Fans of the Fab Four, check this out! The 2012 Beatles Tribute Cruise departs on February 4^th, coinciding with the 48^th anniversary of the Beatles first U.S. television appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Cabins are going fast! The cruise will feature Beatles bands, friends and historians. Here are some of the details:

Beatles Tribute Cruise 2012 will be sailing from Ft Lauderdale on February 4, 2012 aboard the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s OASIS of the SEAS for seven nights featuring exciting ports of call, Falmouth; Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico and the exotic private island of Labadee. This FABulous cruise coincides with the 48^th Anniversary of the Beatles first U.S. Television appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and Super Bowl XLVI and will celebrate the band with an all-star cast of entertainers and musicians.

Beatles Tribute Cruise 2012 Entertainment:

Laurence “L J” Juber: a two-time Grammy award-winning finger-style acoustic guitarist, also known for his electric work as lead guitarist in Paul McCartney’s Wings. Juber has released 16 critically acclaimed solo albums which feature his celebrated arrangements of popular tunes and genre-crossing compositions.  Guests will enjoy L J’s acoustic guitar concerts from the ship’s intimate stages; he will offer private guitar lessons and a Beatles Guitar Workshop.

Revolution- The Beatles Tribute as a long time headliner on Royal Caribbean Revolution brings the music, mannerisms, sounds and authentic Beatle instruments to its fantastic act. Returning Beatles Tribute Cruisers are asked to dress up in their best 60’s style gear when the band plays for a “Beatles DANCE Party” for the special BTC group. According to Greg Piper the leader of Revolution, “We’ve been headliner entertainers for Royal Caribbean for over 10 years – we highly recommend the Oasis – the best cruise ship on the seas.”

Tim Piper: Revolution’s John Lennon created the critically acclaimed “Just Imagine” Lennon solo show about six years ago. This show has played to sold out audiences all over the country and Tim has something extraordinary planned especially for this cruise.

Mark Hudson: an incredibly talented singer, songwriter and Ringo Starr’s former producer. The artist Mark Hudson’s talent, humor and style are readily apparent upon meeting him. As a veteran headliner for the Fest for Beatles Fans, Mark delivers his unique one-man rock band and comedy show to the Beatles Tribute Cruise for several key appearances. Mark will also be offering private songwriting lessons!

Tony Bramwell, Beatle bud and childhood friend of John, Paul, George and Ringo returns to share stories of the Beatles from  before they were big stars and from inside the board room of Apple Corp. Tony was a huge hit on last year’s Beatles Tribute Cruise and he will introduce his latest masterpiece.

Joe Johnson, the host and creator of the nationally syndicated radio show Beatle Brunch, returns as emcee. Joe will entertain with Beatles trivia contests, prize giveaways and a special presentation of the Ed Sullivan Show that aired on February 9, 1964. All the entertainers will be invited to join in to share their special memories of that historic moment in music history.

For more information and reservations visit http://www.BeatlesTributeCruise.com.

Every evening was electric. My husband and I were front and center, bare toes buried in the cool sands of Mexico’s shores. There’s an unstoppable energy in the air, not unlike that found walking the streets of Manhattan. Only take that throttle and kick it up a notch. Wrap it up in starlit oceanfront nights. Toss in family-, pooch- and picnic-friendly, along with a pulsating backdrop of the world’s most cutting-edge music and mind-boggling special effects. Now we’re jammin’.

The Yucatan Peninsula is host to the sizzling Riviera Maya Jazz Festival each year during Thanksgiving week

By Lisa Codianne Fowler

Published on March 14, 2011 in TravelWorld International Magazine

Music in Paradise

Each November, 14,000 “jazzophiles” make a pilgrimage to Playa del Carmen—the heart of the Riviera Maya, located just south of Cancun, Mexico—for the explosive concerts at the world-renowned Riviera Maya Jazz Festival. Living legends wow the crowds with musical performances ranging from old-school swing to hip hop and fusion.

