beach resort Archives

Travel Sustainably at The Ranch in Nicaragua

Did you know that The Republic of Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America? The beautiful country is sandwiched between Honduras and Costa Rica. Unfortunately, political unrests and negative press impacted tourism in Nicaragua for several years. But if you do go there, you will find that the reality is very different. Nicaragua is actually a very safe country for tourists where you can travel sustainably. The people are polite and welcoming. The scenery is stunning! And best of all, it is an affordable travel destination.

Getting There

Fly into Managua, the capital and drive up north to be in the coffee plantations and cooler mountains, or west to get to Pacific Beaches and east to the Atlantic. You can also fly to Liberia airport in Costa Rica and be at the border within minutes. Whichever direction you choose to go, on your drive expect to see lots of banana plantations, cattle ranches, wooded forests and open fields. Keep an eye for towering cone shaped volcanoes against the skyline. There are 17 volcanoes in Nicaragua, though none are active.

San Juan Del Sur

Lately, Nicaragua has become a popular beach resort destination among immigrants and vacationers from USA and Canada. The town of San Juan Del Sur is a quintessential example of this. You will see lots of high risers and surf shops. I would suggest going there for a day, if you must, but head north to one of my favorite spots in the country.

Private Resort in Tola

When you arrive at Rancho Santana in Tola, it may appear like an upscale resort in Southern California. Picture terra cotta roofs and beige stucco against the blue ocean and white sand in the background. “The Ranch,” is a sprawling, sustainable private resort and residential community located on 2,700 acres of Nicaragua’s pristine Emerald Coast. It is must visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and be in a peaceful, undisturbed atmosphere. The Ranch is so spread out that you may feel you are one of the handful guests here, but that is by design. I stayed at The Inn, a charming boutique hotel that is the focal point of The Ranch.

Make Your Own Retreat

While surfing is the main reason to come to this part of Nicaragua, there are tons of activities right at The Ranch. Start your day with guided morning yoga at the pavilion overlooking the coast. Spend a couple of hours at the 6,000-square-foot treetop retreat The Spa in El Bosque. In the afternoon, take a swim and relax at resort’s five beaches (there’s a pink one too!) or three pools.

horseback riding Rancho Santana Nicaragua

Guided Activities

The Ranch has a very knowledgeable staff with tour guides who offer everything from sandboarding down coastal dunes, hiking in the pristine woods, birdwatching and monkey spotting too. You can take a nature tour or horseback ride along the beach without ever having to leave Rancho Santana.

Eat Local

Farm to table is not a concept but the norm at this resort in Nicaragua. The Ranch grows about 2,500 pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs each month. Take a tour of the farm just outside the Inn and you’ll spot greens, cherry tomatoes, colorful peppers, sweet corn, a variety of succulent citrus, and habanero chilis (a favorite). All of the ingredients are used at the property’s four restaurants and the tienda (farm store). If you are staying longer at one of the condos, you can pick up fresh produce, breads, meat and cook your own food.

If you are looking to eat healthy and organic during your vacation, you will like the options at Rancho Santana. I enjoyed a bowl of fresh fruit, homemade granola and yogurt each morning. There were plenty of vegetarian options too, my favorite being the veggie bowl with falafel, sweet plantains, greens, cashew curry, avocado and radish at La Finca y el Mar-Bar. All of the menus have a Nicaraguan flair helmed by local chefs. From fresh catch fish burgers to coffee rubbed pork chops with sweet plantains, everything is farm sourced and offers authentic flavors.

Make sure to also take a cooking class with Chef Carmen and learn to make gallo pinto – the national dish of Nicaragua.

Give Back

By staying at Rancho Santana, you also help uplift the community around. Take the new Conectando Corazones tour to learn about all the charitable programs that Rancho Santana supports in the area. Many of the guests and residents created the nonprofits using their own skills and resources. Some of these you can visit include Fun Lemon (where the gym is also located), a vocational school and after school program for learning English, computer skills, plumbing and housekeeping. Many of the graduates are hired to work at The Ranch.

