Caribbean Love - Valentines Day with a difference...

Valentines day is so saccharine... When did 'red and pink' things become a symbol of love and devotion? Does heart shaped chocolate, wilting red roses and those infantile teddy bears really denote deep affection? No and No. I tend to think that valentines day is a waste; whenever the day rolls around, that 'Ebenezer Scrooge on Feb 14th' vibe just starts comming over me, and I feel like no matter how much I love my darling, I ain't spending no money on wispy little heart covered lingerie sets that I can't wear anyway because it's so damn cold. Let's think out of the box for a tad. Chances are, if you've been googling something 'Island' related and stumbled upon this blog, you're far, far away from the Caribbean and you're dying for a little bit of that Island sun. Well let me help you to combine your island desires with your romantic ones for this Valentine's Day, regardless of where you are...

1. Host your own 'Seaside Spa Day' for your sweetie: Have you even been to Maracas Bay during the day , on a weekday? If not, Valentine's day is a good chance to do so. You'll have the beach to yourself, so you can mark the shadiest spot as your own. Take the essentials with you - suntan oil for a sensuous massage & skin protection, a luxe beach towel or mat for lounge comfort, a small throw pillow for reclining, your beverage of choice, a few quick bites, and whatever else you think you'll need (waterproof lube?!?) - and savour the surf and turf with your babe.

If you're not in the Caribbean: Do your 'island Spa Day' at home, in the bath. Let your imagination run wild, and set the scene with items and bath & body goodies that'll make your loved one feel like its the West Indies. Items to get? The Calypso Celle Beach Set above.

2. Take your darling for dinner - on another island! For instance, its $100.00 TTD to take the fast sailing boat between Trinidad & Tobago, so why not whisk your significant other away for the day? Go to one of the quaint restaurants close to the port (you can call a cab or rent a car for transportation) and just remember to do the beforehand planning (tickets, reservations, making sure you're honey can run away.) Take some seasickness pills along, just in case! If you're not in the Caribbean: Head to an island themed restaurant, (if there's one nearby) or cook your babe an island style meal. There are some absolutely ravishing dinner options in the cookbook featured above - The Caribbean Cook by Patrick Williams. I suggest something sweet & savoury like Accra Fritters & Tambrind dip, but that's just me....

Whatever you do, have a Happy Valentines Day!

L.M.N. Harris