Overheard at . . . Nevis

The whoosh of a coconut as it fell from the tree branch above me.

Inspired by my tagline, Journeys Inspired by Love, I am changing my blog up for a while. I have decided to explore topics directly related to travel, either from my past, present or future... or travel that others are embarking upon.

So, to start off this new direction, I am posting a write-up I did +10 years ago when I was fortunate enough to travel to the Four Seasons Resort, Nevis. I hope you enjoy...

My husband and I are somewhat travelled.  At least, I can claim a handful of stamps in my passport and some well worn luggage. And although we have stayed in some truly beautiful locals and hotels, I knew none would compare with the experience we were about to have.

For one thing, we were travelling in peak season. The very ‘fullness’ of the boat ferrying us from the island where we had landed to the hotel testified to this. Second, were it not for the fact that this was a reward trip earned by my husband through his company, I knew this trip would not have been taken, or, at least not until someday when the exorbitant cost could be forgiven (Author's note, 2014.... still waiting for this day to occur:>)

As I stared out at the aquamarine water I wondered if others every felt this same sense of being an interloper.  Yet, the sign of a truly great resort is its ability to make all feel welcomed: those travelling with families, the honeymooning couples, the business travellers.  After disembarking we were shown straight to our room. Each guest individually met and chauffered,  No check in, no fuss with dragging luggage behind us, and no worry about tipping (this had been spelled out in the little information card handed to my husband while I had been getting my drink on the boat.) It was this type of care I had dreamt of and craved.I wanted others to make things so easy for me that I wouldn’t need to worry about a thing.

Still, old habits die hard. My priorities were clear, rum punch and poolside mists. But just after those things I was looking forward to trying out the brand new spa. With such a large crowd would my appointment have been pushed aside in favor of a real guest paying real money?  But no! When the demand was greater than the number of appointments available, the resort called in extra masseuses to help out.  I went to bed that night secure in my plan for the following day, room service on my balcony, a massage in the new spa, and then time by the pool, to read, socialize, or whatever.

The next day I lay on my lounge bed, relaxed and so grateful for the day I had dreamt of. Everything was perfect. Until...

In my relaxed state I barely acknowledged the rustling above my head and only watched in slow motion as the rustling became a large coconut hurtling toward me.  Should I protect myself or allow the coconut to hit? After all, such a catastrophe would certainly qualify me for a couple more nights in paradise. Before I had a chance to decide, the coconut hit the lounge chair in front of my feet and bounced to the ground.  Others around the pool got a good chuckle, but at the time I was disappointed I hadn't dove under the instrument of my free nights' stay.  It was only later I learned the truth. I had barely avoided becoming a statistic, albeit a weird and small one. It turns out that 210 people die each year by being hit on the head by a falling coconut.

Here's to your own wonderful Journeys Inspired by Love

February is coming to a close, my friends, and with it, my February contest. Leave a comment. Tell me about your own travel experiences. One lucky commenter will win their choice of one of Julia Green's Decluttering/Feng Shui Kindle books http://amzn.com/e/B008IC65K6. Check back at the end of the month to see if you won and to let me know which one you want.

(Please note - while I love and appreciate your comments on twitter and Facebook, only comments made here, on my blog, will be entered into the drawing - this way all who read the blog post can engage in a shared conversation about it.)