A Quick Summary of our Isle of Pines Holiday

From the moment we landed on Isle of Pines we were on island time...maybe even a few moments before then. As we flew in, looking down on the reef was breathtaking.

The transfer from the airport to our accommodation was framed by endless greenery. Then we saw the Our Lodge sign, and turned into a drive way that took us up to a reception hut, where we were welcomed with huge smiles, drinks, and a pillow was quickly found for 'le babe'. Olivia will tell you that she wasn't asleep on the way, and that she was just pretending, but photographic evidence would suggest otherwise. Clearly the island air and drive had her well and truly relaxed from the very beginning. All Mark and I needed was a refreshing welcome drink, and we were just as relaxed as Livs.

On our first night we headed straight for the beach, and foolishly walked across grass paths barefoot, and without a head-torch for the return back. But boy was it fun, and the girls weren't scared, but rather empowered. Not to mention we made a friend, who showed us the way back to our accommodation, and a few nights later guided us along the hidden grass paths to the restaurant we were going to for dinner. And all the thanks he wanted was a good pat under the chin and some water. Yes, we befriended a dog on the Isle of Pines. Everything and everyone seems connected on this tiny island, and communicating with animals like I always do is completely normal here.

Our faithful guide, waiting to show us the way back 'home'.

Whilst on Isle of Pines were were either on the water, in the water, walking along the sand, eating or sleeping. Oure Lodge was the perfect place for our little family, we had a great little hut, and walked barefoot from our front door down to the beach to kayak, SUP, snorkel and finally on the last day just sit on the beach and relax for a little while-apologies to all the other guests, hahaha. Life was slow and easy, we were connected. We did one adventure on a traditional outrigger (pirogue) which meant we had to be at reception on time for the bus pick up, but apart from that we didn't need to be anywhere at any time. It was bliss.

One day we hired a car, and drove around the whole island in one day. Not with a sat-nav, but a cartoon style map. It was so nice to go back to the good old ways.

We tried to explore one cave, but it was cut off by a huge tree across the overgrown road, and since we had no way of knowing how far away it was, and the girls were napping, we decided to drive around for a little while, and go to the next cave.

Life was slow and simple, our whole family was connected. And after being home for two weeks, we are all still longing for our holiday life, just being together....and we miss the sunshine and being submerged in salt water every day. Summer isn't too far away now.

Tips for Isles of Pines
1. Take bottled water from the mainland, as the tap water on Isle of Pines is not suitable for drinking, and is expensive-yes, this did really mess with my greenie head, but it also taught my family to appreciate how easy it is to fill up our water bottles at home.
2. Make sure you take a snorkel and flippers to the natural pool-if you can, pack lunch and spend the day there, we didn't want to leave.
3. Slow down, and connect with mother nature...if you're as lucky as me you might just get to have an interaction with an elusive dugong or two.

P.S. Detailed stories and photos of the day we hired a car, and the traditional outrigger adventure are in progress.