.::|TheDish|::.

Réunion, the "Intense" Island

I came across another interesting destination worth considering for your next tropical vaca. Referred to as an "intense island", Réunion spans 30-miles in the Indian ocean (close to Mauritius and Seychelles), with plenty to offer any vacationing-type, from total relaxation to wild adventure. Most island inhabitants speak French or Creole, though the culture is described as a blend of French, African, Indian, and Chinese; here, you'll find "all living together in true island harmony", according to ReunionIsland.net.

The rugged interior of the island is marked by an extinct volcano and an active volcano, called Piton de la Fournaise, which has been termed one of the most active in the world. The most recent volcanic eruption was this past October, and it was a biggie, sure to add an element of surprise and risk (and worry?!) to any trip! Additionally, Réunion is known for its three cirques – volcanoes that have collapsed on themselves – yielding an incredible terrain, as  well as contrasting lush forests with rare birds and numerous waterfalls that are particularly active in the rainy season.

On the west coast you'll find chill beaches with a choice of watersports like surfing and scuba (yes!!!). Towards the north, there is a variety of dining options featuring French, Creole, Indian, and Chinese fare. And towards the east, amazing gardens, vegetation, and sugar cane and vanilla fields.

Sounds like Réunion has made it to our list of island honeymoon considerations. Let me know if you have been!

[image via Runweb and ReunionIsland]

Tips For Red-Eye Flights

I am headed to Salzburg, Austria for work today at about 4pm. I arrive in Frankfurt, Germany at about 11pm EST, which is 5am local time there. Then I hop onto another flight to Salzburg, and arrive at 9:30am local time (you can't fly direct). That's 3:30am EST. Then it's off to the hotel and to work. Sigh.

I despise red-eyes, and try to avoid them at all costs when traveling for business. On Fodors, I found these useful tips to help me survive the red-eye and hopefully snag some quality zzz's:

1. Nab a good seat:  pay extra for the comfort of a roomier seat in economy plus, business, or first class (I am in biz class, sweet)

2. Pack a goodie bag: Ear plugs, eye mask, a travel pillow, and warm fuzzy socks (off to get ear plugs!)

3. Consult your doctor: get a little help from a prescribed sleeping aid (Ambien, check!)

4. Just say no to napping:  Many red-eye regulars skip the nap that first day and then go to sleep early that evening (ok, not sure if I have a choice here, it's a work trip!)

5. Take it easy on the ground: Ambition is the enemy after a long red-eye flight. Keep your plans for that first day as simple as possible. (Hopefully my client will have a little mercy on me)

[Image Via]

Kui Buri Resort, Thailand

I have been starting to playfully and casually search for honeymoon destinations. I really want to go somewhere that I haven't been to before, somewhere unique, and far away. So I was perusing the October issue of Travel + Leisure mag the other day, and keyed in on the cover story: 25 emerging destinations where the dollar goes far (always a plus!). I came across a resort called Kui Buri (pronounced goo-wee... boo-ree). Located 3 hours south of Bangkok, Thailand, this resort hasn't turned a year old and it is simply stunning and pretty affordable! The area surrounding is rather underdeveloped, with only small neighboring fishing villages, and the resort, comprised of 23-semi private villas with terraces, gardens and pools, sits on a "virgin beachfront". Paradise! Though what most do there is simply relax, there are plenty of other activities for the more active or adventurous, like: mountain biking, scuba diving (yay!), yoga (yay again!), golf, and fishing. And the 4K (pronounced "fork") restaurant and bar serves up international fare featuring local ingredients and great wine.

As far as pricing goes, believe it or not, it is affordable. This bungalow here is listed at $115 (though that is a "low season" rate I think, but still)!

Though if we hauled all the way across the globe, we just may have to chose this:

So, we may not be going to Kui Buri for our honeymoon, as it's on the cusp of monsoon season (though the more I research, I am realizing it doesn't rain as much as you may think), but man I want to get there some day before everyone discovers this secret.

Chez L'Epicier, Montreal

By far the most amazing dinner that we can remember.

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Shopping On St. Catherine St

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Hotel Gault Rocks!

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Restaurant Globe

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Aszu Lounge

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Lunch in Burlington VT

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Montreal Bound!

