Thailand, in particular, really sets itself apart from any other place we have traveled to.  Our stays at the Bangkok Mandarin Oriental and the Mandarin Oriental Dhara-Devi in Chiang Mai were superlative, and more recently the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur and the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas have happily confirmed our assessment.  We can see why the Mandarin Oriental chain is consistently voted as having some of the top hotels in the World, with the M.O. Bangkok consistently taking top honours. Our time at the MO Bangkok is adventure I long to repeat.  I speak often about the incredible experiences we had on this trip, and I hope you will read on, so I can tell you in detail why South-East Asia is at the top of our New Jetsetters “Recommended” list of travel destinations.   For value, luxury and cherished memories that will forever replay themselves in your mind, a stay at the MO Bangkok will provide you with some excellent material.

At work on a children’s novel (and secretly hoping for some divine inspiration from some literary ghosts) I told my husband I really needed to stay in one of the Author’s Suites.  Since Joseph Conrad’s “The Secret Agent” was one of my favorite books, we decided this would be a great room to have (aside from the fact that it has its own garden and a killer view of the fascinating activity on the Chao Phraya (River of Kings).  The suite was booked and a great deal on airfare from Vancouver through Hong Kong and into Bangkok was found.

Our arrival in Bangkok was incredibly special, (see “An Amazing Arrival in Bangkok” ).  I would imagine that every guest who arrives at this grand hotel will find it  an experience not to be forgotten, no matter how they arrive.  The instinctive class and gentle grace of the Thai people is genuine, and the famous Thai hospitality is not a myth.  Close your eyes and you will easily believe you are a member of Royalty!   A personal greeting at the airport begins the dream sequence.  Once comfortably ensconced in the luxe Mercedes, a heavenly jasmine-flower wreath around your neck,  cool scented facecloths and cold sparkling water is offered.   The drive to the hotel is a pleasure in such a comfortable environment.  Then, the profusion of “Wai’s” (elaborate and beautiful bows) at the entrance to the hotel by the beautifully dressed staff and attentive doormen thrilled us as we were welcomed to the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok.  I felt like I was having some elaborate, incredibly beautiful dream.

We were shown to our elegant suite where they conducted our check-in process in privacy; we welcomed the celebratory bubbles that tickled our nostrils as we sipped fine, chilled champagne.  Accessing the Authors Wing was awe-inspiring as we passed through the airy perfection of the Author’s Lounge where the famed “Afternoon Tea” is served.  The aura of this hotel is almost palpable – the air of graciousness, the historic atmosphere, the serenity it exudes, is an experience never to forget.

The Joseph Conrad Suite was at once impeccable, alluring, and serene, the muted tones of mauve, indigo and gold framing the impressive sight of the Chao Phraya, the “River of Kings” beyond the huge picture windows.  The terrace was to become my source of inspiration, relaxation and joy over the next few days, as I was able to observe the bustle of river activity and yet was so far removed from any source of stress or noise.  The very romantic King size bed was so comfortable, only the thought of what new delights awaited us was enough to get me out of it.  The bathroom was a fantasy of marble and flowers and deep soaking tub, with a separate large shower and thick, velvety-smooth towels.  The Hermes toiletries made the bathing experience extra special, a very welcome extravagance of heaven’s scent.

We loved the fact that there was a personal Butler for our room, available at the simple push of a discrete button.  There were little buttons beside the bed, in the washroom, and in the living room.  A smiling, helpful face was never more than a few feet away, ready to assist you with any of your needs.  I still believe our butler was just waiting to hear our door open and close, so that he could be ready to offer us anything we needed – umbrella?  Newspaper?  Cappuccino?  This was amazing, wonderful service unlike anything else we had ever experienced.  Even our laundry, when returned, was embellished with orchids.  The word “delightful” does not even begin to adequately describe the experiences to be found at this hotel.

