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Chocolate Fancies COCOA NUTS EASTER PROVIDES THE PERFECT EXCUSE TO INDULGE IN SOME CHOCOLATE TREATS, NOT THAT DIE-HARD CHOCOLATE FANS NEED AN EXCUSE… IT TASTES DELICIOUS, it provides a quick source of energy and it’s good for you (when it’s made with 70% or more cocoa solids). There is nothing better than treating yourself to a piece of [...]
Chocolate Fancies
COCOA NUTS
EASTER PROVIDES THE PERFECT EXCUSE TO INDULGE IN SOME CHOCOLATE TREATS, NOT THAT DIE-HARD CHOCOLATE FANS NEED AN EXCUSE…
IT TASTES DELICIOUS, it provides a quick source of energy and it’s good for you (when it’s made with 70% or more cocoa solids). There is nothing better than treating yourself to a piece of chocolate. For those who celebrate Easter, now is the time to be bamboozled by the amount of the stuff on shop shelves, as Easter eggs account for around 8% of all chocolate sales today. However, chocolate comes in many guises and voyager has undertaken the difficult task of finding the latest and best ways to indulge your decadent desires.
MOLTEN DELIGHT
You no longer need Willy Wonka’s golden ticket to experience a flowing sea of chocolate, as the fondue fountain will make all your sweet dreams come true. The four-tiered structure melts and oozes milk, dark or white chocolate for you to devour. Chocolade Fontein (www.chocoladefontein.com) offers those with a sweet tooth the best Belgian chocolate, straight from the factory, and will either rent or sell the fountain to you, depending on whether you want it for a party or for life.
SWEET SOURCE
Cadbury took its first steps to sweet success when its founder, John Cadbury, a Quaker, experimented with making a cocoa drink as an alternative to alcohol. Learn more about your favourite treat at Cadbury World (www.cadburyworld.co.uk), Birmingham, just 45 minutes from Manchester. From the history of chocolate to cooking demonstrations to the biggest Cadbury shop in the world, this is a choccie-lover’s paradise. Don’t overindulge though, as Cadbury will be relying on you to eat some of the 300 million creme eggs they make each year.
TASTE OF LUXURY
For the ultimate in luxury chocolates, look no further than Rococo Chocolates in London (www.rococochocolates.com). Owner and chocolate connoisseur, Chantal Coady, believes that “chocolate is like a really big hug”. She insists on using only the best organic products for a true taste sensation. From hand-made rose truffles and hot chocolate to sea salt bars, there’s something to cater for all tastes. Beautifully made and packaged, these delicacies are the ultimate treat for those who are cocoa-loco.
Concierge’s Corner
Antigua
URSULINE ANDREW, CONCIERGE AT JUMBY BAY RESORT, HAS SOME TOP TIPS FOR VISITORS TO THIS IDYLLIC ISLAND PARADISE
FIRST TIMER? If you can tear yourself away from the beach, Antigua has a fascinating and rich history. Nelson’s Dockyard, south of the island, has been restored to its Georgian glory and is a modern base for sailors. The sweet-toothed should explore Betty’s Hope, the first 
sugar cane factory, near St John’s. The island’s cathedral, in the capital, was built to withstand hurricanes and earthquakes. You can’t miss it – the imposing towers dominate the skyline.
BEEN BEFORE? Take a boat trip to the undeveloped paradise of Barbuda (www.antiguaferris.com) and wander along the endless sands. Snorkel in the beautiful clear waters off Bird Island (www.adventureantigua.com) and then explore the land for the world’s second-rarest snake, the Antiguan racer.
POWER LUNCH The freshest seafood can be found in Russell’s Bar & Seafood Restaurant (+1 268 728 1998) in Fort James, overlooking the harbour. Make sure you try the conch fritters. For a taste of France, the Tamarind Restaurant in Brown’s Bay (+1 268 460 4174) is a sublime place that offers French specialities with a Caribbean twist.
TAKE A DATE The whole island is very romantic, but you could try Coconut Grove in Dickenson Bay (+1 268 462 1538/2162), which serves dinner by candlelight, just a stone’s throw from the beach.
TOP TIPPLE Jumby Jamboree, available in the resort’s Estate House Bar, is a mix of banana, coconut milk and Bailey’s Irish Cream and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
TAKE HOME You can’t leave without buying a bottle of Antigua’s favourite tipple, English Harbour Rum (www.antiguadistillery.com). Take the colours of the Caribbean home with you by investing in some of the island’s famous artwork. Priscilla Looby’s rich paintings are available at the Real Local Art Gallery, Falmouth (+1 268 562 5159).
URSULINE ANDREW is one of the concierges at Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, which is set on a 300-acre private island, just two miles from Antigua.
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, PO Box 243, St John’s, Antigua, West Indies; + 1 268 462 6000; www.jumbybayresort.com
