"One day, my love, all of this will be ours."
I laugh, clinking my glass against his.
We had no idea that the paradise we were seeing was a stage set, and the curtain was about to rise.
The job posting said "Island Managers". It forgot to mention everything else.
Gali and Daniel left behind their ordinary life for a dream: a luxury island in Belize. Turquoise water, golden sunsets, and an adventure they’d been promising themselves for years. But what they found was something no job description could prepare them for.
From battling digital pirates to rescue missions in the eye of a storm, Gali and Daniel find themselves responsible for more than just guest happy hours. They are responsible for lives.
For anyone who has ever fantasized about leaving it all behind, only to discover the messy, beautiful truth hidden behind the postcard.
"A truly unique perspective, a behind-the-scenes view of managing a luxury resort on a remote island. All of the things that get left off the postcards and Instagram stories - raging storms, drama, and difficulties, mixed in with a few snapshots of dreamy island life - diving in beautiful blue waters surrounded by exotic fish and colorful coral, roaming white sand beaches, and ending a long day with stunning sunsets. An interesting and personal tale about chasing dreams, taking the plunge for a risky adventure, and learning about yourself along the way."
"Taly has lived the life that the rest of us mere mortals can only dream of . This is White Lotus in real life . Based on a true life events , Taly describes the incredible series of events that led her and her husband to manage a carribean island luxury holiday resort on her own private island . A rollercoaster mix of idyllic island life with the real life downsides of storms, medical emergencies and even coping with sudden death when isolated miles from anywhere . Do read and marvel at a couple who live life to the fullest and who have the guts and tenacity to do things as far from the mundane as could ever be"
"What appeared to be a dream job became a huge challenge: managing an island during lockdown, storms, temperamental guests and much more. I sat down to read this book on a quiet morning and did not get up from my sofa till it was finished, absorbed in the adventure of this amazing couple on the island of their dreams. The saying "careful what you wish for" comes to mind. It seemed to be an amazing opportunity, perfect timing in the lives of this adventurous couple, who had previously lived their lives on relocations around the world, but the challenges on the island were many and diverse. They were dealt with swiftly and professionally. But at what cost to them? A true tale of perseverance, resourcefulness and imagination, this wonderful story is written from the perspective of a very strong and resilient couple who face challenges face-on, find solutions and always find the positive side to enable them to continue on their life adventures. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, as I'm sure you will too."
"An unforgettable look at what it truly takes to survive six months at the helm of an island paradise. The writing is raw and immediate, capturing the "dream-turned-nightmare" reality of Caribbean management with breathtaking honesty. It is more than just a travelogue; it is a high-stakes survival story about responsibility and resilience. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see the grit behind the postcard-perfect views."
The raw, unfiltered island reality
Where it all began: The Binyamina kitchen
Three suitcases and a dream
The "Gold Standard" of island safety
What if the "perfect time" to change your life isn't when things are calm, but when the world is standing still?
In Spring 2020, we were like everyone else: buried in laptops in our kitchen in Binyamina, listening to the whistle of passing trains and the "rearing head" of a global pandemic. Then, Daniel turned his screen toward me. The words read: "Wanted – a managing couple". For twenty years, we had been a nomadic family, moving through the US, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. But this was different. The ad for an island management position in Belize required a couple "without children". With Tom in the army and Ella heading for a gap year, our empty nest suddenly became a door to a new world. My stomach churned with excitement. The dream we had fantasized about seven years earlier in the Maldives was finally staring us in the face.
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I’ve spent the last thirty years as a global nomad, traveling with my family across the US, Australia, Asia, and most recently, Europe. Along the way, I found my calling in the world of Global Mobility, supporting moves around the world emotionally, logistically, and, in my most recent role, technologically.
During COVID, we drifted into a crazy adventure that took us far beyond our comfort zones. Leaving the "dream life" we found on an island in Belize sparked a sea of questions from everyone who heard our story; Island Time is my way of answering them.
Today, we’ve found our home in Bulgaria, where we are settled in a lovely village house. At least until the next adventure drifts us away..