When my husband could lure me away from my terrace retreat, our days were spent exploring the beauty of the hotel property, from the lush and exotic gardens where we visited daily with the charming Mynah Birds, who would greet us with a comical “Sawat Dee Krap” every day, much to our amusement.  The hotel pool was perfect, pleasantly cooling without being cold, attentive staff available with scented face towels and refreshing drinks, lounge chairs made up for you with mounds of fresh towels, cool bottles of sparkling water set out for you, menu’s with delectable treats offered to you at every turn.

Breakfast was on the Riverside Terrace, where we would watch the hustle of river barges thronging  The Chao Phraya River.  The sight of  these barges is uniquely entertaining in that many actually tow their own houses along with them up and down the river; their way of life.   Multiple generations of families live on these boats, and this is their life and their livelihood. As the family units grow larger, the amount of house-boats being towed behind keep growing.  One could say that these families really look after their own.

We would marvel every morning, as we would throw leftover crumbs from our delicious croissants into the river.  It would immediately become a frothing mass of Catfish, leaping and catapulting their sizeable bodies out of the water.  One of the friendly wait staff told me about the legend of the rare White Catfish of the Chao Phraya, which is said to bring the person who sights it good luck and fortune.  I never did catch sight of it, but I consider that I already had good luck and fortune to be able to experience a stay at this magnificent hotel.

Afternoon lunches were spent on the “The Verandah”, where I had the most delectable and unfortunately, most addictive, pumpkin soup ever.  Called “Pumpkin Velvet Soup” and made with coconut milk, it was so delectable that I fear I will just absolutely have to go back to this hotel for another stay in fairly short order so that I can feed my addiction.  My husband loved their Phad Ga-Prow, a stir-fry concoction with holy basil leaves and garlic chilies, with the most delicious Hom Mali rice and a fried egg on top.  Delicious.

The last experience I want to share with you was the famous “Afternoon Tea” in the Author’s Lounge, an experience that nurtures the soul.  This historic atrium seems to vibrate with a spiritual energy left behind by the famous minds who once flocked to indulge in the creative aura this hotel radiates.   Unbeknownst to us, each serving of an Afternoon Tea “set” is really enough for two people.  Our efficient and polite server must have believed we knew what we were doing, or thought there were more people joining us, (or perhaps, in true Thai fashion, did not want to cause us any embarrassment), because we each ordered a Mandarin Oriental Traditional Thai Set.  Without the raising of an eyebrow, we were brought towering multi-level silver trays containing so much food that it was laughable.  The array of bite-size sandwiches – tuna, salmon, cheese, mini pastries, tiny pies, and delicious scones with beautifully presented whirls of butter, and jams of raspberry, blueberry and my favorite – the Rose Jam – were to die for. Sigh.  Yet another addiction I will have to suffer now.  The mini-desserts were over-the-top delicious, with chocolate cakes and crème brulee amongst the choices.  The tea itself, a fabulous Mariage Freres, was the perfect accompaniment to these delicacies.  What a classic way to spend a hot afternoon in Bangkok!

Our numerous dinner experiences will have to be the subject of another story or two, for they each deserve a blog of their own they were so magnificent.  Join us for upcoming reviews and stories on “The China House” and “The Normandie”.  Even our experiences at the hotel’s intimate and sexy Bamboo Bar merits it’s own page. Cheers New Jetsetters!

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Sure, it has all the usual beach activities, 186 miles of beach to be exact, but there’s so much more.  Banderas Bay, one of the largest and most beautiful bays in the world is the birthing grounds for the immense Humpback Whales, an incredible sight to witness.  The protected National Marshes and mangroves of the north serve as a sanctuary for Mexico’s migratory birds, crocodiles and other species for those  birders and wildlife lovers out there.  Toss in some authentic Mexican flavour, art-rich museums and archaeological sites to explore,  some very fine dining, and luxurious boutique hotels and you have something for everyone.   Now, with the addition of some really upmarket luxury developments, you really have a place for New Jetsetters to visit!

In fact, Riviera Nayarit holds the second place in Mexico in the number of AAA top classification properties, three Five Diamond hotels, including the Four Seasons Punta Mita, St. Regis Punta Mita and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit (Nuevo Vallarta) and Four Diamond hotels: Villa La Estancia (Flamingos); Vallarta Palace (Nuevo Vallarta); Dreams Villa Magna (Nuevo Vallarta); and Casa de Mita (Careyeros).

