Dining Among the Clouds
Have you ever had an experience that left you both breathless and grateful all at once? That was me in Dubrovnik, Croatia, suspended 165 feet (50 meters) in the air at Dinner in the Sky, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that combined fine dining, panoramic beauty, and a dash of courage.
After a week-long yacht cruise through the Adriatic Sea, my friends and I stayed in Dubrovnik for a few extra days. One of those friends, Trina, had been chasing a dream for over ten years: Dinner in the Sky. Without hesitation, we all agreed, what’s life without a little adventure, right? She booked it nearly a year in advance, and finally, the day had come.
When we arrived, we were escorted behind a gated, greenery-covered area. Inside stood a massive crane, a sleek platform with 22 seats, and a small kitchen in the center where chefs were preparing for the night ahead. The air buzzed with excitement.
Glasses of champagne were handed out, and one by one, our names were called. Each guest was led to their seat, strapped in securely with a safety harness, and a small platform for our feet (though letting them dangle freely made the experience even more surreal!).
And then, the moment came. Slowly, smoothly, we began to ascend. Higher and higher we went until Dubrovnik’s red rooftops, the sparkling Adriatic Sea, the Elaphiti Islands, and the rugged mountains stretched out before us. The view was nothing short of magical.
With lively music playing, our hosts welcomed us warmly, filling the air with laughter, cheers, and energy. The first course arrived, gourmet dishes crafted with fresh, local Croatian ingredients. Between each bite, I couldn’t help but marvel at the scenery. As the table gently rotated, we were gifted with 360-degree views. It was like being a bird gliding over the coast.
Two of the six of us were afraid of heights, but to their credit, they were all in. They avoided looking down but never let fear steal their joy. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s choosing to rise above it (Nelson Mandela), and I watched them do exactly that.
Course after course was served, with fine Croatian wine. The flavors were rich, fresh, and unforgettable, but honestly, it was the setting that made it otherworldly. Imagine savoring perfectly prepared fish or a decadent dessert as the sun sets behind the mountains, painting the sky in blues, gold, lavender, and soft orange.
As if dining mid-air wasn’t thrilling enough, the host added some playful surprises. At one point, he encouraged us to swivel our chairs sideways for an even more breathtaking view. Later, he revealed a lever beside our seats. If brave enough, we could recline back gazing straight into the sky. You bet I tried it. Reclining in the clouds, I felt safe, exhilarated, and completely alive.
Dinner in the Sky wasn’t just about gourmet food or stunning views, it was about stepping out of comfort zones, saying yes to adventure, and creating unforgettable memories with friends. We laughed, we toasted, we marveled together. In those 90 minutes plus above Dubrovnik, I was reminded of this simple truth, the best moments in life often happen when we rise above our fears and say yes to something new. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
So here’s my encouragement to you, don’t wait for an experience to show up on your bucket list before you go after it. Sometimes the unplanned adventures are the ones that change you the most.
Next time life invites you to soar, whether that’s trying something new, take it. You never know what breathtaking views are waiting for you.
xo Sheryl
PS… Shout-out to Joanie whose wine glass collided with the host’s phone as he was filming us and the liquid completely splashed her face. It was all caught on camera and each time I see it I laugh out loud and so does she. She was a good sport!
PSS… Another shout-out to my girls and “PARTY-PANTS” (once you’re up in the air there’s no exit until it’s over).
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