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Palm Beach: The Lilly Pulitzer Edition

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As we pulled into the legendary Breakers resort, I knew I made the right decision. I’d heard about this prized oceanfront monstrosity ever since I started a love affair with travel – which was a looong time ago. And here I finally was, walking towards my suite, getting so very lost in the 140 acres that make up The Breakers resort. “Thank you, but I can take the bags up myself,” I told the bellman. Poor decision. Always take him up on showing you to your suite.

The Backstory

It all started with a juice stand back in 1959. Lemonade, apple OJ, kale, you name it. Okay, maybe not kale, but the girl was an innovator through and through. Lilly Pulitzer wore bright printed shift dresses to sell her juices since she noticed they hid the stains quite well. Soon enough, she started hanging a few dresses outside the juice stand for some money on the side and boom. The dresses started selling more than juice, and Lilly said goodbye to lemons and hello to colors.

The Agenda

The Lilly team flew myself, Paola, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Conde Nast Traveler out to PB so that we might get a deeper look at the brand and lifestyle surrounding it. From the prints to local Lilly legends, you can’t go to Palm Beach without running into her in some fashion, so allow me to count the ways.

Lilly Pulitzer Show Room – If you’re Lilly obsessed, hop on a bike from The Breakers and take a joy ride over to the show room to see ALL. Even next season’s goodies 😉 This is where the Palm Beach team makes the magic happen. Fun fact: each print is hand painted by the Lilly Print Designers, meaning each piece is an original work of art, in a way.

Barton & Gray by Lilly Pulitzer – I love a branded yacht. Especially one that comes in bold prints and makes a statement on the water. We took the custom Hinckley yacht out for a sunset cruise one evening and oh.my.gosh was this a highlight! I’m a sucker for anything on the water, but put some rosé in my hand, a ridiculous sunset above me with Lilly cushions below me, and I’m a happy girl.

Lilly Print Artist – Lounging poolside at The Breakers doesn’t suck. Neither does having a Lilly Print Artist whip up a custom-made print, just for you. I walked over to take photos of artist Melissa Sixma’s work as she mixed and matched colors on her canvas. As it turned out, we were both wearing coral prints, so we agreed she’d create a magical painting surrounding this theme. I was beyond impressed since I’m very much still mastering stick figures.

Worth Avenue – What’s in a name? Well, on palm-lined Worth Avenue, a whole lot. The upscale shopping district is world famous for its less than a quarter-mile of high-end shops and architecturally significant European vias, fountains and plazas. Lilly Pulitzer opened her first boutique in the vias off of Worth Avenue nearby Renato’s, one of my new favorite Italian restaurants with an uber romantic courtyard and old-world feel.

Next up: The Breakers! In the interim, see more of my time with the Lilly team below.

The Road Les Traveled was invited to Palm Beach and welcomed as a guest of Lilly Pulitzer and The Breakers, but our opinion is as always, our own.

The 15 Best Places I Visited in 2015

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Paris, France

Paris is always a good idea. (Almost) everyone knows that. (Most) everyone agrees. I was so excited to see this gem again, and this time, with my sister in tow! To celebrate her birthday, we splurged at Four Seasons Paris which included my favorite meal of the entire year! The critically acclaimed restaurant of Le Cinq wined and dined us until we were fat, happy, another year older and ready for bed.

Uyuni, Bolivia

I have so much to say about this country. Underdeveloped but holding the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever laid eyes on, Bolivia is a land of pure magic. I completed a bike ride on the World’s Most Dangerous Road outside of La Paz where I was eaten alive by sand flies. I rode a 12 hour bus to get to the world’s largest salt flats. I slept in some of the most run down areas I’ve ever stepped foot in. Throughout all of this, it’s one of my favorite locations on the planet.

Chapada Diamantina, Brazil

And I thought Uyuni, Bolivia, was hard to get to. Chapada Diamantina is located north of Rio de Janeiro and about 250 miles from Salvador, the capital of Bahia. My boyfriend and I took an eight hour bus ride from Salvador to arrive in Lençóis to embark on the journey. We hiked for three days straight seeing the most incredible landscapes, such as Poço Azul pictured above.

Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia

I’ve visited Torres del Paine National Park three different times now, and I’ll never grow tired of the view. People always asked me what my favorite location around the world is. Albeit a tough question, if I had to choose, I’d choose right here! Truth be told, it’s a pain in the ass to get to, but nobody said arriving to Paradise was easy. The best way to get here is to fly into Punta Arenas and drive the four hours to the park. Adventure begins at the end of the world!

