Who: Debbie and Jess Gieck of Lakewood and Shauna Boichut of Bailey
Where: Grand Saline Beach, Saint Barthelemy
Best meal: We did one of the “You Must Be Dreaming Trips” and went on the Big Head Todd and the Monsters Caribbean Cruise; our best meals were aboard the Star Clipper, one of the finest sailing vessels on the water, with outstanding meals three to four times a day.
Best deal: The best deal was to hear two live concerts from Big Head Todd and the Monsters on different islands; you can’t beat that! The best shopping was on St. Maarten in Phillipsburg, on the Dutch side; it had a mile-long area of shopping bargains. The French side of St. Martin at Margot has a wonderful outdoor market on Saturdays, with local banana rum and many great buys.
Best time to go: We were there in the middle of March; the weather was perfect. It was the peak season, but the ambience was always the relaxed atmosphere of the islands. The snorkeling was great, as the water was so warm you could enjoy watching the fish and coral in the reef in total comfort. Even Hazel Miller, the singer with the band – we could never get her out of the water!
Best travel tip: We traveled to several islands – St. Maarten, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, Sandy Cay, Tortola, Norman Island, Nevis and St. Barthelemy – and had day excursions on every one of them, all different and beautiful, with their own histories. If you ever want to get the feel of living the life of luxury, wake up at a new island every morning to go exploring, snorkeling, sailing, horseback riding and more. Touring an island for a day, especially with the local cab drivers, you learn so much about the islands. They are personal guides; we happened to have all great ones. Having a local meal and returning to the luxury of international cuisine in the evening and cocktails in the tropical bar as the yacht gets ready to sail through the night is amazing. Sailing with the Star Clippers was the best vacation and time of our lives; thanks to the members of our famous local Colorado band.