During our visit, the festival once again featured greats from across the globe as well as several nationally known Mexican bands, among them, Narima, Malo Agua and The Royal Band, one of the country’s most popular. All are wildly creative and formidable contenders for the most sought after sounds in the international jazz scene.

But the major draw for us was being able to get up close and personal with some of our own jazz heroes: Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, Sergio Mendes and Spyro Gyra. We were privileged to be among the 60 journalists from around the world permitted in the roped-off press area near the stage to photograph and videotape one minute (only) from each performance, capturing some of the best national and international jazz acts of all times.

Al Jarreau opened to deafening cheers with his rendition of Elton John’s “Your Song,” ended with his classic “Take Five,” and playfully engaged the crowd throughout his set. Sergio Mendes brought down the house with an updated, hip hop version of “Mas Que Nada,” a 40-year-old mega hit reborn in a recent collaboration with Black Eyed Peas.

Pat Martino’s riffs were spot on, despite serious health issues and memory loss that forced him to re-learn the guitar mid-career. Spyro Gyra rocked with funky, urban sounds, and Herbie Hancock gave us delicious tastes of the many musical phases he’s moved through over the years.

What to Expect

The Riviera Maya Jazz Festival takes place outside on the beach at Mamita’s Beach Club. “Doors” open at 6 p.m.; the first concert begins at 7; the last usually ends at midnight. Entrance is absolutely free, and though the festival typically draws a crowd of 10 to 14,000, people are friendly and respectful of each other and the grounds. Bring a blanket, towel or chair to sit on the beach; alternately, if you arrive early enough, you can claim a table at one of two restaurants with al fresco dining. We varied our viewing venues nightly. Since the stage is built to include a super sound-system, multiple mega-screens and strategic lighting, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

Mi Casa es Su Casa

The evenings were magical, but so too were the days, as we simply luxuriated at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, an all-inclusive resort located 30 miles south of Cancun. A complimentary 40-minute shuttle ride brings guests to and from Playa del Carmen for the festival.

Most afternoons we sampled Secrets’ restaurants, shopping venues and, of course, aqueous amenities, such as the meandering pools and sun-splashed beach. Mornings began with a breakfast buffet that included everything from tamales and pancakes to green health juice and Bloody Mary cocktails. What a grand and unconventional way to spend Thanksgiving.

“Welcome Home!” We heard it a lot. The staff at the resort greeted us this way each time we entered the lobby from an off-property excursion. It always made us smile. Though one can’t help but smile, gush even, at the lavishness of this sprawling adult-only, all-suite resort.

The property certainly lives up to its moniker, “Unlimited Luxury,” featuring seven restaurants, eight bars and lounges, a fitness center, spa, tennis courts, shopping areas, an expansive waiter-attended infinity pool and 12 smaller plunge pools throughout the resort. There are themed parties, live entertainment nightly and big screen movies on the beach. Nestled between more than 500 acres of unspoiled coastal strands and lush rain forests, it retains a feeling of intimacy as well as exclusivity.

Some of the ground floor suites are “swim-out”—step from your room into the refreshing pools that wind around the grounds. Our balcony suite was slathered in marble and featured a whirlpool tub for two; net-draped, four-poster, king-sized bed; step-down sitting area; and all the amenities you would expect from a first-class resort.

We were members of the VIP club, which means we had access to the concierge room with its endless array of gourmet snacks and full bar. But you don’t have to be a VIP to find food and drink at every turn, even if it’s delivered via 24/7 room service. There’s nothing like sipping champagne on a balcony overlooking manicured gardens, lighted fountains, a white sand beach and turquoise waters. Late at night, all you hear are crashing waves. During the day, songbirds serenade.

Beyond the Festival

Few places on earth cause as much amazement as Riviera Maya. What makes the area so different from other coastlines around the world is that here you can completely escape from the outside world. It’s filled with natural wonders: ecological reserves; an emerald-green jungle, a turquoise-blue sea hugged by miles of sparkling beaches and countless lost cities of the ancient Mayan civilization.