“I know, I know, It’s always the same argument every time you talk about heading to Westeros…. Should we tour on our own?  Should we waste precious luggage space for an extra sword just in case one of ours goes missing?  Should we spend the extra money and hire a professional (and well equipped) guide?  Decisions, decisions….. Well, allow us to give you some advice…. it depends on where you’re going.

For example, if you enjoy exploring the countryside, have the luxury of some extra time, and don’t mind getting a little lost, head out on your own!   After all, who doesn’t want to spend some quality time in the bustling Capital of The Reach, Highgarden!  And, we understand that Harrenhal can be an interesting place to spend a day even though the great castle has been mostly melted by Dragonfire. What a shame.  Also, if winter sports is your thing, you could always head North of The Wall to Crasters Keep for some “lively” adventure, though we recommend you study survival skills before heading there.  (Note – not recommended for children).

But if you’re thinking of  heading to the BIG City, i.e. Kings Landing, perhaps a guide should be considered.  After all, there’s so much to see and do in this thriving metropolis!  Trying to take it all in yourself would be like running around with your head cut off… (unfortunately a possibility).  As well, a good guide will be able to offer you an itinerary of highlights and also tell you about the places to avoid.  For example, many travellers may not know this, but there was some trouble in Blackwater Bay last year, so if you are planning on getting out on the water you will need a shallow draft boat.  I don’t know all the details, apparently it had something to do with “Wildfire”.

So, our advice in a nutshell…  If you’re  heading out to Kingswood or Grassy Vale, dress warmly, pack yourself a nice picnic lunch of mutton stew and black bread, and enjoy the  experience on your own and at your own pace.  A small sword in the picnic basket is not a bad idea.  But if you’re heading for King’s Landing (or “Seat of the King” as it’s called by locals) to snap a shot of the infamous Iron Throne or perhaps to catch a quick glimpse of the Royals, spend the money and hire a guide.  Those Lannisters can be hard to spot and a guide will know where your best chances are for a sighting.  After all, your time is valuable and it’s not every day that you get to spend time in the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.

…Ok!  So we “GOT” a little carried away with our story, but we really have discovered a walking tour that both New Jetsetters and HBO’s Game Of Thrones fans will love.  Author George Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series that has taken the world by storm has been beautifully brought to life for television, filming in some of the worlds most incredible places, one of which you can now enjoy on a new walking tour around Dubrovnik, Croatia.  The four-hour walking tour of Dubrovnik’s picturesque old town, set beside the Adriatic, features stops at the city parks used by film crews and gives visitors the chance to climb the same walls that were attacked by the Baratheons in the first series.

There is also the opportunity to hear about the dastardly exploits of King Joffrey (don’t we all love to hate him!) and his scheming mother Cersei, and admire the castle used as King’s Landing, Capital of the Seven Kingdom’s Realm.  The 11th-century “Lovrijenac Fortress” has been used for many of the Game of Thrones grisly battle scenes.  The guide relates stories about all the popular Game of Thrones characters: the Targaryens, Baratheons, Starks and other noble families.  Take this tour and you will become an expert….. No longer will people be able to tell you “You know nothing Jon Snow”.  (Oh……Groan……….!)

The tour will be launched this summer by the company Viator. Get all the details here.

PS – We also recommend that you hurry…..   “Winter Is Coming”.

Now before you start getting the shakes just reminiscing about your last Economy Class experience, keep in mind that not all “Economy Classes” are created equal.  In fact, some are actually quite good.  We’ve put together a list of our top five, based on personal experience along with some information from Skytrax and Flightstats.  So make sure your seat is in the upright position, tray tables are up, and your seatbelt is securely fastened and we will begin!

Like just about everything else in the world, airline experiences are subjective, and these are only our opinions.  The web is full of sites dedicated to sharing airline horror stories, but we would like to hear about the GOOD experiences.  Take a minute and leave  your comment below.

