Combining the breakfast and amenities of the fine bed & breakfast with the magic of the boat, tossing in a postcard-perfect exotic setting of the tropical bayfront, I was a very happy traveler.

Exploring the Chien Hwa was the first activity of the day. Below deck, teak paneling and built-ins dominate the marine decor. The main cabin galley has sink, refrigerator, ice maker, microwave, and coffee maker. The adjacent lounge area has upholstered seating, dining area, cable TV and portable stereo CD player. There was unquestionably enough modernity to feel comforted yet the intimate and charming setting could accommodate up to 5 guests with 2 full bathrooms without intruding on anyone's space.

We indulged in all of the exceptional bed and breakfast amenities offered by the Inn - a delicious Southern breakfast buffet, evening social with homemade hors d'oeuvres by Chef Gary, bicycles that took us around the sleepy historic district the first morning, tickets to the Lighthouse, late-night signature desserts & coffee...were available just for the asking. We knew we had the best seat in St. Augustine...a seaworthy romantic setting, a stunning view of the skyline and ultimate pampering by innkeepers who know how to make guests feel at home!

What set our accommodations apart from everyone else in St. Augustine is that we felt secluded while on the boat...yet from the SeaClusion, we could walk 60 paces to the heart of the oldest part of the City. The narrow brick-paved streets offer so many charming restaurants, boutiques, a multitude of art galleries, real museums and historic sites. A short drive over the Bridge of Lions took us to Anastasia Island (one of Florida's barrier islands along the Atlantic coastline).Here we discovered a quaint seaside communitt with miles of wide sand and dunes of sea oats. The Island imparts a mood of the 1950's which was a wonderful complement to the feeling of 'ancient' downtown.

We dined well in St. Augustine. The most memorable morsels were at Claude's Chocolate, fine European bonbons created by French Chef Claude Franques. Lunch at the Palm Café was excellent; located on St. George Street, it reminded me of a European promenade where everyone nods hello and enjoys exchanging pleasantries. The spring night lured us to dine outdoors again at Harry's, very New Orleans and another restaurant that's within walking distance to everything.
Retiring early isn't usually something I enjoy, but each of the two nights found us sitting on the wide deck of the SeaClusion as the Matanzas Bay sparkled in the moonlight and the city unfolded at our feet. The midnight church bells reminded me to turn out the lights, make a wish on the vast galaxy of stars and listen to the secrets of 400 years of history!

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