My sister Paige has had a love affair with St Thomas for decades. When her daughter Katie was small, she wanted to give Katie special Christmas memories. As a young widow, this was not an easy task, but Paige found a way. They spent many Christmases on Christmas Bay celebrating the paradise that is Art by God. My Robert called snorkeling in the Caribbean “God’s Aquarium.” It was no surprise when she chose St Thomas as her forever retirement home. “Gypsea” literally fell out of heaven on her, when she least expected it. She and Bert Bugg (affectionately called “Bugg”) met on the island several years ago, and share a passion for its beauty. That’s a good thing, because Bugg is a handyman extraordinaire and his handywork is apparent everywhere you look at Gypsea. Keeping up with a seaside villa is not easy task, and the work never ending. The results, as you can see, are so worth it. The view is of a private island across the channel where you can kayak/paddleboard and sun as long as you like (NOT even close to Epstein’s infamous island:) The interior is clearly mediterranean, and so perfectly done. Arched, wood framed doors and windows throughout, with exterior levers to roll out the glass windows when sea breezes are available. The master is on the top floor with amazing views of the turquoise caribbean. My guest bedroom is on the main floor, surrounded by a tropical jungle. I had my own balcony to enjoy the hummingbirds, crickets, and coki frogs in the evening. It felt as if I were in a treehouse atop a large palm tree, as Gypsea is perched at the top of a mountain so that many treetops were below us. In perfect harmony with nature.
The first day was filled with the excitement of a possible tropical storm, which fortunately brought much needed rain but not much else. That day we shopped in the morning and as the rain lessened, we headed out for a neighborhood hike. Far down the mountainside was an amazing half-finished house right at the ocean’s edge with wall to ceiling windows that spanned at least 25 feet. The local story is that the grandson was building this villa for his grandmother, when she passed away too soon to enjoy it. Hopefully someone will eventually finish with what is a lovely beginning.
After the depression passed over, we headed for some snorkeling at Brewers Bay, where the sea turtles were hanging out in a quiet lagoon. I’ve never seen so many sea turtles in one place. They have no fear of humans, and went about eating sea grass while we hovered from above. When they surfaced for air, their gentle sweet eyes would look into yours as if to say “I see you”. Later it was time to head for Megan’s Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world per Conde Nast. The waters were calm with light winds, so perfect for paddleboarding. As always, when we got to the far side of the bay the winds picked up to a challenging level. On the way back a pod of dolphins started feeding around us. The water was so clear, it was amazing to see them dive and resurface for air. It was truly an adventure to commune with nature. I’m beginning to understand why my sister choose to retire to this beautiful paradise. A soak in the hot tub was in order before dinner in town at Oceana. It is a seafood mecca for the islanders. Bugg had the halibut, Paige and I had the tuna, both dishes were artfully drizzled with amazing sauces by the chef. While the food was beyond compare, for me the views from the edge of the caribbean couldn’t have been more awe inspiring.
And then it was time to take Paige’s new water toy “Pearl” out for a Christmas Bay adventure. Bugg tended to tieing up to the buoy while Paige manned the helm. There were many boats already moored there, as it was a protected shore from the next tropical storm headed our way Sunday. One big catamaran was loaded for play. Their stereo provided the musical backdrop as we snorkeled. Paddleboards and dinghies hung from every side of her. This family certainly knew how to take a vacation. We snorkeled around a few large rocks to see a large queen angelfish, parrotfish, and the ever present blue tang. The waters were warm and comfortable, which is why I love coming in August.
Far to soon it was time to leave Gypsea. I will not soon forget her graceful lines as she stands strong against the storms of the caribbean. Paige and Bugg have many plans for her future. While I love her ambience just as she is, Paige wants a new kitchen (who doesn’t:) and a bathroom upgrade. Also there is a discussion of another bedroom below with fantastic views of the ocean. My only regret is that I didn’t bring the GoPro this time for turtle and fish pictures to share. Next time!
islandwidow 