So if you’re looking for that special “luxury property”, how do you find it with all those stars and diamonds floating around out there?  ”Forbes”, “AAA”, 5 Star Hotels at 3 Star Prices”, “TripAdvisor Recommended”.  It can boggle the mind!  Buyer beware of course, but we may be able to help make your decision a little easier with our own “New Jetsetter List of Luxuries”. Call it a little check list of what we consider luxury hotel essentials.

Keep in mind that many believe Five Star properties must be large, with multiple dining options, pools and shopping.  New Jetsetters classify small “Boutique Hotels” and larger, full service resorts under the same umbrella.  For us it’s all about quality and  SERVICE.

QUALITY

You want to see better brand name toiletries, such as L’Occitane, Bulgari, Hermes, Aesop, or Le Labo in the rooms.  For example, one of our favorite hotels Cap Juluca in Anguilla, offers a choice of Bvlgari or Hermes products.

Distinctive in choice of room amenities and in-room features.  These accents and amenities should be useful, tasteful, original, and local whenever possible.  You should be seeing something unique, nothing second-rate or cookie-cutter.

High quality furnishings and decorations that are, in many cases, made by local artists and crafts people.  No cheap copies of Rembrandt’s on the wall please!

Top of the line bedding ( 400-count sheets or higher) and fine linens have become a key marketing point for the luxury, 5 Star property.

Full internet connectivity including WiFi, with access to complete Business Services either in the room or at a complimentary business center.

We expect at least one high quality or gourmet restaurant on the property, with a lounge.  It doesn’t have to be a dress up affair, just comfortable with good food and service.  Cascades Restaurant at Viceroy Bali is a excellent example.

SERVICE

Consistent quality of service is the number one differentiator between true 5 Star luxury hotels and others.  Any hotel can put in an elegant lobby or maintain lush landscaping.  It’s the human component that is the more challenging piece.  And by excellent service, we mean attentive, anticipatory and discreet.

If you’ve ever spent time enjoying the pool scene, you’ll agree that there can be huge differences in service.  Durning a  recent stay at the Chedi Club in Bali we received ice water, cold towels, a spritz and sun tan lotion all within 15 minutes, after the Pool Attendant followed us to our chosen loungers & made them up for us, with extra towels, in mere seconds.  That is 5 Star service.

Ever noticed how the best hotels consistently greet you by name, even when it’s your first time staying with them?  This can really can help bridge that gap between “just another hotel” stay and feeling taken care of, particularly if the staff are genuine.

A cornerstone of a successful 5 Star hotel will be a “hands-on” GM or Resident Manager.  They will be visible and on the premises, not sequestered in an office or focused on conference business.  They will greets you when they see you on the property, introduce themselves when appropriate, and interact with guests.  During a recent stay at Six Senses Yao Noi in Thailand we were greeted by the Assistant Manager at breakfast many mornings during our stay just, for a quick chat to make sure we were being well looked after.

An experienced, dedicated Concierge or Team of Concierges can really make a difference in your vacation experience.  Good knowledge of the city or surrounding area is important, and they should be able to gain you access to good tickets for a show, great seats at a hot restaurant, or recommend the very best and most trustworthy tour operators.  Also, if a good Concierge does not know the answer to your any of your questions, they will find it out for you.

Room Service plus 24 hours a day. When we visited the Mandarin Oriental Chiang Mai, Thailand a couple of years ago they provided service to any part of the property. We enjoyed lunch one day in the middle of a rice paddy.

The hotel should have a high ratio of staff to guests.  You should never have to go looking for staff, and you never will at a true luxury property.

Availability of hotel Town Car or Limo, usually complimentary for shorter distances.  The best 5 Star Hotels offer complimentary “Luxury House Car” services within a certain radius or area.  For example, during a stay at the Palomar, San Diego, they provided transport to Balboa Park and graciously returned later in the afternoon to pick us up.

