So happy together

My mom was so enraptured with the beauty of the sea that she even kept in check her fear of heights to get a bird’s-eye view of it from a tandem parasail, which lifted us hundreds of feet above the waves, her hand grasping mine in a white-knuckle grip as we marveled at the varying hues below. After taking an afternoon watercolor class with local artist Lucinda Schutt, we boarded the Lady Lynsey again, this time for a sunset sail, and headed for the horizon we’d just painted.

We bonded over meals complemented by views across the water to the lights of neighboring St. John. One night, we dined alfresco at The Palm Garden, passing forkfuls back and forth, unable to decide which was more wonderful, the pan-fried wahoo or the lobster mashed potatoes accompanying it. A live band provided the tropical soundtrack, and with the sweet tang of rum punch still on our lips, we left the table and took a detour along the water’s edge, literally dancing our way back to the suite.

Only two things could take us away from the sea — sleep and the Ritz-Carlton’s spectacular new boutique spa. We’d pass up yoga and pilates classes, tennis and Charlotte Amalie’s shopping for more time on the water, but the warm-stone massage was just too tempting. And on our final morning, a few hours before our flight, we couldn’t resist stopping by the spa for a little last-minute pampering.

As I lay there utterly at peace amid soft music, candles and fresh flowers, a soothing clay mask drying on my face, I could almost hear my mother in the next treatment room sighing, “I never want this to end.” Suddenly a picture popped into my mind, and it was all I could do to keep from cracking a smile — and my mask. I imagined her just after takeoff, gazing wistfully at the blue water below ... then marching up to the cockpit, calling the pilot a killjoy, and asking him to kindly turn the plane around.

—    Julie Feiner

Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas: 800-241-3333; www.ritzcarlton.com. Caribbean Water Sports 340-775-9360.

Caribbean Travel & Life is the magazine for anyone in search of the perfect tropical getaway. Each issue presents expert insider’s advice on where to find the Caribbean’s best beaches and attractions, its finest resorts and spas, liveliest beach bars and activities, and its friendliest people.

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