We are headed up to Montreal for the long weekend and we are so excited to gorge ourselves on French fare, hit the town, and soak up all the city has to offer. Stay tuned for my photoblogging of the city and our wild n' crazy adventures!

[image via]

Our Weekend Getaway: Mohonk Mountain House

I am finally getting around to posting about our getaway the weekend before last. We headed up to the Mohonk Mountain House located in the town of New Paltz, NY in the Shawangunk Mountains. The property, spanning hundreds of acres with numerous trails, gardens, cliffs, and a lake, is rich with history and beauty. The 7-story, 19th century enchanted castle, once a small inn and tavern, boasts 500 rooms and is simply breathtaking on approach. We visited before the gardens were in full bloom, and it was still quite a spectacle.

The typical reservation includes a four course dinner, breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea and cookies each day; the food is fabulous! For dinner, I started with a gravalox (salmon marinated in dill) appetizer, followed by mixed greens with goat cheese and candied pecans, and next a rack of lamb, perfectly seared medium-rare. Mike had duck confit, a cheese plate (camembert) and the rack of lamb as well (neither of us can resist rack of lamb on a menu!!). We sipped a fabulous Pomerol from the well-priced and quite extensive wine list. The following Sunday morning, brunch was served rather than breakfast and lunch, and it was an impressive buffet of carved meats, hot entrees such as sole fillet stuffed with lump crab, an omelet station, homemade waffles with all the fixings, a salad station, a dessert station and even a chocolate fondue waterfall. Total decadence and pure gluttony.

What we were not prepared for was how "family friendly" the hotel is and that it definitely has a "resort", high volume feel to it. It's the pristine vacation spot of you have children, and there are so many activities to chose from - including a children's activity center - as well as many other families and children with whom to mingle. But if you are dreaming of a romantic, secluded escape it's just not that. Additionally there were two weddings each day so the grounds were overly crowded.

I did manage to make it to the yoga class in the morning, which was a great class, and well needed to burn off a few of the calories from the night before! We didn't have a chance to capitalize on any of the other activities, in part due to the lack of time, but also due to the uncooperative weather (booo!). Overall, I think we will be back, but it will most likely be at another stage in our lives :)

Mohonk Mountain House

I have had my eye on this resort for quite a while, and we finally booked a weekend getaway this month! Nestled away in the Adirondack Mountains in New York state's Hudson Valley, The Mohonk Mountain House offers the ideal getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and relaxation dreamers. Seasonal activities include rock climbing on the Shawangunk Ridge, also known as "The Gunks" (for the beau), yoga classes in the fitness center (for moi), hiking, swimming, fishing, snow shoeing, golf, tennis, and more. The spa sounds spectacular, perched atop cliffs overlooking the lake, with 16 rooms including a solarium, stone fireplace, outdoor heated mineral pool, and an indoor swimming pool. And the photo above simply defines beauty, eh?

So I am excited, and will definitely do a write-up after we visit.

Back from Nevis, AKA: Paradise

Nevis, "Queen of the Caribbes", is an unspoiled Caribbean island in the West Indies that spans approximately 36 square miles and is 7 miles in diameter. She is separated from her big sister, St Kitts, by "The Narrows", a shallow two-mile channel. The official language of the estimated 11,000+ citizens is English with an astonishing 98% literacy rate, one of the highest in the World.

Nevis really is paradise. Perched 3,232 feet above the captivating turquoise waters and serene sand beaches rests the dormant volcano, Nevis Peak. Below the often stalled white cloud cover, from which the name Nevis - "Lady of the Snows" - is derived, lies a tropical rain forest that blankets the conical peak, awash with lush vegetation, rare bird and plant species, and the infamous and elusive Black-faced Fervet Monkey, all certain to attract eco-folks alike.

Aside from the natural beauty that defines Nevis for many, she is individualized - for me personally - by the people, termed Nevisians. Here, an unceremonious beep of the car horn means "hello!", often followed by a gentle smile and an amiable wave. If a local passerby doesn't voice a greeting such as "good afternoon", its a rarity; children play, teens mingle, affable wait-staff are always grinning and eager to share a story of their proud island, family, and life experiences. She may be the Lady of the Snows, but her people are intoxicating, sure to leave you warm and changed.