Riviera Maya is located within the state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. The terrain is flat and covered by low tropical jungle. Lying hidden amid the intense green is a habitat rich with indigenous flora and fauna and geological formations not found anywhere else in the world. Facing the coast is one of the largest coral reefs in the world, with colorful tropical fish and various types of coral, making the Great Mayan Reef ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Our visit came to an end all too soon. My only complaint about the experience is the weight I gained, courtesy of all-inclusive Secrets Maroma Beach. Still, on a “scale” of one to five, this was a six-star stay, awash in exotic beauty, gracious people, pampered luxury, and, oh yes—all that jazz.

If You Go

* Riviera Maya Jazz Festival www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com
* Secrets Maroma Beach www.secretsresorts.com/maroma
* Riviera Maya information www.rivieramaya.com
* Visit Mexico www.visitmexico.com

Lisa Codianne Fowler is a veteran travel journalist, travel video host and travel radio co-host. She resides in sunny Sarasota, Fla., with her chef-husband and two adorable dogs.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK FOWLER AND JUDY EBERSPAECHEN.

Reprinted from Travelworld International Magazine (c) 2011

Hideaway for the rich and famous, favorite of honeymooners, family-friendly for kids and Party Central for singles, Cabo San Lucas is a red-hot vacation spot. Perched at the southern tip of the beautiful Baja Peninsula, this vibrant resort town draws international visitors year-round.

Puerto Rico is a hotspot for music lovers, thanks to its diverse musical and dance traditions. An excellent place to sample five important aspects in one night is at the Le Lo Lei Festival, a weekly performance, sponsored by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. This VIDEO highlights the impressive performance that takes place very Tuesday night, when the Guamanique dance company takes to the stage at the Castillo San Cristobal, a colonial era fort that dates to 1783. For the price of a $3 admission to this historic site, you get a lively show in a beautiful location.

The only sounds are the gentle lapping of waves against our boat, the soft hum of the engine, and the ubiquitous serenade of our seagull companions. The sea breeze sweeps the hair from my face with a cooling mist. Engulfed in the ineffable beauty of the cobalt sea, my husband and I motor past secluded palm-fringed coves and forested hillsides, languishing in this sun-drenched paradise. We round one last bend and are disarmed by the spectacular sight before us.

Rising majestically from the water’s edge over a half mile into the sky, the twin peaks of the Pitons suddenly present themselves. These dramatic spires, for which the Caribbean island of St. Lucia is most famous, are remnants of long-dormant volcanoes, having withstood the ravages of both man and nature. Gros Piton and Petite Piton stand respectfully apart, yet nestled side by side for all eternity, as if bound to a sacred covenant. Underwater, the firmly rooted mountains continue their descent to the depths, cementing their commitment.

In reverent silence, we cruise beyond the crescent-shaped bay at the foot of The Pitons, finding ourselves at Anse Couchon. We plunge from the boat and swim to its black volcanic sands, where ours are the only footprints on the shores of this romantic hideaway. Beneath these sunlit waters is a sensory explosion in tropical technicolor. Indigo seafans undulate at the ocean floor. Neon fish in electric blue, fuchsia and marigold scamper past boulders of brain coral and patches of seagrass in multicolored hues. And white coral fingers stand outstretched toward the sky’s golden spotlight as it glitters on the entire dazzling display.

We scheduled this boating excursion through Rendezvous resort, our home during our stay in St. Lucia.  The resort bills itself as “the escape for romantics,” and as such, provided the quintessential setting from which to explore the area’s natural and cultural treasures. This elegant, all-inclusive, couples-only resort near Castries is set amid seven acres of tropical gardens on a long sandy beach. Fiery Flamboyants and brilliant Bougainvillea are never out of sight, and lavender orchids grow as parasites on stately oaks. Hammocks for two are strategically placed for the optimum combination of privacy and ambience.

