Virgin Gorda: Trekking through The Baths in the British Virgin Isles

What is it about extreme contrasts that are so appealing? That old saying, "Opposites attract" seems to hold true in nature as well as in relationships. As I gaze across the landscape of The Baths in Virgin Gorda, my eyes hasten to take it all in - the cold, smooth surface of the boulders; the hot, grainy surface of the sand; the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea. Steel cold grey set against the blue topaz swimming beneath swirls of white wispy clouds. Here and there a palm tree juts out to make a stark statement. Created by the violence of mother nature, this testament to her power calms my nature and restores me.

Trekking through the crevices, wading through the shimmering pools, and climbing the ladders and boulders of The Baths is a challenge you should not deny when visiting Virgin Gorda. This British Virgin Isle, known as a diver's paradise, is largely unspoiled. So unlike many of the commercialized Caribbean islands. On my recent visit, "Devil's Bay Trail", the path through the Baths was being conquered by young and old alike. The magnificence of the environment brought out a desire in everyone to attempt the challenging trail. This is not a place where you want to be caught in the dark or at high tide, but what a treat when you make it to the end of the path. A large boulder awaits you screaming, "Climb to the top and announce to the world that you have made it through!" Then it's on to the beach for a swim in the rolling surf.

Virgin Gorda: home to coral reefs, the beautiful Baths, and friendly people.

A few pics from the Azamara Journey

Azamara Journey Ship Review 11/29/10 - 12/11/10

Having just returned from my "azamazing" adventure onboard the Journey for 12 sun-kissed days, I must say I'm having a bit of trouble adjusting to real life. The service onboard this ship was absolutely indulgent. They boast the friendliest crew I've yet to meet. All guests were made to feel as if the crew actually enjoyed making our every wish come true. So impressed with the genuine happiness of the workers onboard, finally, my curiosity got the better of me. "Why do you all seem so much happier than the crew on other ships?", I asked a charming young man making small talk with me while serving my special coffee in the cafe. He explained that they don't work longer than 6 hours at a time. They are also allowed to go onshore much more often than their counterparts on other cruise lines. Aaawww. The secret ingredient. Make your crew happy, and they make your guests happy!

If you are looking for a more intimate experience, look no further. Azamara Club Cruises delivers a small ship experience with extra touches hard to find on other ships. Your special treatment begins on the day of embarkation. Greeted with a glass of champagne as soon as you cross the threshold, feel free to say a toast to yourself for making a great vacation choice. If you've been cruising mega ships in the past, you might be a bit confused as you wonder where the crowds are hiding. Keep looking. You won't find any during the course of your trip. When speaking to fellow cruisers about what they liked best onboard this ship, they often responded: "I love not being nickeled and dimed to death." This exact phrase was repeated by a variety of people from all backgrounds. Not having to sign a slip of paper every time you asked for a glass of wine was a real relief to many. And the wine flowed freely at lunch and dinners as it was included in the cost of the cruise. One of my favorite perks was so simple. As we left the ship each day to go to port, we were offered iced bottles of water to take out with us for the day. Upon our return to the tender, a server with lemonade, water and cool towels awaited us with the greeting, "Welcome Home!"

Let's not forget the importance of the destinations offered by these floating boutique hotels. "Longer Stays and More Overnights". The slow pace allowed for a truly relaxing experience. How many times have you rushed back to your ship in the early afternoon? Azamara wants their guests to experience the ports to the fullest, so they stay later. Want to take advantage of the local cuisine for dinner? On our sailing, we were in Marigot, St. Martin until 11:00 p.m. allowing many aboard to sample authentic French restaurants. Our itinerary also called for an overnight in St. Barths - shopping capitol of the Caribbean. What a great place to spruce up that French wardrobe! Expensive when making the conversion from U.S. dollars to Euros - yes. Fun - definitely!

Entertainment included a guest lecturer, dance classes, a talented cruise director with a voice that should be on Broadway and all your usual cruise fun.

I would recommend this line to anyone looking for a truly relaxing experience who appreciates great food and great service!