As far as where to stay, I'd strongly recommend staying on the mountain in the rainforest, with views of the seas below. Golden Rock Plantation Inn is a fabulous option, as is The Hermitage. If you opt for swank - though I think you really may be sacrificing the unspoiled local charm of the island - I'd recommend the Montpelier Plantation (a Relais and Chateaux, also not on the water) or Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, on the water but the beach can be quite windy with rough seas. As far as The Four Seasons goes, well, its commonly reviewed as overrated and over-priced; we stopped by the well-groomed grounds, and left promptly after realizing it is a quasi-stuffy golf resort full of polos and plaid and the antithesis of why we came to the island, but each to his/her own. We heard that the bungalows at Hurricane Cove are fabulous, complete with your private swimming pool.

I encourage you to explore island for yourself, and mingle with her people. Sure, you'll find blogs (like mine!) and online guides, tourist sites, forums, etc but the wealth of information should come from the mouths of the people who live - or have lived - there. Here are a few tips and clues to get you started, derived from our personal experiences and the conversations that we had with friends prior to our trip and the gentle Nevisians who helped guide our way:

If you want to dive the coral reefs or, better yet, one of the many shipwrecks resting on the sea floor, get in touch with Ellis (the Corinthinan and the River Taw wreck dives rock!). Be sure to find Ritchie at The Hermitage to learn about sailing Star with Steve and hiking the 80 ropes and vertical inclines to the clouds of the Nevis Peak volcano with Jungle Jim. You may want to talk to Pam at the Golden Rock Plantation Inn (best lobster sandwich on the island), she may advise you wear your hiking shoes in first on the hike to The Source. Be ready to see monkeys if you chose to meet her for brunch in the morning. Stock your cottage with fruits from the market on Saturday, and search for hidden beaches appropriately termed Paradise and Lovers. Discover the acclaimed Montpelier Plantation Inn atop a San Francisco-esque hill, and better yet, try to find Bananas in the dark!

I guarantee you will fall in love with Nevis, her people and all her beauty; the only regret I have is not visiting for longer. I'll be back.

Vacation Time

Some folks have a hard time detaching when they go on vacation. Often they'll lug that laptop, remain tethered to their blackberry, and even check email and call into the office multiple times while on the most relaxing of vacations. Not me. In so many ways technology improves our daily lives by connecting people and making us more productive, efficient and smarter; but I think we all need a break from technology now and then. We leave tomorrow for Nevis, and I won't be working, emailing, or even blogging. Its time for me to detach and enjoy life in a corner of the Earth that may just be heaven.

Back in a week or so.

MONKEY XING

I have been searching blogs and Flickr for Nevis photos, only adding to my eager anticipation and excitement over this trip! By far, my favorite photo is, well, a yellow diamond street sign!

I confess. I love monkeys. I visited Costa Rica a few years ago with my Mom (yes, a healthy mother-daughter vacation, and one of my all time favorite trips), and I fell in love with the monkeys frolicking about in the lush rainforest.  They definitely can have attitudes, but for some reason, they approved of my presence and curiosity, as you can see here:

So, I can't wait to see the monkeys on St Kitts and Nevis in a little over a week. A special thanks to Mike on Flickr, the kind gentleman that gave me permission to use his MONKEY XING photo and for all the recommendations while on the island, definitely an added bonus.

Vacation Booked: Nevis!

It has been a tough month or so at the homestead, so we decided to take off for a week at the end of the month. Thanks to our amazing friend Wilson, we are headed to his family's island house on Nevis, off of St. Kitts, for 6-nights in pure paradise. I have been reading-up on this little gem of an island, and here is a write-up off the Nevis Naturally Web site that gives me shivers of excitement:

There's something about this small, sombrero-shaped island that grabs you. The charm and tranquility takes you back to a time when things were simpler, when life was more peaceful, when stress was just a word, not a way of life.

This 36-square-mile island lies near the top of the Lesser Antilles archipelago, about 200 miles south of Puerto Rico, and just west of Antigua. This island jewel is approximately 7 miles long and 5 miles wide, with natural vegetation that is unparalleled.

Green and serene, Nevis is truly one of the remaining unspoilt places and proudly carries the name, "Queen of the Caribees." From the top of the 3,232-foot Nevis Peak to the depths of the clear waters offshore, there is a world of flora and fauna to be explored. In the hills, the comical green vervet monkeys chatter and scamper; in the sea, the whales cruise by. Stroll around and see the architecture of eras gone by: churches, windmills, and refurbished Great Houses.

