At night you can head out to “town” and start your evening with dinner at The Turned Turtle, known for its fresh seafood and Caribbean flavors. Afterward, head to Tranquilo Cafe, an open-air bar where the sounds of reggae music mixes with the hum of crashing waves. The walls feature vibrant murals by traveling artists, and a chalkboard menu lists fresh seafood and local produce specials. On trivia nights, groups huddle under the soft glow of string lights, debating answers and enjoying a range of tropical cocktails—piña coladas with a twist of fresh island pineapple, mojitos muddled with handpicked mint, and the house special, a rum punch that packs a flavorful wallop.
While venturing out was fun, I spent most of my evenings eating at Yemaya’s seafood restaurant. Open to hotel guests as well as visitors, the rotating menu merges local flavors with fresh ingredients. Think plates of fresh lobsters accompanied by a side of just-picked greens that still carry the scent of the garden, ceviche so fresh it feels like the ocean is dancing on your tongue, and creamy coconut-infused curries providing the comfort food you didn’t know you were missing on your tropical vacation. Dishes throughout the menu reflect the rich culinary heritage of the local Afro-Nicaraguan population.
Yemaya Reefs continues to celebrate the island’s local heritage with weekly performances by Garifuna dancers and musicians during a bonfire beach dinner. The Garifuna people, descendants of West African, Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak peoples, have a cultural legacy that is deeply intertwined with rhythmic music and dance. The dancers pound their feet into the sand in sync with the hypnotic beat of drums, maracas, and melodious singing.
After a week of savoring the freshest seafood, basking in the endless ocean views, and soaking up the island’s rich culture, I felt transformed. The return journey—three flights and a boat ride—no longer seemed daunting. Instead, with a renewed sense of peace and relaxation, it felt like a gentle transition back to reality, a reminder of the paradise I’d reluctantly left behind.
Jennifer Simonson is a travel writer by trade and a lover of the world’s food, cultures, drinks and outdoor spaces by nature. Follow her on Instagram @storiestoldwell.
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Publish date : 2024-07-29 06:54:00
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