Get a Jolt from These Javacations
Did you know International Pole Dancing Day is this Thursday? It was mentioned in our Crunch gym class, and we planned to support the art by recommending a few hotspots, but figured some of you readers might get the wrong idea about how we spend our time. Instead, get a different kind of buzz at one of these coffee growing destinations.
Kona, Hawaii flights | hotels | cars
With over 600 specialty coffee farms, Kona Hawaii has a long and delicious history in coffee. Start in Kailua and travel south to Honaunau to check out Kona Blue Sky Coffee Company, Ferrari Coffee Visitor Center, or Kona Le’a Plantation for a tour. Finish off your visit with a stop at the gift shops to pick up some coffee after enjoying a few free samples. If you secretly fancy yourself a coffee genius yet to be discovered, visit UCC’s (Ueshima Coffee Company) Espresso Bar and Roastery where you can roast your very own coffee and give it your own label, start your list of clever names now. Immerse yourself further in Hawaiian coffee by visiting the Kona Coffee Living History Farm where you can experience the lifestyle of island coffee farming on an exclusive tour.
Nairobi, Kenya flights | hotels | cars
Ever wonder why Kenya’s animals are so damn fast? Maybe the leopards are partaking in some of the world’s best coffee which comes from the countryside of Kenya. Take a tour of through Munene, Koorali, and Nyakinyua coffee plantations and maybe you’ll see Kenya’s cats relaxing by a watering hole filled with coffee. Good thing there’s so much caffeine around because your Kenya safari will start before the sun rises. After you’ve ohhed and ahhed over the “The Big 5″ (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Buffalos and Rhinos), you’ll want to explore the city of Nairobi where you can hunt for bargains at the Blue Market or gather historical tidbits at the Kenya National Museum or better yet, duck into the city’s many affordable restaurants for delicious food that’s been hunted and gathered for you.
San Jose, Costa Rica flights | hotels | cars
Are you a coffee snob and an environmentalist? Then a trip to explore Costa Rica’s shade grown coffee is for you. Take a tour of the world-renowned agricultural research center, CATIE where you’ll learn all about shade-grown techniques for growing coffee beans and other products. Taste the difference a little environmental responsibility makes by sampling some coffee along with fresh cocoa, bananas, macadamia, mango, avocado and sugarcane. But one coffee tour really isn’t enough. You need to see the Cafe Britt Coffee Tour as well. Get a well-rounded education on what shade grown is all about and stop off at the gift shop for samples and souvenirs. When you’ve got a vein full of caffeine, check out Arenal Volcano for a little natural wonder, La Paz Waterfall Gardens for some much needed relaxation and Nosara Beach for a quick dip.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil flights | hotels | cars
Is it just us, or do coffee beans really know where to grow? Whether it’s a room with a view or the year-around sunshine, these beans know how to live. Next stop: Brazil. Brazilian coffee will transcend you, so bring your walking shoes and a willing spirit. Stop off at the bustling Cafe Gaucho for true caffeine high. For a little more ambiences, try Confeitaria Colombo or the terrace at Largo das Letras. You’ve also got Cafe Rubro, Largo das Letras, and of course the Ipanema original Armazem do Cafe. Take your coffee to go and stroll down Ipanema Beach to take in the stunning oceanside and seaside shops. Now that you’re sufficiently wired, walk it off with a hike through Tijuca National Park or dance it off at club Rio Scenarium. But coffee isn’t just a drink, people; it’s a work of art. So soak some at the National Fine Arts Museum before going back out to find another cup of Brazilian Jose.
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Another cup please,
Steve and Paul, Kayak.com founders