Jerusalem, Israel

Experiencing Israel this year was one of the most unique experiences. I was a bit apprehensive due to the numerous political, cultural, and religious tensions that exist between Israelis and Palestinians. I felt very safe while traveling through Tel Aviv, Haifa, Caesarea, Akko, Tiberias, Masada, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem. I saved the best for last, as nothing could prepare me for the religious insight and emotional journey I had while in Jerusalem.

Ubud, Bali

The city of Ubud engulfed me as I drove into its lush greenery. Street markets, narrow roads and traffic jams are common here, making me antsy as I inched towards my destination, all the while scooters and bikes flying past. Then the shopaholic in me emerged. I saw a gallery of handcrafted wooden chairs, distressed doors, Buddha heads and metal sculptures and thought, “Now where could that go in my house?” To the plethora of House Hunters and Property Brothers episodes I’ve seen, this is your fault.

Singapore, Singapore

Upon landing in Singapore, it’s impossible not to notice the immaculate and grand Changi Airport and cleanliness that exists everywhere in the city. It amazes me that with a population of 5.5 million and with so much foreign foot traffic, this place is so well maintained. I’ve never experienced a more efficient city in my life. Underground walkways have been built for pedestrians to utilize so as not to disrupt traffic on the streets. Gum isn’t sold here, so you won’t be stepping in it – score! And a warning to all the drug traffikers out there: if caught here, you’ll be punished by death.

Malé, Maldives

I’ve never seen anything like it. The water was bluer than blue. It was as if I was living in a saturated screen saver full of ceruleans, cyans, azures and turquoise – enough colors to exhaust a portion of the color wheel. A few hundred miles south of India and Sri Lanka, the Maldives is known as the lowest country on the planet with an average ground level elevation of five feet above sea level and a peak elevation of eight feet – the major factor of why it’s a collectively sinking ship. Literally, the Maldives are sinking thanks to global warming. Scientists predict the country will be gone before the end of the century. Go now before this paradise is under water!

Chiang Rai, Thailand

The most tranquil place I’ve visited to date exists in an exotic bamboo jungle where elephants rule the land, a land that conjoins three countries into one mystical place – The Golden Triangle of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. It’s a scene straight out of The Jungle Book, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that left me craving lush greenery, fresh air, and mind-blowing scenery – the bare necessities of life. My Nikon and I had a three-night date with the surroundings. And, of course, the real inhabitants of the land: the gentle giants.

Shanghai, China

Few cities evoke such glamor, history and promise than Shanghai, China’s largest city and global financial hub. At its heart is the Bund, the popular waterfront lined with colonial buildings. Opposite the river are Pudong’s most futuristic skyscrapers, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and my personal favorite, a building that looks exactly like a bottle opener. The city screams energy with young people buzzing about with a common sense of purpose. The shopping, creative architecture and culinary scene have locals and travelers straight spoiled.

Oslo, Norway

Note to self: Norway is cold even in the summertime. My blazers and scarfs weren’t exactly cutting it, but I warmed up just fine as I walked the city with my guide. Expensive, sure, but the expenses were definitely worth the charge – who knew when I’d be back! I spared no expense as I zip-lined down the Holmenkollbakken, a large ski jumping hill that poses as a modern attraction of steel and concrete where many athletes have tried their skills.

Zermatt, Switzerland

You probably know this lovely locale for the Matterhorn, and rightfully so. It’s the famous mountain straddling the Swiss and Italian Alps. The area has only 6,000 locals but come winter and summer peak times, the place lights up with tourists to bask in the wintery mix and fresh mountain air. You can ski year-round in Zermatt as the tip top slopes have ski on them 365 days of the year. The area is also car-free, adding a sense of peace and serenity as people meander about as they please.

Havana, Cuba

To say that I’ve now seen Cuba, understand its people, or can offer anything but a glimpse would be insulting. What I can say is just go. Go see, speak, smell, and experience it yourself. Just like any other foreign travel, expect to get frustrated and tired, craving normalcy and routine. In the end, you’ll be incredibly glad you’ve seen this piece of paradise that’s been locked away for far too many years.

