Just Back: St. Lucia With Mary J. Blige

. . . from St. Lucia Mary J. Blige, hip-hop diva

Whatever baggage you have, leave it at home. One look at those waters and I just felt such peace. This was my first time in the Caribbean. It was beautiful-- there's no other word. I tried to keep the colors in my head: rust, brown, white, orange, a lot of pink. The people . . . I don't know them, but they're beautiful, too. It was an honor to be the youngest artist ever to headline the St. Lucia Jazz Festival.

Where to stay: Windjammer Landing. My villa had its own pool and a view of practically the whole island. 
Where to eat: The Lime, for grilled chicken-- real spicy-- and rice.
Must do: Sail around Rat Island. 
Essential gear: Fendi sandals-- they slip right on. 
Don't forget to pack: Sunglasses. I brought a bag of them-- Christian Dior, Gucci . . . I enjoy matching them to my clothes. 
How to stay cool: Drink piña coladas-- virgin ones.

--Interviewed by Ray Rogers