Happily lacking in toga parties and wet T-shirt contests for which all-inclusives have gained notoriety, this quiet retreat was not without a lively complement of optional social activities. Though the swim up bar in the free-form pool closed at dusk, evenings offered sing-alongs at the piano bar that continued until the last guest leaves.  There was live entertainment and dancing nightly at the Terrace Restaurant and Bar, a West Indian barbecue and beach party on Wednesday and Saturdays, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets at the Terrace, and a more formal dinner by reservation at The Trysting Place.

We had for days indulged in Rendezvous’ decadent offerings of food, wine and entertainment, so we decided to venture into the native night to experience St. Lucia as only a local could.  We alone hopped aboard the 10 p.m. resort shuttle to the town of Gros Islet, final destination “jump-up,” a Caribbean street party described as a not-for-tourist glimpse into local culture.

The night was black as coal…no lights, no stars, no moon.  With wild abandon our oversized van wound precariously around cliffs miles above the sea. As we neared town, cars lined the roadside and pedestrians appeared in our headlights, making it impossible to drive any further. The walls of the van were vibrating to quasi rap/reggae rhythms punctuated by pungent aromas of grilled fish and meat.

Our driver let us off with simple directions: Walk toward the music. Smoke rose up from the hot coals of hibachis lining the streets, local women hawked handmade jewelry and young men sold beer from Styrofoam coolers, cleverly proffering an oasis from the thick night air. The masses multiplied as we neared the music’s source — pulsating speakers the size of cars. Everyone was dancing in the street. We decided to reconnoiter from the second story of the corner bar.

Looking down on this sea of St. Lucian humanity, I suddenly felt very small, and decidedly American. There really were no tourists here, except for Don and Sue, the couple scrunched next to us at the bar. We learned they were also staying at Rendezvous. So we had actually run into someone we knew, sort of, and were suddenly feeling adventurous and stirred by the primordial beat of the blaring bass. We looked at each other, then ran down the narrow stairs and danced our hearts out, or at least, moved with the sardine-packed crowd to the beat of the music.

A young St. Lucian man pulled my arm toward him… my husband yanked me back with my other arm and I became caught in a tug of war. I flashed my biggest smile at this local guy and yelled above the noise and music, “no thanks!” He smiled sweetly, released his grip and retreated into the darkness.

We returned at some morning hour to Rendezvous’ piano bar, where, along with the pianist and other vacationing couples, we sang tunes like “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” “Day-O,” and “Yellow Bird.” A far cry from “jump-up,” but rounding out the evening, or rather morning, experience.

The resort’s guest services personnel arranged other outings as well — to the colorful market in Castries; to the world’s only drive-in volcano; a visit to one of many historic plantations; to rain forests, sulfur springs and botanical gardens and to the fishing village of Soufriere. They were all worthwhile excursions, each instilling a sense of intimacy with this lovely Caribbean culture and terrain.

Still, some of our most moving moments came as we witnessed several weddings a day either on the beach or in the gardens at Rendezvous. I cried at every one. Blushing brides and hopeful grooms vowing to stand side by side throughout eternity … much like the Pitons.

Travel Sidelines:

What’s included: In addition to accommodations, room rates include all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except French champagne and certain wines); all entertainment; all organized and individual activities including use of all sports facilities and equipment; sports instruction, including scuba diving; dance lessons; airport transfers, room tax and all gratuities. Spa treatments extra. Tipping is not permitted.

Getting Married: Arrive at least three days before the ceremony with original, notarized documentation.  If you bring copies it can take several more days. Weddings at Rendezvous are complementary, with optional extras such as strolling guitarist or steel band, photography and videotaping.

Getting there: American Airlines is the most prominent carrier to St. Lucia, offering a number of daily round-trip flights from San Juan.

Currency:  St. Lucia deals in the Eastern Caribbean dollar, though American dollars are accepted throughout the island with varying exchange rates.