Roberto Clemente is a fully functional health clinic where you can also volunteer your medical, nursing or dental abilities. Besides providing a lab and pharmacy, they also do workshops to educate people on how to eat healthy, grow their own food and ward off diseases.

The Blue Water program purifies the undrinkable well water and sells it in jars to schools and households at 1/10th the cost of name brands.

Lastly, CREA is an educational resource center where kids can get help with homework, after-school lessons, reading and activities.

Sustainability

One thing you will find distinct at Rancho Santana is that all of the staff is from Nicaragua. They are truly passionate about their culture and community, always eager to offer tips on where to go and which dishes to try.

The Ranch employs over 600 people from the neighboring villages and offers job training, security and healthcare. From farming, to woodworking and iron welding, everything is done on the property itself, creating a sustainable self-sufficient enterprise in this magical corner of Nicaragua.

~ All photos credit to Frederick Choi on behalf of Go Eat Give.

Where To Stay, Eat and Play in Los Cabos

Here’s your Los Cabos travel guide.

I took my first international trip in September 2020 since the COVID-19 lockdown. It was to Mexico – one of only few countries that is currently allowing US citizens to travel for tourism. I had never been to Los Cabos before and was curious to learn about where to stay, eat and play sustainably at this popular beach destination. I had heard Los Cabos was a “party place,” but I was surprised to discover authentic food, local art and Mexican culture there. In fact, I felt this was the right time to travel to Los Cabos as it wasn’t crowded at all. Also, the locals and tourists were practicing social distancing, hand sanitizing and face covering guidelines.

FAQ About Flying Post Covid-19

Traveling to Mexico

Flying into Mexico was pretty straightforward. I took a direct flight from Atlanta to Los Cabos (meaning the capes). The passengers needed to fill out a health declaration and pass through temperature screening stations at Cabo airport.

There are two main cities in Cabo – Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. I landed in San Jose del Cabo and rented a car from the airport. Road conditions were excellent and driving was a breeze. Driving is also a more affordable option to move around the area.

Stay at The Cape Thompson Hotel

I stayed in Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern tip of Baja California Sur in the Mexican peninsula. About 40 minutes south of the airport, this is where most resorts and tourist areas are.

This was my first time at a Thompson Hotel, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how they worked in partnership with local architects and artists to create an inclusive property. Celebrated architects Javier Sánchez and Benedikt Fahlbusch, alongside distinguished Mexican interior designer Marisabel Gómez Vázquez, designed a vibrant 1960s Baja-meets-Southern California vibe. Around the hotel you can find custom furniture handmade in Mexico, an original sculpture of a life-size gray whale constructed by a local artist from salvaged driftwood, and original ceramic pieces from Guadalajara artist Jose Noé Suro.

play at beach in Mexico — Secluded beach and rock formations at The Cape Thompson Hotel.

Overlooking the Sea of Cortez and El Arco (famous granite formations jutting out from the sea), the neutral architecture of the luxurious boutique hotel blend with the surrounding desert and sea.

All the modern and spacious rooms at The Cape come with unobstructed views of the sea. Picture yourself drinking an exclusively produced Realeza Mexicana (made with 100% blue agave tequila), searching for whales from the binoculars provided, while relaxing on the hanging daybed in your balcony!

play at infinity pool — Start each day with a relaxing swim in the infinity pool at The Cape.

Work From a Villa

As many of us seek a change of scenery, yet are still in need of the comforts of home, The Cape offers multi-night stay packages in luxury villas with private plunge pools overlooking the sea. Here you can have high-speed wi-fi, daily breakfast, dedicated personal concierge (for grocery shopping, excursion planning, and more), and private cooking classes. After putting in a day’s work, head outside for a walk on Monuments Beach, take a dip in the infinity pool, or surf the waves. Head to the rooftop lounge to see the view of the city and sea, get a massage at the beautiful spa, work out at the fitness center, or simply read a book lounging on a private outdoor cabana. Now that makes remote working something to look forward to!

eat Tacos — Los Cabos has some of the best tacos you would have ever tasted!

