chocolate travel explained
I’m celebrating the fact that people are finally catching on to the idea that chocolate travel doesn’t mean just going places to eat chocolate. There is a whole world of chocolate attractions, festivals, resorts, spas, cacao farm tours, and fascinating chocolate people to discover, making chocolate destinations my very favourite places in the world. This post highlights a few of my favourites.
Chocolatouring (or chocolate travel) takes you to amazing places like Hacienda SPAGnVOLA in the Dominican Republic.
chocolate travel emerges as the new niche
The emerging niche of authentic chocolate travel truly evokes a sense of place to our chocolate-focused journeys. We learn about the places we visit, the people we meet, and we embrace a sense of discovery that chocolate isn’t just candy. It is indeed the food of the gods as the Mayans believed in their intriguing culture–where cocoa beans were valued to the point that they were traded as currency.
In this post, you’ll find chocolate travel and cocoa culture explained. You’ll be able to gain insight into some of the things you can expect to see and do on a customized chocolate tour. And hopefully, it will encourage you to join me on a small group chocolate tour in the future, or to head out on one of your own.
We enjoyed the Mayan ceremony at the CHOCO-story museum in Uxmal, Mexico, that paid tribute to cacao and its importance to Mayan culture.
chocolate travel explained
What does chocolate travel encompass? Some people call it chocolate tourism. I like to call it Chocolatourism, as I hope you will embrace your chocolate travel journeys more as cocoa culture immersion with an emphasis on sustainability, as opposed to simply travelling around eating chocolate.
Chocolate travel means visiting chocolate attractions, museums, and events in places where the local culture shines through, and where that local culture includes chocolate. Cocoa culture goes far beyond the chocolate-gorging events some people call a”Chocoholics’ Buffet” or the simple dine-around events where local restaurants feature something chocolate on the menu. A truly authentic chocolate event or attraction gives you experiential opportunities to gain a greater understanding of the world of chocolate, and gives you a greater understanding on how chocolate or cacao has affected the local culture and economy. Excellent examples of this are the CHOCO-story museum in Uxmal, Mexico, the MUCHO Chocolate Museum in Mexico City, and the chocolate museums in Brussels and Barcelona. Each of these are excellent facilities of particular interest to history or anthropology enthusiasts, where you will truly learn about how cacao or chocolate have impacted the local culture and economy.
The Mucho Chocolate Museum in Mexico City has some excellent displays explaining the connection between the Mayan culture and cacao. It helps you understand cacao culture, and makes it clear why Mexico should be a favourite of chocolate lovers around the world.
Authentic chocolate travel also gives you the opportunity to meet the people who are making the chocolate and/or growing the cacao if you are visiting a region 20 degrees north or south of the equator, where cacao is generally grown. Some of the most passionate and creative people I have met have been chocolate makers and chocolatiers. You may choose to attend a chocolate class or workshop with a chocolatier in a place far away from where cocoa is grown, where you will work with couverture that has been pre-packaged and is ready to be made into customized chocolate creations.
Attending a truffle making class in an exotic locale can be a delicious and fun experience. Pictured above is Caramell Boutique in Guadalajara, Mexico.
You may learn how to make chocolate from a chocolate maker who works directly with the cocoa beans. You may have the opportunity to make your own chocolate. We did this in St. Lucia, where we ground the cocoa beans with a mortar and pestle until they transformed into chocolate liquor which we poured into moulds and waited for it to harden. Each of these experiences can be equally enticing and will be of particular interest to foodies.
The cocoa cuisine at the Belmont Estate in Grenada, West Indies, offered an amazing meal of sweet and savoury options. The Belmont Estate really offers a fabulous chocolate travel experience that takes you through the various components of cocoa culture, including learning how the locals “danced the cocoa” to crush and de-husk the roasted cocoa beans with their feet as we see in the photos below.
Also of appeal to food enthusiasts–and one of my favourite components of chocolate travel is the opportunity to indulge in cocoa cuisine–where every component of the meal uses cocoa (processed cacao) in it. You will be amazed at the savoury side of chocolate, and how it can enrich so many of the traditional dishes we enjoy, and also be used to create new culinary sensations like chocolate ravioli.
Exotic chocolate travel experiences may give you the opportunity to participate in the cocoa harvest. We did this in Peru, where cocoa farmers were happy to show us how they harvested, fermented, and dried the cocoa beans that were later shipped to distribution points that would get them into the hands of chocolate makers. Anyone with an interest in the importance of sustainability to farming or agriculture would really find a tour like this enlightening.
