Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2016 | Page 457

After examining the island,
complete with lagoons and
more intact shells than one
could imagine, we then set off
to a nearby island for a private
barbecue where the friendly
staff of the private boat cooked
up a delicious meal complete
with cooked conch that we had
literally just caught. All of this
while diving for starfish and
whatever else we could find in the
absolutely clear waters around the
islands.
Perhaps the most memorable
experience of this trip was
the tremendous snorkeling
experience that we partook. After
a short boat ride where we were
accompanied along side by some
curious dolphins, we arrived at
the reef. The waters are so clear
in the Caribbean that seeing
thirty to forty feet below the
water was crystal clear. Within
seconds of dropping into the

water, my guide urged me to look
down. I quickly realized what he
was pointing at so enthusiastically
was a rather large barracuda
swamming lazily to my right. I
swear he was looking right at me!
Never before had I been subjected
to what life on the ocean floor
is really like. Deep below, all
types of fish and even a few
sharks could be seen slithering
through the shadows. It was a
truly fantastic experience and
also a great way to exercise
while on vacation! After all that
swimming, we were all pretty
drained so we decided to relax on
what is rated as the #1 beach in
the world. There we debriefed the
incredible journey while sipping
tropical drinks in the shade of a
cabana. Talk about living the life!
Other activities I had the pleasure
of encountering included paddle
boarding the open seas, exploring
the resort and receiving not one

453

but two of the greatest massages
I have ever experienced. A full
body Swedish followed the next
day by a one hour reflexology
foot massage left me feeling like
I was in a dream. All of this was
delivered by the nicest staff I
have encountered. It literally felt
like we were at home, everyone
on the island was so upbeat. I
routinely caught a glimpse of a
villa employee literally dancing
and singing his or her way around
the resort!
The visit to Turks and Caicos will
definitely not be the last time
I visit these stunning islands.
It was truly a life changing
experience and a humble
reminder of the absolute beauty
that this world holds if you are
willing to explore!
Most definitely this was the single
greatest vacation of my life.