Our overnight passage to Menorca was quite eventful, if only either of us could remember it. Steve and I managed to comatose ourselves with sea-sickness tablet, despite Si’s warning not to do it. Apparently it was one of the worst passages, with rough choppy waters with very unpleasant night watches for Kim and Si. We did however managed to catch a tuna along the way, courtesy of Steve and Si’s testosterone-fuelled hunting prowess, which provided us with delicious fresh maguro sashimi for the next two or more lunches.

AURA is a stunning yacht, and Kim and Si certainly take good care of her. She cut across the water like champion skater on ice, especially with her beautiful white sails out. We were never uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or tired of being on her.

To top it all, we were never far away from a glass of gin and tonic, a plate of charcuterie and fresh salad. Not to mention the constantly changing vistas of sparkling blue sea in the backdrop, Steve and I would ask ourselves, “What could be better than this?” and we both have not been able to find the answer.

The three calas we visited in Menorca offered some amazing sights. Son Saura was calm, beautiful, and lined with stunning white sands. Galdana was big and breathtaking, with its soaring white cliffs, dusted in pine trees, emerging out from the emerald blue water, and a string of luxury homes nesting atop them. A picturesque river runs through it, with small shops and restaurants decorating the scene. Everyone was smiling, every colour seems brighter, and there we were, anchored amongst many others, buoyant on this dream-like coastal haven. We snorkelled, swam, dined and powered the dingy right up the river. I managed to perpetuate the Asian female driver stereotype and nearly killed everyone as I tried to drive the dingy. It was also in Galdana where we found our holy grail pre-mixed Sangria – fittingly named ‘Don Simon’. If water can be turned to wine, then Don Simon would run out from our taps. (Although considering we actually bought a dozen of 2 litre bottles, they might as well have).

Just when we thought things can’t get any more beautiful, we made our way to Cala Escorxada. A small and secluded cove, with only a few small boats around. This quaint Cala had the bluest and clearest water we had seen so far. The miniature white sandy beach was perfect for swimming, and Kim and Si commented that we probably had the best anchorage view so far. Ancient fortitudes could be found in the shore remnants of Menorca’s tumultuous past. We drank and dined on the boat and watched the sun go down We swam in the dory-freckled water, as our boating neighbours (many of which were nudists) go about their day. We fully immersed ourselves with the sea, sun and sand, it was just utter, utter bliss.

In between the swimming, socialising, eating and drinking, Steve and I managed to take a couple of photographs (about 3000 of them). Steve is in charge of the massive panoramics and capturing the grandeur of the environment around us. While I try to zone in on the intimate special moments; the glimmer of sunset on the metal railing of the boat, the quiet concentration on Si’s face as he manoeuvred Aura, the beautiful determination on Kim’s stunning blue eyes and perhaps the look of pure joy in Steve’s face as he scans the beautiful sandy beach and its brilliant turqoise water (or maybe it was the boobies?). These photographs are not professional by any means, but certainly aim to encapsulate the joy, awe, fun, and gratitude that we had in our fantastic voyage.

We never want to miss a single moment, and we want to immortalise every second of it.

Even now as I write this, we sailed towards our very last cala, Steve and I shall fly back to Barcelona to continue our European trip. I still cannot believe what an adventure we’ve had. We’d like to thank Si and Kim for a most memorable voyage and unforgettable adventure. We are grateful and honoured for their generous hospitality, their graciousness, and their willingness to open their beautiful floating home to us.

In Steve’s very own poetic words "F#cking awesome.” (this is why Steve is not in charge of writing)

Kim and Si, we will always cherish our 8 days on beautiful AURA with you, and I hope we could return the favour one day.

Lots of love to you both, and au revoir for your next adventure.

Tash and Steve

"Part 2 of 2 - thanks guys, great blog and photography. We are so glad you joined us to share these amazing places and fun times - love Si & Kim"