The Black Dress Traveler

Wanderlust Wishlist: The Exumas (Bahamas)

Staniel Cay, The Exumas

Blue skies, bluer water, and white sand beaches have earned The Exumas a spot on the Wanderlust Wishlist. An archipelago of 365 cays and islands beginning just 35 miles southeast of Nassau, The Exumas are considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the Bahamas.

A favorite hideaway of celebrities like Johnny Depp and David Copperfield, The Exumas were recently featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit  2013 Issue. The Sports Illustrated crew spent a week on location at the Grand Isle Resort & Spa on Great Exuma. A unique villa resort property, Grand Isle was recently named in TripAdvisor’s 2013 Travelers’ Choice Award as the third top hotel in the Caribbean.


Grand Isle Resort & Spa, Great Exuma

Do you need more of an incentive to pack your bathing suits and head to The Exumas? Well, if you stay three or more nights in a one-bedroom or two-bedroom villa at Grand Isle through September 15, 2013, you will get a free upgrade to an ocean front view, spa credits and dinner for up to four people.

To learn more about The Exumas and to plan your trip, visit The Islands of The Bahamas website.

Bring These to the Beach!: H&M Swimsuits, pluggz Flip Flops, Tradewinds Iced Tea

We are deep into the hot, hazy and little bit lazy days of summer and the beach beckons! Here are a few essentials to keep you cool and chic by the sea.


Want to add some fun new pieces to your swimsuit collection without spending a fortune? Stop by your local H&M from July 19 -August 1 and you can pick up two ladies swimsuits for the price of one!



Starting at just $4.95, H&M has all the latest swimsuit trends - fun prints, neons, and sexy one-pieces. Go ahead and mix & match! 

Stay grounded in a pair of pluggz. Available in black, gold & silver. $39

Perfect for the beach and kind to your feet, pluggz flip-flops have arch support and a unique grounding technology. Embedded into the sole of each pluggz blown rubber shoe is a carbon and rubber plug that connects you to the earth by allowing free electrons to pass through to the soles of your feet. When you wear pluggz on sandy beaches, city streets, or anywhere; you are grounded. Science shows that being grounded makes you feel good - that is why it feels so amazing to walk barefoot in nature. I'm no scientist but I was sent a pair of pluggz and have been wearing them around the house for a few days - they are very comfy! I will definitely pack them for a trip to the beach. 


Lest you think I only quench my thirst with wine, I am a huge lover of iced tea and drink it year-round. Recently, I was invited to sample Tradewinds Real Brewed Iced Teas and it is pretty delicious. A little on the sweeter side, it tastes like home brewed tea. Very full-bodied, it is made with with premium tea leaves and real sugar - simple yet satisfying. The Tradewinds Sweet Tea really reminds me of the tea I used to guzzle as a little girl on trips down South. Available in a variety of flavors, including unsweet and diet green tea with honey. 

Dresses, Drinks & Destinations: The Heat Wave Edition

Summer is my favorite season but even I feel a bit daunted by the hair-wilting heat waves that have been sweeping the nation. However, sky high temperatures are not an excuse for subpar fashion choices. I've seen some truly scary fashion violations on the streets of NYC - really, there reaches a time in a lady's life when she must bid adieu to hotshorts and midriff shirts! Instead, on a scorching day, reach for a simple white dress for a look that is sexy, elegant, and refreshing.

The Dress

Victoria's Secret Convertible Tube Dress
$49.50

 This simple strapless white dress will keep you cool and chic on sandy beaches and city streets! Designed to be worn as an empire waist dress or a flowy skirt, this travel friendly garment is made of soft cotton knit with a hint of modal.

The Drink




One of my favorite summer sips is a perfectly chilled glass of sparkling rosé. Recently, I had a glass of R. Dumont & Fils Brut Rosé and it is superb. A stunning shade of deep pink, R. Dumont & Fils produces their beautiful bubbly with 100% Pinot Noir. It is full-bodied and juicy with notes of strawberry and pomegranate. R. Dumont & Fils is classified as a grower Champagne - Champagnes that are produced by independent growers using grapes from their own their estates as opposed to larger houses which tend to purchase their grapes from various sources. Available for $36.99 at Wine Authorities.

