All of these snowstorms are getting old. Time to lift your spirits and plan an island getaway (or spend some time gazing at your computer screen taking a mental vacation!). I have gone through photos of trips we have taken over the last 2 years and will be posting some standouts . Just looking at these photos inspires me and gets me through these cold snowy months!

In the midst of February, we headed south to the Parrot Cay Resort, a private island with 1000 acres of forests, marshes, and beaches. There are direct flights from New York City to the capital Providenciales. Flight time is just 3 hours. From there you are picked up at the airport and whisked off to a dock via private shuttle. The staff greats you with coronas and water and then you get aboard the resorts boat.

Once you arrive via boat the staff is waiting with golf carts to transport you to the main building on the island for check in.

The views from the pool are stunning. It is elevated at dune height so you see out over the pool to the beach below.

The Lotus Restaurant is set up above the pool with indoor/ outdoor dining. The wooden structure is beautiful. At Lunch they serve up carribean inspired dishes and at night the cuisine has a japanese and thai flair. You can order off the COMO Shambhala menu ( the very healthy spa menu) at both restaurants as well as for room service. The restaurants were never crowded and the dress code is casual.

Below is the path from the main building and rooms down to the beach and gym. The outdoor stone shower below the pool is enormous. The gym is housed in a large wooden structure opposite the pool.

The Terrace Restaurant serves modern Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is attached to the main building and looks out over the gardens below, tennis courts to the right, and the ocean.

Ocean facing room: These rooms look out over gardens to the pool and beach below. each room has it’s own private deck with a sofa and chairs where you can have breakfast. Terra-cotta tiled floors, balinese furniture, and white cotton fabric and walls give the room a relaxing Caribbean vibe. The resort also has beach villas with up to 4 bedrooms. The largest residence on the property is made up of two homes ( each with 4 bedrooms) and belongs to Donna Karan but is available to rent.

At the poolside bar we would grab the backgammon set and settle down for cocktails before dinner. Some of the locals ( those lucky enough to have built homes on the island- Bruce Willis and Keith Richards) stop in for drinks at the bar as it is the only watering hole on the island.

The spa is incredible. The yoga and pilates rooms have large sliding doors that open up one entire side of the rooms to the marsh and ocean below. There are separate hot tubs and steam rooms for both men and women as well as one hot tub that is set out in a garden under the stars where men and women are both welcomed. There are complimentary yoga, pilates, and beach yoga sessions offered daily.

The scuba diving and bone fishing is exceptional. While on the island it is great to get out on a boat and see the reefs, flats, and the change in the color of the water. From the beach you can take out a catamaran and snorkel and mask for excursions.

Every evening you can walk the mile long beach with drinks in hand and watch the sunset… ahhhh I want to go back!

Book your trip: http://www.parrotcay.como.bz/

xo,

S

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