London, United Kingdom - Coffee is globally recognised for its power to re-energise and rejuvenate, as well as its aromatic and varied flavours. Dating back to 800 A.D, coffee plays a different role in each destination with countries and cities adding their own touches to the creation process and the drinking ritual.

To ignite travellers' senses, below is a selection of coffee experiences to celebrate World Coffee Day on 1 October 2020, from indulging in Viennese coffee house culture to discovering the harvest and roasting process in Colombia's coffee region, and even relaxing in a coffee body wrap wellness treatment on the island of Mauritius.

Discover the beauty, taste and aromas of Colombia's Coffee Region
With Colombia widely known as the land of the coffee bean, for coffee-lovers a visit to the country's magnificent Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (CCLC), a proud UNESCO World Heritage site, is imperative. Located at the foothills of the western and central ranges of the Cordillera de los Andes, the coffee region boasts spectacular scenery including mountains and coffee bean plantations. These mountains produce the highest quality coffee, considered by many to be the best coffee in the world and enjoyed in every corner of the planet. In Colombia, coffee is more than a product, it's a symbol of the wealth and diversity Colombian culture emits, and there's no better way for coffee fans to be immersed in local life than by signing up for one of the country's many coffee experiences. From visiting the estates and plantations in the CCLC to witness how the crop is harvested and toasted, to checking out Coffee Park, a theme park situated in Quindío with attractions dedicated to this important Colombian produce; coffee experiences in Colombia are as varied as the country's magnificent landscapes. www.colombia.travel/en/blog/coffee-cultural-landscape

Venture back in time with Viennese coffee house culture
In the Austrian capital, the air is heavy with the aroma of fresh coffee and enticing tarts, newspapers rustling, guests putting the world to rights, perhaps a studious author at the adjacent table is penning his next bestseller novel... Drinking coffee is woven into the fabric of Vienna's daily life. So much so that in 2011, Vienna's coffee houses were listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries they were the height of popularity, and became the setting for intellectual discussion and creativity, welcoming some of the most important writers, artists and scientists of the age. Today, traditional Viennese coffee houses are dotted all around the city where guests can feel history come alive. From Café Central with its magnificent courtyard and live piano music, to Café Sperl where time has stood still since 1880, and Café Hawelka, a popular meeting place for art and cultural icons such as Andy Warhol, real coffee house culture can only be found in Vienna. www.wien.info

Sample café con queso for an exotic mix of flavours in Puerto Rico
Cheese in coffee may sound completely bizarre, but it's actually a traditional comforting combination in Puerto Rico. Coffee beans that are grown in the mountains of Puerto Rico are ground fine and served strong, and melting cheese into it adds a nutty, creamy flavour. For an even stronger taste bud explosion, hot chocolate can be mixed into a strong Puerto Rican espresso with a thin wedge of hard cheese. The sweetness of the chocolate blends perfectly with the salty notes of the cheese. Coffee enthusiasts can create one at home, using Puerto Rican coffee beans that will transport them to this beautiful Caribbean archipelago. For those who find themselves lucky enough to visit Puerto Rico, a coffee break at Café Bizcochos in the plaza of Cabo Rojo to sample this rare culinary delight is a must. www.discoverpuertorico.com

Try a cupful of Emirati culture in Abu Dhabi
Coffee is an integral part of Arab culture and in Abu Dhabi serving Gahwa (traditional Arabic coffee) to guests is considered a sign of a warm welcome and an act of generosity. There is an elaborate process behind this coffee ritual. The Arabica coffee beans are carefully washed and dried before being roasted in the kuwar, a claypit stove made from pebbles. However, the beans are only roasted briefly so that the content of caffeine and water is higher – perfect for those who like a strong brew. The coffee is mixed with cloves, cardamom or saffron for colour and flavour. Locally known as the 'welcoming drink', Gahwa is served in hotels across Abu Dhabi to guests on arrival along with sweet dates grown in the region. When in Abu Dhabi, a visit to Qasr Al Hosn is a must for coffee lovers. As the oldest building in the city, the fort, which is now a museum, offers a daily Bait Al Gahwa cultural ceremony followed by a Gahwa tasting session. If an extra kick of caffeine is required, visitors can head to the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel to sip on the signature 23K gold-flaked Palace Cappuccino at Le Café. www.visitabudhabi.ae

