Jan 28, 2012
Fantasy Sailing Vacation
Valentines Day is a great time to be creative and create your fantasy sailing vacation get-a-way. “Last year my husband took the plunge and he totally surprised me with a sailing trip in the US Virgins Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
My husband Hugo has never failed to amaze me how he is able to pull off the perfect get away without me ever have a clue as to the destination. This time I was given a heads up that we would be leaving on Feb. 12th for a weeksʼ vacation. Period!! Where are we going? What to pack? I was advised to just be ready to leave on Friday morning!!!! I had no idea it would be the best vacation of my life and I have had some great vacations.
Well, girls like to be prepared so a makeup bag was essential and a few pieces of lingerie went into a weekend bag. There were no hints or clues so I had to sit back and just wait for the surprise. The big day arrived and we departed for the airport. A Bloody Mary in the Crown Room relaxed my nervous excitement and I decided that Hugo could take over. Soon we proceeded to the gate where a flight was getting ready to depart for St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Oh no! No bathing suit, no shorts, I had on my wool slacks and a sweater. What to do? Well at least Hugo had my passport!
The flight to St. Thomas was easy and the champagne was delightful. Warm balmy weather, blues skies and soft breezes we walked down the stairs of the plane to the airport reception area where we were greeted by smiling locals offering rum punch samples. I was beginning to like this vacation.
A short taxi ride along the Harbor of Charlotte Amalie, we viewed several huge cruise ships at the dock and sea planes landing on the bay. Lots of activity and excitement. The cars drive on the opposite side of the street and we are seeing rush hour traffic in the islands. Our driver, Vern, was born in Nevis, but came to St. Thomas for economic opportunities over twenty years ago. Vern had a perpetual smile and continued to give tips for noted restaurants in the area. Suddenly Vern turned left and my mouth flew open. A street with shops as far as the eye could see and beyond. Did I see Jewelry? Perfume? Designer bags? Was I dreaming? No, Hugo informed me that we would now go shopping for my fantasy vacation wardrobe. Oh my, this was a fantasy and I was ready to start some serious shopping. Since the shops are all contiguous, my biggest challenge was which side of the street did I want to start? This is truly an amazing experience. The streets are closed to auto traffic and the shops are all offering specials. There is no duty on alcohol, perfume, jewelry so it is truly a shoppers heaven. In addition to the shops on the main street, there are numerous little alleys that offer art galleries, boutiques and restaurants with outdoor seating. Just the right place to take a break, enjoy a cool beverage and watch the bustling activity in the area . Over 4,000 cruise ship guests are here so the air is festive.
Stay tuned for a exciting taxi ride, a sunset, happy hour, a fabulous gourmet dinner and a ferry boat ride to remember.”
Sailing vacations expert Captain Terry can help you design your fantasy Caribbean sailing vacation. Check out sailwithterry.com and then call 941 266 0296 or email sailwithterry@gamil.com , your budget, your itinerary. Make your reservations for a fantasy valentine sailing vacation.