The Destination:
Anyplace with white sand and sea breezes sounds divine. What about Palma de Mallorca in Spain's Islas Baleares? I haven't been there in over 20 years but I can still picture those stunning blue waters.

Alcudia Beach, Palma de Mallorca
image courtesy seemallorca.com

As the Shaman Softly Speaks: Sweat Lodges, Fish Pedicures & Other Riviera Maya Adventures

View from the beach at Villas Amarte on Maroma Bay in the Riviera Maya. The Travel Channel called it the best beach in the world. 

Luxury all-inclusive resorts and breathtaking beaches have made Mexico's Riviera Maya a coveted destination for travelers. But there is much more to this idyllic location than fun in the sun. Nestled between the jungle and the Caribbean Sea on the eastern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula, the rich culture of the Mayan people infuses many aspects of life in the Riviera Maya. We often talk of the Mayan civilization as if it were extinct but the culture never disappeared. In fact, study of the Mayan language is now required in public schools in the Quintana Roo province of Mexico. My recent visit to the Riviera Maya included a visit to a Mayan village, spa treatments inspired by Mayan traditions, and time to relax on those amazing beaches. Here are a few highlights.

As the Shaman Softly Speaks

I was invited to visit a thriving Mayan village and to participate in the sacred Temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremony. To say the least, it was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences of my life - both fascinating and overwhelming. To arrive at the village,  our van rocked along a sliver of a dirt road in the jungle in the darkest night I have ever seen. After about 10 minutes, we finally reached a bustling community where children were running around, women were making tortillas by hand, and the men of the village were involved in preparations for an important religious ceremony.


Women in the Mayan Village preparing tortillas for our dinner. They were absolutely delicious.

After waiting for two more groups of visitors (from Italy and Mexico City) to arrive, we were led deeper into the jungle to begin the sweat lodge ceremony. Before entering the sweat lodge, the village Shaman (community leader), with the assistance of the Warrior of Fire led us in a ceremony that included incense, the blowing of conch shells, and the sipping of a libation made of honey, purified water and the resin of a local tree - it was actually pretty tasty. A slender man with a soft and melodic voice, the Shaman welcomed us in Spanish and spoke of the ancestors. Before entering the actual Temazcal, a low stone structure that represents the womb of the Earth, all guests disrobed down to their bathing suits. After blessing each of us, the Shaman handed each person a small rock to toss into the circle of fire outside of the sweat lodge and we were told to make a wish. Before crawling into the small opening of the sweat lodge, each person is asked to shout a greeting in Mayan and those already within respond in kind. (image courtesy Dos Palmas Ecotours)

Nervously, I crawled inside the Temazcal. As I sat there waiting for the others to shout their greeting and appear within that small portal, my anxiety grew. I knew that in a few minutes that the center of the Temazcal would be filled with volcanic hot rocks from the fire outside and that the tiny door would be closed, enveloping us in intense heat and darkness. Despite the heat, I was shivering in my black bathing suit. What to do? Out of respect, I wanted to complete the ceremony but I felt my heart beating faster and faster and knew that I could not. However, I did not want to be the first and only person to leave. After a few more agonizing minutes I saw the large figure of a man from the group of Italian tourists twist his ample body out of the Temazcal. I quickly followed, muttering sorry in English and Spanish. 2 more people followed after me.

