Canadian World Traveller Spring 2023 Issue

I would venture that Aruba is now the
vegan gourmet capital of the Caribbean!
But another new trend I found on this trip
was the emergence of so many chef’s
tables. Joining well-established places like
Infini, Carte Blanche, The Kitchen Table, 2
Fools & a Bull and Papillon’s Secret Garden
experience are Aruba Royale (previously
known as Fred), Ever (spawned by popular
Peruvian restaurant Lima), Koal in a beautifully
restored heritage building downtown,
and The Journey by Amuse in the old windmill
area. And Senses, previously on Eagle
Beach, has relocated to Radisson Blu in
Palm Beach and sports a hybrid concepthalf
the space is a la carte and the chef’s
table is ensconced in the other half. Very
cool.
Revisiting French St. Martin for foodies
It’s been a while since I was in French St.
Martin, but historically, it has always been
known as the culinary capital of the
Caribbean, mostly due to the dual offerings
of their Grand Case region- lip-smacking
slow smoked ribs from their “lolos” outdoor
BBQ grills (lolo means locally owned and
locally operated) and for their classic and
legendary French cuisine emporiums like Le
Pressoir. But this trip I was a guest of the
Festival de la Gastronomie de Saint-Martin
that features cooking workshops, tastings, a
culinary village, restaurant and bar competitions,
and chefs from all over the world
invited to judge the best dishes based on a
theme. This year the theme was plantains,
and who knew you could be so creative with
that bland fruit? My favorite incarnations
were plantain cheesecake, ceviche, and
even a plantain liqueur! And the pop-up
gourmet village was based in Marigot
where I was also delighted to discover a
brand new lolo row along that waterfront.
Over a dozen shipping containers turned
eateries showcase local food, and the aromas,
music, and energy give the downtown
region an eternal carnival vibe. Though the
container row is not meant to be permanent,
I hope they keep it as it certainly
attracts foodie visitors. For info on this
year’s festival,
visit:
https://festival-st-martin.com/en/home/
New Embassy Suites
by Hilton Aruba Resort now open
Though I’ve not stayed here yet, I did take
a tour of the massive property to get a feel
for the vibe. The best way to describe the
soaring atrium entrance is ethereal, and
the dining spots on either end seamlessly
blend into the grand lobby space. The
rooms are bright, fresh, and no-nonsense
modern, most of them are ocean front with
incredible views. The water circuit is
arguably the largest on the island, and
access to the beach is via a tunnel under
the road. A large stand-alone modern casino
is also slated to be on site soon.
Visit:
www.hilton.com/en/hotels/auajmesembassy-suites-aruba-resort/
New at
Divi Little Bay Beach Resort St. Maarten
I never set foot on the Dutch side of St.
Maarten without dropping in for at least a
night stay at my favourite resort there, I am
a big fan of Divi resorts throughout the
Caribbean. This one recently added a new
level of all-inclusive to its offerings called
Ocean, and I was delighted to stay a night
in the new wing. I love the adult-only areas
and the new rooftop bar as part of their
perks, and the fact that all the modern,
couple-oriented rooms are oceanfront with
stunning views. The older wings are more
conducive to families as they have multiroom
suites and all you need for self
catered stays. And I also never miss a
chance to spoil myself with a signature
massage at their stand-alone spa
Indulgence by the Sea. Heaven. I also find
snorkeling off their house pier an indulgence
well worth taking time to enjoy.
Visit:
www.diviresorts.com/divi-little-bay-beachresort.htm
Stunning new stays on
Frenchman’s Reef St. Thomas USVI
Slated to open late spring 2023, the allnew
Frenchman’s Reef dual concept will
feature not one, but two distinctive yet interconnected
stays along brilliant Morningstar
Beach. After a $425M rebuild, Westin
Beach Resort & Spa will offer guests a
brand-spanking new 392-room full facility
resort and it will be joined by a charming
new 92-room boutique property The
Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, an
Autograph Collection Hotel. Guests at the
Buoy Haus will also have access to amenities
at the Westin, and both will have access
to their private catamaran the Flying
Frenchman.
Visit:
https://frenchmansreefstthomas.com/
(Special Note: Main photo courtesy of
local Aruban photographer Hyro Oduber.
Visit: www.letsgowithhyro.com.)
Award-winning travel journalist
Sue Campbell is based
in Montreal but makes it her
business to be on top of
everything cool, hot, and new
under the sun throughout the
Caribbean and Latin
America.
World Traveler welcomes her as a regular columnist.
Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @suectravel
World Traveler Spring 2023