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anestiefel · 4 years

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The 10 Best Caribbean Islands for Couples and the Most Romantic Hotel on Each

St. Lucia: Jade Mountain Resort

The Galaxy Sanctuary at the Jade Mountain Resort/Oyster

For couples who want to experience a little bit of everything — but also have the option to kick back and escape — St. Lucia makes a solid choice. The island is experiencing a tourism boom, and frankly it’s a wonder the world’s taken so long to catch on to this slice of lush island paradise. It offers incredible scenery courtesy of volcanic peaks, fantastic snorkeling, and scenic hiking if you’re up for a challenge. Perched on the edge of the island’s verdant flowering cliffsides, the adults-only Jade Mountain Resort is a place where you can officially switch off the world outside. Couples don’t have to lift a finger here, particularly if they book an all-inclusive package. Expect dedicated butlers, free daily yoga classes, memorable meals, and top-notch service all around.

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Bahamas: The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas

Aerial Photography at the The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas/Oyster

The Bahamas have long been on family vacation radars, but that doesn’t mean the islands don’t appeal to couples too. If you have kids in tow but still want to get away on your own, The Ocean Club is a fantastic kid-friendly hotel that has enough luxury for parents to feel like they’re catching a break (that Balinese-inspired spa!), while children ages 4 to 12 can hang out at the free Four Seasons kids’ club. Parents, meanwhile, can head to comfortable lounge chairs on the beach, take in a free yoga class, or pop open the bubbly delivered to the rooms each day. Still need to convince reluctant teens? Just let it slip that the resort featured in James Bond flick, Casino Royale.

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Jamaica: The Caves

Caves at The Caves/Oyster

Jamaica has its fair share of crowded resorts, but for couples wanting to feel like a piece of the islands is actually theirs, The Caves is as close to a private island as you can get. The resort numbers just 12 private cottages, constructed from stone and turquoise carved wooden paneling, and are dotted along the tree-topped cliffs that overlook Negril’s blue waters. There’s no sandy beach (there is ocean access), but couples embracing an intimate, bohemian sense of romance won’t be disappointed. Think locavore dining, ocean-view saltwater pool, and private candlelit cave dining. The Aveda Amenity Spa is one of the best in the area, too. It’s small but mighty, and worth a trip for its signature Jamaican brown sugar body scrub alone.

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St. Barts: Eden Rock

Eden Rock/Oyster

There are few Caribbean destinations as synonymous with luxury as St. Barts, and for good reason: For couples who love a bit of glamour on their holidays, the celebrity-favorite island is the perfect place to retreat. Eden Rock is located right on Nikki Beach, close to everything you need (and everywhere you want to see and be seen): shopping, dining, and the airport. It’s popular with a certain set, too — Kate Middleton’s family has been reported to vacation here (it’s owned by Pippa’s in-laws) — but has the credentials to back it up, including a restaurant headed by celebrity chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It certainly has plenty to appeal to couples looking for a personalized resort experience, from individual welcome notes to in-room spa treatments.

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Turks and Caicos: COMO Parrot Cay

Beach at the COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos/Oyster

Holiday makers flock to Turks and Caicos for relaxing beach vacations, but the island has plenty to offer couples who are into wellness vacations — particularly if you book a stay at COMO Parrot Cay, which meets luxury at its normal standard and then takes it to a whole next level. The idyllic resort has a health-focused spa menu at its restaurants, featuring produce grown on-site, and personal trainers are on call to help you work up that vacation workout sweat. That is, of course, if you can tear yourself away from the infinity pool or beach, which stretches on for more than three miles. If you’re happy to melt into the resort and its amenities, half- and full-board meal plans are available, though you’ll have to pay separately for alcohol. And did we mention the world-renowned Shambhala Spa? Don’t leave without a massage or facial from this gem.

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Grenada: Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa

Beach at the Sandals Grenada Resort and Spa/Oyster

While historically a little more under-the-radar, Grenada, is a gorgeous island in the Antilles. Its branch of Sandals’ indulgent resorts is a romantic hotel for couples wanting a luxury vacation that isn’t all just sitting on the beach and going to the spa. Foodies will love the 10 restaurants, active couples can check out kayaking and snorkeling at the beach (or the unlimited free diving if you’re SCUBA certified), and those wanting to chill can book in a treatment at the sophisticated Red Lane Spa. The ocean isn’t always ideal for swimming, though there’s a roped-off area where it’s safe to splash.

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Dominican Republic: Zoetry Agua Punta Cana

Beach at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana/Oyster

Punta Cana is a popular stop on the resort circuit, but those wanting an intimate stay need not be at a loss. Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is an all-inclusive, secluded-feeling resort that offers a tropical retreat for couples needing to sit back and relax. It’s an altogether different sort of vibe than the party-hardy hotels in the Bavaro area. Expect freebies like free unlimited gourmet dining, non-motorized water sports, top-shelf booze, laundry service, cigar-rolling and snorkeling, and fruit, liquor, and coffee in the rooms. Guests are also treated to a free 20-minute massage to set the vacation vibe. For those with an equestrian flair, horseback riding on the beach is also included in the stay. There’s also a gorgeous spa with a hydrotherapy circuit, and private butlers if you book a suite. Best of all, the private beach is utterly uncrowded.

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Antigua: Galley Bay Resort & Spa

Beach at the Galley Bay Resort & Spa/Oyster

You don’t tend to hear about couples going to Antigua the way you hear about travelers going to Jamaica, but this gem of an island is worth getting on your radar for a romantic retreat. Especially if you’re staying at Galley Bay Resort & Spa, which is perfect for nature-lovers. It’s set on 53 acres that envelop a bird sanctuary, white-sand beach, and picturesque lagoon. The all-in rate covers three meals and drinks, as well as non-motorized sports. It’s elegant but relaxed, with both a rustic rum joint and a sophisticated spa, though a bohemian spirit runs strong with outdoor showers and reggae CDs upon request. Take in the scenery from the freeform pool, or from one of four restaurants that all look out over the water. For a romantic splurge, upgrade to the Gauguin suites, located in stone buildings, each with its own private plunge pool.