About 30 minutes passed and the group that had remained within the sweat lodge marched by us en route to taking a cool dip in a cenote - a sink hole of water created from the collapse of limestone bedrock.  Afterwards, I spoke with several of them during dinner and they described the sweat lodge as intense, in both heat and emotion, but they were glad they had done it. Looking back, I believe that a visit to a Temazcal is most appreciated by those on a spiritual quest. Although, I did not complete the ceremony, I was honored to be invited and I have the greatest respect for this Mayan tradition that has stood the test of time and has been passed on and preserved. The Temazcal is not a simple tourist attraction but a true immersion in a sacred ceremony. However, during my visit I found that key elements of the Temazcal manifest themselves in spa treatments that pay homage to this cherished tradition in a secular setting.



This home cooked meal prepared by the women in the Mayan village was wonderful - fire roasted chicken in sauce, rice and beans.

Darling, How Clean is Your Aura?

My aura was cleansed no fewer than three times while I was in the Riviera Maya. (Maybe living in New York City leads to really sooty auras.) Essentially, you are asked to close your eyes and relax while a small pot of fragrant incense and herbs is waved around you and affirmations are softly stated by the aura cleanser. This was also an important part of the Temazcal ritual and a version of this happened prior to my massages at Aroma Spa and the spa at Grand Velas.

The Aroma Spa at Esencia is located on the former estate of an Italian Duchess and is Riviera Maya's first organic spa - they grow many of the herbs used in their treatments right on the property and prepare them in a traditional Mayan inspired kitchen. Aroma also offers Temazcal inspired treatments in their domed steamed rooms. In addition to the spa, the 50 acre seaside estate offers luxurious guest accommodations and a gourmet restaurant.

The tranquil waiting area at Esencia's Aroma Spa

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

My other aura cleansing took place prior to my massage at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, a luxury all-inclusive resort. Prior to the massage, I was treated to their water journey treatment which involved spending time in the sauna, steam room, clay room, ice room and plunge pool. (Tip: If like me, you don't have wash and go hair, remember to bring a plastic shower cap. I tucked it discreetly inside my bathing suit and used it as needed - it saved my coif, it really did!). The Grand Velas spa has 40 treatment rooms offering a wide variety of treatments, including a series of treatments called Journey Through Ancient Mexico, such as the Cocoa Ritual and the Sacred Obsidian Stone Massage, that incorporate medicinal herbs, sacred plants, and semi-precious stones. If you want the all-inclusive super luxurious resort experience, Grand Velas is a great choice. Just 35 minutes from Cancun International Airport, the Grand Velas property is divided into three sections - Zen (in the jungle about 3/4 miles from the beach), Ambassador (family-friendly ocean view suites) and Exclusive Grand Class (ocean-front, adults only suites.) Grand Velas also has 7 restaurants on site offering everything from haute Mexican cuisine to sushi.

Stop that Tickles! Fish Spa at Wayan Village in Playa Del Carmen


A very impressive sand structure on Playa del Carmen.

Playa del Carmen is not only a beautiful beach but a bustling shopping district. The main drag, La Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is a bit overrun with touristy stores - this is where to go if you are craving Starbucks coffee, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, or want to buy some high end beauty products at UltraFemme. However, tucked amidst these big names is an eclectic emporium called Wayan Village. In addition to beach apparel, Wayan Village has some very unique offerings, including a healthy dining restaurant (try the hibiscus tacos), facials using natural fruits, and the Fish Spa.


Yours truly braving those tickly fishies.

Who cares if this treatment has been banned in several American states? I was determined to try it. Wayan Village has 4 tanks full of fishes that are just waiting to feast on the dead skin on your feet. (There really is no pretty way to describe it!) The fish are a variety of tiny toothless carp from Turkey called Garra Rufa. Since they don't have teeth, the treatment doesn't hurt, it just feels really strange to have a cluster of tiny fishes sucking on your feet for dinner. After 15 minutes, my feet felt somewhat smoother but the fish can't compete with a really good pumice stone. Nonetheless, it was a fun, if slightly creepy, diversion.

Solitude Between the Jungle and the Sea: Amarte Maroma


The pool at Hotel Amarte.


