[Chelsae Anne | Photographer]

Wow, guys. It’s been a minute.

This past weekend was Miami Swim Week. For those who don’t know, Swim Week is basically a marathon (in heels, mind you) of fashion events centered around swimsuits and resort wear every July. Thousands (yes, thousands) of designers, buyers, stylists, bloggers, you name it… attend to see what trends will hit the retail racks next spring for the 2018-19 season. It’s one part exciting, (because you meet so many amazing people!) one part utterly exhausting. Let’s just say I’m happy to be back home in West Palm Beach in my sweet apartment.

Prior to Swim Week, I was celebrating my birthday. And before that? Who knows. Possibly traveling? Projects for the blog? At this point, life seems like a blur. But I couldn’t be happier… 🙂

So please please please forgive me for not posting Bimini Pt. 2 sooner!

In Bimini Bliss Pt. 1, I talked about the first half of my trip to Resorts World Bimini. Today, I’m covering the second half which included (more outfits) snorkeling a shipwreck, feeding stingrays, a quick trip to the Spa, and more. SO without further ado… let’s get straight to it!

DRESS: (c/o) Rebecca Taylor/SANDALS: sold out – love these!/HAT: Zara, more options here/BAG: Free People

We met at Bimini Undersea to snorkel the SS Sapona Shipwreck – an iconic, partially submerged wonderland and landmark that wrecked over 100 years ago. Locals claim the ship was used as a nightclub back in the Prohibition Era. (How cool is that?!)

We swam in and out the ship (even though it was a little too choppy for me) while locals jumped off the top of the ship, showing off their backflip skills!

The next part of our excursion was pretty amazing. We arrived to Honeymoon Harbor where we swam, fed and pet stingrays, nurse sharks (nurse sharks don’t bite however, they can break your hand if you put it near their mouth #saywhat) and little fishies! The beach was beyond, BEYOND beautiful. The water was unreal…

BATHING SUIT: (c/o) By Malka/HAT: Lack of Colors, more options here

Often times, what I enjoy most about traveling are the people I meet along the way. On our way back from Honeymoon Harbor, I struck up a conversation with the boat caption. A young man (likely my age) who grew up on the island, left for the States and now lives back in Bimini. He was so full of wisdom (despite being so young!) and an absolute pleasure to talk with. He told me to live a life doing what I love (to pursue my passions) instead of working at a job that paid well. (I know this now…) That so many years are wasted in the prime of our lives doing mindless work instead of doing what we love. And above all, to be at peace with little… material objects do not make someone happy. It’s how you feel inside. Which reminded me of a great quote by Coco Chanel…

“There are people who have money and people who are rich.”

Another very valuable lesson, one I’d never forget… coming from a man who to some, has little, yet feels incredibly rich inside because he’s happy and content. Happiness isn’t something you find, it’s a choice.

I thanked our boat caption, rushed back to the hotel and changed because I wasn’t ready to call it a day. Next stop? Bimini Big Game for dinner, one of Ernest Hemingway’s favorite Bimini hangouts. It features a marina-facing restaurant that sits on the beautiful Bimini Bay, serving up delicious Bahamian favorites…

DRESS: (c/o) Shopbop/SANDALS: More options here/BAG: Free People/EARRINGS: Similar here

(Quick tip: Arrive between 6 and 8PM to see the fishermen feed the sharks! #yikes)

JUMPSUIT: Zara, more options here

Overall, my trip to Bimini was special. I’m not just saying that because Resorts World graciously hosted me. I mean it. You guys know I’m honest here. Between the wonderful people, the excursions, the gorgeous property and the beautiful blue water, Bimini is truly a magical island worth visiting. And Resorts World is definitely the place to stay…

Xo, Stephanie

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