22 Thoughts

The Chosen Luxury Experience 🙂

This month, I embarked on a journey to St. Kitts with 37 women, an experience that profoundly impacted me and provided the essential relaxation I needed to finish my Bachelor’s degree. Since last August, I had diligently saved for this trip, and finally experiencing the island firsthand after months of anticipation was immensely rewarding. Now, let’s delve into the details of the trip.

Day One

From the moment I left my college apartment, it was non-stop. It was 2:00 am when I departed, fully prepared for the journey ahead. The best part of flying at this early hour was having my aunt by my side, making the morning much more pleasant. Our first flight was scheduled for 5:00 am, and we made it to our connecting city of Miami where the first group of ladies gathered together. Seeing their happy and expectant faces, along with my mom, heightened my excitement. A little backstory: The Chosen Luxury Experience is being hosted by my mom, Michelle Gines, and our family friend, Rochinda Pickens. Oh, and did I mention this is our inaugural trip? More details on that later… Now, it was time for our second flight to the island, and I was ready. After 2.5 hours in the air, we touched down on the beautiful islands of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Stepping off the plane and taking in the vast mountains and feeling the warm, humid air instantly lifted the weight of my worldly obligations. Here in St. Kitts, I could just be Brielle, fully present in the moment. Arriving at our resort, the ladies and I were greeted with rum punch and eucalyptus-steamed towels—pure bliss! Words can’t describe how refreshing that towel felt against my neck and forehead.

Entering my room, I was charmed by its lovely ambiance and took a moment to lie down and soak in the reality of where I was. St. Kitts—it already felt like paradise. Venturing down to the resort cafe, I ordered a daiquiri and savored it slowly. Alongside, I indulged in a delicious lobster roll before deciding it was time to head to the beach.

The beach—a place where I could lose myself indefinitely. The rhythmic crashing of the waves against the shore had me captivated, almost in a trance. Finding a cozy spot under a gazebo with a lounge chair, I claimed it as my sanctuary. My aunt joined me, and together we soaked in the evening in complete relaxation.

Bringing my swimsuit turned out to be the best decision—I changed and immersed myself in the water, feeling pure contentment. With a majestic mountain looming beside the ocean, I sat there, playing with the waves, and taking in the moment. This weekend promised to be filled with cherished memories, introspection, and a sense of community. It was exactly what I needed—a perfect escape.