The First Revenge
All the way back in July 2020 (a mere four months into the pandemic) the Washington Post (and many other publications) wrote an article on Revenge Travel...the notion that there would be so much pent up demand for travel people would book really ambitious trips when the pandemic was over.
Well, the definition of ‘over’ is a nice thought at this point. For some the vaccines have cleared the way for much more carefree travel. Others choose to stay close to home or take a roadtrip. But, as you can tell by scrolling through Instagram a lot of people are doing a lot of traveling. Get a copy of your vaccine card, fill out a few forms perhaps, and you’re set to go in many cases.
The question when considering where to exact our revenge wasnt a straightfoward one when my wife and I were considering where to go when we decided to roll the dice before the vaccines had been widely available in very early 2021. When should we go? What would be open? Would we be fully vaccinated by then? What would the requirements be? What happens if we get ill while traveling? So on and so forth.
While I had always planned to go back to Europe as soon as possible, it seemed fairly risky from multiple standpoints. On the other hand a tropical beach vacation seemed ideal after being cooped up in Chicago and the mountain west for the duration of the pandemic. Some thorough research turned up St. Barth as a solid option...distinct European feel, somewhat close (although not that easy to get to), and certainly a relaxing tropical environment. Probably the best part was the island is small and there are no mega-chain hotels.
Waking up at Villa Marie St Barth
After all the time of not traveling, I forgot how energizing and fun it is to research and book a trip: What hotels inspire you? What restaurants are must visits? What beaches are best? What are the things that make this place a great vacation? What are best spots to photograph? And so on.
That search in St. Barth it turns out is really interesting. Picking a hotel was great fun because you really have to get into the nuances of these really interesting boutique hotels. There aren’t any bargains per se on the island, so price was less of a separating factor than it likely would be other places. The design, location, and energy is what really separates the hotels here.
The search turned up some fantastic and really charming hotels...but we ultimately chose the Villa Marie St Barth, the Caribbean outpost of the small and exclusive French brand Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet. I would say without a doubt the best hotel experience I’ve ever had. More on that in an upcoming journal entry.
The first revenge trip had been booked.
JP
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