Beautiful Blanchisseuse
Trinidad

White sand, blue surf and golden rum punch...

Have you ever dreamt about sipping a cool tropical drink while relaxing on a warm, white sand beachs?

Blanchisseuse is such a beach, and there are few more tropical drinks than Trinidad Rum Punch, a blend of Caribbean limejuice, cane sugar, bitters and, that most Caribbean of alcoholic beverages, good old, pirates of the Spanish Main inspired, rum. It's my guess that even one of Trinidad's
first British tourists, Sir Walter Raleigh, must have enjoyed a mug of rum when he visited back in the late 1500s.

 Planning & Preparation 

The plan was to visit Blanchisseuse Beach for the day and try out a new rum punch recipe. Our adventure began the evening before, when we gathered to blend and bottle our XXX-rated concoction, in preparation for our expedition. Mysteriously, a bottle or two were lost somewhere in the bottling process. But then, we all know, don't we, that tasting is the prerogative of master blenders, great chefs and amateur baristas.

 Far from the Crowds 

The next morning we set off late. No need for our usual stop to pick-up grog. The cooler was already fully stocked with ice and our special golden blend.

What makes Blanchisseuse ideal, other than its blue waters and great waves, is that it is a relatively secluded beach that can be difficult to find. Blanchisseuse is far from those, often maddening, weekend crowds - approximately a 1½ hour drive from Port-of-Spain and about an hours drive beyond that popular favorite, Maracas Beach.

The first thing on everyone's mind when we arrive is a little exploration.

When the tide is low, shallow pools at the base of the rocky outcrops at either end of the beach, provide an assortment of treasures for budding naturalists to explore. At such times, you'll find the beach is perfect for Boogie boarding and other beach sports.

 Surf & Sunbathe 

When the tide is high, Blanchisseuse is great for body surfing, the shallow sea drawing the waves up the beach.

On stormy days, you may be joined by groups of surfers looking to hitch a ride on the big ones. But, if you do meet anyone else at Blanchisseuse, it will usually be a family seeking a bit of solitude.

Whether it's climbing coconut trees, opening dry coconuts and eating their creamy flesh, visiting friends at a local villa, surfing, swimming, suntanning or football (soccer) and beach cricket, or you are here for that weekend staying at a charming vacation rental, there's always a lot to do. However, we enjoy our visits best when we have a...

 Rum Punch Party 

After sampling the salt, a healthy bit of exercise and a bite of lunch, it's time for the first official taste of our new rum-punch recipe. We share the golden brew around, and like the first sip of a new wine, everyone egger to give their opinion...

The verdict? It's mellow, it's smooth, it's a perfect blend for the beach. It's official then, our new mix is christened, "Blanchisseuse Rum Punch". Turn up the music - soca preferably - and let the party begin. Several hours, and as many bottles of rum punch later, it's time to be on our way, homeward bound, in the care of our designated driver.

 You' be Glad You Found it Because... 

Those who visit, make it a point to return, and those who return, make it a habit... We have incredible memories of Blanchisseuse; including, some my husband shared from his very early childhood.

It's an almost magical Trinidad beach; because each time we visit it's a little different. We're told that it has something to do with the time of year, the phases of the moon and the prevailing currents. The only ones who know exactly what to expect are the salty local fishermen. It's a gift, both their incredible knowledge of the sea, and beautiful Blanchisseuse Beach in Trinidad and Tobago.