During my time on the Riviera Maya, I was a guest of the Hotel Amarte, a complex of bungalows within a jungle garden about a mile away from the beach (transportation is available at scheduled times to the beach in the morning). If you desire an alternative to the all-inclusive resorts that dominate the Riviera Maya, the Amarte is an option for someone who prefers rustic accommodations and solitude. The rooms at Amarte Maroma do not have televisions or clock radios but they do have wireless internet access and air conditioning. Amarte is currently building an on-site spa that should be open to guests in the new year.

The exterior of the bungalow where I stayed at the Hotel Amarte.


The breakfast that was delivered to my bungalow. Getting to dine outside was a nice treat for this Manhattanite.



A bungalow interior at the Hotel Amarte.

For more luxurious accommodations right on the beach, opt for a stay at Villas Amarte, a collection of three private beachfront residences overlooking Maroma Bay, on the beach that the Travel Channel called "the best in the world." The villas have ocean views and amenities such as flat screen televisions and furnished outdoor terraces. For an additional fee, butler and private chef services are available.

Various Views of the Villas at Amarte





The Amarte Maroma complex also houses an art gallery, a piano bar, and the Pavo Real restaurant which is helmed by Chef Guillaume Raynal. Chef Raynal trained at some of the most respected restaurants in Paris, including Le Fouquet's and the Hotel Ritz. He is also an accomplished chocolatier.

Also, if you are looking for a gorgeous spot for a beach wedding or other celebration, Lolita on the Beach is available for rental. A private beach on the curve of Maroma Bay, Lolita has a thatch-roofed bar in the sand with a paved dancing and dining patio, a stone-floored dining pavilion and a thatched open-air wedding chapel.

Plan Your Trip to the Riviera Maya

Whether you are looking to fully immerse yourself in the Mayan culture or just skim the surface, there is more to see and do in Riviera Maya than I could ever include in a single blog post. The official Riviera Maya website is a great resource - the site has information on spas, hotels, resorts, adventure seas, dining, and more. From sweat lodges deep in the jungle to luxury seaside resorts, there are options to suit every taste and budget. Buen viaje!

Take Me Away: Key West Southernmost on the Beach

I often find myself fantasizing about faraway tropical destinations, so it is nice to be reminded that I don't have to travel to the ends of the earth to gaze at palm trees and stroll on sandy beaches. Florida is such a short flight from New York City that I really should visit there more often when life in the Big Apple starts to feel a bit brutal and I don't want to spend countless hours on an airplane.

Information about Key West Southernmost on the Beach recently reached my inbox and this beautiful beach resort is now on my must-visit list.  A TripAdvisor 2010 Traveler's Choice Winner, Southernmost on the Beach was also named as one of the Top Ten Hotels in the US for Romance. Located in Historic Old Town, this Key West property has a private pier that offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.



Southernmost on the Beach has 123 ocean view rooms, three penthouse suites, an oceanside pool bar, and a junior size Olympic pool. Spa services include massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures. If you are looking for a great spot for a destination wedding, Southernmost on the Beach offers wedding packages on the beach starting at $1499 for up to 50 guests.

Southernmost on the Beach pampers guests with complimentary resort activities including, Hula Hoop Fitness Classes on the Beach, Paddle Board, Beer School, Wine School, Trivia Games and more. With so much to offer, Southernmost on the Beach is a great option for a solo journey, a romantic escape, a weekend with Mom, or a girlfriend getaway. Some of the travel deals available at Southernmost on the Beach include, Stay 3 Nights & Save 10%, Stay 4 Nights & Save 15%, and Get the 5th Night Free.

Bye Bye Winter Blues, Hello Curacao: Get Your 4th Night Free

The colder it gets the more time I spend daydreaming about blue skies, sandy beaches, and tropical drinks. Really, if I spend the whole winter here in New York City it will be months before I get to wear one of my cute little black sundresses - a travesty! I'm working on my list of possible warm weather escapes and just received an e-mail from the fab folks at Budget Travel about a great deal to the Caribbean island of Curacao - book a trip before January 8, 2011 and your 4th night is free. Travel between January 1 - April 1, 2011 to qualify for this deal. Participating hotels include Super Clubs Breezes Curacao Resort, Hilton Curacao, Veneto Beach Resort, and several others. For more information, visit http://www.curacao.com/winter/.