Its 10,000 residents are friendly and helpful, ready to make new friends and welcome back regular visitors. The genuine charm and hospitality radiate into the unspoken, "Welcome," "Be my guest," and "Do come again."

Nevis is special, a place that will seduce you, and tug at your heart strings after you leave.

Are you sold? Me too. I can't wait.

Jade Mountain, St Lucia

This morning, the beau introduced me to Jade Mountain, St Lucia. Simply put, this exclusive resort is paradise. From the website:

Expect grand sweeping spaces beyond your imagination, with your bedroom, living area and extravagantly sized private infinity edge pool gliding into one another to form an amazing platform floating in space, with the 4th wall missing entirely - the result is a stage-like setting from which to embrace the full glory - and  infinite views - of St. Lucia's twin Pitons and the shimmering Caribbean Sea - a view you are not likely to ever forget

There aren't any immediate plans to visit, as the rates are a tad steep (I'd die for the scuba package, only $14K per couple!). It's fun to dream!

Relaxing in the Banks

We are back from our Banks vacation, and I must say, I am truly relaxed. The week consisted of going to the beach, cheffing-up tuna steaks fresh off the boats, dipping into a coffee shop here and there, reading A Thousand Splendid Suns (two words - READ IT!), hanging out with family, and just completely detaching from the stresses of city life.

We stayed at a property, owned by Mike's sister-in-law Annie's colleague, just one block from the beach on Hatteras Island. Its the post-Labor Day off-season now, what I consider the paramount time to visit the islands; as you can see from the photo above, there is in effect no one on the beach. Most of the homes are either multi-million dollar mansions that are owner occupied in the summertime, or rental units that would be bustling with beach-goers and families just a couple weeks prior. My assumption is that, because it is active hurricane season for much of the southeastern US and islands, people would not want to gamble with the chance that their vacation may be fiercely interrupted by a tropical storm. So, the beaches, restaurants, and ferry's were near-vacant this past week. Mike and I toyed with the idea of being adventurous and kite boarding or para-sailing, but we opted for complete relaxation and just spending quality time with his family. I must say this is by far the most relaxing vacation I have taken, and am realizing, that's more and more becoming the way I like it.

The Outer Banks: Frisco, Hatteras Island

In one week we will be vacationing with Mike's family in the Outer Banks, a string of islands that bends into the Atlantic Ocean, about 130 miles off the coast of North Carolina. From the Outer Banks website:

Our islands are filled with watery hideaways where wildlife takes refuge and nature lovers delight, quiet beaches for sport or peace, and history that dates back to America's beginnings. As you will see, The Outer Banks is a destination sure to delight you with its variety of adventure, art, dining, and history and beach fun...

We are headed to the remote community of Frisco, located on Hatteras Island at the southern tip of the Banks (check out the map - its waaaay down there!). Apparently there is little to do outside of relaxing on the beach, reading, exploring, and enjoying time with friends and family. Sounds like heaven to me!

Labor Day Weekend in Rockport

A few pics to share on this glorious weekend that marks the end of the summer:

 

The Great Blue Hole

I had cocktails with a former colleague tonight, and she told me about her recent dive experiences in Belize. It's been in my top-ten list of vacation destinations to visit, and now that we are certified divers, its an absolute must.

The Great Blue Hole is a perfectly circular limestone sinkhole more than 300 feet across and 412 feet deep about 60 miles off the coast of Belize. As the Ambergris Caye website notes:

Part of the Lighthouse Reef System, it lies approximately 60 miles off the mainland out of Belize City. It is one of the most astounding dive sites to be found anywhere on earth, right in the center of Lighthouse Reef is a large, almost perfectly circular hole approximately one quarter of a mile (.4 km) across. Inside this hole the water is 480 feet (145 m) deep and it is the depth of water which gives the deep blue color that causes such structures throughout the world to be known as "blue holes."

How amazing is this?! The temp in the hole, at its deepest point, is about 76F, the prefect diving temp for me! Although the deeper you go, the less the light penetrates, the less the water circulates, and therefore the less life you expect to see, you may see a blacktip tiger or a hammerhead shark lurking about, as my friend did! I have mixed feelings about seeing a shark, but from what I hear, it can be a beautiful, and surprisingly calm, experience. Apparently the visibility from the top down the hole is incomparable, and although life may seem close, it may in fact be many feet below.

