivant’s Companion, Cara says “the tropical vibes are undeniable. It is certainly refreshing, but the fine spirits we use are not hidden in our build of this cocktail.”
Celebrate National Rum Day Like Rosewood Little Dix Bay
Situated across 500 acres of pristine beachfront property, Rosewood Little Dix Bay is located on Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. The resort’s 81 ultra-luxury guestrooms, suites, houses and villas embody barefoot luxury, blending into the lush landscape with chic, modern design by New York-based design firm Meyer Davis. Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers four distinct dining venues including its signature restaurant Reef House, serving local cuisine with true farm-to-table inspiration; Sugar Mill, an open-air restaurant with international influence; Pavilion with a menu of international dishes and bold spices; and Rum Room, offering an array of rare rums from around the globe. Amenities include two swimming pools, six tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a Rosewood Explorers Club, and Sense®, A Rosewood Spa.