Queenstown, New Zealand

I fell in love with New Zealand due to its pure amount of adventure activities. Skydiving, bungee jumping, paragliding, skiing, kayaking, zorbing – you name it. They have it. A few friends and I embarked on a road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown over a four day period. We saved the best for last when we decided to skydive in Wanaka to only drive one hour to Queenstown to bungee jump. I think my adrenaline levels are still depleted.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

I grew really tired of seeing photos of the Great Barrier Reef, the beautiful monstrosity off the coast of Australia that tugs at the hearts of photographers, videographers, adventurers and bloggers alike. I got so tired of seeing other’s photos that I decided I’d go take my own! Tip: Splurge for a helicopter ride. You won’t find a better view on planet earth.

A Year In Review: Looking Back At Trips & Tricks of Travel

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Europe

Trip: England

Trick: England is known to be on the pricey side as the pound nearly doubles the U.S. Dollar. If you’re crossing the pond for the holidays, I hope you shopped well in advance for airline tickets and hotels. With that being said, make sure you’re leveraging your travel rewards to maximize your travel spending. For instance, Venture Card from Capital One enables cardholders to redeem their miles on any travel-related expense, which can be crucial for curbing those outrageous, last minute costs.

Trip: Norway

Trick: Don’t be offended when no one says ‘thank you’, ‘you’re welcome’, ‘please’, or ‘excuse me’ back to you. Just chalk it up to cultural differences. Also, dress warmly. Even during summer.

Trip: Denmark

Trick: Danish weather can be frightful or fantastic – and usually everything in between. Be prepared for all seasons in one day. All before lunchtime. As the Danes say, there’s no such thing as bad weather…just the wrong clothing. Also, rent a Go Bike. Nothing will allow better exploration of this particular city.

Trip: Sweden

Trick: Sweden has its own currency, so expect to pay more due to this very reason. Traveling during off-peak times can help curb the costs.

Trip: Switzerland

Trick: Learn how to say “Thank You Very Much” in all four official Swiss languages: Merci Vilmau (Swiss German), Merci Beaucoup (French), Grazie Mille (Italian), Gratscha Fitg (Romansh). Also, buy a Swiss Travel Pass as you’ll have unlimited access on the network of trains during your allotted days.

Trip: France

Trick: This is a general tip for any foreign country, but try to learn a little bit of the language before traveling.  A few rusty words in French is better than perfect English. The French take pride in their language so go the extra mile – many French people will then come to your rescue in English.

South America

Trip: Argentina

Trick: Don’t forget to pay and print out your reciprocity fee before heading to the airport. It may sound like a no-brainer, but I know many people who have showed up to check-in and missed their flight because they didn’t have it.

Trip: Peru

Trick: Get your hands on some coca leaves. Peru is located at high elevations and many travelers become ill with altitude sickness. Coca leaves are known to cure the sickness, so dunk some in hot water to make coca tea. It works. I can tell you from experience!

Trip: Brazil

Trick: If there’s a location you desperately want to go visit, like how I was dying to go to a hotel opening in Rio de Janeiro this year, consider using travel rewards – like the Venture Card from Capital One. Cardholders receive double miles on every purchase.

Trip: Ecuador

Trick: Ecuador is a small country and easily traversed. You’ll want to do some exploring here, so pack light. Try to include pieces that can be worn again to save space.

Trip: Chile

Trick: There’s always an adventure close by. Valparaíso is an hour drive away from Santiago. Snow skiing too. Vineyards as well. That’s coastline, mountains and wine all in a day’s work. I’d also suggest seeing everything from the Atacama Desert up north to Patagonia down south. Say hello to the land of extremes.

Trip: Bolivia

Trick: You’ll need a visa in order to gain entry into Bolivia, however, you must be ready to present all necessary documents to do so. Have a hard copy of your hotel reservations and outgoing flight arrangements in hand.

Caribbean Islands

Trip: Cuba

Trick: Cuba is a cash-only nation. Crazy, I know, but make sure to bring plenty of dollars to exchange into local currency for the rum and cigars you’ll most likely buy. Only $100 worth of tobacco products is allowed to be brought into the U.S., so don’t go promising Cubans to all your brothers, boyfriends, dad and uncles. Pick and choose!

Trip: St. John

Trick: Out of the 7,000 acres that make up St. John, a good majority is considered National Park land. Numerous beaches exist on the island, but many become crowded as tourists come out to play. Head to Oppenheimer beach where you’ll be all alone with a palm tree swing and crystal clear water.

