Happy Thursday Hidden Gem Travel community! Have you had a busy week and been dreaming of a break? If so, you’re not alone — I’ve been hearing this frequently. April seems to always be hectic, although last year at this time we were confined to our homes. It was a different type of hectic; I recall scouring the internet for toilet paper and Clorox wipes instead of planning amazing vacations for clients. What a difference a year makes!
Now it’s time to take a quick break from the buzz of activity and think about taking a well-deserved break. As a reminder, this month’s focus is on beautiful destinations and experiences for your next bucket list vacation. What’s more beautiful than a yacht cruising along scenic shores or around tropical islands?
My partners at SeaDream make this dream reality for my clients. If this experience is on your bucket list, it’s time to treat yourself! SeaDream’s motto is it’s yachting, not cruising – enjoy the difference. If you love to cruise, SeaDream is a perfect vacation for you. If you love being on the water but not sure if cruising is for you, SeaDream is a perfect vacation for you 😊
The SeaDream fleet is comprised of twin mega-yachts. The relatively low number of passengers (95 crew members and 112 guests) makes each guest feel like they are on their very own private luxury yacht. Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom yachts are known for their elegant informality, highly personalized service, inclusive open bar, luxury ocean view staterooms and suites, and world-class cuisine. What’s not to love?
My clients love the incredible itineraries, watersports marina, Balinese beds, Top of the Yacht Bar and pool, culinary excellence, and interesting people they meet onboard.
Ready for a virtual vacation? Then read on for some favorite destinations you can visit in style by yacht and an ultimate SeaDream vacation!
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
When in Virgin Gorda a must-visit paradise is “The Baths” which is a national park featuring massive granite boulders on white-sand beaches. Secret pools, grottos, and caves are ready for exploration. SeaDream generally arrives early and anchors off Spanish Town to give guests an early start to view the baths before the tourists arrive from the neighboring Islands.
There are excellent scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming with dolphins experiences in Virgin Gorda. SeaDream navigates scenically up the coast and arrives in North Sound to anchor just off the Bitter End Yacht Club. Here there are water sports, land adventures, hiking trails with the officers, and tenders to the Bitter End!
Santorini, Greece
When people imagine the Greek Islands, they most often picture magical Santorini. Believe it or not, the Santorini islands are still part of an active volcano and the only volcano in the world whose crater is in the sea.
Halfway between Athens and Crete in the Cyclades, Santorini is for beach lovers. On the east coast, the beaches are black sand, on the south coast, you’ll find multicolored sand, including a stunning red sand beach!
Some of Santorini’s villages are cosmopolitan and some more peaceful – there’s something for every mood. Lush vineyards, white-washed towns, castles with views overlooking the Aegean all can be found on Santorini. Foodies and wine lovers will be able to indulge in the many excellent restaurants and bars. If you love a sunset, Santorini delivers in true glory!
St. Barts, Caribbean
Chic and glamorous St. Barts (or St. Barth or Saint-Barthélemy – any of these names work) is a small island belonging to the French West Indies. Incredible beaches, resorts, restaurants, nightlife, and activities await vacationers.
Christopher Columbus discovered St. Barts in 1493, and it has been under both Swedish and English rule. However, it was given the equivalent of statehood from France in 1946. The small island is surrounded by reef and only 22 miles from the larger French and Dutch island, St. Martin/St. Maarten.
When in port on your SeaDream vacation, you can snorkel and dive the wrecks and reefs, kitesurf, kayak, fish, surf, or sail. The water surrounding the island is a marine reserve divided into five zones to preserve the ecosystems. On land, hiking and biking trips give you a feel for this European chic paradise. Or of course, the shopping is world-class!
The Principality of Monaco
The principality of Monaco, including Monte Carlo, is an iconic port for any sea journey. A tiny sovereign state on the French Riviera, Monaco is only two square kilometers but spectacularly glamorous and elegantly beautiful on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea.
The steep, rocky promontory called The Rock or “Le Rocher” inhabits historic Monaco. Here you’ll find Palais du Prince, home of the oldest monarchy in the world. Musée Oceanographique sits 90 meters above the sea and is one of the world’s oldest aquariums. Jardin Exotique (means exotic garden in English) is also perched on a steep cliff above the Mediterranean and is a gardener’s paradise!
When I think of Monaco, I think of James Bond. When there, be sure to order a martini – shaken not stirred – while taking in the view of the coastline on SeaDream.
Istanbul, Turkey
Speaking of exotic, SeaDream will take you to incredible Istanbul, Turkey! Istanbul, historically known as Constantinople, is the largest city in Turkey and was selected as a European Capital of Culture for 2010.
Istanbul is a transcontinental city, straddling the Bosporus, one of the world’s busiest waterways in northwestern Turkey. Situated between the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, its commercial and historical center lies in Europe, while a third of its population lives in Asia – where east meets west!
Eye-popping sights include the exotic and enormous Grand Bazaar, stunning Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia an architectural wonder where you can see Ottoman and Byzantium influences under one dome.
Just imagine seeing this historic, iconic coastline from the balcony of your SeaDream stateroom – talk about making memories!
💎 Hidden Gem Tip: Follow my Facebook/Instagram pages this week for more travel inspiration: www.facebook.com/hiddengemtravelconsulting or Instagram: www.instagram.com/hidden.gem.travel
.Wishing you and your family continued good health,
Susan