Eating in Cabo

If you love Mexican food, you are in for a real retreat in Los Cabos. From mom-and-pop taco establishments, to fine dining restaurants, there is a wide selection of food at all price ranges. Best to avoid the touristy areas and go explore some of the lesser known eateries. Here are some of my favorites…

best Mexican food in Cabos — Colorful, fresh and budget friendly lunch at Taqueria Rossy.

Taqueria Rossy

This no frills local restaurant has some of the best authentic (not Tex Mex) food. It is located in a strip mall, next to the road, and nowhere near tourists. Stop here on your way to or from the airport for delicious and cheap tacos and seafood. We had 7 tacos with all the fixings, large Mexican style shrimp cocktail (served as a cold soup in a goblet) and 3 juices, all for $10!

El Merkado Food Hall

The food hall is a modern establishment with several local vendors selling smoothies, ice cream, pizza, tacos, wine and more. You walk up to each counter for self service and there are tables and chairs for dining in. I went to El Merkado for brunch and had some of the best breakfast burritos and croissant sandwiches.

Mission at San Jose del Cabo — Make sure to check out the historic charming town of San Jose Del Cabo.

Juan More Taco Tour

One of the best way to explore the local food scene is with a food tour. Juan More Taco is a Mexico-based tour company that employs locals to show around their hometown cuisine. Since the guides live and work in the area, they not only know of all the best places to eat, they are friends with the owners too.

Juan More offers morning and evening taco tours in both San Jose Del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. I took the San Jose del Cabo walking food tour because I wanted to learn more about this historic city that is often overlooked by tourists.

We started at the main town square – a place that comes to life after dark with families hanging out and eating street food. We looked inside Parroquia San José (mission church), walked passed the colorful Gallery district, and went to a typical Mexican candy store to taste tamarind and mango candies.

Because Cabo is surrounded by water, fresh seafood is a staple and many people catch their own fish. Be prepared to have marlin, shrimp, fish tacos, as well as zucchini, chicharrón (fried pork skin), and many other kinds of tacos on this tour. Every region in Mexico has their own distinct local flavor of taco, and here it was the Baja Fish Taco – my personal favorite. It is made with fried battered fish, chopped fresh onions, tomatoes, cabbage, and sprinkled with lime and mayo. After five very filling tastes of margaritas, tacos and churros, I had to ask them to stop feeding us!

sunset at The Cape Cabo — Spectacular sunset views at Manta restaurant.

Manta at The Cape

Manta restaurant at The Cape by Thompson Hotel is a great place to celebrate a special occasion or simply pamper yourself. Led by award-winning Chef Enrique Olvera, the menu fuses Asia, Peru and Mexico to create unique and flavorful dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in The Baja. Best to book a table outside so you can see a magnificent orange sunset while sipping on a margarita!

Where to Play in Los Cabos

Most people come to Los Cabos for the warm, turquoise blue, tropical waters and white sand beaches. You have to spend at least some time swimming, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, sailing or just chilling at the beach. After you are done with the sun and sand, head to one of the art galleries or shops in the evening to purchase local and handmade crafts. The glass factory is also a pretty place to look around and shop at.

travel to Cabos san lucas marina — The marina in Cabos San Lucas is less crowded during the day.

Walk along the Cabos San Lucas marina for some beautiful views, nightlife, shopping and entertainment. There are high-end shopping malls, as well as countless shops selling glassware, silver jewelry, hats, ceramics, spices, tequila and more. Shopping in San Jose del Cabo is much better, mostly because the goods are of better quality and the shopkeepers don’t hustle. Also, stop by at one of the liquor stores for free tequila or mezcal tasting.