Apparently Jacques-Yves Cousteau brought his ship to the hole in 1971, and declared this site one of the top diving sites of the world. I can't wait until we explore it's depths some day in the (hopefully) near future.

On My Way Home!

And I just cannot wait to get there!

A Day In Vienna

Today, Ocean and I managed to balance work (via blackberry) with a little bit of Vienna sightseeing. We were able to catch a double decker bus tour of the city; yes, you may say that's so "touristy" but I strongly believe its the best way to see a city of this magnitude in just a few hours.

Wow. Vienna is truly breathtaking. The architecture has a distinct classical Roman influence; however more modern buildings are peppered throughout the cityscape, many around the Danube River. Around every corner, lies yet another awe-inspiring structure, statue, monument, cathedral, or converted hotel that once housed royalty. The opera, music, theater and culture is treasured here, as can be seen my the number of opera houses (like above), museums and cultural centers.

And the food; let's put it this way, Viennese love to eat...heavy! Tonight, we had a delectable dinner at a trendy, yet authentic, restaurant called Huth. I opted for the Weiner Schnitzel, as its Austria's signature dish and I was yet to try it in it's native locale. It was spectacular, though the portion size was quite large. Ocean opted for a mushroom ravioli dish, with truffles and chantarelles (which seem to be everywhere in Vienna as they are in season). For cocktails, we enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine accented with pear liquor, and for dessert, a chocolate crepe. Do you see what I mean, heavy? Honestly, there really are no light options on the menu!

I feel as though I did not have the time to explore Vienna to its fullest; after all, this was a work trip. However, I adore the city, and am eager to visit again.

Back to Boston tomorrow; looking forward to it, its been a long trip but a stellar experience.

 

Lunch in Ottokring

Wow, this food is heavy! Today we went out to lunch with our Austrian coworkers, to a traditional restaurant in the Ottakring district of Vienna. My meal consisted of a soup, with braised beef, a massive meat dumpling, bone marrow, and a few vegetables tossed into a rich beef broth. Served on the side, a cream parsnip dish, horseradish applesauce, and a sour cream dip of some sort. Oh, and of course a small mug of Ottakringer, the native beer for which this district is named.

Holy high-calorie meal! It was quite tasty nonetheless, just not my choice mid-afternoon fair :)

Vienna From Above

I just got into Vienna this afternoon and headed straight to our offices; I managed to swing business class from London so the flight wasn't all that bad! It's about 7pm here, and I am completely drained. Ocean, my coworker, and I are going to head out for some hearty schnitzel and a glass of wine after we check into Le Meridien (conveniently located in the shopping district!), but I wanted to share the above photo; this was taken from the office rooftop terrace. I think I am going to put in for that office transfer ;-)

A Sunday in London Town

Live Earth is through (the event of a lifetime as I have officially coned it), and I have so much to blog about, and so many pics to share; the reality is, I am exhausted. So, for now I will share my day today, the first day that I saw sunlight since the 3rd of July (not because its been lacking, but because I have been working!). 

My brunch at the cafe by my hotel in London's Soho neighborhood:

On to a little bit of shopping at Mango (Mom, I know you are smiling!), my all time favorite Spanish store once only found over seas (though now surfacing in the US boo hoo!):

 

Then lunch at a pub (have to go to a pub!):

And then off to Zaika, a stellar Indian restaurant located in Kensington across from Hyde Park, for dinner with my client. It was amazing (sorry, no pics to share tho!).

I am off to Vienna; the forecast is rain every day until I return on Thursday, but I am fine with that. I can't wait!

Live Earth London

I am off to the Live Earth concert in London in less than 24 hours, and I have received many inquiries as to how I feel about my trip considering the recent terrorist attempts by an alleged network in the UK.

The truth is, I think anyone would feel a tad unnerved about traveling to to the UK right now, don't you? So yes, its on my mind, as it will continue to be when I am there. I plan to take smart, preventative safety measures such as not ride by bus or the Tube, and just be aware of my surroundings at all times. But the truth is, the world is an unsafe place right now, and with that, we all take risks - some greater than others - each and every day. Simply put, that's life; and if I were to change my course each time I faced a risk, a fear, or a challenge, well, I'd be running in circles and never truly reach my goals.

