EXPLORE.

It’s cold outside – very, very cold.  There is snow on the ground, I can see my breath in my garage and I am forever looking around the house for my hat and gloves before I head out.

Now, don’t get me wrong, as an Oregonian and avid skier, I love winter.  I love to wear my Sorels.  I cherish my lilac-colored puffy coat and I adore evenings standing around our outdoor fire pit.

But the cold weather just naturally makes me dream about the beach – warm winds, gentle waves, salty air and romantic starry nights.  Can’t you just feel the soft air on your skin?

I happen to know a thing or two about the beach.  I spent my teen years living in Southern California.  I went to college in San Diego and in my entire collegiate career; I never took a class after lunch.  Sun and sand time baby!  I didn’t want school to cut into my tanning rays and ocean enjoyment.  There’s nothing quite like being in the water as the sun is setting into the sea on a warm California evening.

Being from the west coast, when we want to go tropical, it just makes sense to fly to the islands.  I’ve spent many a holiday in Hawaii and there are some wonderful hideaway beaches in Kauai that…..well, I will keep to myself.  Sorry.  In grad school I lived on the east coast, in Virginia Beach.  I’ve body boarded with dolphins and floated languidly in the warm waters of the Atlantic.  Its warm waters are quite a change from the chilliness of the Pacific.

But when I really start to dream about getting away from it all and escaping the harshness of winter, I think of Peter Island in the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

EQUIP.

Peter Island sits just five miles south of Tortola Island in the BVI.  It is 12 hundred miles from Miami and a world away in my mind.  To get there you can fly into a nearby airport and then take a ferry, helicopter or private yacht to the island.  You have a yacht right?

Once you arrive you will be treated like royalty.  Whether you stay in an ocean view room, beach front suite or one of the three villas on the island, that range from 3400 to 21,000 square feet, (yes, you read that right), you are sure to find relaxation and rejuvenation during your stay.  It doesn’t hurt to have your own valet, chef and housekeeper too.

There is plenty to do on this little stretch of land.  If you decide you want to be active you can go swimming in one of the many pools or in the amazing azure ocean.  If you’d rather spend time under the water there is a top-notch dive center right on the island.  Tennis is a must in my book and there is a great tennis pro if you need a refresher course.  Of course, the deep sea fishing is stellar.

There is also a sports center where you can check out a sailfish or windsurfer, there are great reefs for snorkeling and day trips to other islands like Virgin Gorda or sailing on the Silmaril, captained by Paul and Judy, a lovely couple who really know the area.

If you decide to do nothing, that’s always good too.  Hanging out in a hammock on the beach or by the pool never hurt anyone.  I have listened to countless hours of music through my headphones while lying in a hammock at Deadman’s Beach after an amazing lunch of seafood and chilled mango soup.  Yum!

Speaking of food, the dining experience is amazing at Peter Island.  Whether you are eating lunch at Deadman’s Beach Bar and Gill or at Tradewinds, the quality and service is unrivaled.  The island dining experience will afford you fresh seafood, a world-class wine list, deserts to die for and an ambiance that cannot be matched, anywhere.  Let’s just put it this way, you won’t starve.

My particular favorites are the raspberry soup, the seafood, the delicious fruit and of course the baked Peter Island.  The fresh, organic menu is infused with Caribbean flavors.  Your taste buds will thank you each time you dine.

Well, THINKING GIRLS, I hope that you are longing to visit Peter Island after reading this.  We are expecting snow today, here in Central Oregon, but I am feeling warm and toasty after reading this.  I could stare at that picture of the Hammock all day long!  How about you?

ENGAGE.

1.  Vacationing on Peter Island is amazing.  I hope your mind is absolutely reeling already.  That’s what I was going for.  You can book your trip on their website: PeterIsland.com

2. If visiting Peter Island isn’t possible this winter, indulge yourself by visiting their website and liking them on Facebook.  It’s worth it just for the pictures!  You’ll take a virtual vacation and the beauty is enough to rejuvenate you right where you are.

3.  Share with me your favorite beach vacation.  Is it Florida?  Hawaii?  The Bahamas?  Or maybe somewhere much more exotic.  I really want to hear about it.  Do tell.

Not a bad view to wake up to. (By Debi)

A little fun in the sun. (By Debi)

Relax.  Relax.  Relax. (By Debi)

My little brother and I on one of our trips to Peter Island – how could you NOT be happy?

   Another trip with my little bro!  Still happy!!

Unless otherwise noted, all photos courtesy of PeterIsland.com

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