• Hello  !
• |
• my account
• |
• logout

• sign in:
• or
• 

After living in New York City for 4 1/2 years, I now remember why in 1990 I left the concrete jungle for the Caribbean paradise. There is something to be said about stripping yourself of materialistic need and just sinking into a therapeutic island breeze and crystal clear blue waters. When I first landed in St. Thomas I picked up windsurfing and also got involved in racing Hobie Cats at the St Thomas Yacht Club. I had completely forgotten what it was like to be so connected to nature and it was an amazing time in my life.

I lived on St. Thomas for 3 1/2 years. During that time, I had the opportunity to start an off-shoot of my costume jewelry business called Carla Caribbean Designs. Between sailing and traveling for business, I had the opportunity to visit many islands in the area, including St. John, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, St. Martin, St. Kitts, Antigua, Anguilla, St. Barts, Nevis, The Dominican Republic, Bonaire and Curacao…

St. Thomas is not necessarily the best, most beautiful place to live in the Caribbean but it provides more of the “stateside” conveniences that the other islands lack. If I were to pick a place to visit for an island experience, I would not suggest St. Thomas, but it is a great jumping off point for sailing around the US and British Virgin Islands, which I have to say are some of the most beautiful places in the world to sail. The reason this group of islands is so beautiful for sailing is that they are very close together. The aqua blue water that you see in photos is REAL and occurs because of the shallow sandy shores near the islands. So, while St. Barts, for example, is chic and French (and has better style and shopping) the beaches and sailing just don’t compare to St. John or Tortola, as there are no islands close by.

Nothing is more glamorous than sailing on a boat in the Caribbean. As I mentioned in my earlier blog, the islands do not provide a fashion experience. However, a celebrity sighting or two is not unheard of. We sailed by Eric Clapton having breakfast on his classic motor yacht “Blue Guitar.” Brad and Angie were on one of the islands (but I won’t disclose where for their privacy). I was at a party with one of Ralph Lauren’s new, young, and gorgeous models, and I spent time with a dear friend, Peter Holmberg, helmsman for the Alinghi Syndicate, the current owner of the America’s Cup.

I have to say, it’s nice being able to call St. Thomas a second home!

POSTED BY carla ON 01/06/07 00:01 AM

comments [1]

User Comments:

St. Thomas is such a beautiful island. It's been 10yrs since I was there last. Did a sailboat racing... totally fun. Reading your blog makes me want to go back and visit again! Maybe I'll find some killer local handmade jewelry again! :-D

POSTED BY cathleen ON 01/10/07 02:01 AM

Add a comment!

Want to add your comment? It's easy!
Just  

BrandHabit member, please sign in!