I am excited about this trip, and the Live Earth event, and I have worked too hard to let this get in my way (plus, backstage with Madonna? Yeah!). Stay tuned for posts (and maybe real-time pics if TypePad Mobile cooperates overseas).

You may also track the event on the Live Earth Website, and on July 7th, Live Earth concerts worldwide will be streamed live by MSN at www.LiveEarth.MSN.com. 

To sign up for Live Earth Event mobile alerts, such as pre-concert news, green tips and more, send the keyword SOS to the shortcode 82004 from your mobile phone.

Bon Voyage!

Jake's, Jamaica: Video of Sea Puss II

I finally uploaded the video I took of our  bohemian cottage, Sea Puss II, at Jake's, Treasure Beach, Jamaica. You will see how the doors open up to a deck that literally sits on top of the crashing Caribbean Sea. The style of the cottage, and of Jake's overall, was clearly influenced by Antoni Gaudi, with vivid colors and organic shapes, old bottles and broken tiles embedded in the stone (see the bed and outdoor shower), with the fluidity of water added into the architecture. This place is definitely worth the 2 hour windy treck from Montego Bay.

Note: the colors are a pretty washed-out, due to shooting it with my digital cam and also having to compress the video for upload to the Web; the sea is in fact turquise, and though it was windy, it was a clear, bluebird sky day.

Live Earth 2007 - London Bound

Most would probably - and rightfully - protest having to work on the 4th of July, a federal holiday to recognize our nation's independence over 230 years ago; but, I have a legitimate excuse for being excited to work on the 4th this year. I will be traveling to London, to the sold out Live Earth concert, to launch a mobile marketing campaign with my coworkers and company partners.

As the LE website notes:

Live Earth is a 24-hour, 7-continent concert series taking place on 7/7/07 that will bring together more than 100 music artists and 2 billion people to trigger a global movement to solve the climate crisis. Live Earth will reach this worldwide audience through an unprecedented global media architecture covering all media platforms - TV, radio, Internet and wireless channels."

The Live Earth shows will be in the following markets: NY, London, Johannesburg, Rio, Shanghai, Tokyo, Sydney, Hamburg. We are launching our programs in NY, London, Hamburg (additionally tying into Switzerland and Austrian markets), and Sydney. I must say, the London show kicks ass, and though I will be working, I hope to sneak a peak of the following performers in London:

Beastie Boys
Madonna
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Duran Duran
Damien Rice
Bloc Party
Corrinne Bailey Rae
Genesis
James Blunt
Razorlight
David Gray
Foo Fighters
John Legend
Keane
Paolo Nutini
Black Eyed Peas
Snow Patrol
Terra Naomi
Spinal Tap
Kasabian
Metallica
Pussycat Dolls

Okay, so I am excited more about some (Madonna, yeah!!) than others (James Blunt, so over the nasal "you're beautiful"), and the truth is, I am there to work, but I can't help but to think I may just run into the Black Eyed Peas, or better yet, fall into a time warp when I am serenaded by Duran Duran at the show.

I'll be sure to bring back some pics!

Jamaica Vacation Part II: The Southern Coast, Treasure Beach

Our action-packed, rather scheduled first few days on the western-most point of the island were welcomed by a screeching halt of pace as we made our way southeast, inland, then down and around the highway that winds around the circumference of the island. The urban activity dwindles, the fields of sugar cane, lush rainforest, and cloud-covered mountains emerge. This was clearly a different Jamaica than what we had seen, and I loved the transition.

Welcome to Jake's, on Treasure Beach, Jamaica.

