Caribbean Vacations

Most people when they go on vacation, they are taking a "relaxation break" from their hectic everyday lives. So why not travel to paradise to do exactly that. Here in the Caribbean, life is slower and once you get accustom to the pace, you will find yourself enjoying it more and more.

Unfortunately many people who travel also wish to take a vacation from their mind as you will notice that the drinking habits of the tourists in the Caribbean can become quite ugly to say the least. So unless you are looking through the bottom of a bottle the whole time, there is a whole world of beautiful adventure waiting to be explored.

Secret Harbour, St. Thomas Virgin Islands is a simply breathtaking natural preserve. Here you will find the Blue Moon Café which has amazing, freshly made food. You must have their signature salad to start. All beaches are public, so even if you do not stay at Secret Harbour, you can access the beach, as well as the restaurant. This is a wonderful snorkeling site, as the waters are protected so the fish come here to mate and lay their eggs. Fish and turtles galore! If you are more advanced there is a dive shop also on premises. You will simply be in heaven as you sit looking out at the mystical blue waters, with nothing obstructing your views. If you are lucky enough to stay at Secret Harbour, you will have access to their pool (why would you need it) and tennis courts. They rent out co-ops so each one is decorated differently. I stayed on the beach in building number 2, and went to sleep listening to the break of the waves, and awoke the to the same. The staff is so lovely, they greet you every time. The Caribbean itself is a polite, mannerly place to which their slow pace enables them to be friendly and considerate. I live in New York and can completely understand where they are coming from. On Long Island, people rarely greet you before they begin speaking. On the islands, it is important to remember the way they live which means, start every question or request you have with a "good morning, good afternoon or good evening". It shouldn't surprise you that if you don't take the time to be polite, and just rudely (or quickly) ask for what you want, you will not receive the pleasant helpful response you may think you deserve.

From St. Thomas you can take speed boat tours around the island or travel to the BVI's. I took an excursion leaving from Sapphire Beach (in Red Hook) and the views from the boat were amazing. If you are willing to take a day trip, then you must go to see "The Baths". It is considered to be one the of wonders; of at least the Caribbean. There are supposedly only three sites like this in the world. Here you will be able to see the actual volcanic origins that have created all the islands in the Caribbean. Gigantic, larger than life granite boulders have been piled on the beach forming natural grotto's that create a tropical wonderland opening to the breathtaking sea. These are living rocks, which means that they are still growing. The tour guide said that "it was uncertain how the rocks/baths actually came to be." She mentioned that a volcanic eruption was the likely culprit, and then joked that another popular idea is that aliens had helped in the placement. The Caribbean due to its origins, has almost constant mini-earthquakes as the entire area is from volcanic activity. As you go through the trail you will notice that the water line at one time was at the top of some of these building size granite boulders. It is amazing that in such beauty, you can see the progress of the world we live in.

The Baths are one of the most photographed areas due to its location and natural beauty. Victoria's Secret has shot their 2009 summer swimsuit line at the baths, as well as other commercials as well. There was supposedly a car commercial shot here where the car was dropped in on site (so said the tour guide).

Marina Cay (pronounced KEY)

Is a small eight acre private island exclusively held by Pussers. This is the originator of the "pain killer" a drink that has taken over the islands, as they make Pussers rum. Around this tiny island is a beautiful reef meant for snorkeling, and just off the shore into the 40-45 foot water, you stumble onto Diamond Reef. The story is that while on their honeymoon, the women lost her diamond ring, which has not been found. It is what gave this area its name and legacy. This is a beautiful snorkel site, as the rocks along the edge make for great breaking water to view form underneath. Make sure to steer clear of the sea urchins, they will hurt ya! I have heard that if one of their needles stick you not only will it be incredible painful, you will have to wait for it to dissolve as you can't pick it out. You can see here many brightly colored parrot fish as well as squid. The squid were actually beautiful, as you can see in the picture.

Jost Van Dyke & The Soggy Dollar Bar was the most beautiful beaches I have ever been to. It is also featured on the Travel Channels Top Beaches countdown, I believe at number 3. This is not a good site for snorkeling, as the bottom is pure, clean sand. There was not a rock in sight, just amazing white sand beach. This spot is also very busy with many people and boaters so the fish have learned to steer clear.

The fun part of this place is that you must swim to shore from the boat. The water is a remarkable blue since the bottom is clean sand. (The different colors in the ocean are due to the floor. Sand creates a magnificent turquoise, while turtle grass might give it an aqua color, deeper the water the deeper the blue, reef or rocks might give a purple hue).

Once you swim to shore, you feel as if the island your on is just the beach. The Soggy Dollar Bar is a big tourist attraction, and earned its name by everyone's dollars being soaked form the swim in! Here you can relax on a hammock, or just enjoy the beach scene, and know that you are on one of the very best!

There is so much to do, outside the "normal" activities you may do on a relaxing vacation. This is relaxing, but with so much to explore, taste, see and do...you may need a few days to relax when you get home.

On the ride back to St. Thomas, you will have to pass through customs. It was strange to me that we didn't have to on the way in, but hey "I'm on vacation!" Once you come back, you may want to grab something to eat. I would recommend Fungi's also in the Sapphire beach complex. They have a real cool Caribbean vibe, with reggae music playing nice and loud, and the view is out of this world. You are right on the water, literally. I saw a huge sting ray as I ate conch fritters. Another restaurant is Agave` which is in the same complex, this is at the top of the hill and gives the above view of everything. This is fine dining and is amazing. The Agave` snowball for dessert is perfect.

So if you are planning to go to the Caribbean, make sure you treat yourself to these attractions. Remember every beach is public; it's just a matter of getting there! Some of the most secluded beaches are the best. The less people the more fish, the more fish the bigger the adventure!