We are shipwrecked and cannot leave the island.
The only way off is to swim!
It is true.
Luckily, I’m a pretty good swimmer.
And while we don’t want to leave, we are excited to go home. I love home too.
Breakfast this morning was delightful:
This bowl of muesli, fruit and “granola” turned into a smoothie in a bowl!
Also had my once-a-year-on-vacation croissant. I should have these more…with cappuccinos.
Our morning was filled with lots of beach time and lots of reading. Loving my book (even though, yes, it is darker and hardly a fluffy beach read, but it’s exactly what I was looking for!)
Late morning, we went SNORKELING! Aside from drinking way too much sea water (my snorkel just wasn’t angled right the whole time) we saw lots of tiger fish and puffer fish and one piranha*!
*Not really but just as scary with lots of teeth. Also terrifying were several jellyfish that surrounded me in a trap!
For lunch we went back to Seagrapes and had more of those amazing sweet potato chips! The cheesy sauce this time was tomato-jalapeno and it was even better than the day before’s! These chips are thick like plantain chips and I want to take them home in my suitcase!
Matt ordered sushi
And we shared this veggie burger, which was sadly not homemade but tasty for lunch nonetheless
His + Hers desserts!
This afternoon was more reading until raindrops fell from the sky : ( We were so lucky this week to have it only rain once for 10 minutes!
We took the opportunity to go in for a workout. I ran laps around the nice jogging path here and then biked a little.
Showered up, we waited for sunset!
[Pro photographer’s talent, not ours!]
Don’t let the water catch ya!
Cocktails after sunset. I’m loving the lemon drops!
Tonight’s main event was a big Ship Wreck Beach Party. Sadly, the rain kept us off the beach. So sad! I was hoping for nice food photo ops.
But this giant pan of shrimp still spoke to me
The feast was all Jamaican favorites: Jerk chicken (finally!), plantains, pumpkins, curried goat, pork, rice + peas, and lots of bean + tuber salads
To draw out the meal, I started with a Coconut Pea Soup
But I’m glad I skipped the salad course because I was SO FULL after this plate!! I had a taste of almost everything on the buffet, and I’m not sure I’m going to get through customs tomorrow with so much food as a stowaway!
The…icing on the cake…was the dessert buffet. I had to digest for 20 minutes before even peeking at it.
While I looked high and low for more Banoffee (and asked – they were out), Matt and I shared a wonderful array of treats. My favorite was the coconut bar and Rum Raisin ice cream!
If you haven’t figured it out yet or read the comments, we’ve spent the past 5 days at…
Couples Swept Away
I’m planning to do a whole post on the resort behind the scenes. We’ve had a great time and would return! Highly recommended!
The most memorable part of our trip, however, comes from this fun guy who walks the beach all day long selling cigarettes. He is apparently famous across the world now for the way he says “Ciiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigggggggssss.” You can hear him coming a football field away! At first Matt and I were so confused by what he was saying, but now we agree he is a branding genius : )
He’s so famous there are multiple You Tube videos already up about him!
We will miss this place!
Krissy - Shiawase Life says
Safe travels home, Kath! Glad you had such a wonderful trip 😀
Kerry says
Looks like a fabulous time! Happy new year!
Erin says
When we go snorkeling here on Oki we usually see sea snakes! I am terrified of them. Although highly poisonous, supposedly their mouths are too little to bite you, especially when wearing a wet suit. But I still swim away from them as soon as I see them!
Rebecca @ Naturally Healthy and Gorgeous says
Looks like you had a beautiful and memorable vacation!
Karen says
So happy you had this opportunity to get ‘swept away’ for a week…safe travels home, Kath!
Cait's Plate says
I always have that exact same feeling at the end of vacation – sad to leave but also excited to go home!
It looks like it’s been such a lovely vacation and both you and Matt look refreshed and rejuvenated. I’m so glad!! You both work so hard and absolutely deserved it!
PS – You’re totally rockin’ that bikini!! 🙂
Happy New Years Eve Kath!
