Page 16 of Sweet Poison

Uncle and I walk toward the double glass doors that lead to the inside of the resort as the friendly bellhops deal with our luggage.

They all have smiles on their faces and a warmth aura to them.

As stunning as the outside looks, the interior’s decor is what has me blinking twice to see if I’m dreaming all of this. I’ve seen a lot of beautiful places but nothing compares to this. Nothing.

With sudden eagerness to see more, I step through the revolving doors that lead to the lobby and I’m stopped dead by a sight straight out of a tropical Christmas dream.

“Holy shite,” Uncle Cianne breathes out as if he too finds this place out of this world enchanting.

Holy shite indeed.

We both stand back, taking in the stunning lobby that makes me think of it as a fairy kingdom come to life. On every corner there are towering trees with white twinkling lights woven through their branches and Christmas ornaments to match the vibe.

The scent of fresh flowers fills the air, mingling with the warm and spicy scent of cinnamon.

I love the smell of cinnamon and especially on Christmas time. It smells like home after mom bakes my favorite dessertarroz con leche. She sprinkles a pinch of grounded cinnamon to add to the flavor.

Still in a trance, I walk further inside as I turn in circles taking everything in with curious eyes. How have I never heard of this hotel? I’m always looking online for unique places to add to my ‘one day travel’ list but I guess I just missed this one.

I look up and admire the glistening icicles hanging from the ceiling like delicate crystal chandeliers, casting a soft, ethereal glow over everything.Wow…

A stream of laughter and festive music in a language I don’t know drifts through the space, adding to the jolly atmosphere.

Shifting my attention from the ceiling to the floors, I notice a mosaic of natural stones and more cheerful decorations. I love that the theme seems to be a fun Christmas because there’s nothing boring about it. It’s a mix of joyful holiday celebration and a bit of expensive looking decor. And every corner seems to hold a new surprise: white Christmas lights tucked into the plants and trees, whimsical and fun ornaments hanging from the branches of the trees, and even cozy nooks decorated with plush green and red cushions and soft holiday themed blankets. The entire lobby feels alive and cheerful, as if the hotel itself is welcoming me into its magical and warmth embrace.

My Mom would love this place so much. When I was younger she made it her mission to decorate our home as if Christmas exploded all over it. Much the same as this resort. I know seeing this will make Mom smile. So I reach for my phone, and snap pictures of the lobby and send them to her and also to the rest of my family.

First, I shoot a photo of the glittering trees with mistletoes hanging from them, and quickly text it to them with a message.

Me: Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. We made it to the resort. Look how gorgeous this place is. It feels like I just stepped into a Christmas fairy tale!

The reply from my Mom is almost instant.

Mommy: Oh wow, Willow. It looks incredible! I love it! Giant, we should go there next Christmas!”

Daddy: *Thumbs up emojis*

Next, I capture a shot of the ornaments hanging from the branches and send it to the chat I have with my cousins.

Me: It’s like Christmas exploded all over the resort!

Ella: *Pink heart and heart eyes emojis*

Ella: Wow, how pretty. I wish we were there with you, Low!

Rai: Well… that looks like a nightmare.

Me: *Rolling eyes emojis*

Ella: Oh, please Rai. You know you’re a closeted holiday freak.

Rai: *Middle finger emojis*

I take another picture of the fountain in the middle of the lobby where its water turns from green to red simultaneously and small inflatable candy canes float in it. I send it with a heart emoji.

Aunt K: *Black heart and thumbs up emoji*

Aunt K: Enjoy, Baby girl. Be safe.

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