Support local UK coffee culture and sip locally roasted, artisan Isle of Wight coffee
Heralded as the Isle of Wight's most successful specialty coffee company, Island Roasted, is a family-run business from husband and wife duo, Dan and Viviana Burgess, who started out roasting their own coffee beans over 20 years ago. Working with RainForest Alliance coffees where possible, Island Roasted has earned a Royal IW Agricultural Society Wight Marque award. While many of the local coffee shops and cafés on the Island serve up a blend of Dan's specialty roasts, visitors don't need to wait to arrive on the Isle of Wight to enjoy a cup of locally produced Island Roasted coffee as Wightlink's ships offer a chance to savour the fine blend with sea views. Wightlink's partnership with Island Roasted is part of an ongoing drive to increase the number of high-quality local Island producers and suppliers featured onboard. The irresistible aroma of artisan coffee specially blended on the Isle of Wight is sure to perk up travellers on even the earliest morning ferry ride. www.wightlink.co.uk 

Visit the birthplace of modern-day coffee culture at the original Starbucks in Seattle, USA
The world's largest coffeehouse chain, Starbucks, opened its first store in Seattle, Washington, in March 1971. As Starbucks approaches its 50th anniversary in 2021 today the brand serves up nearly three billion cups of coffee each day in 80 countries around the world. The original Starbucks is located near the waterfront in Seattle's vibrant Pike Place Market and continues to be a popular pit stop for locals and visitors alike. Each day a queue of coffee lovers can be found patiently waiting to be served up one of Starbucks' signature drinks, from Americano coffees and espressos to chai tea lattes and caramel Frappuccinos. The store has retained its original features including the floors, the fixtures, the counters and even the brand's first mermaid sign, which is bronze rather than the universally recognised green siren. People don't just come to the original Starbucks for a cup of joe, they come to connect with the history of coffee and to experience the birthplace of contemporary cafe culture. www.visittheusa.co.uk 

Uncover Rwanda's coffee creation process all the way from crop to cup
Often referred to as the 'Land of a Thousand Hills', Rwanda's lush landscapes and tropical climate make it the perfect place to cultivate coffee, all the way from crop to cup. The Coffee Experience Tour takes place along the shores of Lake Kivu offering breath-taking views over the vast body of water, interspersed with vibrant green islets. The tour starts with a paddle from the mainland to Nyamirundi Island, where visitors will then be taken to the plantation of the Rwanda Cooperative which is run by local families. Visitors will then have the chance to pick, wash and roast the coffee beans over a large open fire, before sampling their caffeinated creation. This tour takes visitors on a journey of the coffee creation process as well as offering them the chance to sample some of Africa's best Java-Bourbon coffee, which is recognised for its silky creamy body, hints of lemon and orange blossom, and caramel aftertaste. www.visitrwanda.com/interests/coffee 

Instead of drinking coffee in Mauritius... why not be wrapped in it
What better way to experience the magical island of Mauritius than with a re-energising wellness treatment that will wake the body up after the 12-hour flight from the UK. Visitors to The Oberoi can indulge in its signature coffee and mint body wrap, a two-hour delicacy which starts with a walnut and marula shell exfoliating scrub to buff away skin which is followed by the proven and complimentary combination of coffee and mint applied as a wrap. This revitalises the skin, helping to eliminate toxins and stimulate the lymph and blood flow system, whilst also aiding in cellulite reduction and helping to ease water retention. It is a sure way to rejuvenate ready for an unforgettable Indian Ocean holiday. www.tourism-mauritius.mu 

  -ENDS-

Notes to editors:
Accompanying images are available HERE (this link will expire in seven days)

Invitation to celebrate International Coffee Day with a Coffee of Colombia virtual tour, Tuesday 29 Sept at 3pm BST (9:00 A.M COL Time):
With a Company called RetroCiclas Tour, media are invited to join a very special virtual tour where the owners of a traditional Colombian coffee plantation open the doors of their farm and allow viewers to learn about the entire coffee process, from tree to cup. This experience includes witnessing the harvesting stages spanning picking of the beans, fermentation, washing, and artisan drying, and will end on a high note with a recommended sample and tips for ideal preparation. For further information visit here, and to register to join email Emma de Vadder via edevadder@hillsbalfour.com. The tour will last approximately one hour, plus 20 minutes for questions.

If you are interested in receiving further information to accompany the content including holiday packages, tour prices and images, or details of press trip opportunities, please contact Josie Self (jself@hillsbalfour.com) / Fiona Lilley (flilley@hillsbalfour.com).