For Rendezvous reservations and information call toll-free (800) 544-2883 or visit www.rendezvous.com.lc.

Reprinted from Style Magazine

Once upon a time…

Fairytales do come true. And sometimes, twice. Ten years ago, Patrick and I eloped to an obscure Caribbean island known mostly to the rich and famous. We agreed on Anguilla because neither of us had been there, and on Cap Juluca Resort for its striking Moorish architecture. Its majestic white domes, parapets and turrets harkened back to Patrick’s early years in Morocco, where his dad was stationed with the CIA. (Another story, another time.)

It was dreamlike. So, what better place – and way – to celebrate our ten-year anniversary than with a vow-renewal   ceremony on these virgin shores where we first said “I do.” 

The resort

Perched on a mile-long crescent beach in Anguilla, one of the Leeward Islands of the British West Indies, Cap Juluca is a favored, discrete escape for financial barons and A-list celebrities; it even has paparazzi-chasing boats. The star-studded list of guests has included the likes of Bill Gates; Brad Pitt; Jennifer Aniston; Denzel Washington; Katie Couric; Kevin Bacon; Courtney Cox; Glenn Close; Michael J. Fox; Charlie Sheen; Tyra Banks; Sheryl Crow, Janet Jackson and Arnold Schwarzenegger, to name just a few.

No wonder. Offering tennis, aqua-golf, a healing spa, afternoon tea, croquet and more, Cap Juluca epitomizes ultra-luxe. Impeccably designed for privacy, all you can hear is the wind, the lapping of waves and the lyrical sounds of songbirds, even when the resort is full. Its level of service goes beyond merely answering needs but anticipating them. Like having a roving beach waiter deliver a refreshing cup of passion fruit sorbet, at precisely the moment you feel a bit parched.

Its ambiance is terminally romantic, with unmatched tropical vistas during the day and, after each blazing sunset, dramatic nightscapes of the lights of nearby St. Maarten, twinkling like diamonds on black velvet. Cap Juluca is the quintessential luxury retreat: secluded, peaceful and sophisticated.

The homecoming

It was just as we remembered. And apparently, “it” remembered us. Upon our arrival, we were pulled out of the registration line, whisked away to a private reception room, handed chilled cloths to cool our brows and rum punch to quench our thirst. Wedding Coordinator Verna Rogers and staff greeted us with big smiles and bear hugs. We are certainly not rich or famous, but they sure made us feel like stars.

Verna reviewed the details of our “1 Karat” package, which includes minister, vow renewal certificate, photographer, flowers and champagne. And while we expected a junior suite as before, she explained we would be staying in a “pool suite.” We didn’t quite grasp the concept.

A room with a view

Among those in our welcoming committee was Ace Fortunanto, who transported us, via golf cart, to the far end of the property. He led us along a palm-tree and hibiscus fringed path to a set of enormous mahogany doors. We stepped through them to a stone-tiled, tropically landscaped lanai with a sparkling swimming pool. Lining the whitewashed privacy walls were umbrella-topped tables, lounge chairs and rafts – enough for a small pool party.

“Is this just… for us?” I asked. “This is your pool suite, and this is your pool,” smiled Ace.

Another set of mahogany doors led us inside our villa. Before us was a floor-lit dining room, flower-topped marble table and four ornately carved wooden chairs. To the left, a full-sized kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, and straight ahead, a spacious step-down living room, as comfortable looking as it was elegant. Three arched picture windows framed an expansive view of the powder-white shoreline and cerulean sea, just steps from our suite. There were two sprawling balconies, one off the bedroom; the other off both kitchen and living room. Swaying palms, frangipani and sea grapes were visible from every lookout. I was speechless. And that never happens.

Ace broke the silence by informing us that he was our personal butler. Butler?! Turns out he was at our beckon call, delivering complimentary continental breakfasts to our balcony each morning and granting our heart’s desire. Uncomfortable for us common folk at first, but we acclimated quickly to being buttled.

