An impromptu trip with my sister turned into a destination I believe everyone should visit at least once in your lifetime; AND I’m 100% positive that it won’t be a one-and-done kind of deal.

There are 700 islands in The Bahamas, 30 of which people live on. While this trail of islands has many options to explore near and far, the hidden gem is located just 50 miles off the coast of South Florida. Bimini is the westernmost Bahamian island and a must-visit in my book. It’s a small island that stretches 8 square miles, with two main streets. Soooo why is it a must-visit? This little island has everything you want and need on a vacation.

1.Food: There are options and more importantly, there is FLAVOR! The food is freshly caught and freshly made each day. It is also made to order. I’m a fan of this because it’s fresh and I don’t mind waiting for food. Some of the drawbacks are the menu changes daily and when the food is done, it’s done. My advice is to think/know what you want to eat and order it when you have the option. Most of the local places close between 4pm and 8pm, but the resort has food options open later. All in all, the food is 10/10 *chef’s kiss*

Top Places: Adrienne’s, Edith’s Pizza, Mike’s Conch Stand & Big Mike’s Aunt, and CJ’s Deli.

2. Scenery: The scenery was a breath of fresh air. From the landing of the plane to the everyday view riding on the street, it was beautiful. I absolutely love being by/on/in water, and this beach put American beaches to shame. I’m embarrassed to even call anything else a beach. The sand was very soft and the water was crystal clear. The sunrise and sunset views were just steps away from our place.

3. People: The people were welcoming from the very beginning. From the plane, there’s a bus ride to a ferry and the ferry takes you to North Bimini. I thought the distance from the ferry to our place would be walking distance and when we quickly found out it wasn’t, we ended up asking someone who we saw on the ferry for some help. The lady was sweet and hospitable; she gave us an impromptu tour of the island and a ride to our place! Every person we met on the island was very polite and welcoming. Being in Bimini made me think about how Americans are not polite for the sake of being polite. We’re only polite when it benefits us. Meeting people who have genuinely good energy with no ulterior motive puts some things into perspective.

4. Activities: Remember, the island is only 8 square miles, but there are plenty of activities to do. We did not go the traditional route and plan activities ahead of time, however, we did get to spend a day on the beach, a day on the water, and visit the Dolphin House Museum. Having lived on an island before the beach is our second home. On the water, we got to drive the boat (literally) and swim with wild dolphins. This was a first for both of us being able to see so many dolphins up close. Our captain and crew, Jaime and Brandon, were great guides in sharing stories about the history, the island, and their time on the water. We had so much fun sharing a new experience together. I was so into the story and development of the Dolphin House Museum that I forgot to take pictures. The museum is made of 100% recycled materials that the builder found on the beach or that travelers brought to the builder. It doubles as an Airbnb and the builder is in the process of adding rooms and bathrooms to the 3rd floor. It’s a fascinating place, especially if you take some time to notice all the details, and the view at the top is worth it.

Other activities that we had in mind, but didn’t get to do were:

• Reef Shark Safari + Sapona Adventure (we didn’t have time to do this activity)

• Cage Diving with Bull Sharks (this activity was unavailable because the Bull Sharks are migratory animals and are present from November to April)

The hack is to make friends with people who live on the island, they will show you the hidden gems that only a Bahamian from Bimini would know.

5. Safety: In Bimini, I felt the safest I’ve felt in a foreign country. I was alert, but I could also relax. Safety was never a concern throughout this trip. This is especially important during the current times where it seems a new person goes missing every day.

Bimini was it for me. It’s not your glamorous, picturesque place where you Instagram every meal and moment. It’s a place where I was able to disconnect from screens and live in the moment for more than just a weekend. It’s a place where the laughs and smiles were genuine and real. It’s a place where I was able to be open, free, and go with the flow each day. I enjoyed the atmosphere and I loved who I became when I was there. I will be back soon.

I understand that this may not be the place for everyone, however, there is a place like this for everyone. There is a place that will bring you closer to the highest version of yourself. This isn’t just about the destination, it’s about discovering what feels like home and creating a space to embrace home. This week:

• List three words describing how you envision yourself at your highest self. (At my highest self, I am… )

• Describe what home feels like for you. (For me home feels like…)

• Identify some ways for you to get closer to “home.”

If you do nothing else in life…

Travel Tip #17: Keep searching until you find the place that feels like home.

I’d personally like to send extra love and peace to families of those who have lost loved ones and those that are still praying for a safe return. Miya Marcano’s story recently received quite a bit of public attention with the help of social media. Thankfully, her body was found, however, it was not the ending her family was hoping for. For Miya and those who’s stories may not be at the forefront, I’m sending love to you and yours that you find your way back safely.

Finding home,

Mai