Whether traveling alone, with family, or on a girls' trip, I always look for places to have coffee, buy coffee, and visit coffee growers. I would love to share some of those places with you all. Happy coffee-drinking, travels, and wines!😊
Travel Adventures in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of my favorite countries for coffee. It all started on my first trip in 2009. The country and the coffee were love at first sight. I've been there several times, and most of my close family members have visited with me. The people are warm and ready to share their history with pride. Anywhere you go, a cafecito is always ready to be served.
The Tabacon and The Springs in Arenal are great resorts with delicious coffee. The Tabacon is an all-time favorite with great service and beautiful grounds. The Springs is in a class of its own! The resort is beyond amazing, and the rooms are a dream. Great service, food, and ambiance. Another great resort is the Villa Sol in Guanacaste. We had a girl’s trip at Villa Sol. This hotel is on a hill with a beautiful beach. The restaurant has a spectacular view of the sea. We rented a two-bedroom villa with a full kitchen, dining area, and a deck.
Diria coffee farm in Guanacaste is a must-do on your list. We were fortunate to be the only ones visiting the farm. It was like having a private lesson on coffee, from seed to roasting and tasting. Click on the link above to get the whole tour! After the tour and the training, you will take a quick quiz and receive a certificate!
England, London
I love London. In London, we stayed at the Baglioni Hotel. It's across from the beautiful Hyde Park and has many restaurants, museums, and shops. The hotel is pure elegance, and the service is superb. Their breakfast is an array of delightful Italian treats from cheeses, pastries, and great coffee.
By the way, take advantage of the London tea experience!
We came across this gem while strolling the streets of London. The Cote Bistro is nestled in a small street with a pretty facade. We had a delicious Cafe au lait, a croque (yummy creamy melted cheese), and French toast.
Pix Pintxos in London Soho is one of the best places for Tapas and unusual-looking drinks LOL
France, Paris
Paris is one of my favorite cities to visit. The season doesn’t matter; it is always magical.
I never need a reason to go to Paris. Everything just flows, LOL. Here are a few cafes to take a coffee or two. However, finding great coffee shops anywhere in Paris is relatively easy.
Café Du Marche is a great place to sit, have a coffee and people-watch. It is a street with great markets (fruits, meats, seafood, teas, and chocolates). They have great coffee and breakfast.
Leclavi has a great breakfast menu, and the coffee is delicious. If you are on the go, order the "petit" breakfast, including a café au latte and baguette with cranberry and orange juice.
The Buddha Bar is a restaurant experience you can't miss! This restaurant is massive in size, and at the center of it is an enormous statue of a Buddha. The restaurant decor is elaborate and elegant. And the food and wine selection are excellent!
France, Montpellier
This beautiful city in the south of France is breath-taking. Go for the great wines!
The Languedoc region in southern France is unique and known for its excellent wines. I highly recommend visiting Cote Paul Mas winery, and don't leave without tasting the Cote Mas Brut - It is delicious!
Best Solo Trip Ever!
I visited Portugal and fell instantly in love with Porto. I stayed at the Vila Foz Hotel & Spa in Porto, located across the street from the ocean. Their attention to detail was superb, and the views from my room were spectacular. The food at Vila Foz was indescribably delicious, and their Michelin-starred restaurant was the best culinary experience I’ve ever had. I felt like Queen Latifah in the movie "The Last Holiday."
The Flor De Lis Restaurant at Vila Foz has amazing food from breakfast to dinner; you will be delighted with its menu selections.
Now to the coffee at Flor De Lis – it was undesirably delicious. When I asked for cream, a fresh batch of whipped cream was made just for me. One of the best cups of coffee I’ve ever had. The freshly baked croissants with their mouth-watering honey that you scrap with a knife from the honeycomb are to die for. It’s heavenly! They offer Moet with the buffet breakfast. This hotel is elegant and comfortable, and I felt very safe traveling alone. I forgot to mention that they have a great spa!
Bar Homem Do Leme and Praia da Luz are other great restaurants with spectacular water views and delicious coffee. I sat at these restaurants for hours with my coffee and journal, staring at the water crashing against huge bolder rocks – what a beautiful meditation sound to my ears. This is what I call free therapy. LOL
BASE Cafeteria is not just a coffee shop. It’s a classy outdoor restaurant nestled in the middle of a small park. It’s a gorgeous setting. It's a great place to kick back and have a coffee, beer, or a drink. The place has a fantastic atmosphere and vibe. I felt safe hanging out alone, enjoying my coffee, and reading a cookbook I picked up at Livraria Lello. It is a beautiful and famous bookstore with an old-world charm and a Harry Potter vibe. I recommend picking up the tickets online to avoid the long line. It’s located within a few minutes from BASE.
Douro Wine Country
Wine country in Portugal is unique and beautiful.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is my go-to place to unwind and relax! But there is always lots to do and see. I feel safe traveling solo.
Fajardo
One of my favorite resorts is El Conquistador in Fajardo. It’s about one hour drive from the airport. This majestic hotel with views of the ocean is breathtaking. I can’t get enough. I highly recommend staying for at least three days if you plan to explore the island on the East side. You can explore Palomino Island, Luquillo Beach and Vieques.
Sorry, I also get so carried away – and now about the coffee, LOL. El Conquistador has a coffee shop, El Cafecito, serving Alto Grande Café de Puerto Rico.
San Lorenzo
The Hacienda Muñoz is less than one hour from the Luis Munoz Marin Airport. It was our first stop after landing in Puerto Rico during one of my most recent trips. It’s about an hour from the airport in Isla Verde. Hacienda Muñoz has a great coffee shop and a beautiful restaurant with a view of the farm. Hacienda Munoz has excellent service, food, and delicious coffee. It’s a must-visit if you are in Puerto Rico! And, of course, I couldn’t leave without picking up some of their delicious coffee. I recommend the Dark Special and, my very favorite, the East Harvest Yellow Honey. The aroma and sweet taste of the East Harvest transports me to the farm every time. It’s delicious. I love it black!
San Juan, Condado
There are so many coffee shops in the Condado area to explore and enjoy a good cup of coffee grown in Puerto Rico. But the Barista Squared Café stood out for the service, vibe, and great coffee.
Spain
St Sebastian in Spain is a beautiful city, with views of the sea from almost any angle. It's also known for its extraordinary cuisine. It was the place where I first tasted oysters and immediately fell in love. The Narru Restaurant is lovely for a delicious café con leche and breakfast. And I must add that dinner was amazingly delicious! Great food!
Riojas
Enjoy the coffee, but go for the wine!
We would love to hear from you! Share your favorite coffees and coffee shops with us! Happy coffee and travels. #Women-4-Coffee, #womensolotravel, #womencoffeetravel