Mexico

Trip: Playa del Carmen

Trick: It’s not all about la playa. Escape to the ancient ruins that make up Tulum or the complex of Chichén Itzá. Your skin most likely needs a break from all that sun soaking anyhow.

Australasia

Trip: Australia

Trick: The classic error first-time visitors make is trying to ‘do’ Australia in two or three weeks, forgetting that it’s a continent as well as a country. It’s far better to pick two or three areas to tackle well than attempt to tick off the highlights in one visit.

Trip: New Zealand

Trick: Rent a car. New Zealand is a small country and easily traversed. You can see so much of it by driving. Just remember: Like Australia, keep left. Oh, and always carry an umbrella.

Asia

Trip: Bali

Trick: You’ll sweat like there’s no tomorrow. Forget your jeans and that heavy jacket, or any jacket at all for that matter. Bali is hot year-round with an average temperature of around 85 degrees.

Trip: Thailand

Trick: Mosquitoes are everywhere. Use a spray-on repellent with at least 50% deet during the day (100% at night). Repel the enemy! Also, I suggest visiting both the north and the south. The varying landscapes will have you and your camera busy for hours.

Trip: Singapore

Trick: I didn’t have a lot of cash on hand here, and I thought all of the small foreign transaction fees from a credit card wouldn’t be a huge deal. As it turns out, they add up! I spent $75 in unnecessary fees when I could’ve used the Capital One Venture Card to save that money, since it doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees. Also, don’t miss the free movie theater, reclining chairs, super slide and indoor zen gardens when flying into Changi International Airport.

Trip: Hong Kong

Tip: The city’s MTR (Mass Transit Railway) is impressively efficient, clean, easy to navigate, and gets you to many destinations easily and comfortably. It consistently achieves a 99.9% on-time rate on its train journeys. Count me on-board.

Trip: Macau

Trick: Don’t forget your passport. Visitors are required to obtain a visa for entry with valid passports and tourist credentials. Macau has a somewhat complicated arrangement with China, but it is part of China under their one country two systems principle with a high degree of autonomy.

Trip: Beijing

Trick: Internet censorship is real in China ever since the government started blocking all the fun websites such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, etc, etc. Unless you have a VPN service (virtual private network), you won’t be able do research anything such as the best cuisine in Beijing (peking duck!).  Download VPN Express app before traveling.

Trip: Shanghai

Trick: Find a local to stick with. They’ll know the language, the cool spots to hang out at, and the best cheap eats.

Middle East

Trip: Israel

Trick: Do your research and heed travel warnings, but don’t believe everything the media feeds you. I found Israel to feel very safe during my trip in May through Tel Aviv, Haifa, Caesarea, Akko, Tiberias, Masada, the Dead Sea and Jerusalem.

Travel Tag: El Dorado Maroma, Playa del Carmen

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After two hours at 30,000 ft., we landed in Cancun. Private transfer service Lomas Travel shuttled us the 30 minute drive to El Dorado Maroma where we spent the next five days. As we pulled up to the gate and presented our names, it wasn’t until seven minutes later (I timed the drive) that we actually arrived to the lobby of the hotel. I adore seclusion. So far so good.

Presidential Beachfront Villa

I like beachfront anything, and I love a spacious villa. Put ’em together and add not one but two butlers to make pure bliss! Our two story monstrosity of a villa was stunning, complete with living room, dining room, kitchen, downstairs washroom (sand can be pesky), huge master bed, bath, and outdoor shower. I’m not done. Also in our presence was the terrace, private pool and cabana. We spent more time here than anywhere else on property, but can you blame us?

A good view can turn even the most mundane days into pure magic, but unfortunately, magic didn’t follow us to Mexico. Seen over the water and directly in front of our villa was the eyesore of construction. Set to open in June of 2016 are Mexico’s first ever water bungalows on El Dorado Maroma’s property. Probably cool next June. Not cool this December.

What saved the day was our private pool found steps from our villa and just before the beach. Say hello to my little butler flamingos. You never know when you’re going to need another beverage.

The Activities

The most obvious choice for activities at the beach…is anything on the beach. It’s with hesitation that I even bring this up, but El Dorado Maroma shores were inaccessible due to the sheer amount of seaweed piling up on the coast. I realize the resort can only do so much to combat this ever-growing problem, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that beautiful white sand was marred by mountains of rotting seaweed. Some researchers speculate global warming is to blame, but whatever the reason may be, locals armed with shovels and wheelbarrows shouldn’t be the background of anyone’s vacation photos.