Jakes is a true one-of-a-king getaway. Comprised of approximately 15-20 bohemian cottages painted with vivid colors and carrying a clear Gaudi .design influence, this boutique hotel has been known to house a diverse guest list including many international travelers from across the globe as well as celebrities needing a secluded hideaway.  As my masseuse, Joshua, said as he worked through the everyday tensions from my aching muscles in the thatched roof hut over the crashing ocean, "Nothing to do. Nowhere to be. Nothing to do." And let me tell you, he was right-on. I don't know about you, but I am a busy-body, and it takes forced inactivity, by way of "nothing to do", to really make me relax; of course, inactivity excludes things like staring into the crystal waves, sipping native concoctions, napping, reading, and repeating. Our daily agenda at Jakes was:

• breakfast at the main restaurant, at which I failed to sway from the Spanish omelet (w/ sweet peppers, tomatoes and onions sauteed in a spicy sauce - mmmm!) and a cup or 2 of strong, aromatic blue mountain java
• a stroll along the black sand beach (way too hot to lay out)
• a swim in the shaded salt water pool
• lunch at Jack Sprats (on premise): jerk shrimp with rice and peas (red beans), or jerk sausage thin-crust pizza (not a low calorie trip!)
• A drink at Dougie's poolside bar (he has been pouring drinks @ Jake's for about 15 years, and his signature Rum Punch is sensational), a nap, a read, a drink, a nap, etc
• Dinner - snapper, king fish, conch
• Star gazing
• Sleep and repeat

Could I have stayed longer than 3 days at Jakes? Probably not, but I truly treasured the getaway. The southern coast has not been trounced by tourism (at least not yet) since its pretty tough to get to (2 hours from Montego Bay, a $115 one-way cab fare, and a windy mountain road trip that is not for the weak-stomach ), the seas are far more turbulent and the currents too strong to swim in, and the beaches are black sand as opposed to the 7 miles of white sand beached in Negril. And I hope it stays unspoiled.

On our final day at Jakes, we upgraded from our small one-bedroom cottage called Starfish to a larger, seafront (more like, on top of the sea) cottage called Sea Puss II, complete with an outdoor stone shower, a James Bond book collection (apparently the books were authored close by) and French doors that literally open to a deck sitting on the crashing ocean. The downside, its tough to get a cottage at Jakes with AC, and let me tell you, it was simply too hot at night even with the ocean breeze.

Also, on our last day, we took the advice of a couple visiting from the UK, and hopped onto an engine powered canoe and made our way out the the Pelican Bar, a hut built on stilts on a sandbar about 20 minutes from Jakes, literally in the middle of the sea. It was constructed by, and is operated by, a man named Floyd, and is a must-see/must-do if visiting Treasure Beach. The seas were rough, and I was freaking out at times especially as dusk approached, but I really loved it.

I hesitate to encourage you to visit Jake's and Treasure Beach as I am sure one day the good-word will be out, and this hidden jewel will be found on the list of Caribbean must see destinations. Til then, keep it hush hush :)

Jamaica Vacation Part I: The Western Point, Negril

We returned last eve from our trip to Jamaica, and it was simply paradise! I attempted to post a couple times while on the island, but it appears that TypePad Mobile was also on vacation in Jamaica as apparently just one post went through. I am going to split this into at least a couple posts, as I want to be sure to provide the detail necessary to truly color our experiences and provide the justice to Jamaica that I feel is really due.

Part I: Negril

What sets Jamaica apart from its Caribbean island neighbors is the individuality and character that defines the Jamaican culture. Gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1962, the indigenous Arawkan-speaking (some sites say Creole) inhabitants are overall friendly locals that recognize tourism as their #1 industry. I found their dialect so interesting, as its a mix of English and their native speak, but only English is written. And yes, "Hey 'mon" is ubiquitous, and it means "yes", "thanks", sometimes "no" and everything in between.

The Rockhouse in Negril was stellar. Perched on a rocky coast comprised of molten lava rock and limestone, this non-all-inclusive resort is part of the Tablet Hotels, a list of the best-of-the-best hotels across the globe marked by their uniqueness and quality. I am pointing out that its not all-inclusive since there are so many in Negril that are all-inclusive, and I feel that those have more of a resort, somewhat chain-like feel and just aren't for me.

We had a brightly colored, charming studio with AC, a patio with an ocean view, an outdoor shower, the essential mosquito net (you may squirm at the thought, but it wasn't all that bad, and the nets were changed daily), and of course a mini-bar stocked with Red Stripe beer, the Bud of Jamaica (tho a step above IMO). The horizon, salt water pool, complete with a pool bar featuring quenching (and strong) fresh-fruit daiquiris (pineapple, banana, papaya, and lost-o-rum), almost seemingly led into the turquoise Caribbean waters. Our first day, though cloudy and in retrospect, a relief leading up to our blistering days in the sun, welcomed us with a dolphin jumping at sunset. How cool.