Lands End Cabo — The arch of Cabo San Lucas at the extreme southern end of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula.

Pez Gato Snorkel Cruise

I took a four hour cruise aboard a spacious catamaran boat that limited capacity to 15 people. Departing from the marina, we went past the famous Arch and Lands End areas, cruising along the Sea of Cortez. It was a bright, clear, warm day and perfect for snorkeling in the shallow waters at Santa Maria Bay. I watched hundreds of colorful fishes swim past me!

On board, the entire staff of Pez Gato wore masks and offered unlimited drinks and sanitized snorkel gear. They served a lunch of packed sandwiches, chips and candy. We listened to Spanish hits, kept our distance from other guests on board, and watched the splendid coastline. Started in 1985, the Pez Gato I is Cabo’s very first sailing tour.

snorkeling in Cabo — You can’t tell but that’s me snorkeling at Maria Bey with Pez Gato.

Travel for Good

“Travel is the leading economic driver for Los Cabos, meaning guests’ tourism dollars benefit the local community in truly impactful ways,” says The Cape Managing Director Eduardo Segura Vehovec. In partnership with the Los Cabos chapter of SKAL (an alliance of travel industry employees committed to promoting responsible tourism, international goodwill, and global friendship), The Cape donates 10% of all e-Gift card purchases to support members of the local travel industry impacted by the health crisis. Funds provide healthy grocery kits for recipients, that helps reduce their financial burden during these challenging times.

Mexico City – Your Food and Culture Guide

Key West and The Florida Keys Vacation Guide

If you are still searching for moments of excitement and discovery but in socially distant destinations much closer to home, plan a vacation in the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys are an archipelago of 1700 tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of mainland Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

With warm temperatures and sunny skies, the Florida Keys are great to visit any time of the year. Given that Miami is a big and crowded city, it is better to fly directly into Key West International Airport. However, Ft. Lauderdale/ Miami is often cheaper to fly into, and it allows you to drive through the famous Overseas Highway and explore the northern Keys by road.

Sucheta Rawal in Key West — Make sure to check out the murals and street art around Key West

More Than Just Beaches…

It is true that most people come to the Florida Keys for the beaches and resorts, while that is not all that the Florida Keys offer. In fact, there are no beaches in Key West so you may want to stay in the other Keys or Miami area. The history, architecture and food are bigger highlights here.

There is a Bohemian vibe to the city of Key West, with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, orange colored Framboyant trees, Cuban cafes and rooster running around the crosswalks. Whenever possible, stay away from the crowded bars and enjoy a socially distant vacation in the Florida Keys at these places…

Oceans Edge Key West

First, check in to a spacious resort away from the hustle and bustle of Old Town Key West. Suites with separate living rooms and private oceanfront balconies overlook a contemporary marina at Oceans Edge Key West in Stock Island. The property is gated, has free parking, and a free shuttle for whenever you want to pop over the narrow Cow Key Channel into town for dining or sightseeing.

Also, there are a number of activities included in your stay at Oceans Edge Key West so you could easily spend a day here swimming, paddle boarding, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, or take a fishing charter into the sea.

Hemingway house cats — Resident polydactyl cats at the Hemingway House gift shop

Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum

If you are a fan of literature and cats, the Hemingway House in Key West is a must stop. The home of Ernest Hemingway is a walk-in museum where guides lead you though his life’s important events, while about 60 polydactyl cats roam free through his bedroom, pool and gift shop! Due to COVID-19, the number of people allowed indoors is restricted and masks are mandatory.

Ernest Hemingway books — The Old Man and the Sea is is one of Ernest Hemingway most famous works. It tells the story of Santiago, an aging Cuban fisherman who struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream off the coast of Cuba.