As many holiday guests find themselves victims of the “sargassum” seaweed bloom, all is not lost! Karisma was able to arrange private tours and transports to explore other Mexico treasures.

  • Chichen Itzá: This world famous Maya ruin is a two hour drive from Playa del Carmen on the Yucatán Peninsula. The 7 Wonder of the World has 91 steps on each of its four sides and one at the very top platform, totaling to 365 steps. Obviously, this pyramid was used as a calendar. I left feeling like a history major that day.

  • Cenote Ik Kil: One of Mexico’s most popular cenotes, Ik Kil is only a ten minute drive from Chichen Itzá. This sinkhole made for a very refreshing morning as I floated on my back and watched the clouds overhead. Insider Tip: Arrive at 8:30am before the gates open at 9. Crowds will be in full force shortly after.

  • Cenote Hubiku: This is one of Mexico’s biggest cenotes and only accessible for guests of Lomas Travel. Insider Tip: Get here around noon if you want light shining directly into the hole. We arrived at 3pm, but I think the lighting still makes for a beautiful photo.

After walking and swimming and walking a bit more, a massage in a private cabana didn’t sound too shabby back at the resort. Thanks to Naay Spa, we relaxed and escaped reality for a sweet, sweet 50 minutes.

The Cuisine

Priding themselves as an Adults-Only, “Gourmet Inclusive” resort, El Dorado Maroma could afford to step up its game big time in the food department. Equipped with six restaurants of varying cuisine, an “upscale dining experience that encompasses the finest and freshest ingredients” as they claim to possess could only be found at Lima Limon, its Peruvian restaurant. The remaining establishments on site fell far below their description of “gourmet.” There was nothing gourmet about the experience, and I don’t accept all-you-can-eat guacamole as an apology.

Insider Tip: Pay a visit to Le Chique Restaurant at Azul Sensatori by Karisma. Named one of the Top 10 dining experiences in Mexico, the food is reimagined to resemble something else entirely. A hollowed-out book, a log, a cat’s play toy – nothing is off limits when it comes to Chef Jonatán Gómez Luna and his team.

Wedding Tip

During seaweed-less seasons, El Dorado Maroma offers a pretty backdrop for weddings. The Sky Wedding venue is a great option for a seated 50-person ceremony or an even bigger standing reception. Just be sure the beaches are accessible and the food is catered…

13 Love Traditions from around the World

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December marks the most popular month to get engaged, and soon enough all of our news feeds will be flooded with sparkles, smiles and save-the-dates. Perhaps it’s all the togetherness that convinces those future spouses to get down on one knee. Maybe they want to literally “ring” in the New Year. Either way, love is most definitely in the air this month, and an excuse to celebrate its many facets is welcomed. Whether you’re dancing to “Single Ladies”, celebrating an anniversary or planning your special day, let’s take a look at the different love traditions from around the world.

Hong Kong: Lantern Festival

On the last day of Chinese New Year celebrations, couples spend time together on what’s informally known as ‘Chinese Valentine’s Day’, celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar calendar. While its origins are disputed, most believe that matchmaking was once an important aspect. Today the Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year, but it’s still embraced as a day of love as many couples light red lanterns before letting them drift into the sky.

Brazil: Dia dos Namorados

Also known as Lover’s Day, this Brazilian holiday is celebrated the same way as Valentine’s Day, just on a different date. It’s supposedly observed on June 12 since it falls on the eve of St. Anthony’s Day, the patron saint of marriage. Other theories suggest that it’s celebrated in June so as not to overlap with Carnival – although that didn’t stop couples from celebrating the event when it overlapped with last year’s World Cup. I was there, and trust me, love was in the air!

Sweden: Rings for All

When there’s no one you’d rather spend your life with, couples commemorate their love with rings. The traditional Swedish custom is to purchase gold bands as engagement rings for both women and men, only to buy a diamond ring for the bride on the wedding day. Now we’re seeing more and more Swedish women receiving a diamond engagement ring while the man gets a gold engagement band. Another fun wedding tradition in Sweden goes that if the bride leave the room for any reason during dinner, all the women line up to kiss the groom as he sits there all by his lonesome, and vice versa. Nobody should ever be alone on their wedding day!