Baby, It's Cold Outside: Six Tips for Feeling Hot When the Temperature Drops

Ugh, I know that the change of seasons is a beautiful thing but in my heart I am a warm weather girl. Now that the temperature is starting to drop in my hometown of New York City, my flirty sundresses have been banished to make way for boots, coats, and all the bulky gear that winter demands. Bah humbug!

So until spring and summer come around again, I will be making a conscious effort to add some warmth to my life. Here are six fun ways to heat things up on those cold winter days.

1. Get Out of Town: Pack those sundresses in your weekend bag and follow the heat! Whether you prefer Los Angeles, Las Vegas, the Caribbean, or South America; a few days in the sun will rejuvenate you. Visit sites like LastMinute.com or Expedia.com for great deals on warm weather escapes. 

 

2. Snuggle Up: A good cuddle is perfect year-round but especially nice when it is chilly outside.  Have you and your sweetie been fighting over that couch potato accessory phenomenon known as the Snuggie? Be lovers not fighters in this kind of odd but cute Snuggie for Two ($19.99) For some suggestions on how to maximize your Snuggie experience, buy the Snuggie Sutra - a guide with, ahem, 100 Karma Sutra inspired positions, including the Charlie Sheen and the Matador. Available for $9.99.

3. Shake It Up:  You can't be a couch potato all the time - get moving and spice up your routine with Samba or Salsa dance classes, Zumba or bellydancing. The great music and moves will lift your spirits. If there is no dance school near you, just pump up the music and dance around your living room. Also, many cable television providers offer free exercise programs on demand.

4. Heat Up Your Wardrobe: Don't let drab days bring down your wardrobe, you can still be sexy in the winter. Bright colors will elevate your mood so opt for colorful gloves, hats, and scarves.

Why not top your little black dress with a vibrant coat or classic winter white? This DKNY Ruffled Placket Coat is timeless and on sale at Macy's for $181.99.

Animal print is also very big this season and a printed scarf is a snazzy way to stay warm and chic. This Fraas Zebra Print Muffler is available at Amazon for $21. View the full collection of Fraas scarves, wraps and hats at their website.

5. Spice Up Your Food: I crave spicy food year round but I really love the way that it seems to warm you up inside on a frigid day. Go beyond hot sauce, and try adding exotic spice blends to your recipes.

The Ingredient Finder is a great source for gourmet ingredients for the home chef who wants the very best. Try this Ararat Spice Blend of urfa biber (dried Turkish chile pepper), smoked paprika, and fenugreek. ($15)

Vosges Haut Chocolat takes hot chocolate up a notch with their Aztec Elixir Couture Cocoa. This magical mix of sweet and heat includes dark chocolate, ancho & chipotle chillies, Ceylon cinnamon, and Madagascar vanilla bean.

6. Get Pampered: A spa day is a great way to kick the cold weather blues to the curb. From hot rock massages to simple saunas, visit SpaWeek.com for year-round spa deals near you.

 


 

Sisters of the Surf: 15th Annual Nun's Beach Surf Invitational

image courtesy SurferToday.com

The nuns of Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary have found a unique way to raise funds: hosting a surfing competition. Their 15th annual Nun's Beach Surf Invitational is scheduled for September 11th in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

The nuns don't actually participate in the competition but their relationship with the surfing community goes back to the1950's when they opened up their beach to surfers. Since then, their stretch of sand has been known as Nun's Beach. The money raised at the event maintain their 6 1/2 acre, 150 bedroom, Jersey Shore beach retreat - Villa Maria by the Sea.  (I can't help but wonder how many developers have offered to buy their property!)