It’s really interesting touring a cacao farm and seeking the cocoa pods ripening on the tree. The above is a photo taken in Hawaii, where they grow some of the finest cocoa in the world. Just one of the reasons why Hawaii remains one of my favourite destinations.
You may also have the opportunity to learn about chocolate-inspired art. This is perfect for the art lover who also loves chocolate. The Grenada Chocolate Festival incorporated a chocolate-inspired art show into its schedule and it was marvellous. We had the privilege of meeting several of the artists and hearing their inspiration of how the world of chocolate and cacao has enriched their creativity. We arranged a chocolate-inspired art show here in Manitoba, Canada, where I live to coincide with Valentine’s Day and it was really cool!
You’ll be amazed at the chocolate sculptures and chocolate-inspired haute couture you will see at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris. Yes, those are real chocolates adorning those dresses!
Chocolate-focused travel may also give you the opportunity to visit chocolate spas and resorts for decadent chocolate-based spa treatments. I’ve experienced chocolate spa treatments in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and Switzerland. It is one of the most euphoric things you can do. Having your body slathered in warm, molten chocolate allows your body to absorb the chocolate and release the endorphins much as a happy drug would do. It is also a great detoxifier. Visiting a resort or destination spa with a spa menu that includes treatments using cocoa or chocolate-based products may be something that would appeal to travellers who are looking for wellness experiences with a sensual or luxurious twist.
Being slathered in molten chocolate is just some of the fun you can have on a Chocolatour! I’m pictured above at the Pure Jungle Spa in Costa Rica. Best chocolate spa treatment I’ve had to date, and one of the reasons I love Cost Rica so much.
These are all components of chocolate travel and what types of travellers might enjoy them. I think we’ve covered a very large segment of the population! Chocolate can enrich your travel experiences in so many ways.
I hope you have enjoyed this cornerstone post, and that you will join me on a future experiential journey of chocolate discovery that will coat you with pleasure from the inside out, and from the outside in. I guarantee … you will never be the same.
If you’re looking for more chocolate fun facts to increase your chocolate knowledge, I hope you’ll check out this post.
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Thank you for sharing such an informative piece with us Doreen. Honestly, I was under the impression that chocolate travel would imply eating tons of chocolate and visiting different chocolate makers. Glad to know that it involves learning about the culture, the people behind it all, and the different ways in which you can include chocolate in your diet, and so on.
Thanks very much for your comment, Emidio. Yes, chocolate travel is so much more than eating chocolate! I’m leading a small group tour to Costa Rica January 11-19, 2020. If you or someone you know is interested in truly experiencing some cacao culture, I invite you to join us! 🙂
Wow. Very funny pics. I love the chocolate travel. Thanks for posting
Great post, keep up the good work, thanks for sharing.
Such an informative piece about chocolate travel! 🙂
That menu looks amazing…the beetroot and goat cheese on spicy chocolate appetizer, must be delicious!
What a fun niche to have, Doreen. Few people in the world don’t love chocolate. Such a great post. And those chocolate sculptures look almost too good to eat.
Thanks very much, Priya. I’m glad you enjoyed the post explaining the wonders of chocolate travel. 🙂
What a cool niche! I think you’ve definitely chosen one of the most intriguing and delicious fields of travel. I think what’s really great about this is that chocolate is so universal. It’s such an easy topic for breaking the ice and connecting with people.
You’re spot on, Vanessa! No matter where I go during my chocolate travels, just say the word chocolate, and people’s eyes light up. It is the universal language of love. 🙂
I have to admit I haven’t done any chocolate tours or had a tour experience that revolved around chocolate, but I would love to. I’m sure there is so much to learn about chocolate and I’m one of those people that is wired to be a life-long student. I so enjoy reading your posts and appreciate learning about that a divine sweet treat that I’ve loved since I was little.
Thanks for your comment, Lara. I, too, am a lifelong student. I think that’s how and why the world of chocolate has captured me in the way it has. There is SO much to learn about chocolate and cacao as it is something that is coveted and loved the whole world over.
I love the idea of Chocolatourism! We did a cacao farm tour in Costa Rica almost 10 years ago – it was fascinating. I learned so much about cacao, how much it was revered in ancient civilizations, and the chocolate-making process. I’d highly recommend it!