Key West Butterfly Garden and Nature Conservancy

Next, the small butterfly conservatory in Old Town Key West is one of the most beautiful place for nature lovers. Picture being surrounded by 50-60 species of colorful butterflies frolicking on tropical plants and pink flamingos, some even settling on your clothes! A walk through the glass enclosed butterfly garden takes only a few minutes, but if you are in awe like me, you would want to relax and admire these little creatures for a few hours.

Key West Food Tour

When you want to know where to find the best local seafood or world’s best key lime pie, follow a resident food expert. Seafood Lover’s Food Tour led by Key West Food Tours is a perfect way to sample sangria, royal red shrimp, spiny lobster and conch, while learning about the history and culture of the place, and getting some exercise along the way! Set aside 3-4 hours for the tour and plan to walk along the famous Duval and Petronia streets. The woman-founded food tour company specializes in showcasing mom and pop restaurants you may otherwise not hear about.

Florida Key lime pie mystery novel — Here’s a good mystery novel to inspire your travel and tastebuds in Florida.

Up The Keys Eco Tour

In general, visitors tend to stay in the Key West area and take a day trip to explore the other Florida Keys. If you want to check out some of the hidden gems along the way and stay away from the tourist traps, book a private eco tour with Kim Stamps from Up The Keys. Kim knows exactly where the local wildlife (look for key deer, turtles and cormorants) hang out. Wildlife refuges, lighthouses, historic neighborhoods and mangroves are a few spots you will stop at along the Keys, while also learning about the railroad and trading history of the Conch Republic.

Florida Keys have manmade white sandy beaches — Enjoy the white sand beaches at Isla Bella Beach Resort

Isla Bella Beach Resort

End your Florida Keys vacation relaxing at the white sand beaches of Isla Bella, a 24-acre lush Mediterranean style resort located in the middle keys in Marathon, Florida. The five star destination resort boasts 5 swimming pools, spa and fitness center, on-site water sports, fishing pier, marina and stunning Atlantic Ocean views from all 199 one to five-bedroom rooms and suites. Sit under the cool shade of coconut trees, resting your feet in sand, while watching the evening sunset.

If you do feel like venturing out of the property, visit the nearby Turtle Hospital in Marathon where you can learn about rescue and restoration.

How Your Visit Can Help Rescue Turtles in Florida

Historic streets of Key West are great for walking — Look around the historic homes in Key West

Play It Safe

Finally, the Florida Keys and Key West reopened to visitors June 1, 2020 with county ordinance requiring that facial coverings must be worn by visitors and residents while in business establishments and other public settings where there is a roof overhead. Keys officials’ messaging also encourages visitors to take personal health responsibility and embrace protective measures such as social distancing and frequent handwashing.

Key West is the southernmost point in the continental USA — Beat the crowds and go early in the morning to the southernmost point landmark.

Isla Bella Beach Resort and Oceans Edge Key West adapted a new “Safeguarding Our Guests” strategy meticulously crafted to adapt and implement precautionary hygiene protocols directed by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) “Safe Stay” initiatives, along with State, Federal and local guidelines to ensure that a clean, safe and healthy environment is provided for guests and staff. The Keys visitor website at fla-keys.com offers comprehensive COVID-19 guidelines for visitors planning a vacation.

How Your Visit Can Help Rescue Turtles in Florida

When you travel on vacation, a visit to the hospital may be the last thing on your mind. But this particular hospital for turtles in Florida is a great place to learn about different kinds of turtles and to see them up close!

The turtle hospital in Marathon, Florida is located halfway between Miami and Key West, on the grounds of the old Hidden Harbor Motel. The old motel rooms serve as living quarters for the rehab staff and storage.

During Your Visit

There are 7 species of sea turtles throughout the entire world. Five of the seven are found in Florida: Green, Loggerhead, Leatherback, Hawksbill, and Kemp’s Ridley. Volunteers and student guides give visiting guests a brief history about the location and the work the nonprofit does around rescue, research, rehabilitations and education. They also tell you about different species of sea turtles, their characteristics, and the kinds of illnesses and traumas they face. Most of the turtles that The Turtle Hospital has rescued were victims of boat accidents, entangled in fishing nets, ingested plastics and debris, or acquired skin conditions due to chemicals in the water. Similar to humans, sea turtles get cancers, amputations, tumors, eye infections, and loose their ability to swim.

