I was awed by expansive three-story lobby. The hearth's surroundings was elegant spaciousness, yet intimate and cozy. The double-sided gas fireplace was grand and majestical, draped in garland and decorations. Above was an elaborate wrought iron chandelier, glowing ambient. The warm tones of burnt red and forest green couches invited me with comfort and I sunk deeply into stacked, patterned pillows. Huge stony pillers, large area rugs on a slate floor, and a reindeer motif, were perfect combinations, capturing natural outdoors setting — indoors. I listened to voices hum, ringing phones, and soft music and clinking glasses from nearby lounge — what a great spot to relax after dinner, I thought.

What was I waiting for?

The most interesting sport I experienced at Deerhurst was pleasure of dogsledding — and learning about ski-joring! My boyfriend, Stephan, and I, were greeted at stables by program director, Sean Ardis, and his assistant. Tara. We played with friendly huskies, getting to know them before "mushing" lessons. Unfortunately, due to stormy weather conditions we were unable to ski-jor. I was a little relieved; I am not best skier! Sean, however, demonstrated this unique man and dog winter sport. With two beautiful huskies pulling him, he harnessed himself up, gliding along on cross-country skis three times faster than normal skiing, all with powerful assistance of his dogs. We were told not to be entirely fooled by slight man-power that is used in sport. When pulling up hill dogs turn around, looking, questioning your lack of help, wondering why you are not doing your part (and rightfully so!). Ski-joring can be enjoyed by everyone who is comfortable on a pair of skis. The orientation takes about an hour. The cost is CND$50 per person.

Ski-joring originated in Scandinavia and became popular in North America. Sean first discovered sport at his home in B.C. years ago when picking up his mail. The snow was too much to tackle so he harnessed up his dogs and skied out. The rest, as they say, is history. Sean practiced sport on a recreational level and then went professional. He has raised three generations of ski-joring dogs. There are presently 16 huskies in his fleet (with a mix of Irish Wolfhound and Malamute). Each dog has a chance to run every two to three days and then gets two days off. I watched as dogs were fed chicken and soup as a reward for their hard day at work. The rest of their diet consists of beef fat and premium performance kibble.

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Approximately three-dozen species of resident land birds also enjoy friendly skies on this part of "Emerald Isle" of Caribbean. Be sure to take time to use well-marked island trails in Centre Hills as excellent points of vantage.

Recommended as well is Silver Hills Trail in north for more sightings of Mangrove Cuckoos as well as abundant Pearly-eyed Thrashers and Red-billed Tropicbirds. Magnificent Frigate Birds, with their long, pointed and curved black wings, which frequently span over seven and one half feet, can be seen off Pelican Point.

Get Tropical Gear HereAlso check out Runaway Ghaut (a ghaut is an island term for gully). A five-minute mini-trail takes visitor through a cool, lush setting where pleasant sounds of bird life combine with diminutive waterfalls. Picnic tables are available if you're pausing for a little snack.

A useful 48-page

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By Kriss Hammond - Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent - at www.jetsettersmagazine.com