Indeed, Francesca. That’s how I got interested in chocolate and cacao. I took a farm tour in the DR in 2009 and it planted the seed that has now taken over my life! 🙂 Thx for sharing your experience. Costa Rica does indeed have a terrific chocolate culture.
I definitely need to be doing more chocolate travel! 🙂 Love the idea of fully immersing yourself in the culture & vibe of an area through their production of chocolate.
Thanks, Carrie. That’s definitely my focus. 🙂
Doreen, I had no idea that there were so many educational opportunities centered around chocolate. My husband and I visited St. Lucia years ago but I had no idea that they were a leading maker of chocolate. It looks like you’ve just given us a reason to go back!
Happy chocolatouring!
Thx so much for your comment, Sherryl. Yes, I’ve been amazed myself how many facets there can be to chocolate tourism. When I started researching chocolate in 2009, I just thought my focus would be meeting interesting chocolate makers and tasting their chocolate. I now know that, although that is certainly an important component of why people would travel for chocolate, there are many more educational, inspirational, and fun activities associated with chocolate travel.
Wow, what a great compilation of everything chocolate related to your work! Well done my friend! Can’t wait to hear about your next venture.
Thx so much, Mary-Anne! I’m glad you enjoyed reading about all that I do in the world of chocolate. Stay tuned! The adventure definitely continues!
Doreen, whenever I eat chocolate I always think of you and wonder what your opinion would be. It would be so cool to travel with you and learn more about these magical beans. Please keep the stories coming!
Hi Debra and thanks for your comment. It’s great to see you here among all my favourite chocolate lovers. I would love to have you join me on a Chocolatour. I think we could really have some fun!
That’s great news, Doreen. It seemed like such a slog for them in the heat and mud and humidity (sort of how we are feeling in Toronto today) but I guess those conditions are precisely what produces the best beans. Thanks for that experience. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a little adventure with their chocolate.
For me, the highlight of our trip to Peru and Ecuador was staying with the cacao farmers in the northern Pervian jungle where the Shining Path, and their coca business, once reigned supreme. I loved the look on the kids’ faces when they tasted the chocolate made by SOMA using Peruvian beans and, in turn, taking some of their beans back to SOMA. That global connection seemed hopeful for those remote, formerly brutalized communities. I often wonder how they are doing now.
Hi Virginia, and thanks so much for sharing that memory with me (and all). Yes, I often think back to that marvellous journey that Cristina arranged for us. How privileged we were to stay with these farmers and experience their way of life. It makes the entire chocolate journey I’ve been on this past 7 years so much more authentic. I’ve been to several cocoa plantations since that time, but that one was special because it was their home and it was the farmer’s cooperative that showed us how real and personal this whole world of chocolate production can be if you look beyond the wrapper. I did meet the ladies from the farmers’ cooperative when I returned to Peru the following year for the Salon du Chocolate in Lima and it was amazing to see how they had advanced their enterprise and were now packaging and selling their cocoa products on a much larger scale.
Oh my goodness, this is insane! How much chocolate have you had? 😀 I mean, in all forms! Seriously, you’re like my new favorite blogger now. You blog a lot about chocolate!
I do blog a lot about chocolate, Evan. It has become my life! And what’s really cool, is that chocolate travel has enabled me to marry my passion for travel, with my passion for chocolate and the creative people making it. I’m glad you’re enjoying the posts. Please subscribe, so you won’t miss a one! 🙂
Fun post Doreen 🙂 As a true chocoholic, it was fun to learn more about one of my favorite foods. I also enjoyed the great pictures. I envy your adventurous spirit.
Thanks, Cindy!
I had a piece of dark chocolate today and I thought of you! <3 🙂 Love your chocolate adventures!
Thx so much, Agness. Always great to hear from you. I hope you are having some wonderful adventures.
Having traveled with you to England and Hawaii I can honestly say it’s definitely not all about the eating (though that’s certainly a bonus). I learned that chocolate travel is as much about learning the nuances of chocolate, from it’s humble bean beginnings, to the artistry that goes into making fine chocolates. You are educating us all! Thank you.
Thanks so much for your comment, Suzanne, and for joining me on my chocolate travel journeys. It has become such an important part of my life, and each trip is made much more meaningful and enjoyable when I have a good friend along to share each experience (and chocolate!) with. After all, chocolate is definitely intended to be shared. 🙂
Chocolate Spa’s… Yes please! What an awesome experience! Didn’t know that it offers so many health benefits. Reading about your chocolate travels leaves my mouth watering every time!