We primarily stayed local at the restaurant on-site at the Rockhouse, as any venture beyond the resort walls left us wide-open to the locals trying to sell us some local treats (ganga and so on!). Although the locals are friendly and really seemed harmless, it was more of an annoyance that we chose to avoid.

And the highlight for us, I think of the entire trip though I'd have to confirm with my better half, is that we are now open-water PADI scuba certified! I can't begin to tell you what an accomplishment this was for me personally, and it was not easy. With our master scuba instructors Myron, Marshall and Castro (Myron was our man) we successfully completed 4 open-water dives through Sun Divers. The greatest depth was 60 feet, at which we saw stingrays, flounder, rock fish, a crab half the size of me, and swam through coral caves and to a plane wreck. I completed my skills at 30 feet which include removing, replacing and clearing my mask (which I hate still!), fin pivots & hovering (which I love), CESA, buddy breathing and more. Cheers to Myron, who on day 1 (dive 1 & 2) was a hard-ass, and day 2 opened up to us and welcomed us to the PADI club once we gained his trust and he recognized our commitment and passion for scuba.

Although we managed to make it out only one night to see some live reggae music, Negril has quite a scene that I would recommend to anyone truly seeking some fun in the Jamaican sun. Next, I will review life on the southern coast of the island.

**Here's the complete set of photos from our trip on Flickr.

Stay tuned for more...

Hey 'mon....

Welcome to the Rockhouse, Negril, Jamaica. This place is is 100% pure paradise. A dolphin is jumping as we sip our first rum libation!

PADI Confined Water Dive Sign-off

Last night, we officially had our first entry in our PADI dive log books! We have successfully completed our 4 confined water dives and all class work. Hats off to our Master Scuba Diver Trainer & new friend, Scott, who is truly a passionate, incredibly skilled and adept diver and a stellar instructor.

On to the open water dives...

PADI Cert Status

I passed the PADI written test with flying colors last night, and completed the first 2 of 4 confined water dives. Mike was stuck at work, so he has not taken the test yet (though I am sure he will ace it per usual!), but he too completed the pool dives. All that's left now are the last 2 confined water dives, that we are hoping to complete on Thursday if we can confirm pool time, and the 4 open water dives over 2 days in Jamaica.

Overall, the skills we completed in the pool were fine, though I had some difficulties with filling & emptying my mask as I have the natural tendency to blow out my nose, so the water does not have the chance to flood my mask. I am sure this will get easier with practice and familiarity, though I prefer to never have to clear my mask while diving. We are so excited and eager to get to Jamaica for the real diving :)

Sun Divers in Negril

Just booked our 4 open water cert dives (2 days) at Sun Divers in Negril, Jamaica. Figured it would be great to complete the certification on day 1 and 2, and have the rest of the trip to either chill out, or perhaps do our first dives as certified divers in Treasure Beach if there is PADI.

PADI Class #2 @ PG Dive

Last eve Mike and I attended another PADI scuba class, this time at the PG Dive shop in Waltham. We are getting the classes free of charge, however me must purchase some basic gear through the dive shop - fins, mask, snorkel - in exchange for the pool time for the confined water dives next week. All I have to say is the PG store kicks ass, and apparently has a quite a reputable following in the local scuba community. The staff are friendly and they definitely know the gear inside-and-out, and most importantly, they are not trying to over-sell to customers (love that).

Here's our new gear:

My Fins (in blue) Mares Superchannel	Mike's Fins Atomic Splitfin
My Boot The Stealth Fin Sock:	Mikes Boot Pinnacle Apex Boot:
My Mask Cressi Matrix Glasses	Mike's Mask Atomic Aquatics Subframe
Our snorkels Oceanic Worldwide Snorkel

PADI Scuba Classes

Tonight we attended our first PADI scuba diving class, in preparation for our trip to Jamaica in less than 2 weeks. I fell in love with the recreational sport of scuba diving about 3 years ago when I dove for the first (and only!) time, while on a trip in the Caribbean. I have always wanted to get certified, so that I am not tethered to just the resort dives, but I have never wanted to sacrifice a few days of my valuable beach vacation time for the classes and cert dives. Alternatively, diving