We declined his offer to unpack for us, but accepted the room tour, which included the decadent bath. A showcase of travertine marble, mirrors and glass, it was generously appointed with thick, fluffy towels and bathrobes and BVLGARI amenities.

The villa was beyond our wildest expectations and, under non-celebratory circumstance, quite beyond our means. We were tempted to not leave our suite, much less the resort, but our favorite island tugged at our heartstrings. We decided to take a quick tour to see if anything had changed over the years. Happily, nothing that we could discern.

Island life 

Celebrity visitors to Anguilla don’t have the corner on talent and good looks. The natives are well-dressed, well-spoken, politically involved, and accomplished, particularly in the arts. Galleries, museums and musical venues abound. Other activities enjoyed by all are, naturally, water sports, but also horseback riding, hiking and bird watching. Cuisine is exemplary, and local markets bear signs such as, “Fine Food, Cheese and Pates,” and “Italian Ice-Cream and Afternoon Tea.”

Though not a lush island, Anguilla boasts 33 stunning beaches, not including the dollop of sand called Scilly Cay – a must-see, even though it’s an hour’s drive from the resort to the ferry dock. Brod, our obliging taxi driver, waited on shore while we ventured off for lunch. Just a free, two-minute boat ride away, the islet is dotted with curious formations of driftwood and brilliant fuchsia, red and yellow flowers. Low walls of pink conch shells hug the walkways, and thatched tiki huts surround the open-air restaurant, where lobsters are freshly caught and barbequed to succulent perfection. Both the restaurateur and bartender greeted us heartily, remembering us from our visit ten years earlier. Not sure if that’s a good thing, but it made us feel incredibly at home. Friendly folks, these Anguillans.

The ceremony

Our man Brod deposited us back at the resort in enough time for us to “unwind” in our pool before our moment in the sun. In the meantime, Verna sent flowers to our room – a boutonnière for Patrick, a bouquet for me and serendipitously, dainty fresh blossoms for my hair.

Just before sunset, an escort appeared to take Patrick to the beach, at a picture-perfect spot that Verna selected, according to our wishes. There was a flower-covered arbor at the water’s edge, where the minister awaited. Minutes later, my chariot/golf cart arrived at our villa. My chauffeur delivered me far enough away from the ceremony site to make a jaunty, barefoot entrance along the sandy path, photographer snapping my every step.

As I approached my beaming husband, I was stricken with realizations. This minister, Pastor Lucien MacDonna, married us ten years ago! This photographer, Rocklyn Maynard of Professional Photos, photographed the event. Okay, so you thought my revelation was that I shouldn’t be tying the knot, to the same man, again. Not even close. It wasn’t just Pastor MacDonna and Rocklyn that were thrilled we were still together.

“We are gathered here today… I now pronounce you man and wife” – the pastor had performed yet another stirring ceremony. And Rocklyn captured its essence on film, once again. We all shared champagne and stories until sundown.

Getting fresh

Cap Juluca has several diverse dining venues, all employing a “garden-to-table” approach. Each uses fresh, indigenous ingredients, including herbs and spices grown on property. While all three restaurants provide the superior quality a discerning diner would expect, the most appropriate for this evening was Pimms, the epitome of fresh, fine dining.

We were seated seaside, the sounds of waves crashing against the rocks an exhilarating backdrop. Just as refreshing was glimpsing Pastor MacDonna at a nearby table with his wife and two children. We were celebrating 10 years of marriage; Pastor and wife were commemorating 17. They, as we, could have chosen anywhere else on this exceptional island, or in the world for that matter, to mark our private chapters in personal history.

There’s a reason we chose Cap Juluca. It’s where fairytales come true.

The end

Or rather, the beginning. Again.

