When you wake up in the morning and the sunshine hurts your eyes, and you just know it’s going to be a lovely day… lovely day.
(Sorry I pinched some of Bill Withers lyrics.)
Ready to explore I grabbed a light bite and planned the day ahead. I had conveniently arrived during Pirates week, that is a time when the island hosts mock pirate invasions, street dances, competitions and games. People dress in costumes and ultimately end in a huge celebration with fireworks galore.
It suddenly sunk in as to why the hotel lobby was decorated with treasure chests and other pirate props. All of a sudden it made sense as to why I’d spotted adults wearing eye patches in the sea and wearing layers of gold jewellery.
I went for a dip in the empty swimming pool, followed by a splash about in the sea.
The tones of blue in the sea were incredibly striking I could have stared at the waves rolling in all day long.
Fish swam in-between my toes (poor things) and I splashed about amazed at the transparent waters.
The sun began to beam and to clench my first I indulged in a Pina Colada, followed by a cheeky scoop of ice cream.
I relaxed with my supplies – loving life and eagerly trying to finish my book I Let You Go.
When lunchtime landed I packed up my beach bag and climbed aboard a boat, being pirates week after all it would be rude not to attempt life out at sea. We splashed pass lush green mangrove forests.
I indulged in a bit of window-shopping in the form of gigantic houses looking out onto the jewel-toned waters. No harm in dreaming right!
It’s not everyday you pass a ship full of jolly pirates that seemed to have already cracked open the rum judging by their vocals.
I continued out to sea amazed that the coral could be seen from such a distance, the visibility under water was seriously incredible.
The further out we went I suddenly started to notice dark polka-dot shapes forming across the water in the distance.
Our boat stopped as we arrived at Stingray City, a patch in the ocean swarming with stingrays. The boat crew happily flipped off the side of the boat into the waters to play with the stingrays.
I was slightly apprehensive when I first splashed in, the stingrays were far larger than I’d imagined but seemed to calmly swim around without a care in the world. I counted over 20 stingrays in my proximity.
One huge one seemed to be floating around me with its fins wide open, and naturally it felt rude not to open my arms out for a hug. But in fact it wasn’t a cuddle my new friend was after, they have a technique, which feels similar to a massage that he couldn’t help but perform on my back, splashing water all over me in the process.
I seemed to fall for my new friend and ended up departing with a kiss, which apparently provides good luck!
Our group finally left the stingrays in search of other creatures, and went snorkeling further around the island. I spotted a large green moray eel, lots of colourful tropical fish swimming in schools and more stingrays. There’s nothing better than floating about by the corals soaking in the underwater beauties, I could have happily relaxed there all day long.
As the sun started to set I climbed aboard the boat, feet dangling over the edge and enjoyed the wind in my hair as we breezed back to Seven Mile Beach.
I returned to my favourite spot and watched the sun disappear with rather lethal rum infused concoction.
I landed back in my room with a knock at the door and another chocolate delivery, followed by a phone call from the front desk finding out how my day was. If that’s not dreamy service I don’t know what is.
After smothering my skin with Aloe Vera, I popped on a flowing dress and headed to Seven Restaurant for dinner.
The stunning suspended lighting caught my eye, it reminded me of spun bees nests and created a dramatic feature to the space.
The walls were stacked row upon row of wine hidden behind smoked glass panels.
I sunk into my seating with a glass of ice cold prosecco, flicking through magazines and taking in the calming atmosphere.
My pictures sadly don’t do the food justice due to the romantic dim lighting. But here’s my attempt, for starters I nibbled on catch of the day, which was fresh ceviche with a mix of salsa and chunks of avocado.
The waiter brought over a loaf of warm brioche bread baked with mango and served with chili infused butter. It was ridiculously tasty; I almost ate the whole loaf and vowed to attempt making this at home, although that could be dangerous territory.
My main was selected purely but it’s awesome name; Wahoo – which just so happened to be catch of the day.
Wahoo is a meaty fish with a crispy skin and was served with a pea puree, brussel sprouts, radish and sweet corn in a sticky sweet sauce.
I couldn’t resist ordering a side of breaded avocado, which was scrummy with my wicked Wahoo.
Full to the brim I crawled to the bar for a night cap, a rich space furnished with burnt oranges, slick leather finishes and the well known Tom Dixon pendant lights.
I had a couple of cocktails, took some snaps when the last guests left and headed off to bed.
After sleeping like a log I headed out to George Town to check out the Craft Market. The space was far smaller than I imagined and sold some rather unusual bits and bobs but worth a nosey.
The sun was beaming and the local stall sellers happily chatted away filling their time and explaining their products.
Stacks of jars encased sweet mango chutneys; pickled peppers and scotch bonnet chili sauces.
The dear lady selling the chili sauce strictly warned me not to buy or try unless I enjoyed the sensation of blowing flames from my mouth. I gladly took her advice and headed over to check some of the other stands out.
Naturally I was drawn in by this colourful stand and couldn’t resist shaking the maracas and tapping on the tambourines, after all I am a kid at heart.
I strolled through the rest of George Town checking out the key points – treasure and rum.
As the cruise ships arrived with swarms of people I took my queue and headed back to the beach for some tan time and snoozing.
The whirlwind trip eventually came to an end and reality lured me back home. I spent most of my flight daydreaming about the turquoise toned waters and wondering whether my stingray smooch would really bring good luck.
I headed home admiring the golden sky somewhere between paradise and home.
So jealous of that water! Totally living the dream. Next on my travel list has to be the Caribbean. Keep that cool posts coming!