We find “In-Suite Check In” a nice little luxury.  It’s more personal and relaxed than standing at a check-in counter in a busy lobby. During a short return stay at the Mandarin Oriental in Kuala Lumpur recently we were greeting by two staff members and escorted to our room for formalities, and to go over any services we required on our visit.

Last but not least… turn down service, with at least one additional room cleaning daily.  You have to love those little treats on the pillow, but the fresh towels, bathrobes and slippers by the bed add to the experience.  We especially love it when the hotel goes the extra distance, closing drapes and putting on some sexy music to add to the glamour.  Look for some hotels who offer the extra luxury of preparing bubble or rose-petal baths, with or without chilled champagne (all for an extra price, of course)!

Julia and Mark had booked with a company called Balloons over Bagan in Myanmar. According to this well-traveled couple, it was one of the highlights of a lifetime.  Here are the details I have gathered:

Balloons Over Bagan uses only pilots and technicians who are European Nationals, qualified and registered in the UK.  Their balloons are built to the highest standards of the British aerospace industry by Cameron Balloons Ltd.   They are the world’s largest manufacturer of hot air balloons.

Balloons Over Bagan currently offers 6 balloons, two of which have room for 8 passengers, two of which have room for 12 passengers, and two balloons have room for 16 passengers.  This is a very, very popular excursion, so pre-booking is highly recommended.  It appears that many people try to go standby and end up disappointed.  If this adventure is a must for you, pay the extra and reserve ahead.

Flights last anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour, and each flight is a little different because everything depends on the way the wind blows!  The whole experience, which really begins with the hotel pick-up and then a light champagne breakfast, watching the set up of the balloon (I have always wanted to see that process!) and then being “rescued” at the end takes 2 ½ to 3 hours.  They only fly when there are light surface winds of less than 8 knots, and they offer Sunrise Champagne Flights daily from October through to the end of March.

They promise their balloon flights are not scary, even if you have a fear of heights, because the balloon is floating with the wind and is very sturdy.   It does not rock or sway as one might expect.  My friends in Bangkok actually mentioned this to me, as I said I experience vertigo sometimes and was wondering if I would find it enjoyable or terrifying.

The current balloon tour being offered is of the ancient Kingdom of Bagan in Myanmar.  Bagan has over 2000 Pagodas and Temples in upper Myanmar dating back more than 1500 years of history.

You will float over the scenic village and have a bird’s eye view of the ancient temples and exotic pagoda’s of Myanmar’s landscape drift by below you.  You will see the people of Bagan as they go about their daily rituals, heading to market or tending to their farms and rice paddies and experience either a beautiful Myanmar sunrise or the sunset, whichever you choose.  The prices below are in effect until March 31^st, 2012 and include hotel transfers, light champagne breakfast and your flight.  Current prices as of March 17, 2013 are as follows:

Standard Service, October 15th  through to March 31^st.  Pre-booking:   USD 320 per person (Xmas USD 330).

Premium Service is offered the peak months of November, December January and February only.  A minimum of 2 passengers is required to confirm.  Pre-booking rate is: USD 350 per person (Xmas USD 360).  Premium service offers the following upgrades:  Separate/private breakfast & launch area.  Guaranteed reservation of an 8 person balloon.  Interactive Pilot/Explanatory Guided talk on ballooning.  CD as a gift.

Prices include transfers from your hotel, balloon flight and a light champagne breakfast

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Istanbul’s position on an ancient trade route between East and West means that its inhabitants are merchants – and shoppers – to the core.  From Ottoman antiques and fine carpets to jewelry and belly-dancing costumes, Istanbul offers a wealth of all things Oriental and we love it all. But there’s so much more to enjoy.

If you need a little help navigating the Grand Bazaar, you cannot go wrong hiring a personal shopper.  Kathy Hamilton is one we have come across.  She is a Turkish speaker and has contacts with most of the top shops. When time is limited, it helps to have someone assist you in the bazaars, guiding you to the best place for any home-grown or hand crafted items, from textiles to towels, linens, ceramics, scarves and more.

Happy Shopping!

