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As tempting as the air conditioning of the lobby might be, you prefer to unwind while getting the lay of the land. There’s certainly no rush to do everything, and you don’t feel like going swimming yet.
The reception staff offers to keep you hand luggage locked up at the desk and invite you to have a beverage while you’re waiting. They point out the cutest little refreshment stand. You grab your day bag, head to the refreshment stand, and enjoy the enticing aroma of local coffee. “I don’t mind if I do,” you think to yourself.
Armed with liquid joy, you venture onto the hotel grounds.
Glancing back over your shoulder, you marvel at how different the main building looks from this side. The mature banyan tree in the entryway disguised the building's three-storey height perfectly. On this ocean side, a peaked window spans the upper two floors through which staff prepare tables for service.
You make a mental note to look at dining options as you follow the first path leading past the courtyard fountain. The bubbling water and the delicious, warm coffee soothe you.
This is perfect.
Curving paths wind between low-profile guest buildings nestled amid lush greens promote privacy and relaxation. The activities centre is in one wing of the main building, closer to the beach. Each room faces the ocean and has access to one of a series of mini-beaches or look-out docks. You remember from the online images that there are also over-the-ocean suites which look like tiny houses.
A gardener pulling weeds politely nods at you as you reach the spa, the entryway of which was carved out of a rocky outcrop. You refer to the map to see where you are.
With three pools and two main beaches, you won’t have to struggle through throngs of tourists here - exactly what you wanted. The tennis court is at the far edge of the property and the resort offers golf cart service upon request. The map has several walking routes marked out, including one that goes through the surrounding forest to the ruins you saw from the plane.
You sip the coffee, close your eyes, and idly daydream about having the next morning cup in one of the fancy over-the-water huts, with its glass floor balcony and tropical fish swimming below your feet.
“Are you lost?” a warm voice asks from behind you.
“Does lost in thought count?” You turn around with a happy smile.
There’s no one there except the groundskeeper you passed a moment ago, his head down busy with his work.
A tingle runs down your neck and you almost let go of your cup in surprise. A brief gust of wind snatches the map from your hand, blowing it in the gardener's direction. You rush after it. Despite how weirded out you are by that voice, you'd hate to litter on the perfectly manicured lawn.
"You drop?" the gardener says, holding the map out to you. He sounds nothing like the voice you just heard.
"Sorry," you reply, taking back the map. "Thank you. Was there anyone, um..." You falter, feeling silly for asking if you were the only one on the path.
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