Thanks so much, Lisa! Then I am achieving my goal. 🙂
Doreen, people always talk about establishing a niche when it comes to travel blogging, and I feel like yours is one of my favourites! ‘Chocolatourism’ is such an interesting concept, and this post definitely gave me further insight into what you do. Such a sweet way to travel 🙂 btw thanks for introducing me to the concept of a chocolate spa… that looks unreal!
Thx so much for your comment, Christina. I’m glad you’re enjoying exploring the world thru chocolate with me. It is indeed a delicious journey. 🙂
I never knew there was such a wide variety of chocolate tourism attractions and activities! Looks like I’ll have to keep an eye out for one next trip. Very interesting and awesome lifestyle!
Thx so much for your comment, Christi. Yes, that’s why I thought I’d better do the post: to let people know the wide variety of options they may have on a chocolate tour. I’m sure you’ll be able to find similar options in just about any destination. Cheers!
I love this post Doreen! It gives such good insight on what chocolate tourism actually is. It’s a totally different side of travel that most people aren’t even aware exists. Culture, delicious new food, passionate people and beautiful places – sounds perfect! But you definitely had me at chocolate spa treatments. I bet that feels like a complete dream (and probably smells delicious too!)
Thx so much for your enthusiastic comment, Erin. Indeed, chocolate travel can excite and satisfy all of our senses. I hope you consider chocolate when planning future travel. Stick with me a and I’ll give you loads of ideas! And yes, once you’ve had a chocolate spa treatment, you’ll never be the same! 🙂
I love the idea of chocolatourism. I was in Salon du Chocolat in Paris and was a fantastic event. And your last photo reminded me of my cocoa spa. Truly refreshing and tempting.
Hi Jessica and thx for your comment. Yes, I think the Salon du Chocolat in Paris is definitely one of the best consumer chocolate shows on the planet! So massive, and so much chocolate!!! Tell me about your “cocoa spa!”
This is incredible! I’ve never heard of chocolate tourism, but it’s definitely something I’ll be looking into now!
Hi Victoria and welcome to the world of chocolate travel! Guaranteed to be one of the tastiest and tasteful trips you’ll ever have. Please stay tuned/subscribe if you are interested, as it would be great to have you along for the ride.
Never been on a chocolate tour though have been in Switzerland a couple of times. Thanks for demystifying Chocolate travel and explaining the intricacies. It sure sounds fascinating and is so varied, right from chocolate tasting, to chocolate spas to chocolate sculptures.
So glad you enjoyed my post and learning more about the various aspects of chocolate travel.
It is so neat you are able to travel and combine it with chocolate. I often wanted to go to Europe and combine it with my love of medieval cultures. thanks for sharing.
Hi William. You would have an amazing time investigating medieval culture in Europe! Find a way to make it happen. I’ve been able to use my travel writing talents to help get me sponsored travel for my chocolate research. Perhaps, if you could get some freelance assignments from publications that are interested in your subject matter, you could find a way to have your own travel subsidized. Good luck!
What a terrific post Doreen! There’s just so many ways to explore the possibilities of chocolate. Those chocolate spa treatments sound just luscious. Cheers – (with chocolate wine) to many more chocolate related adventures.
Thanks so much for your delicious comment and toast, Sue! I hope we get to toast a glass of chocolate port together sometime soon (I prefer the chocolate tawny port to the chocolate wine. Try it!) 🙂
You definitely opened my eyes–and tastebuds–to a whole new world of chocolate, Doreen, and I will be forever grateful.
It was a pleasure to be with you in Miami when you received the award for your book, and then visit a chocolate maker with you. I hope the stars will align (and my budget will allow) for me to join you on a Chocolatour!
That would be SO fantastic, Christine! We are planning for September, 2017 in Switzerland if that works for you. I’ll be forever grateful for you joining me at the book awards in Miami. That was truly a highlight of my book writing career. So far! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying learning about the world of chocolate as much as I enjoy writing about my chocolate travels.
Doreen — I’ve followed your travels around the world to visit the best chocolate makers. You are truly an expert and I’ve learned so much from you about chocolate — which I love!
Thanks so much, Jeannette. I love having you along for the (virtual) ride and always look forward to your feedback. If you are a fan of National Geographic Traveler, I invite you to check out the story I wrote on the Top 10 Chocolate Shops at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/worlds-best-chocolate-shops/. Cheers, and Happy World Chocolate Day!