Allison says
Sounds like a fabulously fun, delicious, and memorable trip! I wouldn’t want to come home either… VA is supposed to be in the 20’s this week but 60-70’s next weekend?! I wonder if we’ll ever see snow 😛
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
What a fantastic vacation! I love watching sunsets at the beach over a cocktail – the ultimate relaxation.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga says
There is a guy like that in Aruba…after 10 years, we have become good friends with him. He calls himself the Aloe Man. The way he says it is more like “all-LOW MAAAN” in this booming voice that you can hear 10 football fields away!
The sweet potato chips, the views, the food, the sand, the time with each other, so happy for you that it’s been an awesome trip. Feels like you just got there like 5 mins ago and you’re already leaving. Sniff. I like home. But not after just 5 days 🙂
JeNn says
You said you walked through negrils beaches, were you brave enough to venture through Hedonism? Hahahahaha
Angela says
Have a safe trip home Kath! Enjoy your book… It was hands down my favorite book, I didn’t realize until I finished it that it was written by a man- I then realized he is a wonderful author because the story was told so effectively and poignantly from a woman’s perspective!!
Mom says
Cute dress. Everything looks fab but the Virginia mountains are calling you home.
Jamie @ Don't Forget the Cinnamon says
That first picture of the sunrise is absolutely incredible!!!!!!!
Amanda says
Looks like a wonderful vacation! Would love a full review of the resort (if you’re planning on writing one) as we’re trying to pick a honeymoon spot for next November. You look great in your bikini, Kath!!
Ashley @ Coffee, Cake and Cardio says
I love the writing in the sand! I’m glad y’all had and awesome trip.
CaitlinHTP says
hahaha the cigs guy made me laugh!
katie @KatieDid says
Everything looks so perfect- the views, all that gorgeous food!, the weather. Was this an anniversary trip, I think that’s what’s written in the sand there? If so, happy anniversary!
And Happy New Year’s! Safe travels home.
Emily says
you look great in that bikini kath 🙂 also happy anniversary! sounds like you’re having a great time.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
What I would give for that tan right now! Safe travels home!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
So gorgeous!! Love the looks of Matt’s sushi and that big shrimp pan! What a lovely holiday and that’s so cool that you went snorkelling! Knowing my luck, I’d be “that girl that got all the water in her snorkel” too. 😉
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
WHat an awesome vacay!! LOVE that dress, p.s.! Safe travels you two 🙂
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes says
Glad you had a great trip! Looks amazing 😀
Maria @ Sinfully Nutritious says
Happy New Year! Have a safe trip home. We all miss you and thank you for posting even on your beautiful vacation.
SkinnyRunner says
if you’re in negril, thats where we honeymooned.
i hope you found the coconut tree where we etched our initials and faces in it. just kidding, thats way too much work when there’s free mudslides to be drank nearby.
Stephanie @ Ultra Ambitious says
Mmmm! That dessert bar looks heavenly!
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Safe travels home and Happy New Year! I’m off to research tropical vacations now 🙂
Sarah (I Dream of Beets) says
Safe travels! I’m motivated to save my money for a beach vacation. Wahoo!
Kori says
I clicked on the “comments” just as there were 26 posted! 🙂 Your trip looks like it was near perfection, and the food looks terrific! Maybe one day I’ll plan a vacation for the same location. Safe travels on your ride home!
kristen @ verbs and vignettes says
i can’t wait to read your review of your stay. after my first far-away beach vacation to st. john in november, i’m itching to plan another. 🙂
Kristabel says
You look stunning in all of your pics!
Courtney says
My boyfriend and I stayed at CSA last year and absolutely LOVED it! This whole week we’ve been reading your posts trying to figure out if that’s where you all were! Glad you and Matt had a great time…it’s so relaxing there! P.S. The cigs guy totally cracks me up!
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
That writing on the sand is so pretty! Thats great you got a picture to capture it!
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
Your time in paradise may be over…but the time you shared together will be memories that will stay with you forever!
Heather @ Run Eat Play says
Looks amazing! But it’s always nice to come home from vacation and sleep in your own bed. Have a safe trip and a Happy New Year!
