Neil J. Tandy

Jamaica, the island paradise of Bob Marley, Reggae, stunning beaches, jerk chicken, Red Stripe beer and Blue Mountain coffee was high on my list of must-visit Caribbean hotspots. So, when I was recently afforded the opportunity to relax for a few days at the brand new, all-inclusive, adults-only Princess Senses The Mangrove resort, I packed the swim shorts, sunblock and sandals and headed off on the four-hour flight from New York to Montego Bay.

Just a two-hour drive from the city's frenetic energy, nestled within the tranquil folds of the Catskill Mountains, lies Fishs Eddy, home to Estates by Brophy, a year-round private retreat. Owner Gale Brophy’s open invitation to visit at any time finally beckoned recently. While I'd captured the essence of her properties during a summer photoshoot last year, the allure of another visit was irresistible.

Roughly two hours from New York City and around 30 minutes from the Bridgeport/Port Jefferson ferry terminal, lies the quaint, historic Long Island Sound town of Madison and the treasure that is The Homestead Bed and Breakfast, which I recently had the absolute pleasure of spending a couple of nights at.

I had never been to Mexico, despite hearing about all the great places to visit and I had never seen a Cirque Du Soleil performance live, so when I got the opportunity to combine the two into a single experience, I couldn’t wait!