The Renée Review

February 19, 2006

Ok – I know it’s been awhile since my last post.  For those who know me and think I must not have survived the slalom water skiing from the last post…let me assure you, I am very much alive!  If you don’t understand this comment, see my 2003 accident post.  Pain medicine was necessary to get me through the night and the next day, but the water skiing was certainly worth it, plus it helped build my confidence in the knowledge that I will not break.   

Today, Marlo and I woke early, taking the “panache” dinghy with our captain, Mark Schwegman, to Little Dix Bay, a Rosewood Resort on Virgin Gorda.  This hotel has been on my radar for about 7 years, and since I was in the neighborhood, I thought I should check it out.  

Little Dix Bay and The Peter Island Resort both target the same demographic, so it’s hard not to compare the two.  Inevitably, anyone looking hard for these types of resorts in the BVI’s is also comparing these resorts – online and having to trust that the photos are not 20 years old.  I visited and reviewed The Peter Island Resort a few days ago and have used it for comparison.

Little Dix Bay has absolutely beautiful grounds and gardens, all the nooks and crannies were well cared for.  The sandy beach is a finer grain of sand than that of Peter Island, slightly darker, definitely beautiful. The pool is lovely, though quite small.  The staff at Little Dix Bay are more numerous, more helpful and seemed more capable than that of Peter Island. The spa and the treatment rooms were not nearly as nice as those at The Peter Island Resort. Public space at Little Dix Bay is tired, beach loungers were finished at least 3 years ago and all the fabrics are faded.  I could not view any rooms; the resort is fully booked through mid March.  I have to wonder if Little Dix Bay started out smaller, growing haphazardly to keep up with the demand.  Somehow, they seem to have messed up the guest to space ratio…. Little Dix Bay is not a quiet place when fully booked, people were everywhere! That said, the guests seemed content and happy, so, who knows?

Upon returning to “Panache,” Marlo and I enjoyed a delightful breakfast cooked and served by Tracy Schwegman and Jessica Sharkey, who are now seven days into our individual food quirks and coffee needs. We filled up and prepared for our day of exploration and water fun!  

First stop, Virgin Gorda’s famed natural geological formation of gigantic boulders called “The Baths.”  These phenomenal boulders are dramatically positioned at the edge of the ocean and offer unique beach, water and hiking opportunities.  To get to “The Boulders,” we tied our dinghy about 60 feet from the beach.  This area doesn’t allow beach landings, therefore you must be willing to swim to shore or dock at Little Dix Bay where you must hire a 45-minute taxi to & from the area.  Big, big kudos to Simine – she actually attempted an ocean submersion and let go of the boat!!!!  (For those of you just tuning in, Simine is really terrified of being in the open water and does not swim.)  While Simine did not swim to shore, she did make it via a canoe that Justin Smitt borrowed from someone on the beach.  Also, Eric & Ryan who previously hesitated in sticking even one toe into the ocean at the beginning of this trip, actually found their ocean comfort, jumping from the dinghy and swimming in to shore with Marlo.  We all enjoyed exploring and later returned for lunch followed by a jam-packed afternoon of water skiing!  

I decided to try the slalom action again.  Larry Tepper filmed my run and it was tremendous fun, though far shorter than yesterday’s action.  I had a graceful end without any face plants, but tired out more quickly.   Marlo on the other hand, regardless of face plants, was rearing to go.  She was so determined to learn this thing!  Round after round, face plant after face plant, she kept saying GO!  Paul had to give her a break, going in with a request to learn to slalom.  Paul was hysterical!  He was unable to make it on the single ski, then decided to try barefoot…. then had them pull him while he just hung on, laying in the water.  I’ve married a crazy man!  He was laughing, we were laughing and Marlo went back in.  Again and again, bam, bam, bam and all the while, Marlo remained positive.  The next break came when she encouraged Ryan to try.  Ryan gave it a go and though he did not make it, he was buoyant in his attempt and continued feeling confident for Marlo.  This is the day Marlo learned to water-ski!  She finally got it!  After several more attempts, she was up and had consistent runs with great cheering from the fan club in the boat.  Her smile was ear to ear with energy and pride in finally achieving this milestone.  She water-skied until her legs were jell-o and still wanted to keep going.  What a fun, fun, fun day!  Our final dinner aboard was excellent and our day closed.

The job of crew on private yachts is demanding, for charter crew, even more so.  Crew must be responsible, intelligent, patient, easy going and comfortable.  We lucked out and got all of these qualities from every one of our “Panache” crew.  A big thanks to Mark Schwegman, Justin Smit, Tracy Schwegman and Jessica Sharkey!