Finland: Friend’s Day

Every love story is different. Some couples fall in love at first sight; other couples start as friends as their romance develops over time. Friend’s Day, or Ystävänpäivä in Finnish, is also observed on February 14, but with a twist. Back in the ’80s the country decided to change the nature of the holiday to be more inclusive, and so Friend’s Day was born. It’s still customary to give cards, candy, and flowers – let the warm fuzzies commence!

Paris, France: Love Locks

The Pont des Arts bridge is known for couples attaching brass locks to proclaim their love to one another…until June 1st of this year, that is. Love locks arrived in Paris in 2008, and after hundreds of thousands of couples “locked” their love for one another, they’d throw away the key into the Seine River. Those keys are now considered litter, and the bridge can no longer withstand the weight. The amorous custom continues in places such as Italy, London, Budapest, Berlin, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Charles Bridge in Prague.

Worldwide (mostly): New Years Kiss

The tradition to share a smooch at midnight has been around for some time, allegedly rooted in German and English folklore. Kiss someone at midnight and you’ll have luck in love throughout the following year. While steeped in years of tradition, the NYE kiss seems to have become more of an arbitrary act that no longer holds any real significance, other than being a simple show of love, an expression of well wishes, or just a fun thing to do with your partner (or the random person lucky enough to be standing next to you when the countdown begins).

Wales: Love Spoons

Giving a whole new meaning to the term ‘spooning,” this cute Welsh tradition requires the groom to present his lover with a meticulously carved wooden spoon, a gesture that he will always feed and provide for her. If the affections are not mutual, the spoon is returned, but if the spooning is successful, the sweetheart must wear it around her neck for a number of days. Love spoons are given for many special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, births, engagements, christenings, house warming and Valentines Day.

Africa: Henna Tattoos

Henna designs are adorned to bride’s hands and feet before her wedding ceremony. They signify the bride’s beauty, womanhood and worth, so she boasts the most elaborate designs. For thousands of years, the art of henna (called mehndi in Hindi & Urdu) has been practiced in India, Pakistan, Africa, and the Middle East.

Mexico: Money Dance

The Money Dance commences in Mexico when male guests pay to dance with the bride. Payments may be put into a special bag or pinned to the bride or groom’s jacket. The money is then expected to be used by the newlyweds for their honeymoon or new home together.

India: Dance Off

Being in love is an amazing thing. In New Delhi, it means being able to watch your friends shake it off at your wedding. If you made the cut and were formally asked into the wedding party, you better get to learning some bollywood dances as it’s tradition for the couple’s friends to perform at the wedding!

China: Wardrobe Changes

In China, brides typically walk down the aisle in a slim-fitting, embroidered dress, also known as a qipao. For the reception, they change into a more Cinderella-esque dress with Western flare. The bridal fashion show doesn’t end there! To cap the night, Chinese brides often make a final change into a cocktail dress during the reception. Some brides even go a step further with a fourth dress – now that’s a work out.

Italy: Vow Renewals

Vow renewals apparently emerged in Italy, although it has become popular in the U.S. since around the 1950’s. Designed for couples to recommit their promises to one another, vow renewals can be celebrated many different ways. For some, it’s a chance to celebrate the wedding a couple never had. Others may have surpassed a difficult point in their relationship. Some duos may be celebrating a milestone anniversary. Many people go all out, planning a big party for friends and family as they exchange new rings with one another.

USA: Diamonds Are Forever

The traditional 60th wedding anniversary gift in the U.S. are diamonds. If you’ve made it last this long, you deserve more than one in my book! Why not two? The new Ever Us ring incorporates two diamonds side by side, symbolizing the fact that two people are simultaneously each other’s best friend and true love. I believe the most successful long-term relationships are a strong combination of both. Let’s just hope the younger generations can mirror the baby-boomers’ values!

Travel Tag: Caneel Bay, St. John USVI

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My boyfriend and I set out for a romantic getaway after Thanksgiving. Nothing says sexy beach time after stuffing your face with turkey, sweet potatoes and more carbs I won’t name because I’m trying to go on a diet. After flying into St. Thomas, we were ushered to Caneel Bay’s private waiting room where fruit, cookies and other refreshments awaited us. A van transported us to a ferry where we embarked on the 30 minute commute to St. John, the smallest of the US Virgin Islands. A bit of advice to future visitors: there is nothing calm about this boat ride. Pull your hair back, secure lids on drinks, and unless you want to fantasize about being at Sea World, take shelter or you’re bound to get soaked.