Very interesting, Doreen. I had no idea there were actually chocolate museums. How cool!
Hi Karen and thanks for your comment. There are indeed Chocolate Museums in many locations around the world. I will have a comprehensive listing in volume II of Chocolatour. Stay tuned!
Wow, I had no idea there was so much opportunity to learn about chocolate in travel! Turns out it’s for more than just it’s sweet sweet deliciousness!
Right on, Kevin! That’s precisely the point I’m trying to get across! Thx very much for stopping by.
Great post. For me it brings to mind why I find your travel posts appealing. Your approach is largely an anthropological one. Rick Bayless takes a similar approach to his recipes. Yes, we can enjoy the end result but such cultural richness goes into every morsel of food we put into our mouths. Learning about the people and locations where food comes from is so enriching to the overall culinary experience. In a way too, I think of Anthony Bourdain. He’s made much more of a name for himself as a travel enthusiast than as a top-notch chef, but at heart he’s an essayist who explores the deep connection between people and food.
Thx so much for your very thoughtful comment, Jeri. I’m glad you enjoy the take I have embraced as I tell the chocolate stories. For me, it’s much more about the journey and what you will find beyond the chocolate case. And am thrilled to be mentioned in the same graph as Anthony Bourdain. Someone else once called me the Rick Steeves of Chocolate Travel and I like to think some of the great traits of both these travellers has rubbed off on me. Happy World Chocolate Day!
As I chocolate lover I find this is a wonderfully unique theme of travel! I haven’t tried chocolate being served in a savoury dish, the chocolate beer BBQ sauce sounded fantastic.
Hi Mar and thx for your comment. You’d be quite surprised at how amazing a traditional flavour like BBQ sauce or chilli can be transformed and enhanced via the addition of cocoa nibs or dark chocolate. Try it!
I have definitely enjoyed the little chocolate touring I have done. Does getting an extra fistful of milk chocolate bars on Swissair count?
HaHa, Carole! Yes, the Swiss really love their chocolate, and take every opportunity to share it with us. You can’t blame them. When it comes to making quality processed chocolate, they are among the best in the world. Thx for stopping by.
It truly is an adventure, this chocolate-touring. Your accompanying photos are always gorgeous; and the things I’ve learned about chocolate culture, processing, and tasting are amazing. Thanks for the tutorial on the world of chocolate travel. I look forward to your next trip.
Thanks, Linda. I’ve certainly appreciated having you along for the journey (virtually) every step of the way!
Doreen, Thanks for this informative article about chocolate travel. It really is a rich and delicious lifestyle and it must be such fun meeting so many different people and seeing so many interesting place on your chocolate adventures! Yum!
Thx so much, Suzanne, for stopping by the blog, and for the support you have given me thru the Working Writers Club. A great group for authors who want to network with other determined authors.
You had me at “chocolate ravioli”! Really interesting post and a whole new reason to go travelling!
Thx so much, Cheryl! I’m really hoping that my love for and knowledge of the world of chocolate will indeed give chocolate lovers a ‘whole new reason to go travelling!” Thx for stopping by, and thx for your support right from the launch of my crowdfunding campaign in March, 2013, to featuring me (and Jimmy!) on your fabulous site much more recently. 🙂
My pleasure! 🙂
I was Doreen’s *original* research companion and interpreter on Chocolatour number 1 – to Belgium, France and Switzerland in 2009. When I refer to my “chocolate research trip,” people often laugh. Of course we had fun, but I can tell you it really was a working trip. Every day we interviewed chocolatiers, tasted their products, and took copious notes, laying down the bases so that current and future chocolate travelers can just have fun!
Kathe, I so appreciate the companionship and guidance that you gave me as we embarked on that maiden voyage of chocolate exploration! You were the creative force who came up with the name Chocolatour which we have all come to know and love. And I am pleased to say that I will be revisiting Switzerland in Sept (wish you could come as it will be during the time of your birthday!) to investigate the best places to take a small group Swiss Chocolatour next Sept. Really looking forward to that!
Love the menu! You look sweet after being slathered in chocolate, mmmm but you are naturally sweet normally, this must make you sweeter. Keep the chocolatastic adventures flowing!
