When you work in travel you expect to see stunning destinations every day – island escapes or fascinating architecture. But lately I have noticed my tastebuds watering more often than they should.
Chocolate – once known only as a treat with a couple of rows after dinner for those with a sweet tooth, has now become the theme for holidays & more:
Chocolate Pudding at Tides Resort Riviera Maya
- Chocolate Destinations – We have seen lots of chocolate shop visits & tasting tours, especially in the traditional homes of chocolate – Belgium & Switzerland. But now, South America is showing its heritage for chocolate with Venezuela and Colombia – home to cocoa beans, establishing tours where you can see the entire refining process, from harvesting the beans through to production of the end product.
- Chocolate Spa Treatments – Forget a massage with oil, many of the world’s top spas now feature treatments with chocolate at the core, as the antioxidants & cocoa butter do wonders for the skin. One such experience, the Chocolate Massage is offered at The Tides Resort & Spa in Mexico, where you can experience a massage & chocolate masque. I think I would struggle not to just eat the masque with a spoon!
Chocolate Massage at Tides Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya
- & finally – for over-indulgence, there are now complete chocolate hotels. In February 2011, the brand new Hotel Chocolat opened its doors in Saint Lucia and is one such example of a chocoholics dream come true. Set on a cocoa estate, guests can follow the entire chocolate experience as much or as little as they want whilst relaxing in this paradise. Guests can take part in the cocoa harvest, view the cocoa plantation to enjoying classes in chocolate making, savoury chocolate recipes and chocolate cocktails. This is one holiday resort that will get your taste buds tingling.
Hotel Chocolat's Cocoa Plantation in Saint Lucia