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Airports.  Love them or hate them, they are an integral part of most travel these days.  We’ve experienced the extremes – the small one room huts with STOL (Short Take Off & Landing) runways on tiny islands in the Caribbean to the immense (and one of our personal favorites), the megalithic Hong Kong International.  Ten or fifteen years ago they all had one thing in common.  They were waiting rooms.  A place for you to waste away precious hours pacing, waiting and wishing for something to eat…. even a stale hot dog for $12.00 was a reason to celebrate.

That’s changed dramatically in recent years.  Many of the world’s newer airports have become “super-airports” offering everything from “In-Terminal Hotels”, spas, salons and  numerous dining choices, including some  restaurants run by  ”celebrity” chefs.  Shopping, which at one time consisted of buying duty free alcohol, perfume and tobacco products, has been transformed into an upscale mall experience with many name brand designers such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci taking center stage.

Yes, destination airports.  Who would have though it possible!  Over the last couple of years many of our readers have shared their personal favorites with us, but in a gala ceremony held at Passenger Terminal EXPO in Vienna, the World Airport Awards were announced by SKYTRAX.  These are most coveted awards for the airport industry.  See if you agree with the choices, and let us know what you think!

Here’s a brief  rundown of the winners  along with some of our person favorites:

Incheon International Airport- ICN provides a great hub for exploring not only Korea, but the rest of South East Asia.  This is the second time that Incheon International Airport has won the top award, the last was in 2009. They achieved an amazing top 5 finishes across 8 of the 10 eligible categories. Highlights include a ‘Korean Cultural Street’ where visitors can explore the beauty and the uniqueness of traditional Korean culture.

Singapore Changi Airport- At Singapore Changi Airport you can install a mobile application on your iPhone or iPad or look for an interactive kiosk around the airport for easy access to information on flights, and to help you choose from retail and dining options as well as airport facilities and services. It was a relatively close second, winning for the “Best Airport for International Transit Passengers”, and the “Best Airport for Leisure Amenities”.

Hong Kong International Airport- Along with  Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, we think HKIA is probably one of the best ” shopping” airports in the world.  Hong Kong International Airport, the 8 time overall winner of world’s Best Airport Award secured 3rd place and picked up awards for “Best Airport Dining Experience” and “Best Airport Terminal Cleanliness”.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport -Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has always been a popular hub to and from Europe and this year it took 4th place, winning the award for “Best Airport in Europe”.  We like the open air environment and the fact that you have over 20 options for a quick snack or meal.  There are some great European airports and this is one of them.

Beijing Capital International Airport- Currently the second busiest airport in the world, Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) offers numerous dining and shopping options including a BMW Lifestyle store. It once again achieved 5th place in the global rankings, winning the award for “Best Airport Baggage Delivery”  (if you regulary travel with checked luggage you will certainly appreciate that!)

Breaking down the top twenty, Kuala Lumpur International came in at number eight. We will be visiting it numerous times in the coming months as it will be our hub for our Asian explorations in April.  Vancouver International Airport, our home base, came in at ninth place.

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Steve found a small, romantic looking hotel called the Ginger Bay Beach Club, perched on a craggy, windswept cliff on the Southeast Coast of Barbados, a side of the island known for wild, impossibly white beaches and pounding, white-foamed waves.

We had rented a car; we were young enough to be brave & foolish enough to drive in a strange country we’d never been to before, and also a country where they drive on the “wrong” side of the road!  With my excellent driving skills (sarcasm intended) and Steve’s uncanny ability to read tiny, hand-written signs tacked onto the sides of trees and on fence-posts, we made it from the Grantley Adams Airport without incident, all the while enjoying the thumping Calypso beat of Byron Lee and the Dragonaires.  We almost missed the turn off that advertised (in scrawled letters) “Ginger Bay Hotel”, but Steve’s eagle eyes caught it at the last minute, resulting in one of my famous break-stomping, whiplash-inducing skid to a stop moments, and ramming the car into reverse we backed up far enough to make the turn to the road leading to our little paradise.