Laurie says
So jealous!!!! You guys look great!!! Kath, I wish I looked like you in a bikini! 🙂 Definetly time to get to the gym again! Glad you and Matt had a great vacation and Happy New Year!!!
Oh, if you don’t mind me asking, where did you get your swimsuit and your dress?? Love it!
KathEats says
Old Navy!
Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles says
I have a life goal to go snorkeling- so jealous of the two of you, not so much drinking sea water part but I bet it was beautiful! ……I hope you two have safe travels on your way back!
Hannah @ eat, drink, and save money says
Can’t wait to hear the behind the scenes! Happy New Year’s Eve!
Roxanne says
This was a great vacation away from the winter here, have a safe trip home and looking forward to your review. (It’s nice to not miss any posts… only once per day, sometimes I would miss some because you do 3 (I think) per day when you’re here 🙂 then I have to go look for them! LOL)
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count says
Sounds like you’ve had a wonderful time! The sunset photo is beautiful! You can’t go wrong with rum raisin ice cream…one of my favs! Happy New Year!
Lynn @ the actor's diet says
I’ve never heard of couples swept away before. Will have to check it out!
Jen says
Kath, you are looking GOOD! Hmm, good branding hey? Maybe Matt should start running down CV’s streets yelling “brreeeeaaadddd” – could be the start of something! 🙂
KathEats says
HA!!
Kate @ Stripes and Polka Dots says
You look like you are having an incredible trip! Happy New Year!
Angel7 says
Love the calligraphy in the sand!
Wishing you and Matt a Healthy, Happy & Prosperous New Year 🙂
Cheers!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Elisabeth says
Happy New Year! Hope you have safe travels home 🙂 (as usual, cute bathing suit!)
Kavi @ Lab to Fab says
Gorgeous photos! You really lucked out with the weather!
Emily says
Yep, that is a cute swimsuit! All of these photos are making me crave a beach vacation. We looked at Couples, so I’m interested in your review of it. I always hesitate about the all inclusive part of it. Sounds like it was worth it.
domesticallyinept says
The food looks amazing! What a nice trip!
Stacy @ Say It With Sprinkles says
Safe travels home, Kath & Matt!
Kelly W says
Ahh, I totally want to go there now, but am terrified of sting rays, jellyfish and pirate caves! Plus I don’t know how pushy the people are if you don’t like the food/drinks or if you don’t wanna buy any drugs! I guess that’s all part of experiencing something new and sounds totally worth it in the end! Must go now!
Ellie@Fit for the Soul says
oh what a wonderful fun post, Kath!!! I LOVED “being” there with you guys lol. It truly makes me excited at the possibility of Hawaii or somewhere like that for our honeymoon, although I’m sure Jamaica & Hawaii are still quite diff. And that first picture is just beautiful! And you look so great in that cute swimsuit! 😉
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
Thanks for the virtual vacation this week! Happy New Year!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
I can’t wait to hear the other details about your trip and how you chose to go there- I am seriously considering a Jamaican vacation now!
Also- LOVE your bathing suit!! (and you look great in it!)
Molly @ RDexposed says
Is Matt happy to leave Red Stripe behind for better beer?
Ilane says
Happy 2012!!!
Someone probably asked this already, but where did you two stay in Jamaica? It is always good to know about nice hotels.
Thanks and safe travels.
Erin Hack says
Forget Jennifer Aniston, I’m going to aspire to have your rockin’ body in 2012! Looks like a fabulous vacation – I’m glad you had a wonderful time. 🙂
erica says
your vacation photos are amazing! 🙂 reminds me that i could use a relaxing vacation too!
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
I LOVE snorkeling! I’m glad you all have had such a good trip!
Luv What You Do says
Gorgeous pictures today!!!
I can’t get over how fresh and healthy all of the food looks. I am hoping my cruise has some local and healthy options next week! I’m looking forward to those water sunsets!
Lexi @ A Spoonful of Sunshine says
Can’t wait for recap !!! Breakfast looks delish !!
Denise says
First time visiting you site…I love the photo’s and you taking the time to inspire.
I’m a little late into January..but Happy New Year! – Denise