Thx so much for your delicious comment, Jenn! Nice to see you on the blog. Glad you’re enjoying my chocolate adventures. They really DO put a smile on my face. 🙂
That menu looks amazing-crispy pan fried fish with chocolate, beer barbecue sauce-Heck yea!I’ve learned so much about chocolate from each one of your posts. I’m so glad to see it getting the attention it deserves!
Hi Alison: Great to hear from you! Thx so much for your words of support. It’s been quite the journey, but I have a long way to go!
I remember the first time I saw A chocolate pod on my travels! It was quite amazing. I guess I had never really thought about how we get all that enjoyment.
Me, too, Carolyn! It was on my first trip to the Dominican Republic in 2009. We took one of those excursions where they take you to a number of rural properties. Seeing that cocoa pod cut open and the cocoa beans in that white goop must have planted the seed that made me want to investigate the world of chocolate and cacao. And what a journey it has been! Thx for stopping by.
Doreen, you and I just went in different directions. I travel to write just about everything. I have visited almost 90 countries though and 49 of the 50 states. And though I love chocolate, HighC you have made it practically your life’s work to share chocolate with others. I will come your generosity!
Who knew that there are so many neat ways to experience chocolate around the world? Very informative post, and I wish you the best on your new book. I am one of the few people who absolutely do not like to eat chocolate, but I still find your travels and chocolate experiences fascinating.
Thx so much for your comment, Melissa, and for stopping by my site. I’m always amazed when I encounter people who don’t like chocolate! Have you tried various types? I’m not too fond of most milk chocolate that is commercially processed, but the one that is made by artisan chocolate makers is far superior. As well, cheap dark chocolate can be bitter. But dark chocolate produced by artisans is spectacular. If you are interested in finding a chocolate that you may like, let me know what flavour nuances you do or don’t like and I can make some specific recommendations.
Food is so closely intertwined with culture. Your posts do a great job of showing that!
Thanks, Irene!
I’d not heard of chocolate travel before. I’m not a great chocoholic but I must say that menu looks intriguing!
Hi Karen and thank you for your comment. Chocolatour and chocolate travel is definitely not about being about a chocolaholic! I would not call myself a chocolaholic in any way. I throw out or bypass cheap chocolate. I will only eat a square of excellent chocolate, or one piece of a great confection (except for the occasional binge when someone sends me amazing chocolate turtle creations as that’s something AI can’t resist.) What chocolate travel entails is enriching one’s life through chocolate experiences. And yes, the cocoa cuisine at Belmont Estate is one such example.
I’ve just had a chocolate spa treatment on a cruise ship…a chocolate wrap which let my skin beautifully soft. I didn’t realise the restorative power of chocolate. With so much today involving chocolate, you are going to be very busy!
Thx for your comment, Jenny, and welcome to my site! Yes, there are endless opportunities when it comes to chocolate. I could be travelling endlessly if I was free to do so and had the financial resources to do so. Hopefully, the growing community here will help me get the word out and reach the right potential partners needed to help Chocolatour grow to greater heights.
Hi Doreen, so glad you explained chocolatourism for those that think you just travel around and eat chocolate all over. While that does sound likea n job, you do so much more. You have really given us an education in all things chocolate as we travel around the world with you via your blog. I have learned a lot. 🙂
Thank you so much for that endorsement, Susan. It means a lot to me. I felt it was important to emphasize the wide range of things I focus on in Chocolatour. Chocolate appreciation is certainly a key component of chocolate travel, but so are sustainability, education, culture, and heritage. Thx for being with me thru it all.
You picked such a cool focus! I always enjoy reading your posts and I appreciated learning more about your writing specialty!
Thanks, Marilyn. I’m thrilled to say I love what I do, and I’m glad it shows. thx for stopping by.
Great post! I love how this was more than just “a place to gorge on chocolate”. I really enjoy experiences where you learn more about the culture and appreciate knowing the different places where I could learn about chocolate! I’ve done the one in Brussels and really enjoyed it, but the experience you had in St. Lucia is definitely one I would try when I go to St. Lucia (one day!).
Hi Jan and thanks for your comment. Yes, St. Lucia really offers a top notch cocoa/chocolate experience. I awarded them the “Most Exotic Chocolate Destination” in the first volume of Chocolatour.
What a delicious post! I love the MUCHO Chocolate Museum in Mexico City – it’s got something for everyone and is very innovative.