As we bumped down the dusty and rutted side road that led to the Ginger Bay, a feeling of well-being washing over me.  Small colorful houses appeared here and there, to my delight most of them with a goat or two grazing on the scrubby brush in the yards,  and usually accompanied by rather gloriously feathered chickens that strutted and pecked in the gravel and dirt laneways.  Some goats would look up in curiosity as our car trundled by, but mostly they were intent on their snacks and couldn’t be bothered by interlopers.

As we pulled up to the flower bedecked Ginger Bay Hotel, I knew I was in love – not just with Steve, but with this very hotel.  Masses of deep crimson ginger flowers festooned bushes all around the entrance-way; it was the first time I had ever seen these strangely beautiful conical flowers.  We walked in a bit of a daze from the outdoor check-in area, dragging our suitcases and following the little meandering path to our room.  Our second floor suite was one of a cluster of pretty pink condo-style suites artfully arranged along the edge of a cliff overlooking Ginger Beach, accessible only by going down a set of stairs carved into the rock and through a grotto – a Pirates grotto, no less!  There were flowers everywhere, more of the almost plastic looking pink conical ginger flowers dotting the shrubs, swathes of bougainvillea in psychedelic crimson and purple, and nodding Hibiscus in Creamsicle swirls of deep peaches and creams.  Flaming tongues of scarlet and lemon Heliconia mingled with the delicate deep-orange and canary yellow Dwarf Poinciana flowers, known here as the “Pride of Barbados”.  I took a deep breath of the delicately perfumed air, and felt everything was right with the world.

The Ginger Bay just seemed to belong here.  After unpacking we took a walk, desperately wanting to sink our feet into the powdery white sand and feel the warm, salty ocean tickle our toes.  The trail from our suite ambled through scrubby grass towards the cliff-side cave, the rhythmical pounding of the surf resounded in my ears, and my hair lifted as the ocean breeze wafted past.  We found a wooden door set into the rock with a sign beside it: “Booty Grotto”, so named because this was a popular spot for pirates to hide their ill-gotten treasures when ships were sunk off this treacherous coast in past centuries.  With a rusty squeal the door swung open and we descended into the depths of a cool, dark, moist cave.

Part of the ceiling had caved in, so there was light coming through, making it easier for us to find our way down the stairs to the sandy floor, our excited laughter resounding off the walls, melding with the echo of the surf.  My imagination ran riot as I envisioned black-booted pirates in Tricorn hats swarming through the cave, burnished swords at their sides as they stashed gold nuggets, pieces of silver and priceless heirlooms amidst the deep, craggy holes in the walls.  I wondered if there could still be a nugget or two nestled somewhere in a crack, just waiting for a curious adventurer to come along.

Every few seconds as the surf would recede and the pounding would quiet, I could hear the rustling of bats up in the darkest corners and wished I could see them up close, their leathery wings and furry faces have always held a strange fascination for me.

The roaring of the surf became louder as we made our way out into blinding sunshine, following a footpath through high stands of gently waving scrub grasses, and tortured looking wild sea-grapes.  Scraggly palms waved fronds torn & battered from the constant ocean breeze.  As we emerged from the scrub-brush, our eyes widened in appreciation as we tried to absorb the panorama before us. The long stretch of Ginger Beach unfolded in a sandy swathe, taking our breath away, the grains as white and fine as baby powder. The bubbly foam of an aggressive surf formed scalloped, lacy edges and as the waves ebbed, broken seashells and remnants of sea grasses were arranged artistically upon the shifting sand canvas, as Mother Nature worked her magic.  Looking back and up from this windswept vantage point, Ginger Bay resembled a necklace of cream and delicate pastel-pink sea-shells that had been strung along the cliff’s edge.

As we dipped our toes in the water, we felt alive, energized and amazed at the beauty all around us.  Feeling brave, I decided to try wading in just a little bit…. But suddenly the mighty and frightening pull of an undertow caught at my legs and down I went into a furious roaring tumble of bubbling, angry surf that turned me upside down and spat me back out upon the white sands at Steve’s feet.  Staring up at him through salt-stinging eyes, I fumbled to reattach my bikini top and ignored his laughter as I tried to regain my dignity.  A word of advice… this beach is best admired from the safety of the shore, unless you are a mermaid or a surfer!