 If you go

Cap Juluca – and Anguilla – is not inexpensive… but special packages and seasonal discounts make it more accessible to those of us who aren’t featured in Forbes. For more information, call Cap Juluca Resort at 888-858-5822 or 264-497-6666; or visit www.capjuluca.com.

Resort postscript 

Last year, renowned hospitality executive Adam M. Aron purchased Cap Juluca. As if perfection weren’t fine enough, Mr. Aron decided to give his new resort a “little” $22 million facelift, the first phase in an overall $80 million enhancement program. Solar-powered golf carts, mood lighting, new furniture and beach grooming equipment were among the enhancements. Each guestroom features new plush bedding and Frette linens, hand-sewn bedspreads and handmade rugs personally selected from the souks of Morocco by Mr. Aron and renowned designer Paul Duesing. All guests now also enjoy flat screen televisions, Bose CD players, iPods, DVD players and free wireless internet access. Spice, a Pan-Asian concept restaurant, and Blue, a casual beachfront eatery now join Pimm’s in providing exceptional cuisine. 

Cap Juluca’s Accolades:

“It’s not a glitzy vacation,” I warned my friend Tracey, a former party diva. “There are no nightclubs, no casinos, no scheduled activities.” Now a devoted wife and multitasking mother of two – three, if you count their therapy dog – Tracey was about to turn 40. Friends since our single days, we planned a couples’ sailing trip to celebrate this passage. We rendezvoused in Miami, she and Jim from Toronto, and Patrick and I from Sarasota, for the short flight to the Bahamian archipelago called The Abacos.

Our prop plane bounced along a sandy airstrip and rolled to a standstill at Marsh Harbour’s sleepy “international airport” on Grand Abaco. Staffed by a handful of smiling Bahamians, it made Sarasota/Bradenton look like LaGuardia. First order of business, provisioning for four days at sea. A taxi awaited to take us to Solomon’s Supermarket, a quirky jumble of fresh island food, gourmet coffee and cheeses, refrigerators, patio furniture and clothes; a hot spot in this, the “metropolis” of The Abacos.

With one traffic light on the island, traveling on to the marina was a breeze.

“God must have had a smile on his face when he made Abaco,” said our captain Ali Penn, as he greeted us aboard “Pawsitive Lattitude”, Florida Yacht Charter’s 46-Hunter. “And he smiled again when I was born,” Jim quipped. Introductions and settling into our comfy cabins completed, we motored out to sea.

Within minutes, the purr of the engine ceased and Ali hoisted the sails. They rustled loudly as they unfolded, but became silent once billowing in the wind. The only sounds were the rhythmic lapping of waves against the boat and an occasional creak of the mast. Our bow sliced through diamond-clear waters, no more than 14-feet deep. The shallow seas presented not only spectacular marine life viewing, but also a boating challenge. Hence, our wise decision to hire one of FYC’s licensed captains.

Ali was a native Abaconian and a friend, it seemed, to everyone. As we were visiting during a fishing tournament, the normally isolated waters were dotted with anxious anglers. “Ali, Ali, Ali!” came a voice from a passing boat. “How many fish you catch?”

At that moment, Jim, with his Adonis-type body, walked toward the back of the boat, reached down and clutched a fish in his bare hands. Well, that’s Jim’s version. In reality, while this area is a fisherman’s dream – with mahi mahi, marlin, sailfish, wahoo, tuna and bonefish – we were content to catch the sealife on camera while snorkeling off the reefs.

Free from commercial development and cruise ships, The Abacos is a 120-mile necklace of unspoiled islands and abandoned cays. Time would not allow us to explore them all, so we deferred to our captain to chart our course. Great Guana Cay with its powder-white beach, colorful New England-style clapboard cottages and friendly residents was an appropriate start. “Traffic” here was an occasional golf cart, zipping past us on dusty paths… one of which led us to Milo, a local legend (and friend of Ali’s), his produce stand spilling over with organically grown fruits and vegetables.

