As we hop out of the tour bus, a concierge greets us and takes our luggage. The marble floors, contemporary furniture, and vibrant colors frame the view of the pool, tiki bar, and ocean stretching beyond the resort. I can taste the salty breeze thatcomes through the open lobby. The warmth of the air instantly soothes me, and I envision us all lounging by the pool under the blazing sun. Our excitement is clear as we eagerly make our way to the lobby.
“The weather is hot, and the views are spectacular. I’d totally live here, too.” I look over to Kendall.
Lane shakes her head. “I’m never leaving.”
“Let’s go, ladies—we have to check in. You can fantasize all you want later,” Addison says, rushing us toward the lobby.
We give the concierge our reservation details. After handing us our keys and a map of the expansive resort, he circles where we are and then our block of rooms. There are a couple ways to walk there, but we choose the scenic route that brings us through the resort. As we stroll through the main pool area, it's bustling with people soaking up the sun's rays, island cocktails in hand. Enjoying frozen drinks by the pool or beach seems like the ideal way to relax on this vacation.
“We are totally coming back to this tiki bar,” Kendall says, wide-eyed as we walk to our hotel rooms. “I’ll be living on one of those barstools all week, ogling every half-naked man in sight. No complaints from me.”
If Kendall were single, guys would flock to her. I know she will be at the tiki bar within the next thirty minutes, chatting it up with everyone. She isn't wrong, this place is full of gorgeous men, and it gets my heart pumping. Is it the sun or the men making my skin hot? Probably both.
As we pass by the tiki bar, the smell of pizza and fruity drinks mix in the air. My stomach growls, those chips on the plane didn’t do much for my hunger. Glancing over, I notice there’s plenty of seating to come back to. I can’t wait to put my luggage and this heavy backpack in my room.
There’s a DJ playing music, and the vibration from the speakers runs through me. The atmosphere is light, fun, andinviting. I’m excited to enjoy the resort's amenities and the all-inclusive food and drinks. Bring it on.
"I saw on their website that they host dance parties at night, complete with live shows. We should check out this week's schedule and dance the night away," I say, swaying my hips to the beat that’s pulsing through the speakers.
"Yes! I'm sure they have a schedule posted somewhere," Addison says, eyes bright with excitement as she glances around the pool area. "Let's explore the rooms, and if we can't find the schedule, we can always ask the concierge.”
Kendall nods in agreement. "We haven't gone dancing together in ages. This will be the perfect chance to let loose and have some fun," she says, her voice filled with anticipation.
Beyond the crystal-clear pool, a set of stone stairs winds its way down through the lush greenery and palm trees to the sandy beach below. Rows of lounge chairs with brightly colored umbrellas are neatly arranged along the white sandy beach. The scene looks like a postcard, inviting anyone to sink into relaxation with the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore.
Lane turns to us with a gleam in her eye. “Later, I’ll be grabbing my book and settling into one of those chairs right by the water’s edge.”
“That sounds perfect.” Addison's smile spreads across her face as she probably imagines the salty breeze ruffling the pages of her true crime novel.
“I’m game for that plan,” I chime in, already picturing myself with my sunglasses perched on my nose, flipping through the pages of my romance book as the sun casts a golden glow over us.
Rocks, colorful geckos, and tropical plants line the path to our hotel rooms. The geckos dart among the stones and people. We reach the second pool and the balconies on this side of theresort, which offer a breathtaking view of the palm trees, white sandy beach, and the ocean merging with the sky. I close my eyes briefly, eager to feel the breeze on my face, and inhale the ocean air deeply. We'll have plenty of time to enjoy paradise for the next week.
When we arrive at our building, the stairs going to the second floor are exposed to the air, inviting us upward. Once we reach the second floor, I see the hallway is open to the elements, allowing the gentle breeze to flow through. Our hotel rooms are conveniently located next to one another. It's absolutely perfect.
As we stand in the hallway, Kendall points her fingers at all of us. “See you all right here in fifteen minutes. We’re going to grab a drink and take in all of this perfection.”
With that, we each rush to our doors, squealing with excitement.
So far, this resort has a luxurious vibe, and it gets better the minute I open my door. The room is spacious, and light is streaming in through the French doors of my balcony that overlooks the resort and ocean. The citrus aroma makes the room smell clean and rejuvenating.
I glance around the room, taking in the king-sized bed neatly made with a towel swan sitting on it. I can’t help but run my fingers over the comforter. It’s soft and plush. All I want to do is throw myself on it after a long day of traveling. If I lie down now, I’ll never get up to enjoy the rest of the day. A warm welcome note with all the essential restaurant and resort activities information is thoughtfully placed alongside a couple of refreshing bottles of water. I pick one up, unscrew the cap, and take a few sips.
Making my way to the balcony, I gently open the doors and step outside. I’m in awe of the view of the west side of the resort, where one of the smaller, sparkling pools glistens in the sunlight below. Palm trees sway with the slight breeze today. The heatwarms my body as I lean on the balcony wall and let it all sink in that we are finally here.
I'm going to spend some alone time out here.
I turn around, walk back in, and head to check out the bathroom. The shower is spa-like, stone flooring, multiple shower heads, and the usual amenities like soap, shampoo, and conditioner. The staff hung the towels neatly, flipping the bottom up, giving it some dimension. Over in the corner of the vanity, there’s a small basket of bathroom essentials with razors, makeup remover wipes, and lotion.
Eager to make the most of this time, I return to the room. I set my suitcase on the luggage stand and unzip it. Spotting the first swimsuit, I slip it on. I make sure to grab my sunglasses and hat. With a quick glance in the mirror by the door, I confirm that I'm tiki bar ready.
When I step outside, I’m the first one out of their room and making my way to the top of the stairs. Addison will be excited to see that I made it here first. Usually, I’m the last one ready. It takes only a few minutes before everyone is here.
I clutch the tube of sunscreen tightly in my hand, determined not to suffer another sunburn. The memory of our last trip resurfaces—I had skipped reapplying and ended up red and tender, missed out on events for a couple days. I promised myself never again. This time, I'm ready. I brought sunscreen, and I’ve also packed aloe gel infused with lidocaine and small packets of electrolytes to keep hydrated.
“Still can’t believe you were out here first,” Addison teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
“I’m here to make the most of every single thing this resort has to offer,” I say, my voice buzzing with excitement.