The Room

As our water taxi coasted to the dock, I began to look around. No flashy CANEEL BAY sign? No grand lobby? Where were the rooms? Oh, there they were, blending into the background. At this establishment, the natural beauty of the island takes precedent over all. Nature rules, and so did our beach front room. Its minimalistic interiors lead to elaborate outdoor space. Welcome to my backyard, everyone!

The Beaches

Caneel Bay calls seven beaches home – one for every day of the week. Let’s count off, shall we?

1) Little Caneel Beach: This was literally my view for three straight mornings. Tucked away and utilized by only a handful of guests who call this “home” while on property, Little Caneel always made for a great start to the day.

2) Caneel Beach: Equipped with kayaks, paddle boards and sailboats, the most popular beach on the resort beckons adventurers and sun worshipers alike. Oh, and don’t forget the donkeys. After some time in the sun, I thought I was hallucinating when I saw a long-eared shadow pass by my beach chair. But turns out, the famous donkeys of Caneel Bay are a common sight as they roam freely throughout the resort!

3) Honeymoon Beach: If you’re into turquoise waters and pretty sailboats, this one is for you. About a ten minute walk west of Little Caneel, Honeymoon Beach has all you need for some fun in the sun – kayaks, hiking, snorkeling tours and a beach hut for those Piña Colada cravings.

4) Scott Beach: Snorkel along the shores where the waters are gentle and ideal for listing along lazily. Make friends with a few turtles or sting rays!

5) Paradise Beach: This miniature haven, nestled at the end of Cottage Point prior to Scott Beach, is the perfect place to escape for serene moments of calm.

6) Turtle Bay Beach: Gaze down from Turtle Bay Estate House to the pristine white crescent of beach below and watch as boats travel between St. Thomas and Tortola.

7) Hawk’s Nest Beach: The first beach to catch the sunrise offers a quiet shady sanctuary in the afternoon.

Activities

Snorkeling gear is complimentary, so take full advantage of the underwater world. Sea turtle meccas and fish-filled reefs will keep you busy for a while. I chased a turtle for about 45 minutes, so I can tell you from experience.

The beaches of Caneel Bay are all you need in life, but if you want to stretch your legs, I’d suggest shopping in town, bar-hopping in town, or renting a Jeep to discover other beaches along the coast. Trunk Bay is popular among tourists, but a word of wisdom here: all of the cruise boat people come here, so it’s crowded. It’ll also set you back about $4 to gain access. My favorite is Oppenheimer Beach when the water is clear and the people are scarce. Two words: tire swing.

It’s no secret that the sun can drain a person, mentally and physically. There’s no better way to restore the mind and body than with a message overlooking the sea.

My favorite color is sunset, so I strive to see one nightly. On our catamaran cruise aboard the Island Dream Boat, we saw the most decadent sunset overlooking the water while sailing between British and US territory.

The Cuisine

This section will surely blow that diet I was discussing above. Let’s get started. Sugar mill ruins are as prolific as palm trees here, so I wasn’t surprised to find one on site at Caneel Bay. What did surprise me was how innovative and scrumptious every single morsel was that I injected into my mouth. Zo Zos at the Sugar Mill is perched atop 18th century ruins where an open-air environment will charm just about any diner alongside the pistachio-encrusted mahi-mahi. NOM.

Another notable eatery is known as the Turtle Bay Estate House where neighboring island views and Executive Chef Nicholas Arnold’s dishes reign supreme.

Have you ever witnessed anything so beautiful before in your entire life? This Bloody Mary bar was something serious, and I was seriously going to drink one, or five. Using tomatoes and salt, Chef ran both through a cheese cloth to create a much lighter mix than what’s typically used for the drink. He put that same “healthier” spin on his mojitos by mixing in kale, kiwi and cucumber juices.

After the french toast, bloody marys, mimosas, and eggs benedict for brunch, we returned that night to sample every.single.dessert. that was on the menu after our delicious dinner. The Boston cream doughnuts had me at hello. It was a day of gluttony that I’ll never forget! And now that I’ve recapped it all, this is where I leave you. It’s time to go eat again. But not before…

Wedding Tips

Caneel Bay puts on 50-60 weddings a year, agreeing to celebrate only one bride per day. Whether a party of 200 is coming in for the nuptials or it’s solely the groom and his bride, the same amount of work goes into the set up at Caneel. With 170 acres to play with, wedding space is endless. Since St John is a US Virgin Island, no passport is necessary, making it even more desirable, as if the palm trees and donkeys weren’t enough.

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