Postcard from Le Guanahani, St. Barth

Bonjour My Loves, 

I hope you are having a fantastic start to 2016!! I returned home to NYC on Jan 7th, and before I could even unpack my suitcase, I was already filling up another one with clothes for St. Barth. I spent a few cherished and exquisite days at the beautiful Le Guanahani (Jan 13th - 16th) in celebration of their 30th anniversary.

Everything about this experience felt like a decadent adventure. I was flown from NYC to San Juan where I caught my Tradewind Aviation flight to the island. You can see my sheer elation boarding the sleek 8 seater in the photo above. My fears over flying in a small plane melted over the exquisite views of St. Barth from above. You can see for yourself below...

And the visual paradise had only just begun. When we arrived at the hotel, it was clear that this was a property that understood its DNA and the feel of five star boutique. Every inch of Le Guanahani is worthy of an Instagram (and you know that's the highest ranking in my books). The redesign, which took place very recently, was centred around the panama hat as inspiration. You can see these design elements in the lobby above and my room below...

Not since Marrakech had I experienced such an emotional response to hotel interiors. This room had my jaw dragging along the floor with every turn. I had an oceanview suite with a wrap around terrace that looked out onto the water. Even my bathtub had views overlooking that sparkling blue...

But what I especially loved about this experience was that Le Guanahani's Managing Director, Martein van Wagenberg, encouraged our group to go out and experience the island and all of its charm. We spent our first morning on a catamaran swimming and snorkelling out around Colombier Beach...

I must have been a sailor in a past life because I'm always most at peace when I'm on the water. Later that same day we rented a car to go out and explore Saline Beach and the town of Gustavia, which is brimming with quaint restaurants and chic boutiques...

Postcard from The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Happy New Year My Darlings!!!!

I hope you all had a restful holiday with your loved ones. 2015 was such a spectacular year. I traveled so much that I hardly had time to post about it here on Travel Write Draw (a problem, I realize, I'm extraordinarily grateful to have). This past September I turned the BIG 3-0, and to make the milestone even more memorable, I spent five exquisite days at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas to celebrate. The minute I pulled all my photos together for this postcard, the memories came flooding back. This team DEFINITELY knows how to make a guest feel special...

When I arrived at the hotel, I was greeted with the most sensational view of the blue water from their main terrace (see above). After settling into my oceanfront room, Chef Susanto came to my door with a bottle of champagne, and personalized cupcakes, that had my logo and illustrations printed on top (see below)!! Needless to say, I was absolutely speechless. After working so hard for so long in NYC, it was an amazing feeling to be in this beautiful place, doing exactly what I love to do - traveling, writing, and illustrating. AND not to mention, those cupcakes were 100% mouth-watering (I'm still salivating) and the most touching gesture I've ever received.

My only scheduled event that day was a deep tissue massage (such hard work). You can see above a photo from their stunning cabana treatment room which overlooks that immaculate blue water. Between the sound of the waves kissing the rocks, and the skillful hands of my masseuse, I can assure you I have never felt more blissed-out!! I definitely relished in being outside for my massage - so unique to the property met with the perfect natural temperature.