72 Hours of Solitude at The Half Moon Resort

In my world, travel is not always as glamorous as it seems. But there are those spare moments in which I do get-a-way and it’s life-changing. Generally, this happens when I can just go some place and relax on a beach. I suppose it’s a Pisces thing.

Recently, I was in Jamaica for a variety of reasons… none of which turned out the way they were planned. But I soon learned that was the way it was intended… the universe had other ideas. I needed to spend some time reflecting on thoughts that were occupying my mind. So I headed to the exclusive Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay to connect with my mind, body and soul.

In just 72 hours, I had time to think about a subject that brought fear, anxiety and excitement to my life. I had no internet and occasional signals on my blackberry that kept me connected to life outside of my cottage. For a minute, I thought that I was being punked! But somehow I stayed semi-connected with a friend who helped me sort out my feelings and devise a plan to move forward in an area of my life I usually avoid. But again, isolation doesn’t allow you to escape what’s on your mind… and neither does the exclusivity of paradise.

 

My cottage was amazing… every morning I opened the French doors and took in fresh air with an ocean breeze that offered a level of peace that escapes those of us who live in metropolitan cities. The simplicity of it all was priceless and so was the privacy.

Tranquility and solitude became my confidants allowing me the peace of mind to conceptualize a number of stories for my blog. But Ironically, I can’t write a lot when I’m not in the confines of my home. I have to be completely settled. But the creativity that’s sparked when I’m away allows the words and thoughts to pour out when I am in front of my computer. I suppose that’s the method to my madness as a writer, but it works.

So what did my three days at the Half Moon Resort offer… the luxury of time, peace, and a view of the world that captured my thoughts in a way that few places have the ability to do. I had time to purge any thought that made me feel as if I was not in control of my own choices. I changed my thinking… as a result things that seemed out of the realm of possibility became Godwinks. The beauty of a Godwink allows you to receive a sign of affirmation that you’re on the right path and eradicate uncertainty and worry.

Sometimes all that you have to do is search your soul for the answers to life’s most perplexing and provocative questions. Every single time that I do that… I always get the answer that brings everything else into perfect alignment and clarity. The lesson—when facing a challenge, settle your spirit so that you can see through it and rise above it.

 

While sitting on the beach looking at the Caribbean Sea… I surrendered all the things that brought me uncertainly and traded them for the knowledge that I’m shifting and growing. The vision for my life has never been clearer. The value and worth that I place on myself determines the people and experiences that I attract into my life… and nothing is more powerful or beautiful.

Once I stepped outside the cottage door for the last time… I was confident that I was embracing a heart and mind at ease inspiring me to take a risk and see what happens.

Where do you escape to center your mind, body and soul?

Secrets Resort in Montego Bay is HAUTE!

The Secret in Montego Bay, Jamaica is out—the new Secrets Resort is HAUTE! My most recent Jamaican getaway included a complimentary stay at this exciting new resort on behalf of the Jamaican Tourism Board. The moment that I stepped onto the property, I felt that this adults-only playground was exactly what I needed to relax and indulge.

The resort is tucked away on a half mile stretch of private beach where powdery white sand glistens against sun-kissed skin. The turquoise waters of the warm Caribbean Sea offer a stunning backdrop to what turned out to be one of my best stays ever in Jamaica.

My suite was on the Wild Orchid side (which is more contemporary compared with the more traditional St. James) with an ocean view. The minute that I walked into my room a full-size Jacuzzi tub with spa slippers and robe had my name written all over it. Once I figured how to man the controls without water flying all over the place it was heaven moving forward.

The brand’s motto is “Unlimited-Luxury® for All-Adult Passion” and I couldn’t agree more. It really is a great place to share your secrets. The Secrets Resort Montego Bay is just 20 minutes from the Montego Bay International Airport. The resort houses 350 suites, a full-services spa, theater, eight restaurants, a dance club and so much more. And the best part—you get it all for one all-inclusive price. Plus they serve cookies in the afternoon… what more could you ask for in an exotic playground?

And don’t forget the Spa by Pevonia… I had the most amazing treatments. My Papaya Pineapple pedicure was flawless, in fact, I have never had a polish so HAUTE! My hour-long massage was all that I needed to rejuvenate my mind and body after a busy travel season.

To learn more visit… http://www.secretsresorts.com/wildorchid/index.asp

Do you have a Secret resort that's HAUTE?

Rediscovering Haute Jamaica

I love Jamaica because of its beautiful white sand beaches, warm Caribbean Sea and friendly people. It’s a place where time stands still allowing peace and tranquility to move you effortlessly from day to night. For me, this island is a place of refuge where I can relax without interference from the outside world. Although, I’ve been to this tropical paradise several times, my most recent trip was the first that allowed me to venture outside of the fabulous new Secrets Resorts in Montego Bay to discover the real Jamaica. It’s a shame to come to Jamaica and not experience the seven-mile stretch of beach and cliff tops in Negril or the spectacular river falls in Ocho Rios… with the Jamaican Blue Mountains in the distance. As they say in Jamaica… once you go, you know!

5 Haute Things to do in Jamaica:

-Enjoy a picnic lunch complete with spicy jerk chicken, pork and veggies at Scotchie’s at Drax Hall in Ocho Rios—delicious!

-Check out The Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay… if you like haunted mansions or plantations where 2,000 slaves once worked, this is the place for you!

-Visit the 600 foot Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios and climbed the stairs or the falls!

-Take a Catamaran Cruise in Negril (the capital of casual) to see the cliff Divers at Rick’s Café. It’s awesome!

-Try a Jamaican beef patty from Juici… I loved it!

To learn more about Jamaica visit www.visitjamaica.com

Healing Powers of the Jamaican Bush

I recently learned that it's time to go green for better health. My recent trip to the Fern Tree Spa in Rose Hall, Jamaica, tucked inside the exclusive enclave of the Half Moon Resort, offered a lesson in wellness using natural herbs picked right out of the garden. Plagued by a nasty cough and need for a little R&R, I thought that it was time for a Jamaican getaway.

Less than 24 hours later, I was unpacking inside a beautiful ocean front suite with a spa-like bath and gorgeous hardwood floors with white sheer fabric billowing throughout. I walked over to my bedroom window covered with white shutters to invite the ocean inside. I retreated to my living room realizing that I was well on my way to discovering the secret healing powers of the "bush."

My road to recovery began during lunch with Spa Elder Stella Gray. She noticed that I had a persistent cough that just wouldn't go away. So she created a spa menu with ingredients from land and sea just for me. Stella has been using herbs from her garden for more than 30 years to heal the sick. So it wasn't surprising when she went to her garden to pick fever grass, Cerasee, akee and sour sap leaves to heal me. Together with ginger, thyme, bamboo and allspice, she crushed the plants and herbs in a homemade pouch for my Jamaican bush bath. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical, but I wanted to try it. As instructed, I went back to my room and dropped the pouch in hot water to steep. I poured the potion in my bath and lit a candle. The blended herbs aid in internal and external cleansing to heal and revitalize the mind and soul. As the water began bubbling around me, I began to witness the healing powers of the bush. So I stepped into the tub with water jets and let nature take its course. It was truly an awakening. The lemon grass and ginger helped to eliminate toxins, while bamboo and Cerasee nourished and hydrated my skin.

The next morning, I woke up and found that I wasn't coughing. That nagging cough had simply disappeared. As I sipped ginger tea on my deck, I looked out to the ocean and watched the waves crash against rocks grouped around the water's edge. The peacefulness made for a heavenly escape. And all of my worries just floated back out to sea. Who could ask for more? Certainly not me.

Have you ever gone green for better health?