A Caribbean Adventure

A few short weeks ago I was in desperate need of a vacation and I posted an article about how to escape the HOSPITAL by planning a week aboard a yacht in the Caribbean. I am back this week, refreshed, and well-tanned.

British Virgin Islands

A special Thanks goes out to Bruce and Laura (The owners of Amaryllis) for making it a week to remember!! And to Kevin at Mainsail Yacht Charters for helping me organize amidst a very busy schedule in the hospital.

Our Itinerary:

Friday Feb 25: Flight to San Juan
Saturday Feb 26: Jeep rental, drive through rainforest, surfing in Rincon (on the west coast), salsa dancing
Sunday Feb 27: Flight to Saint Thomas, lounge by pool, nap, fancy dinner @ Havana Blue
Monday Feb 28: Board Amaryllis @ noon. Meet friends on board. Unpack. Sail to St. John
Tuesday March 1: Run on St. John. Sail to Tortola and then to Norman Island.
Wednesday March 2: Scuba dive in Norman Island. ( Saw a shark!). Boat to Cooper's Island with Dinner ashore.
Thursday March 3:Run/ Explore Virgin Gorda.
Friday March 4:Virgin Gorda. Dock in Tortola. Dinner & Live Music ashore.
Saturday March 5:  Morning Yoga on the boat (Thanks Steph!). Jost Van Dyke. Snorkel with sea turtles. Dinner and live music @ FOXY's.
Sunday March 6: Morning swim. Clear customs in St. John. Sail to St. Thomas. Bid farewell to Amaryllis. Fly back to NYC.

This was a vacation that surpassed expectations. Having lived and traveled extensively in the Caribbean, this is by far the best way to see and explore the islands. There are many options to consider when planning such an adventure. To see my earlier post about how to plan your own click the following link:

 http://hospitalstyle.blogspot.com/2011/02/sail-away-with-hospitalstyle.html

Neil, Eric, Me, Steph, Courtney, Matt

Virgin Gorda

Aboard Amaryllis

As Healthcare professionals we are always taking care of everyone else and their needs are before our own. Take time to travel, to explore, and to marvel in the beauty of something outside of the operating room. It makes us better for our patients, our families, and our friends. Take your HOSPITALstyle outside to play!

Email me HOSPITALstyle@gmail.com for more information on setting up your own Caribbean adventure.

Sail Away with HOSPITALstyle

If you are in medicine you are likely in need of a vacation, desperately! Some time away from the constant buzz of cardiac monitors and IV fluids, the demands/pain/and high emotions of your patients, and the realities of life/sickness/and death that we deal with on a daily basis.

A HOSPITALstyle approved vacation idea is a week aboard your own YACHT in the caribbean.

Amaryllis

This is a great idea because it is an easy destination to get to from all airports in the US, it can be done in a cost effective manner, you can spend quality time with people you rarely see, you may have your own captain and cook aboard in order to maximize your rest and relaxation.

The good news is...that I am leaving for my sailing vacation aboard AMARYLLIS in less than 2 weeks and having organized this trip in the midst of intensive care rotations I can attest to the ease of making this dream vacation a reality.

• Step 1: Decide when you can escape the hospital
• Step 2: Stir up some interest with friends/family
• Step 3: Set aside some money
• Step 4: Contact the following people with your price range and your dates

 http://www.mainsailcharters.com/  (kevin@mainsailcharters.com)
 http://www.bvicrewedyachts.com/ (cysofbvi@surfbvi.com)

They will email boats who have availability during your dates and then it is up to you to decide.

• Step 5: Send out an email to your friends recruiting them for a week aboard a yacht in the Caribbean (believe me this adventure sells itself).

• Step 6: Decide where you want to sail (British Virgin Islands is recommended for first time sailors. The islands are closer together and the water is calm. I have also sailed in The Grenadines, which are further apart, less populated and more exotic)
• Step 7: Place a deposit, and iron out details on MENU/PRICES/FLIGHTS

I  booked our boat through Mainsail Yacht Charters and Kevin ( a former airline pilot) as been an amazing guide through this process. He is highly recommended. Contact him Kevin@mainsailcharters.com or me @ HOSPITALstyle@gmail.com with any questions.

I set sail on February 28th and will be sure to tell you all about it when I return. Can't wait to escape the Hospital!

Travel to Colorado with HOSPITALstyle

Growing up in Kansas, the mountains of Colorado were the picture of an idyllic vacation. I have always felt very connected to the mountains and I recently found this great article from The Denver Post about 10 Things To Do in Colorado Before You Die. If you have vacation coming up or have never been, I suggest you go. Escape the Hospital to Colorado...

Check it out!

http://www.denverpost.com/style/ci_5054084