Jim Walberg  has just discovered one of the most decadent and luxurious chartered sailing vacations in the Caribbean – just for two people in Paradise!

So, I was having a discussion last week with Chris and Julie, who own s/y Felicia - the Privilege 65 catamaran based in the BVI.  They told me about their dear friends, Ed and Natalie who have been sailing the Caribbean since 1994, and have created an ultra-luxury chartered sailing vacation experience in the Las Aves – an eight island chain just off of Bonaire , on their 52′ high-performance sloop, s/y Safari.  I LOVE new sailing adventures so my curiosity got the best of me.  I called Ed and Natalie up on Skype  and began an amazing series of conversations about what they have created for their very discerning guests.  What I discovered was SO exciting that I needed to share it with all of you immediately.  Here goes…

Las Aves islands  are just 30 miles off the coast of Bonaire, and just 70 miles from Curacao.  Many of you know about this region of the Caribbean as the most pristine waters for sailing and diving.  The diving experiences are so breathtaking that Bonaire is looked upon as the Caribbean‘s dive destination.  Las Aves means “birds” in Spanish.  The area is a breeding ground for many unique bird species as well as turtles.  It is a “sea” of marine and bird life any where you sail in these private islands and reefs.  This is THE place to get away from any crowds.  Ed and Natalie guarantee a private beach and anchorage everyday!  WOW!  You would never find this in the BVI or even the Grenadines.

This ultra-luxury charter yacht has all the amenities you could ever dream of, including Burmese teak decking, sparkling brightwork, and a teak interior, plus;

• Charter Guest Suite: Queen bed & full bath, lots of storage space in the guest cabin.
• Yacht Toys:  Sailing & instruction opportunities; wind surfing; kayaking; snorkeling;  golf “beach driving range”; beach hut; iPod docking station; SkyMate email;
• Daily Gourmet Experiences:  This ultra-luxury sailing adventures includes Ed as your captain and Natalie as your world-class chef.  All meals and beverages are provided, a well stocked super-premium bar, and vintage wines for your enjoyment at lunches and dinners.

How about this for a sample menu for your day’s dining experience?

• Breakfast: Poached Eggs, Warm Asparagus, Crispy Pancetta & Melted Camembert  
• Lunch: Grilled Pineapple & Jerk Chicken with Island Sweet Potato Jumble
• Afternoon Hors d’Oeuvres:  Jumbo Cassava crackers w/spicy chutneys
• Dinner: Braised Endive with Balsamic Sauce; Grilled Lobster Tail with Lime Butter;  Herbed Jasmine Rice & Steamed Young Vegetables
  Dessert: Key Lime Pie with Gingersnap Crust  ( Are you drooling yet?)
• Beverages For Your Day’s Enjoyment – Examples:  Havana Club Special Dark Rum Mai Tai;  your choice of sodas, water, and premium beers;  Grey Goose Vodka Martinis;  Heidsieck Monopole Brut Champagne Blue Top NV; Domaine Lebrun Pouilly Fumé 2006;  Château Mazeyres Pomerol 1999;  Castarede VSOP 10 Armagnac  ( All of these are provided because thirst is a dangerous thing.)

Ed and Natalie sold their businesses in Montreal and headed south in 1994. They made a promise to “live slow” in Paradise and they are still keeping that promise everyday.  And besides Natalie dazzling you with her gourmet meals each day, she is a professional artist and sells her paintings and jewelry all over the Caribbean.  They also both speak English, French and Spanish.

This is a typical rave review of past guests, “Our travel style is to find an exotic, luxury destination that offers personalized attention. Safari Sailing gave us the boutique experience we were looking for, with an exotic locale and wonderful hosts. Being able to leave all decision- making to Ed and Natalie’s good judgment and great style led to a blissful ten days in Las Aves, where for the first time in years, we completely lost track of time.  It was beyond all of our expectations.”   Linda and Filip – Washington, DC

They only schedule from six to eight charters a year, so their pampered guests usually book a year in advance.  Please contact me TODAY  if you want more information about your next ultra-luxury exotic sailing adventure.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remainds on duty!