About a year ago at this time I had run from the cold east coast and was experiencing the warm tropics. Our suite was large, ocean front with a huge veranda, a four-poster bed and a bathroom to die for with a romantic soaking tub for two, or three. The sitting area was comfortable and the complimentary mini-bar was stocked with anything a heart would desire. The view was unobstructed and simply breath-taking. The beach before us was quiet, the water was still and azure and the sand was a light tan. Very peaceful.

Each morning after showering we lazed on the veranda with a spread before us of sweet baked goods, fresh eggs and bacon and of course, a large carafe of hot Jamaican coffee, my absolute favorite. We read photo copies of front-page news from The NY Times. On some mornings I read it aloud to him while my feet perched on his thigh and a cuban cigar hung from his lips, eyes closed, head tilted back relaxing against the chair in the warmth of the morning sun. We would not move from our amazing view until the coffee was finished and as the trip came to an end, we found ourselves nursing our coffee sometimes until noon.

During the day while he golfed at the various courses on the island, I took advantage of the spa or spas, rather. One can only have so many manicures and pedicures, so I opted fo a massage on almost a daily basis. Luckily we were right next door to The Ritz where I enjoyed a different type of massage daily: Swedish, hot river rock, you name it. It was lovely and I was spoiled. The resort offered a shopping center and I bought coffee and linens to bring back home, a few cuban cigars as a surprise for my travel partner.

When time permitted, we snorkeled, rode bikes around the property, kayaked and went horseback riding. Of course, we ate. We ate like I've never eaten before. I didn't find the food to be particularly interesting but the quantity we consumed was amazing! Spiny lobsters, shrimp cocktails, fresh fruit, jerked chicken, steaks, seafood salads, rum raisin ice cream and our fair share of pina coladas and daquiris. We visited various restaurants and on the evenings we were late getting ready, or simply got ready only to become "unready", we took advantage of room service. Eating dinner in the nude with plates of food for miles set unsteadily on a king-sized mattress makes for a fun experience. Plan on calling housekeeping for a new comforter before turning in for the evening.

Because our trip was at the end of winter we came home to spring. The ground was green and not white. Tulips and daffodils were blooming in front yards, the sky was blue and the smell of fresh cut grass and bar-b-que grills was in the air. I don't think we could have timed it better.

Kate