Escape To The Florian Villa

There are times when you feel as if your job, your responsibilities, and your daily existence have ground your soul into chalky dust. Just waking up in the morning is a chore. Whether dulled by monotony or overwhelmed by a frantic pace, a change must be made.

But what can you do? You could quit your job and join a commune in a remote desert. There are always narcotics, whether prescribed by a doctor or procured by other means, which offer a survival of foggy indifference. Or you could simply stroll through your days in a purely perfunctory manner.

I don’t like any of those options.

For me a great trip has always reinvigorated my life. Getting far away from my routines stirs the blood and lights up those unused brain cells. And when the weather turns cold there is no better place I’d rather be than a tropical island.

This year I am going to St. John.

St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and to get there you take one of the numerous non-stop flights to the more crowded St. Thomas. After landing you board a ferry and traverse azure Caribbean water. Less than an hour later you’ll be in the secluded and exotic outpost of St. John. And if you’ve made the right choice, you’ll be truly experiencing the island by staying at Florian Villa.

I’ve stayed at big hotels in tropical escapes like Key West, Aruba, and Curacao. And while I’ve enjoyed the amenities of the big chains in those locales, I’m really looking forward to experiencing a more personalized trip in small rental property. At The Florian Villa there will be no noisy neighbors, no housekeepers knocking on my door when I’m hung-over in the morning from my rum punches, and no obnoxious kids splashing in the pool when I just want to work on my tan.

But there will be personalized service, great snorkeling, hiking, secluded beaches, and that tropical air to give me serenity.

Of course I’m very lucky that one of my best friends owns the Florian Villa. Scott Whalen, who used to sling drinks next to me behind a bar but is now a Boston Fireman, recently bought the villa with his girlfriend Deb. Both had been frequent travelers to St. John and wanted to share the magic they felt with the island. Although Scott & Deb have demanding full time jobs, they have a sincere desire to be tropical hosts.

So the Florian Villa isn’t simply a rental property. It’s a place where they are going to host retreats, all inclusive vacations that will be tailored to their guest’s interests. Deb is a certified Yoga instructor and will get you completely relaxed and focused. Scott will lead snorkeling trips underneath the glass clear Caribbean water and hiking adventures in the island’s national park. They take care of all the details, and will also be providing gourmet food and drinks.

Thanksgiving week is their inaugural retreat and I will be there. I spoke with Scott yesterday and he said there might be a space or two open. So visit http://www.florianvilla.com/
to get in on the fun.

See you on the ferry. I can’t wait.