For most of us, there’s no better vacation than to get away to a peaceful tropical beach, kick off our shoes, and melt into the bliss of relaxation. I get it. Working hard for the majority of the year, many people just want to savor the opportunity to do nothing but enjoy the simple things in life; the sun, the sea, the sand, and of course, the food.
A passive vacation such as this has the desired effect of relaxing us but it can take a bit of time to truly settle into the laid-back vibes of beach life. It's not uncommon for a traveler to finally catch the rhythm of paradise in the last few days of their break, just before they return home.
We all need a vacation to relax, but seasoned travelers know that sometimes the best way to unwind is by being active. I want to share with you the story of a four-day vacation I had that, although was a quick break, created a huge effect on me in terms of resetting the internal metronome that beats the rhythm of my life.
Awe-inspiring, life-affirming, and a genuine sense of wonder: there isn’t an experience in the world that, for me, could match the emotions that were invoked when I spent four days connecting with humpback whales in the Silver Bank area of the Dominican Republic.
All Photo Credits: Todd Thimios
Spending time aboard Tiara was an absolute pleasure. The boat is spacious and has many entertainment features. The crew of ten staff members were friendly and attentive, and our multicourse lunches, fresh snacks, and cold drinks were truly sublime. I’ve enjoyed many amazing sunsets in my life but there’s something uniquely peaceful about watching the day turn to night while immersed in the vast quietude of the endless ocean.
Having had a beautiful night’s sleep aboard the gently rocking Tiara, I was excited to find out what the team had planned for us. I know that swimming with humpback whales is a rare opportunity, and I was glad to be with a crew of experts. Our main man, Tom Conlin, wrote the Dominican Republic’s regulations and safety protocol regarding whale-watching. He is an expert. He was full of knowledge about the whales but also showed great love and respect for them.
After quietly shadowing the whales for a while, it was time to get into the water, and I was anxious. I know they’re not dangerous to us, but with their sheer size, they’re certainly intimidating. However, when Tom said “Go!”, I went. My first reaction? I was shocked. I’ve never been so close to such a large mammal in my life. I felt so helpless. There in the water, I couldn’t fight, I couldn’t run. All I could do was sit and watch this giant deftly glide past me.
EliteLYFE is a specialist provider of luxury travel packages with access to elite level events, experiences, and excursions such as my trip to Silver Bank aboard Tiara. For more information on chartering Tiara or to explore the range of super yachts available worldwide, contact EliteLYFE at your convenience.
There's never been a better time to vacation safely away from it all on the Tiara or the Superyacht of your dreams.