It is indeed, Michele. And what’s really cool is that the innovative woman who owns and created the MUCHO Chocolate Museo and brand of chocolate in Mexico City helped the woman who founded the House of Chocolate Museum in Grenada. It’s so great to see the number of women involved in the world of chocolate growing, and growing stronger!
Wow, I think I’d have trouble choosing! Every experience you list sounds fascinating and fun! Whenever I get the chance to do pretty much anything chocolate related, I do!
Hi Rachel. I tried to include a good cross-section of the broad range of activities one can enjoy during a chocolate tour. There is indeed something for everyone! Thx for stopping by. It’s always great to hear from you.
I love chocolate experiences, touring farms, sampling chocolates and yes those awesome chocolate inspired multi course dinners. One of my favorites is the Chocolate festival that happens on the Big Island – chocolate is getting more well known in Hawaii.
It sure is, Noel! I did a Chocolatour of Hawaii a couple of years ago and loved it. Definitely plan to come back soon!
Thanks for explaining what your chocolate travel entails. Makes it easier to travel vicariously with you! <3
Thx for your comment, Esther. Yes, I think that sometimes everyone knows exactly what I’m doing, but then I step back and realize that I only send out pieces of info in each post, and that I’ve probably never fleshed it out all in one place. So glad I did that.
This is quite a birds eye view of chocolate travel and all it includes. I find a learn about chocolate each time you share a post with us so thank you for sharing your travels Doreen. Keep on and keep chocolating!
Thanks, Pat. It really DOES make a difference when we reflect back on what we’ve accomplished of the past few years, and how it’s all coming together, doesn’t it? I’m glad you’re enjoying my chocolate travel journeys.
Thanks for the very comprehensive explanation of what chocolate tourism involves. I really enjoyed reading your blog and found it extremely educational and well written. The pictures were exceptionally colourful and told the story of chocolate travel beautifully.
Thanks, Bev. I’m glad the post hit home. I’ve been delving out the details of chocolate travel in snippets over the past 7 years, but this is the first time I’ve compiled a detailed post about all the different facets it may entail.
Doreen, I have learnt so much about chocolate from your blog. Chocolate travel is something that an abundance of people all over the world would love to do for a living.
What an interesting menu you feature. Learnt a lot about how chocolate can be used in all kinds of meals.
Thx for your comment, Catarina. Yes. it’s really amazing how chocolate and cacao can transform a meal, or an everyday dish like chilli or BBQ sauce. The adventure continues …
Doreen – I can see that your day consists of so much more than tasting chocolate – as great as this may be!
It must be exciting meeting a wide variety of people, learning about their culture, beliefs, way of life in general. I can imagine it must also be exhausting but the extrovert you are, you probably take it all in your stride.
Thank you for sharing your adventures with us!
Hi Phoenicia. Thx very much for your comment. Yes, I thought it was time that I clarified that I do far more than tasting chocolate! That is actually a lesser part of what I’m doing these days. It’s the chocolate adventures that have become my focus. 🙂
I am definitely becoming addicted to those chocolate spa treatments, Erica. So far, no one has exceeded the experience of the Pure Jungle Soa in Costa Rica, but I am definitely willing to keep continuing my quest!
I think that if I had to choose between all those adventures, I would definitely choose the chocolate spa experience. I love anything spa related. And if you throw chocolate in the mix, it can only be better.
I agree with Marquita this is a great post about chocolate travel and your work. I think it would be fun to participate in a chocolate making workshop or have a chocolate spa treatment. And the Belmont Estate menu looks fabulous. I’ve learned a lot about chocolate from you and look forward to learning more.
Thx very much, Donna. It has meant a lot to me to have you along for the ride, sometimes virtually, and sometimes in person, as in the case of the chocolate dinner at McNally Robinson. Much appreciated.
What a fun lifestyle! Thank you for sharing. When my husband goes abroad for work, he brings back chocolates and candies to try from different areas. It’s fun and the kids love it.
Very cool, Sabrina. You must have a lovely husband! 🙂
This is an amazing example of prime cornerstone content Doreen! From following you for awhile I believe I had a pretty good grasp on what it is you do and why, but for those who are new here, this is a perfect way to introduce them to your work! By the way, the chocolate sculptures are amazing.
Thanks so much for your comment, Marty. I agree that this is a strong post, and one that is essential to further readers’ understanding of what I do. I have a fellow blogger friend’s comprehensive list of interview questions to thank for this. She really had me reflecting on what I do and why, and that is how this post evolved.