The nuns may not ride the waves but they do enjoy watching the contestants." It's very peaceful," said Sister James, the retreat's property manager. "You see how the water holds them up, balances them and if you ride with the water, it will get you where you want to go. That's how it is with the grace of God."

For more info, visit The New York Post and www.surfertoday.com

Belle of the Beach: Big Bag of Beauty

So often we stress about putting on a bathing suit, that it is easy to forget about the other important items that can help us feel pretty on the playa! From the top of your head to the tips of your toes, these beauty products will help you secure your status as belle of the beach! And please, stop, fretting over how your body looks when you are out enjoying the sun and sand. Strut with confidence in your little black bathing suit! 

The perfect tote is a must! I don't believe in spending a fortune on a cute little straw bag. This chic two-tone beach tote is on sale for $19 at Newport News.

 Don't forget to fill your beach bag with the most important beauty product: sunscreen! No matter your age or complexion, daily use of a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 is a MUST - increase the SPF if you plan on sunbathing.  In addition to your local drugstore, Amazon stocks a great selection of sunscreen and other beauty products. 

  

Try Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Sunscreen SPF 55 ($32) for your body and Kiss My Face's Face Factor Sun Screen for Face and Neck SPF 20 ($38.85 pack of 3). Don't neglect your lips - protect your pucker with NIVEA A Kiss of Protection SPF 30 ($5.99 pack 0f 6).

                 

Nail polish can also fade and turn yellow with sun exposure. Orly Nail Polish Sunscreen for Nails Topcoat Treatment ($4.95 at Amazon.com) is a high shine bond that absorbs UV rays. 

From the Riviera to the Shore, a floppy straw hat is low-tech and high-style sun shield. This model is on sale for $29 at Newport News.

Melt-proof makeup is must on a hot day. Heavy makeup on the beach is a no-no but if you don't want to go completely bare try Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF 15 ($34.50).  This mineral enriched powder offers moderate coverage with a great matte finish and sun protection. Unlike other loose powders, it has a no-waste grinder that you twist to shave the makeup - no mess, no waste. The mirrored compact includes a brush.


Apply a coat of FSL Lip Gloss ($18.50) to give your lips a natural glow with a non-sticky and kissable texture. Created by female chemical engineer and cosmetic chemist Kimberly Riley, FSL glosses are chock full of lip-nurturing emollients and anti-oxidants, including organic jojoba oil, acai extract, and avocado oil. Did I mention they smell lick-lipping delicious too? The Coco Bronze looks especially great for the summer! In case you are wondering, FSL stands for Feel good Smell good Look good. 

Make sure your haircare product contains a sunscreen.  Phyto, the leaders in botanical haircare, has an entire line of  products dedicated to protecting hair from the sun, wind saltwater, and chlorine. Protect your tresses from UVA and UVB rays with Phyto Plage Protective Beach Spray ($20 at Drugstore.com).

Retail Therapy, Cancun Style

 I really have been spoiled rotten during my stay here at the Cancun Caribe Park Royal Grand. This all-inclusive resort has me all aflutter. From the beach views to the bountiful buffets, Cancun Caribe Park Royal Grand gets it right. My time here has reminded me of the importance of having a comfortable home base when you travel. A good resort makes you feel like you never want to leave and puts a smile on your face when you return.

After a sweet day of noshing and lounging on the beach, the evening seemed like the perfect time for a shopping expedition. Cancun has plenty of high end shopping near the resort, everything from Louis Vuitton to an Apple store, but I wanted to find a more traditional type of market with small mom & pop stores.  I was guided to Mercado 28.  A short 20 minute cab ride to downtown Cancun, Mercado 28 sells jewelry, souvenirs, clothing and more. My plan was to buy one cute little cotton dress.  I left  with 3 flirty frocks, a pair of silver earrings, and a few bracelets. However, I did get all of these goodies for under $75 so I don't feel too guilty.