Striving to regain the serenity I’d had earlier, we strolled hand-in-hand, watching windmill and coconut palms bending to accommodate the will of the wind, their fronds clattering in unison. We stared up at a cloudless blue sky, so clear that we could see the gleaming of a jet up in the stratosphere, thousands of miles above us.  We laughed, thinking how they must be wishing they were down here on the beach with us.

Ginger Bay was our tiny palace. I felt I could live here forever. A king size bed in a large bedroom overlooked the ocean, my eyes could linger on the source of the endless, roaring surf and absorb the ever-shifting ultramarine hues of the Caribbean Sea to my content. To lay entangled in cool sheets with the French doors opened wide was an idyllic, never to be forgotten experience as all senses became engaged; even the taste of the warmly intoxicating ocean-scented breeze as my tongue touched my salty lips . Laying back in a trance of sorts, I fancied I could smell scents carried on the wind all the way from the nearest land mass, a land so very far away but nonetheless connected by these same restless waves, the exotic West African coastline of Senegal and Dakar, 2,825 miles away as the crow flies. Dreams were easy and sleep was silken in this beautiful room.

Our bathroom was as much of a delight, although in a different way.  Bathing became an inspiring and much loved ritual engaging all the senses; sinking into a refreshing tub, water soft against my skin; the breeze would waft through from the open bedroom doors, bringing with it the salty-tang of the ocean. Our large bathroom window opened wide to frame a divine view, as delicate, creamy Frangipani blossoms trembled on the constant trade-winds, adding their sweet scent to the mix. In the distance, the rhythmic pounding of the surf filled my eardrums even as I dunked my head beneath the bathwater. Paradise found.

At the end of each day, a bottle of sweet Amaretto Liqueur and two lawn chairs made the top of this cliff our own personal ultra-lounge. With the ocean acting as DJ supreme, the pounding surf would fill our ears as Mother Nature began her nightly show. As the sun set, fingers of gold would sketch the sky as hundreds of bats would emerge from the darkened depths of Booty Grotto to sweep and dart in a poignant frenzy to celebrate the twilight. And as the sun slowly dipped behind the horizon, night would descend suddenly, and the vast seascape changed to a mystical canvas clustered with stars that pulsed in red and blue, and planets so bright it seemed they dared to challenge the moon. The constellations so revered by ancient sailors and worshipped & revered by ancient civilizations everywhere, suddenly became intoxicatingly clear, like pieces of a puzzle assembled in the vast canvas of the sky. Here, the universe was once again mystical and magical; falling stars would streak in vibrant arc of silver and gold, extinguished before our gasps of wonder even left our mouths. We stared, mesmerized, these visions imprinted on our souls.

These moments in Barbados kept us coming back for more, five years in a row, and in that time, we bonded so closely we decided to take our vows of marriage on one of their beautiful white sand beaches. Our love for Barbados has never dimmed, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts.

I hope you will join us for Part 2 of our “ Discovering Romantic In Barbados” to read about our other “Favorite Memories” of this special Caribbean island.

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For us, the ability to travel & collect memories is the priceless gift we share. So while I sit here, snug in my little home overlooking the beauty of a Pacific Northwest forest, I reflect on the gifts I have been given throughout 2012 during my travels. Gifts that are not wrapped up with paper and bows and ribbon, but gifts of a more ephemeral kind – rich memories always at hand with the mere mention of a special country or a vibrant city, a luscious hotel or a refined restaurant, a scintillating snorkel trip or a gritty jungle hike. Ever so slowly, the soft, mossy greens of the rainforest in my back-yard fade as delicious, delightful, poignant and perfect memories play through my mind. I’d love to slowly share these special memories through words and pictures, and I’ll add to this series as time permits. I do hope you’ll join my walk down memory lane – and if you enjoy, please do drop me a line. We writers thrive on feedback.

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