You’ll Have a Rockin’ Good Time at Hard Rock Café Margarita

Sure, Isla Margarita boasts some of the world's most beautiful beaches, a warm tropical climate and is home to the remarkable Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, but did you also know that it houses the 5th Hard Rock Cafe to open in the Caribbean?

This 3,280-square-foot, two-story Hard Rock Cafe features an outstanding menu, collectible merchandise, and a world-renowned memorabilia collection. Some of the many pieces of memorabilia on display include items from contemporary stars, as well as items from rock legends, including a costume worn by KISS guitarist Paul Stanley and Carlos Santana’s guitar.

Hard Rock Café Margarita was also recently named Café of the Year in the Hard Rock International – Franchise Awards!

So if you are looking for something a little more familiar when visiting Isla Margarita, be sure to check out Hard Rock Cafe Margarita!

Try Something New on Isla Margarita

Vacations are all about experiencing and trying new things, so during your visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, be sure to try something new, like a dish native to the island.

Many of the foods found on Isla Margarita are from a mixture of African, Native American, and European cuisines which have evolved throughout the centuries. Most of these foods also combine many Caribbean influences in flavors, techniques, and ingredients.

Be sure to try these common foods when visiting Isla Margarita:

Pabellon- stewed and shredded meat accompanied by rice, black beans, and banana

Hallaca- a mixture of beef, pork, chicken, capers, raisins, and olives wrapped in maize (cornmeal dough), bound with string within plantain leaves, and boiled or steamed afterwards

Arepas- a type of fried or baked corn pancake

Cachapa- a type of sweet corn pancake served with cheese

To enjoy many dishes native to the island, visit one of Isla Margarita’s top restaurants.

Be Sure to Visit Isla Margarita’s One and Only Golf Club

For the avid golfer visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, you will be happy to know that there is in fact, one golf course currently on the island, the Isla Margarita Golf Club.

The course features 18 holes and is a par 70 course. This course does not offer tee times, instead it works on a first come, first serve basis. However, there is usually no problem getting on this course except during busy national holidays like Christmas and Easter. During the low season months of April, May, June, October, and November you will most likely even have the course to yourself.

Course fees run anywhere from US$40 to US$80 depending on the time of year, but by paying in Bolivars you can reduce this cost and save yourself some money.

Caddies, pull carts, electric carts, and rental clubs are also available for your convenience.

Become Familiar with the Currency on Isla Margarita

When visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort on Isla Margarita you have to keep into account the different currency that is used on the island. However, you don’t need to worry because US dollars can easily be exchanged for Isla Margarita currency on the island. Both exchange houses and banks can easily exchange dollars and travelers’ checks at the official rate.

The currency used on Isla Margarita is Bolivars. The current official exchange rate of US dollars to Bolivars is 4,30 to one US dollar (January 21, 2010).

It is suggested that you talk to the concierge at the hotel or hotel personnel to find the most convenient place to readily exchange US dollars for Bolivars.

However, do not be trapped into exchanging all your money at once at the Caracas airport by ‘helpers’. Once you change US dollars to Bolivars you will not be able to change the local currency back to dollars, so be sure to just exchange a little at a time.

Also, stay away from using your credit card or ATM card, if at all possible. It may end up costing you much more (20%+) for what you can readily receive for US dollars by visiting a bank or exchange house.

Enjoy a Fun Filled Day at The Kingdom of MUSIPAN

If you are looking for a way to entertain your children during your visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, on Isla Margarita, be sure to visit The Kingdom of MUSIPAN.

The Kingdom of MUSIPAN is a tourist based theme park based on the descriptions of Benjamin Rausseo, who is a well-known humorist of the area. The theme park offers its guests a variety of different swimming pools, waterslides, and restaurants to enjoy. The park also offers an animal farm, children’s play area, theater, and cinema.

While there, don’t miss the professional greased pig capturing contest, which is the official sport of the kingdom.

Discover the Importance of Historical Forts on Isla Margarita

During your visit to Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, travel back in history to the colonial days when Spaniards on Isla Margarita found refuge in fortresses and forts that were used to protect its ports from pirates and other threats to the island.

Isla Margarita has five prominent forts and fortresses that still remain today which visitors of the island can visit.

Castillo de Santa Rosa and Fortin La Caranta, both which were built between 1586 and 1595, are located atop la Caranta hill in Pampatar. These forts were originally built to shut off access to Pampatar’s shore; however, their tasks could never be achieved because they were destroyed by Dutch pirates during an attack in 1626.

Castillo de San Carlos, which was built between 1664 and 1684, was the most important fort on the island because it was built to protect the bay of Pampatar.

Fortin Espana, which is located atop a hill on the outskirts of Santa Ana del Norte, is only a small guard outpost; however, it proved to be of great importance to protect the main road between Juan Griego and La Asuncion.

Fortin de la Galera, which was built in 1811 by the Margarita Provincial Joint, was given the name la libertad (freedom) after a battle for independence was held around its walls on August 8, 1817.

Be sure to visit one, or all, of these historical forts on Isla Margarita for more information of their importance to the island.

Construction Has Begun on Caracola Beach and Spa Resort

Construction has begun on Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, located on Isla Margarita, and the resort is scheduled to open in July 2011.

Caracola Beach and Spa Resort will consist of 1244 luxury condominiums and duplexes spread over 15 floors overlooking Caracola Beach. With four different floor plan layouts to choose from, the apartments vary in size from 52.5m² (565 SF) to 117.1m² (1260 SF), nearly all with their own view of the Caribbean Sea.

Each deluxe condominium will be constructed of the highest standards and will feature a fully-fitted modern kitchen, inviting living room, tranquil balcony, and climate controlled air conditioning system. High quality products will be installed throughout units. These spectacular units will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury.

Within the resort, guests will find a multitude of services and facilities. They will be sure to enjoy our delectable restaurants, tropical swim-up bars, full-service spa, and refreshing swimming pools. Caracola Beach and Spa Resort will also boast a fully-equipped gym, hairdressers, and high end retail establishments. Guests at Caracola Beach and Spa resort will find themselves lost in paradise while relaxing in seaside hammocks or lying on the sandy beach while the waves of the Caribbean Sea travel over their feet.

Stay tuned for more pictures of Caracola Beach and Spa Resort throughout the different phases of construction!