- RAYA -
The resort is incredible.
Walking under the tropical canopy of the rainforest with our welco drinks in hand, the main building cos into view. It has a thatched roof that Xeni tells us is in the architectural style of the indigenous people here. But since wood is not sustainable and not environntally conscious, recycled wood has been used to create the sa effect—with all of the modern weather-proofing and safety assurances that luxury anities would, of course.
The interior of this main building is surrounded by windows in its entirety, which gives the sense of there being no real separation between interior and exterior spaces. And with the way the architecture is tucked into its surroundings, the wild of the forest cos all the way up to the doorway.
Vines climb and cascade over the columns and balconies that hint toward Spanish architectural influences. Tropical trees drape and veil elegantly overhead. Monkeys and lizards and birds are in plain sight. If this is luxury, I’m one thousand percent in.
With every step, I can sense layers of anxiety shedding from Rory, too. Maybe my hope and desire for her to enjoy the trip so much is convincing that this is the case, but the tension in her shoulders visibly lowers, and the energy eases all around her.
I want to smile and hug her and jump up and down, but I don’t. That would probably cancel out all of the apparent signs of peace and relaxation I’m noticing. Instead, I beam silently to myself and then to Dex when his gaze falls on .
As Xeni continues to show us around the interior of the main building, I notice wispy grass chandeliers, comfortable sofas, hammocks, an elegant fine dining area, and a general sense of the quiet, understated luxury here that is nestled among nature.
During the brief introduction to the outdoor space of the resort, we get a peek at an infinity pool that looks straight through a gap in the trees and out onto the beach. A few horses gallop by in the distance with their riders just as Dex said, and that’s when I find myself wondering again if this is real and not just so fantasy I’ve created in my mind.
But I can sll the salt of the ocean and hear the distant waves. There are foreign sounds of wildlife. Of course this is real. This is just life with Dex. He brings fantasies like this into reality and makes things I would never even imagine possible happen right before my eyes.
My attention returns to the pool where there are currently visitors relaxing on sofas and chairs, enjoying the afternoon hours with drinks and mingling as if this is all very normal for them. A few are reading books, undisturbed by the new arrivals gaping at the surroundings.
Well, I’m definitely gaping. Dex looks like he was expecting this all along. Luciano looks like he’s too cool for this place, but I suspect he looks like that everywhere. And Rory continues to sip her drink quietly, not giving too much away with respect to emotion.
One woman wearing a sheer blouse and bikini is typing away on her laptop—the dream ideal of anyone who wishes to work remotely in a tropical location. I can’t personally imagine working in a place like this, but I suppose there are so who would.
When our presence finally manages to steal the woman’s attention, I notice her gaze snag on Dex for several monts too long before she ets my challenging eyes and looks away. I sigh softly. This is also going to be life with Dex—dealing with the admiring and sotis hungry eyes of other won.
"There is a full list of anities in your rooms along with local attractions, hiking trails, tours. If there is anything you need that we haven’t thought of, one of us is always only a phone call away," Xeni says. "I suppose you would probably like to see your rooms?"
The "rooms" are not what I expect at all. I’m sure my awe is visible when we begin walking over a suspension bridge toward what Xeni explains is really the first "cabina" rather than room.
The cabinas look like interconnected treehouses with white stucco foundations and columns, thatched roofs just like the main building, and private wooden decks with views of both the rainforest and ocean. Yep, this is paradise. It’s going to feel like we are sleeping in the rainforest itself. I wonder if monkeys will co visit if we sit out on the deck.
"The first cabina you reserved is the largest. It has its own infinity pool, two decks, and the kitchen and living areas are on a separate floor. The other two cabinas are a little cozier." Xeni uses the key to open the door for us. "All of your luggage has been brought into this one until you decide who is sleeping where."
"This is beautiful, Xeni. Thank you," Dex says, taking the key from her.
"Wow." I walk in and look around at the floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in all of the natural light. "Beautiful is an understatent."
"I’m happy you are pleased," she says with a grin. "Allow to show you the other two."
Another suspension bridge brings us to the first of the smaller cabinas, which is equally as beautiful as the larger one. It has one deck, no pool, and the kitchen is on the sa floor as the bedroom. But it is breathtaking. Everything here is breathtaking. The second smaller cabina that Xeni shows us appears almost identical to the first.
Once we’ve seen all three places where we’ll be sleeping and gotten a sense of our surroundings, my attention returns to my sister. But Rory still looks pretty at ease. Her drink is empty with only ice cubes remaining, which I imagine could have sothing to do with her state of calm. When she absentmindedly jangles the ice in her glass, Xeni offers to take it from her.
"Thank you," Rory smiles and then crosses her arms over herself.
The first thing I’m going to do after everyone is settled is spend so alone ti with her. Maybe she won’t want that, though. Maybe she’ll continue to be as distant as she has been, but I hope that’s not the case.
"I’ll take this one," Luciano says, his eyes cutting to Dex. He pats the deck railing decidedly, indicating that he is referring to staying in this cabina—the furthest from the main building and the furthest from the largest of the three Dex has booked.
Sothing unspoken passes between the two cousins. Before I can decipher what it is, Luciano glares back out into the forest—dark eyes scanning the trees like they’ve personally insulted him. If anyone appears tense, it’s him.
I honestly can’t imagine why. As far as I can see, this place is perfect in every way.
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