Dear Readers:
I hope those of you here in the states had a lovely Labor Day holiday and are all well-rested and gearing up for a productive fall season (and the rest of you are as well, for which ever season you are entering).
One of my favorite parts of summer is having the chance to spend time with my loved ones; though we were very busy this year, I was so pleased to have had the chance to take my family on vacation to beautiful Anguilla. To say this was a trip to remember would be an understatement. We fought, we played, we talked, we laughed and we bonded, all the while spending hours together frolicking in the ocean. Is there anything better than that?
This year, we were lucky enough to be able to secure the entire Ani Villa resort. Suffice to say, my family and I were treated like royalty and I am ever grateful to the staff, most especially Mr. Rohan P. Golpedes (seen above in the pink shirt) for the ways they went above and beyond to turn our vacation into a memory we will hold close to our hearts for the rest of our lives.
I am a huge advocate in taking time to really take in blessings, large and small, to savor them as much as possible for these are the sweetest parts of life. Please allow me to share a few highlights from my wonderful trip and share some of your summer highlights with us below. Perhaps you will inspire us for our getaways in the coming months and seasons.
Highlights of Ani Villa:
The food prepared by the talented chefs was out-of-this world! Everything from island specialties that were full of color and wonderful flavors of familiar Panamanian dishes that brought huge smiles to all of our faces (and stomachs). We even enjoyed a wonderful lunch on a private beach; a wonderful experience (and good for us with all of that exuberant laughter!)
A joyful private concert and a private carnival featuring some of Anguilla’s most amazing costumes.
A visit from the warm and lovely Tyra Banks.
Small daily gifts in our rooms made it feel like Christmas in August.
The best part, of course, was being able to spend time with my family and to begin this new season feeling centered. There is something very healing about being with one’s family, those who know you–all of you– and love you unconditionally anyway.
Now that I have shared the best part of my summer, please share yours with us! Give us as many details as possible as we’d love to hear all about it!
Blessings,
Preston