Page 15 of Hot to Go

‘¿Usted habla español?’ she asks excitedly.

‘Solo un poco.’

I have a feeling that another reason why I’ve been invited on this holiday is that I have some ability in conversational Spanish that may help during our time here. The sisters stand behind me, Lucy to the back to hide her party girl face, hoping all these Spanish words are positives. The lady in front of us is in a linen dress with a blazer, and a name badge. Rosa. She’s tanned, her hair slicked back, looking very different to those of us who’ve endured an early-morning flight and the joys and hassles of navigating our way over here in our hire car through dusty amber roads, flanked by rocks and trees, nearly taking out a whole herd of unmanned goats on the way.

‘There are six of you, only?’ she asks.

‘Yes,’ interrupts Meg. ‘I was the lead booker. I am sorry we weretarde. There werecabróneson theroad.’

‘CABRAS,’ I say. Goats, as opposed to bastards.

We’re lucky that makes Rosa laugh.

‘Then let me take you around the villa, tell you about the key codes and show you where the linens and controls are,’ she says politely to Meg.

We probably should follow, but instead we stand by the side of that pool, gawping into the space in front of us. When the gate pulled back, we were mesmerised but as we walked out over the stone paths to take in the views and the size of this place, we realised this was not just any villa. This was some slice of paradise, hidden away in the mountains. Through groves of orange trees smelling sweetly of jasmine, the paths led down to a traditional looking stone house, shutters to the windows, guarded by yew trees and encircled by a giant patio with tables, chairs and an outside cooking space. Beyond that, there’s a perfectly azure pool, surrounded by white sun loungers and parasols. All you can hear is the trickle of water, and a few birds tweeting their welcomes; you can almost hear the sun beating down on us, baking the floor. And the view. It’s like a long deep exhalation, you can see sea, sky in all directions and just feel it all repairing your soul. Even Lucy is lost for words.

‘Well, feliz cumpleaños, señora, and we really hope you all enjoy your stay at Villa Sueños,’ Rosa tells us, returning with Meg. She looks at our party curiously. I’m hoping it’s not the UB40 T-shirts. ‘There are no men?’ she asks.

‘No, it’s a women’s only holiday,’ Lucy pipes up proudly, putting her arm around Grace.

Rosa looks over at us, blankly. ‘Oh. That is fine. I do not mean to…I don’t know the word…No pretendo juzgar.’

My Spanish is basic so I just nod back. I think she said something about lights but I’m hoping she’s also left us a manual.

‘Are you expecting other visitors? Maybe from town?’ she asks curiously.

The sisters look a little confused but mostly look at Lucy who is a fan of bringing in strays and one-night stands. Still, the theme for the weekend seems to be womanly bonding so I’d assume she would know what is appropriate. We all shake our heads, assuming any outsiders is possibly against the rules of our rental.

‘Then enjoy…ladies. Actually, there’s some items in the bathroom that you might find useful,’ she says, a little tentatively.

‘Gracias por su ayuda,’ Meg tells her.

Meg’s been on Duolingo. I know because she told me on the plane. The accent is a little off but she’s tried and Rosa looks impressed she’s made the effort at least. She takes her leave as we all stand there in different states of shock gazing at this place that will be home for the next few days.

Grace turns towards the sun silently, letting it beat against her face, Beth removes layers as the intense heat starts to hit, draping them over her trolley bag.

Emma looks around, silently, her eye catching the big mega barbeque and outdoor dining area. ‘Meg, this is too much. How much did it cost you? We should be chipping in?’

The other sisters look to Meg in agreement and curiosity. ‘Danny booked it as a gift. He had a contact. I mean, it’s my fortieth and I don’t splurge enough on myself apparently.’

Lucy heads to the pool, kicking off her shoes and sitting on the side to dip her feet in. ‘And this is why I’ve always liked Danny.’

I think about the gesture, booking a holiday for someone when you’re not even going on the holiday yourself, acknowledging that they are deserving of something this grand, this special. I see Meg look around the place, floored by it but unable to wipe the huge smile from her face.

‘Is this private enough for your yoni sunning then?’ Meg jokes.

‘It’s perfect,’ Lucy says, standing up to take off her T-shirt and shorts revealing she had her bikini on the whole time. Some of us really know how to prepare for a holiday. She jumps into the pool squealing with delight, splashing Emma slightly who would probably normally be angry but instead smiles broadly. Beth takes off her trainers and socks and dips her feet in, stepping into the shallows, the relief on her face clear to all. ‘Take it all off, Beth!’ her sister commands.

‘I haven’t got any swimmers on?’ Beth complains.

‘You have a bra and knickers on, it’s practically the same!’ Lucy yells, as she comes over to attack her, like some sort of overexcited shark.

‘Well, now the kids are being entertained. Let’s get some drinks, I’m gasping,’ Emma tells me, putting a hand to my arm so we can explore. The other sisters disperse as Emma and I stroll inside towards the reprieve of cool stone floors and ceiling fans. Inside the décor is minimalist, large sofas by windows framed by gauzy curtains that let in a cool mountain breeze, and an open-plan kitchen with a fridge bigger than the moon.

‘IS THERE A PUMP IN THE HOUSE?’ a voice booms from outside. I stick my head out of the window to see Lucy has opened her bag poolside and seems to have brought a large inflatable unicorn with her.

‘How did she…?’

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