Earlier this summer, I did a lot of solo traveling. About a month's worth to be exact. And while I'd like to save all my thoughts on traveling by yourself for a much longer, essay-of-a-post to come later next week, I wanted to kick off my summer travel series with my little solo jaunt to St. Thomas. It actually marked the end of my month-long Eat, Pray, Love tour (as I was calling it my head) and in a lot of ways, it was a great way to just recalibrate my mind, body and spirit. The ocean really does have that effect on us, doesn't it?

As I mentioned, this trip marked the end of about 3 and a half weeks of traveling alone, carrying more than my weight in my own bags and reading books at dinner for company. None of which I was complaining about -- in fact, I loved it for all the reasons I'll detail here soon -- but once I arrived in the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas, I was ready to just BE. No language barriers, no fuss over what I should plan out each day, no rush at all. My agenda consisted of: SUN, SAND and SEA.

And God, what a difference those three S's make!

Four, if you count SEAFOOD, which I certainly do.

I stayed at the lovely Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, which is nestled perfectly in a stunning bay, making for some great, almost untouched beach situations and evening excursions (like night kayaking!). The property itself dates back some 20 years and has some of the most amazing oceanside charm -- in fact, the local iguanas are so comfortable with coming up to the hotel property now, they practically hang out waiting for guests to stop by and say hello! Moreover, the winding property trail to get to the beach makes for a great way to really take the entire resort in -- you trek down a sloping little path, nestled in low, lush greenery, the hotel hugging one side, the ocean on the other and you almost feel like you're going on a little journey of sorts.

Of course, aside from a lot of ocean naps and seaside reading, I indulged in more than my fair share of the best surf and turf around: lobster, steak, mahi mahi before hopping over to their on-site spa for a much needed deep tissue massage.

Naturally, resorts like this are perfect for the honeymooning couple or perhaps a girlfriends getaway trip, and while I think it would be fantastic to return for both occasions, I have to say, I loved my time here solo -- between an amazingly kind and gracious staff to the warm waves lapping on shore -- my spirits felt rejuvenated in a way that I think I could only have accomplished alone. Alone with my thoughts. Alone with my feelings. Alone with my ideas. And, being the slightly introverted person that I am, I couldn't stop smiling about it the entire time I was there.

Huge thank you again to the lovely folks over at the Frenman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort -- this weary traveler has you to thank for her refreshed mind, body and spirit!