Tripeden.com Shares Six Destinations Coffee Connoisseurs Should Visit
Caffeine enthusiasts will agree that great coffee starts with great beans. With four in five (81*) travelers wanting to try indigenous foods and flavors in 2024, and in celebration of International Coffee Day (October 1), we share destinations renowned for its signature brew: from Santa Barbara’s speciality coffee chains known for sourcing the best beans, to Java’s wet-processed beans which ensure an elite tasting cup.
Santa Barbara, California
At the heart of California lies Santa Barbara; a picturesque city known for its great beaches, brilliant architecture, and classic sea-food dishes. It is also home to a long-standing coffee culture, boasting numerous fair trade plantations and consequently elite cafes offering a unique blend of flavors. Travelers looking to experience Santa Barbara’s coffee culture will be pleased to know that its cafes are known to cater to local tastes which include a nutty, chocolatey and fruit-forward flavor. Whether it’s the famed Santa Barbara Roasting Company serving over 70 varieties of organic and shade grown fair trade coffee, or Lighthouse Coffee Shop, known for its warm brews and delicious pastries, the choices are wide. In between coffee tastings, travelers could take advantage of this Make your own Chocolate Bark & Factory Tour, where visitors get the exciting chance to make a custom, unique, chocolate product, and design the box to package it in.
Where to stay: Kick back at the Palihouse Santa Barbara featuring beautifully designed rooms - some of which come with a kitchenette to make that perfect cuppa - an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Guests can bask in stunning scenery at this hotel’s Mediterranean style courtyard or alternatively enjoy an espresso martini at its cocktail bar. Afterwards, take a short drive to the Granada Theatre and enjoy live music and entertainment.
Java, Indonesia
Straddled between Sumatra and Bali lies the island of Java, known as the geographical and economic center of Indonesia. Its location near the Equator and mountainous surroundings create microclimates that are perfect for coffee growing. When not basking in its idyllic settings which encompasses beautiful greenery, large national parks, jaw-dropping mountains and impressive temples, travelers have the chance to learn more about Java’s coffee industry which dates back to the 18th century. Today, caffeine fans can enjoy its signature Javanese coffee which goes through a unique ‘washed coffee’ process to provide a cleaner and sweeter taste. After sipping on a hot beverage, there is the chance to discover more of the island’s culture with this Java Culture Museum - Admission Ticket, which allows travelers to see ancient collections and experience some of the island’s unique traditions, including batik cloth making, mask painting and even learning Javanese dance.
Where to stay: Enjoy world class treatment at the Plataran Bromo, which is 14 miles from the spectacular Mount Bromo and boasts contemporary rooms, some of which have a balcony where guests can enjoy a hot drink along with a free continental or halal breakfast while admiring gorgeous mountain views.
Coatepec, Mexico
Located in the central region of Veracruz, Coatepec is home to quaint towns, elegant parks and a variety of cultural museums, including the popular Coffee Museum, as well as food markets for visitors to discover local delicacies such as tamales and chilaquiles. But, this is also Mexico’s coffee capital, thanks to it being one of the largest growers of coffee beans in the region. Along with being characterized by its brightly-coloured buildings, it’s also known for its abundance of excellent cafes where visitors can enjoy freshly roasted coffee, with Coatepec’s “high grown” beans known for its medium acidity and subtle nutty flavor. Curious travelers seeking to know more and taste its local blend should visit the local Museo del Café or take a guided Coffee Tour from bean to cup. Along with holding the title of coffee capital of Mexico, Coatepec is also known as Mexico’s orchid capital, and visitors can see the destination’s commitment to the species by visiting its Museum of Orchids garden.
Where to stay: The centrally located Hotel Casa Real Del Café boasts luxurious rooms and spa facilities as well as providing a complimentary breakfast in the heart of Coatepec. Its central location allows visitors to easily explore its streets, from the famed San Jeronimo Church to local cafes, museums and boutiques.
Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Characterized by rivers and canals, Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam's most populous city with a bustling ambience, best reflected in its vibrant architecture, captivating temples, buzzing street markets and exciting nightlife. Additionally, it has a rich and varied coffee culture, with many areas coining their own delicacies including ‘cà phê trúng’, or egg coffee. Expect to see the city’s avenues dotted with upscale coffee shops and traditional spots where locals and tourists alike sit on stools that line the streets enjoying ‘Cà phê sữa đá’, a ground dark roast Vietnamese-grown coffee often served over ice with condensed milk. To experience Vietnam's coffee culture like a local, visitors can join a Vietnamese Coffee Tour to understand the history of Vietnamese coffee and learn how to make it and enjoy a tasting.
Where to stay: After experiencing Ho Chi Minh’s coffee culture in its bustling streets, visitors staying at the Chez Mimosa - Boutique Hotel will also be able to get their daily caffeine fix back at the hotel with tea and coffee offered to all guests daily. This chic boutique stay also offers a roof terrace with city views. When not sipping coffee, there is the chance to explore the nearby Ben Thanh street market, known to sell authentic local dishes such as pho, banh mi, spring rolls, as well as traditional goods including silk and lacquerware.
Nicosia, Cyprus
The capital and largest city of Cyprus, Nicosia is filled with narrow streets sprinkled with traditional houses, architectural tapestry, and ancient museums. Along with its archaeological appeal, the city attracts coffee fanatics as an inherent ritual of Cypriot culture is to not only start the day with coffee, but to have regular coffee breaks throughout the day and night, thus earning the spot of the country’s favorite beverage. Boasting vibrant cafes, skilled baristas, and a diverse selection of coffees, travelers can enjoy a popular brew here using a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans from Brazil, India and Ethiopia, resulting in a tobacco, chocolate and earthy flavor. Whilst visiting Nicosia, be sure to enjoy this Walking City Tour Nicosia North which covers the ancient history of the region.
Where to stay: Enjoy a coffee break at the Gate Twenty Two Boutique Hotel, offering city views and creating the ideal atmosphere for guests to unwind, thanks to its modern air-conditioned rooms, trendy bar for kicking back with fellow visitors, and restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. While staying at the property, be sure to visit the nearby Cyprus Museum, which is the oldest and largest archaeological site in the country.
Darjeeling, India
Travelers who prefer tea time over coffee should head to India’s ‘Tea Capital’, Darjeeling. Its relationship with the brew dates back to 1856 when the first commercial tea gardens were established. Today, its cool, damp, climate and topography makes it perfect for tea cultivation. Learn more with An Excursion into the World of the famous Darjeeling Tea, where visitors will be given a tour of the Sourenee Tea Estate, partake in a tour of the factory and enjoy a tasting session. When not exploring tea gardens, there is a plethora of things for travelers to see and do: from watching the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas at Tiger Hill, to visiting historic Bhuddist monasteries, exploring wildlife at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, as well as taking a joy ride at The Toy Train, which promises breathtaking views of Darjeeling’s surrounding hills.
Where to stay: Stay at the Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa Darjeeling, a lush five-star hotel boasting spacious rooms with a mountainous backdrop, an on-site restaurant serving local Asian cuisine, with vegetarian, dairy-free and kosher options available. The property includes a stunning garden to capture those gorgeous views, as well as an indoor pool for ultimate relaxation. When not enjoying the live entertainment at its shared lounge, visitors can take a Trip to Tiger Hill Darjeeling and bask in panoramic views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga.
*Travel Predictions 2024 research commissioned by Tripeden.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,730 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1008 from Argentina, 1012 from Australia, 505 from Austria, 1001 from Belgium, 1002 from Brazil, 1009 from Canada, 1009 from China, 1002 from Colombia, 508 from Croatia, 504 from Denmark, 1011 from France, 1011 from Germany, 1016 from Hong Kong, 1004 from India, 510 from Ireland, 504 from Israel, 1014 from Italy, 1004 from Japan, 1009 from Mexico, 1014 from The Netherlands, 1015 from New Zealand, 500 from Portugal, 502 from Singapore, 1010 from South Korea, 1009 from Spain, 502 from Sweden, 507 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 1003 from Thailand, 502 from the UAE, 1007 from the UK, 1005 from the US and 1007 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July 2023.