The best places to drink out of a coconut

When Barack Obama was asked about his post-presidency-plans he said he would be ‘drinking out of a coconut’ and coconut water has been hailed for its health benefits for years. Thus inspired, we’ve tracked down the best places in the world to drink out of a coconut.

Kahandamodara, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka produces the most varieties of coconut in the world and the country is home to the Natural Coconut Research Institute. So, clearly, they know their stuff. Try one of the bright orange King Coconut, which are sold freshly-carved on street stalls for only 50-60 rupees. Then sip it while gazing at the Indian Ocean from the Turtle Bay Boutique Hotel.

Bali, Indonesia

The favoured Indonesian coconut drink is called es kelapa muda and is a combination of chilled coconut water, blended coconut flesh (such a gruesome recipe for such a delicious beverage), and vanilla syrup, served in a coconut shell. Es kelapa muda also comes in cinnamon and clove flavours and can be found everywhere, although the ones at Bisma Eight are especially good.

Kaua’i, Hawaii, USA

Kaua’i is often called Hawaii’s Garden Island and, unsurprisingly, it has prime growing conditions for coconuts. Visit one of the local farmers’ markets and have the coconut seller open a fresh one for you, then take a walk along the Coconut Coast (between the cities of Lihue and Kapaa). And if your holiday isn’t quite coconutty enough you can also stay on the Coconut Coast by checking into Aston Islander On The Beach.

Phnom Pehn, Cambodia

Drinking out of young, green coconuts is popular in Phnom Pehn and it costs as little as 50 cents. Once you’ve sucked the coconut water out through a straw the vendor will cut the top off so you can also eat the coconut flesh. Or, if roadside dining isn’t your thing, you can have one delivered to your room at the Khmer Surin Boutique Guesthouse.

Koh Saumi, Thailand

Coconut water is available in most Thai restaurants but we are far more intrigued by the country’s coconut rum (don’t worry, it’s still served out of a coconut shell). Visitors looking for a fresh sample can head to the Magic Alambic Rum Distillery in Koh Samui. Stay just down the road at the Coconuts Palm Resort and you’ll also be within easy reach of the Na Mueang Waterfall.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Obama has already expressed his love of drinking out of coconuts and he followed through in 2016 when he was pictured drinking out on one in Laos. Follow in his presidential footsteps by strolling along the Mekong River, coconut in hand, or admire the views from the Mekong River Hotels.

Ari Atoll, Maldives

Coconut is the Maldives’ national tree, although the nut was recently accused of influencing an election when it was suggested that one Maldivian political party was using cursed coconuts to sway voters. Setting aside this chequered history; visitors who stay at the Constance Halaveli can have their coconuts cut straight from the tree as they relax on the beach. And the hotel is working with coconut farmers to improve the local economy.