The most fun part of the tour is seeing the turtles up close! You will get a chance to learn about each one’s life, their names and recovery process. You can also feed them food and watch them come up to the surface, or swim around the pools.

Have you watched turtles lay eggs? Only 1 in 1,000 of these sea turtles actually survive!

Watch a Release

The Turtle Hospital has successfully treated and released over 1500 Sea Turtles since its founding in 1986. Public releases are held in the Florida Keys, some from the shore, others from a boat. Hundreds of people cheer for the turtle returning back home, where it belongs. You can follow The Turtle’s Hospital social media page to learn about release dates and plan to attend it.

Ways To Help

Visiting The Turtle Hospital is a small step toward rehabilitation of endangered sea turtles, since all of your ticket price goes toward supporting the nonprofit organization. You can also purchase cute souvenirs, jewelry, t-shirts and bags from the gift shop to remind yourself of these amazing creatures. I purchased this super cute turtle crossbody bag from the gift shop at The Turtle Hospital, but you can order it through Amazon.com too (click on the picture).

Adopt a sea turtle yourself or gift to an animal lover for only $35 a year. Five of the permanent residents (sea turtles that are deemed non-releasable) are currently available for adoption. You can also make a tax deductible donation directly to The Turtle Hospital.

Stay at the Tranquility Bay resort located next door, a proud supported of The Turtle Hospital. The beachfront all-suites resort offers townhome style accommodations with private kitchens, multiple bedrooms and balconies. There are few swimming pools, restaurants, and water sports on site so you can make the most of your Florida Keys vacation. Tranquility Bay also has one of the best sites to see the sunset, so make sure to relax with a key lime martini by the beach!

Watch the best sunset in Florida Keys at Tranquility Bay.

Tranquility Bay encourages their customers to visit The Turtle Hospital, and will make a reservation for you. You can also get a free plush toy during your visit.

If you spot a sick or injured Sea Turtle in Florida, you should immediately contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (*FWC or #FWC on your cell phone).

Wear biodegradable sunscreens when doing any water based activities.

Awareness at Home

Eat sustainable seafood. Make responsible consumer decisions when it comes to the purchase of seafood and know how it was obtained or caught. Visit www.seafoodwatch.org for a free guide on sustainable seafood you can buy at grocery stores or restaurants.

Help keep the beaches and water safe and clean. Do not throw garbage, especially plastic on land and in the sea. Often times, trash blows away with the wind and ends up in the digestive tracks of wildlife. A recent study found that on average our oceans are littered with 47,000 pieces of plastic per square mile!

Reduce, reuse and recycle. Reduce your consumption of packaging and one-time use products. Travel with aluminum water bottles, wear washable masks, and recycle what you cannot reuse.

Buy eco friendly products. Avoid using non biodegradable sunscreens and lotions when swimming in the ocean.

Be a responsible boater. Avoid crossing seagrass beds and be aware of your speed limit. Use a chart or GPS, stay alert and look out for floating sea turtles. A floating sea turtle is often sick and cannot dive down to escape an oncoming boat.

Dispose fishing line properly. If you enjoy fishing at home or on your vacation, make sure to not discard fishing lines in the water, and pick up a fishing line if you see it. Recycling bins are now located on every fishing bridge, beach and marina in the Florida Keys. Instead of tossing your fishing line in the garbage, hold onto it and place it in a recycling bin instead.

Due to social distancing restrictions, The Turtle Hospital is allowing only up to 20 people at a time, so make sure to make a reservation ahead of time. Masks or face coverings are required, and guests are asked to stay 6 feet apart from each other.

7 trips that put families in close contact with local wildlife