While many of the vendors are males who flirted shamelessly to make the sale (I can't remember the last time I received so many over-the-top compliments), the handmade bracelets were sold to me by a lovely 11 year old girl. Her smile won me over and before I knew it I had purchased 5 woven fabric bracelets with bead accents. Of course, I wanted to ask her a million questions about her life but it did not seem right to impose. I love my new dresses but this photo is priceless.

Content in Cancun

Last night I arrived in Cancun long after the sun had set. Greeted by the flashing lights of chain restaurants, I felt a bit frustrated that Cancun's natural charms were hidden from me. Until now. I woke up this morning in my sunlit room at the Cancun Caribe Park Royal Grand and was greeted with a breathtaking view of the beach outside my balcony and the relaxing sounds of the ocean. Life is good!

A Chic Beach Wedding is a Breeze at Casa Marina

Many brides dream of a destination wedding but orchestrating these long-distance fantasy nuptials can be an expensive and logistical nightmare. If your wedding vision includes a venue with history and charm set against a beautiful ocean backdrop, Casa Marina in Jacksonville Beach, Florida merits your serious consideration.

One of Florida's premier wedding venues, Casa Marina offers top notch dining and a staff committed to making your wedding a day to remember.  A member of the Historic Hotels of America, Casa Marina first opened its doors in 1925. Not just for weddings, Casa Marina is great for anyone who wants to pamper themselves with a vacation at Jacksonville Beach's endless expanse of pristine sand.

I am not one of those girls with elaborate wedding fantasies but you can't visit the Casa Marina without getting a little swept away. Certainly, Casa Marina's courtyard that faces the ocean would be the perfect setting for me to say "Indeed, I Do" to (insert groom here). After our pledges of eternal love, photographer Damon would capture our joy with some candid snapshots on the beach.  Sand in our toes, we would head back to the Casa Marina's dining room for a grand meal prepared by Chef Aaron. A decadent buttercream confection by Classic Cakes would be a sweet ending to this perfect day. At the end of the night, I would reluctantly toss my Liz Stewart Floral Design bouquet to the single ladies. Our feet tired from dancing to the sounds of dj's from McGee Entertainment and live music by local lovebirds The Johnston Duo (Debrann & Kurt), me and Mr. Wonderful head back to our ocean view suite and.....

(Oops, I am just getting a bit carried away.)

Back to reality.

Seriously, if easy elegance is your style then Casa Marina is a wonderful option for a wedding, a romantic interlude, or a solo excursion. Start your day with yoga on the beach and end it with a martini at Casa Marina's Penthouse Bar with an outdoor terrace that overlooks the beach. Simple perfection.

 Here are a few photos from my recent escape to Casa Marina. (www.casamarinahotel.com)

 

A floral centerpiece by Liz Stewart Floral Design.

Chef Aaron works his magic with a red snapper.

Beautiful cakes by Classic Cakes. (904-246-6408) And, they taste delicious too!

A martini outside at Casa Marina's Penthouse.

Sunrise on Jacksonville Beach. This is the "backyard" at Casa Marina!

Where the Boys Are: Jacksonville Beach

Go ahead, call me shameless but I couldn't resist taking a photo with these handsome young men during my recent trip to Jacksonville Beach in northeast Florida. Yes, Jon and Tom are over 18 years of age and lest you think that I am a cougar prowling the beach for cubs, they actually work for a great company called Rent Beach Stuff.

So, if you plan on visiting Jacksonville Beach, all you need to bring is your sunscreen and bikini because Rent Beach Stuff has virtually everything you need for a day at the beach. (In addition to Jacksonville Beach, they also serve Ponte Vedra, Neptune, and Atlantic Beaches.) You can place your order online or by telephone for beach cruiser bikes, surf boards, boogie boards, kayaks, fishing poles, umbrellas, jogging strollers, lounge chairs and everything you could possibly need for a day of fun in the sun. Or you could just go and flirt with the very cute attendants!

For more information, visit www.rentbeachstuff.com.