I’ve always enjoyed alone time. Is it a traumatic response from a not-so-ideal childhood that triggered survival mode, or as an adult, figuring out what brings you joy in the midst of stillness? I don’t know yet whether it was pure surprise when I learned that I had powers. A decision is made.
As I reflect on my life as a Caribbean immigrant black woman, I realize that loneliness has always treated me with lavish kindness and dignity. That is my truth when I juxtapose it to a world where black women are not afforded the same grace and space as we navigate the landmines of hatred, misogyny, and unrepentant hostility. In my reality, solitude is the freedom to act as a buffer between what others think of me and what I can tolerate in my own off-time. Traveling alone, in particular, is a source of great happiness.
That happiness became essential as I dealt with sadness. I have learned so much since my father passed away in 2021. My father was my best friend, but his changes destroyed and ruined everything I thought I knew about the human condition. It also ruined my outlook on life. That dark age further away The situation was made even worse by the murder of a dear friend of mine earlier this year. At the top of the list of lessons learned is one hard truth. It’s that grief doesn’t respect your time and doesn’t acknowledge evidence of persistence.
The anxiety of wondering, “What will happen next?” A constant, suffocating fog of sadness and, without warning, a dichotomy between a sense of urgency to live life to the fullest and taking time to embrace the sweet luxuries of little events and moments. It becomes. Travel has always been my north star, and those moments of anonymity and wanderlust feel like a gentle, warm hug when the world approaches you.
Towards the end of 2023, my trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands was filled with personal experiences, including a birthday getaway, some much-needed solace in the Caribbean sun, and an opportunity to prioritize self-care after a very difficult year. There were several important things. From New York I Pink Palm Hotel by American Beach: A beautiful boutique hotel nestled in the hills of Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas.
Enjoy views of the crystal blue coastline and greenery as far as the eye can see, while watching the hustle and bustle of tourists and locals going about their daily tasks at the property. It gives much more than what the passerby sees. Tropical interior décor enhances Caribbean elegance, and the 28 guest rooms are unique in design, with landscapes punctuated by shared spaces such as an emerald green infinity pool, Jacuzzi, and a lounge area surrounded by rattan and bamboo. I am.
Coincidentally, my room was at the very end of the property, with spectacular views of the island, including sunrise and sunset. But despite Mother Nature’s generosity, my heart subconsciously yearned for more.
As I languidly strolled along Pink Palm’s terrazzo terraces in the midday sun, overwhelmingly three elements inspired me to reflect more on this unforgettable journey that became my exploration of self-care. It became a point. First of all, this trip community and care They can appear in the most unlikely of places.
My new friend, Adrian – That’s what the bartender at the poolside restaurant called me. El Barcito – I tried to live every moment as if it were my first and last happy time. After all, it was my birthday. But he also instinctively knew when I needed some quiet time. Whether that means guiding me to a secluded, cushioned lounger on the restaurant’s grounds for a dinner fit for royalty. Adrian brought a breakfast basket filled with pastries and local fruit to my room every morning, or offered me a glass of prosecco after a day at the beach to pair with the dazzling sunset views. They provided true homely hospitality and care. Solo guest.
Creativity This was the second realization that occurred during this vacation. The Pink Palm has come with its own history as his first brand new hotel in over 20 years in St. Thomas. The building stands as an architectural descendant of the famous Smith Her Fancy, which was known as the destination of choice for those in the fashion, art music, and film industries from the 1940s to the 1950s. My room reflected an imaginative moment, with beautiful artwork as inspirational accents. Outdoor paths wind through the acre-long property and tropical-themed wallpaper provides a gentle ode to the Caribbean environment. For me, visual ingenuity is a second home, curating environments familiar enough to foster a sense of enchantment and activating all my senses for this perfect tropical oasis. It had contemporary creative elements that made it unique.
In a moment of clarity, I unknowingly discovered my third epiphany during a luxury catamaran experience at lady lindsay and cruise bay water sports. I casually took off my shoes, boarded the boat, and greeted the staff who were eager to host an intimate sunset he sail experience with about 20 other guests.
Passengers came from all walks of life. A group of pre-wedding bridesmaids excited to celebrate the soon-to-be bride. Infatuated girlfriend celebrating her boyfriend’s birthday. A group of young women take the ultimate girls’ trip. An elderly couple enjoying their retirement and me traveling alone. However, in the course of various pleasant conversations, I noticed something, good compatibility among strangers. A young couple celebrating a birthday happily secured my belongings while I explored the array of hors d’oeuvres spread out below deck for a light meal. The bridal party invited me to drink tequila shots to celebrate life and toast new beginnings with champagne, and the retired duo complimented me on my life. Wearing Andrea Iyama swimsuits, we marveled at the mystery of the deep blue sea.
This was an unlikely synergy between people who had never met but shared an unspoken common interest: the power of human connection. As the sun brilliantly set over the Caribbean Sea, they were enchanting moments that returned as a timely signal to appreciate the raw beauty of kindness.
The famous astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson once said: on Twitter that “We are prisoners of the present, in eternal transition from an inaccessible past to an unrecognizable future.” He’s right. And while life experiences that bring grief can make those who fight for their voices the bad guys or the victors, the reality we don’t often want to face is that the world It means that it keeps changing.
The key, therefore, is to develop the habit of better managing your health as an asset and find balance in your life. I unearthed my key while traveling. A recent trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands was a much-needed reminder of this fact. In many ways, self-care can be a path to freeing yourself. It does not instruct grief to leave our space forever, nor does it have the power to do so. But like the best hotel experiences, hotels have the power to convey the joy that you deserve to stay.
Tenille Clark is an avid storyteller, experienced publicist and culture enthusiast from Trinidad and Tobago. She often writes about her continued love of travel, entertainment, and culture through her Caribbean lens. Follow her digital journey at @tenilleclarke1 Instagram and twitter.