T-shirts, island art, seashell jewelry (“made with me fingers, not in Japan”) and fresh caught fish and lobster, made for serendipitous one-stop shopping.

We trekked on to Nippers Beach Bar and Grill, an Abacos institution for lunch, dinner and dancing. Bar stools, painted in rainbow colors, overlooked the striking blue Atlantic and sugar-white sands that stretched for miles. Here, locals and visitors lingered over meals at umbrella-topped tables and discussed everything from politics to “Potcakes” – ubiquitous island dogs.

Cruising away from Guana Cay en route to Green Turtle, the winds kicked up just enough for the waves to splash our sun-drenched bodies as we languished on deck, alternately reading, napping and chatting. I overheard Tracey say, “At some point, we’ve got to check in with our kids,” to which Jim replied, “Who?”

Green Turtle Cay is an 18th century storybook village, and pays homage to its Loyalist history with a sculpture garden, the Albert Lowe Museum, and even Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar. As we toured the island, we happened upon Shirley Roberts, the first female pilot in Abaco (and a friend of Ali’s).

Now proprietor of the Shell Hut gift shop, she was reclining under a shady tree with her dog oa typical two-hour break. Many colorful tales later, we hugged goodbye and headed on to Hopetown, home of the legendary candy-striped lighthouse built by the British in the 1860s. We admired cheerful gingerbread homes, tip-toed through a circa-1800s cemetery, and saw the church from which melodic chimes filled the Sunday morning air.

Every morning began with tropical fruit and coconut bread… and a refreshing dive off the boat. Happily, the hammerheads, tiger and bull sharks dwelt further south in cooler waters, and it was dolphins that accompanied us from cay to cay. Days ended with barbeques on board, champagne under the stars and story-telling into the night.

All too soon we reluctantly left what Tracey termed our “floating cottage” for the journey home. We traded bear hugs with Ali, his parting words, “Friends for life.”

If you go:

Florida Yacht Charters has locations in St. Petersburg, Miami, Key West and Abaco. For more information, call 1-800-537-0050 or visit www.floridayacht.com

Reprint from Positive Change Magazine

This post is dedicated to my dear friend Tracey Bromby. She died suddenly at the young age of 41 from pancreatic cancer, but her beautiful spirit lives on in so many of us – including her loving husband Jim, and two wonderful children, Allison and Carson.

Join us on a not-so-ordinary sailing trip throughout the British Virgin Islands. Of course, the islands are gorgeous. But so are the owner-operated boats that comprise the membership of the Charter Yacht Society of the BVI. This non-profit organization represents the cream of the crop – both in vessels and crew.

We spent two nights each aboard Nutmeg Charters, Blue Bayou, and finally on land at the Sugar Mill Hotel – a luxury boutique resort at once in the hills and on the shores of Tortola. The best part?  The people. We made lifelong friends from all over the world.

Travel video produced by Lisa Codianne Fowler

While local Mariachi bands are a year-round treat in Riviera Maya, the area becomes a sizzling spotlight for jazz luminaries at the annual Riviera Maya Jazz Festival each November. We were among the priviledged journalists permitted to get up close and personal with the likes of Al Jarreau, Sergio Mendes, Pat Martino, Spyro Gyra and other national and international acts. We were also enthralled with our headquarters… Secrets Maroma Beach Resort; our new favorite upscale, all-inclusive respite from reality. Admittedly, the other guests were younger – mostly honeymooners. But the incredibly romantic ambiance made us feel like newlyweds.

Travel video produced by Lisa Codianne Fowler

From denizens of the deep to divas of the media, the IFWTWA Conference at Sea on Holland America’s ms Eurodam was a multi-sensory delight. Enlightening workshops and wine tastings at sea punctuated ports of call that included Grand Turk, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay. Beautiful, historic and sizzling hot meccas all.

Of course, the cruise ship is a destination in itself, complete with culinary school, computer workshops, fitness center, luxury spa, theatre, nightclub, casino and more.