Page 41 of Cinematic Destinies
“Our afternoon tea just ended, but if you’re hungry, I’m sure I could get you a few canapés and sweets to go with your champagne.”
“I’m fine. Thank you, though,” Georgia said.
“Yes, I’ll save room for dinner,” Roo concurred.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Georgia gushed, “This place seems amazing.”
Roo slung his arm around her and said, “Look at this list. Morning yoga, a full breakfast, wine tastings, high tea, loads of spa services, and the lagoon itself.”
“Oh, I want to see if I can book a facial.”
Their host returned and handed them each a flute.
“Cheers, darling,” Roo said, clinking his glass to hers.
“Cheers.”
AFTER A TOUR OF THE FACILITIES, GEORGIAand Roo went to their room, which featured a view of moss-covered lava rocks, the lagoon water trickling by. Roo noticed the freestanding bathtub facing the wall of windows and remarked, “We’ll definitely have to take a soak in this. Doesn’t get more romantic.”
Georgia giggled. “There’s also a rainfall shower with room for two.”
“I like the sound of that,” he replied, slipping his arms around her waist and staring adoringly into her eyes. “So, what shall we do first?”
“The lagoon!” she squealed.
He smiled. “I love how excited you get for something new. Your spirit is so alive, it’s infectious.”
“Come on, let’s change into our swimsuits,” she said, tugging his hand.
Soon Roo was in blue swim trunks and Georgia in a white string bikini. She was looking in the bathroom mirror and pulling her long curls into a bun when Roo slipped his hands around her waist, gently kissed her shoulder, and whispered, “You are extraordinarily beautiful and damn sexy.”
She finished fixing her hair, turned to face him, and said, “You’re not so bad either.”
They kissed softly and Roo said, “If we want to make it to the lagoon, I don’t think we can do that again, not with you looking like this. You are a goddess.”
She giggled. “Come on, let’s put on our matching white robes and flip-flops and head over.”
Soon they were walking down the stairs of the spa that led into the private part of the lagoon reserved for hotel guests.
“Wow, it’s as warm as a bath,” Georgia said as they stepped into the milky blue water. “The color is incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“Follow me,” Roo said, and he used his bracelet to open a small see-through door, which led into the open-air part of the lagoon.
“Oh, wow!” Georgia exclaimed. They wandered through the mineral-rich water, encased between mounds of lava rocks. Steam rose around them as they found themselves shoulder-deep, not a soul in sight. “The ground is soft and a little squishy,” she remarked.
“It’s a kind of white mud. This whole thing comes from silica, a product of lava. It’s mixed with geothermal seawater in volcanic aquifers deep underground, which gives the lagoon its mineral properties, temperature, and iconic coloring,” Roo explained.
“I’m impressed,” Georgia said.
“Don’t be. I was reading the tourism book while you were changing. That’s the extent of what I learned.”
“How about we sit over here, on this ledge?” Georgia suggested.
They sat down in the far corner of the private lagoon.
“This is paradise,” Roo said as he draped his arm around Georgia.
She sighed contentedly. “Absolute bliss.”