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Aruba: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba

Beach at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort Aruba/Oyster

Aruba’s known for its natural beauty, and couples who take a commitment to the environment as seriously as they take their commitment to each other need look no further than Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. It was the first certified carbon-neutral hotel in the region, and it’s placed along the 14-acre spread that makes up the beautiful Eagle Beach. The resort is definitely a place where you can (and should) kick back. Take time to catch the sunrise for once, or find zen during a yoga class on the beach. For a romantic treat, book one of the private cabanas for an oceanfront meal to remember. Aruba pro tip: you can safely drink the tap water.

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Barbados: Sandals Barbados

Beach at the Sandals Barbados/Oyster

Couples who love activities and making new friends will have a great time on Barbados. The island offers a ton of experiences, from visits to rum distilleries to cave tours, and it’s long been a popular destination for Americans looking to catch a bit of sun. There’s a reason why Sandals has a long-running reputation for offering couples fantastic resort experiences, Sandals Barbados is a testament to its success. The all-inclusive pricing means everything is paid for up front, and upgraded rooms, with amenities like butler service and freestanding soaking tubs on the terrace, add that special touch of luxury to a much-needed Caribbean getaway. It’s not the quietest stay — Sandals resorts are known for being a bit lively –but it’s a great pick for sociable couples focusing on Caribbean fun.

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Our Top Outfits for Your Caribbean Island Vacation:

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Watch

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You’ll Also Like:

18 Most Romantic All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico

12 of the Best Bang-For-Your-Buck All-Inclusives in the Caribbean

11 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid on Your Caribbean Vacation

The post The 10 Best Caribbean Islands for Couples and the Most Romantic Hotel on Each appeared first on Oyster.com.

from Oyster.com https://www.oyster.com/articles/best-caribbean-islands-for-couples-and-romantic-hotels/ Publish First on IFTTT

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5hfanfiction · 7 years

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Love Will Remember

Chapter Twenty One: Snow Globe Memories

Camila POV

I groaned and slowly let my eyes flutter open and close before I adjusted it to the daylight that seeped through the blinds in my room. Waking up was no longer a pleasure that it once was. I no longer woke up to entwined limbs and my beloved arms wrapped around my waist, all I got now was duvet and more duvet. I sat upright and flung the duvet off my frame.

Waking up can be really ruthless, especially if your dreams were better than the reality which you live in. It was better because the dream was where I still had her, where I could kiss her and hear her tell me she loved me as much as I wanted. But do you want to know the saddest part of it? Eventually the memory of the dream will dissipate and all you’re left with is the void and hollow feeling in the pit of your stomach that yearns for what the dream once had. It was the only proof that the dream happened.

I sighed and got off the bed and padded into the bathroom. I looked at myself in the mirror and crinkled my nose. “You look like shit, Camila.” I brushed my teeth. I lacked the energy nowadays to do anything remotely ‘normal’. Though Lauren and I seemed to have been building a friendship again, I couldn’t help but want more. I wanted Lauren back, my Lauren. Not the one that belonged to everyone else. I wanted the one who loved me but I couldn’t help but feel as though she was never going to come back. Ever.

I stripped off my clothing and hopped into the shower. The hot water cascaded down my body and caressed my skin. Water was always peaceful to me. The shower was my solitude, the only place I could get away from everything, but it was also the place where every thought rushed into my head and I couldn’t help but spend many minutes contemplating everything.

After a few more minutes of pondering life’s greatest mysteries, I turned the head of the shower off and wrapped my towel around me. When I stepped out the bathroom fully clothed, I was greeted to Dinah, my best friend sitting crossed legged on my bed with a tray beside her and what I assumed to be a present in her lap.

“Happy March 3rd, Chancho!” she beamed at me. Dinah patted the bed, gesturing that she wanted me to take a seat. I’m not one of those people who scream bloody murder if they don’t get a party when it’s their birthday or the usual cake, ice cream and a shitload of presents. All I wanted was to just forget about this day but I couldn’t. My life alone reminded me of this day. It wasn’t just the day I was born but according to my beloved father, it was the day my mother was taken away from the earth. Oh how I longed for it to have been me because I would’ve avoided all the pain and heartbreak and hurtful words my father spewed at me during my lifetime living with him.

“Dinah..” I began but she brought her hand to cover my mouth.

“Listen, before you say anything, Chancho, please hear me out,” she pleaded and I sighed behind her hand and nodded. “I know how much you loathe today, but listen to me. Today isn’t a bad today. It’s the day one of my best friends; my partner in crime, the Walz to my China was born. It’s your 20th birthday, Mila. Its twenty years of your selflessness, of your golden heart and cheerful smile…It’s twenty years of Camila,” she smiled. “And it’s not a bad thing because you mean so much to me and I love you so much, Chancho,” she said tearfully whilst looking at me. I couldn’t help the tears that escaped my own eyes, I never thought about my birth this way before. To me, it was always a burden to everyone around me. My father sure made a swell job of remind me about that.

I pulled Dinah into a hug. We both turned into sobbing messes for some reason. “Thank you, Dinah for always being there to cheer me up. Especially in these trying times. I know I could always count on you, CheeChee. I love you.” I sobbed into her shoulder. She was rubbing little circles in my back.

“No matter what happens, I’d always be here for you. I love you,” she said. After a couple more minutes of sobbing into each other, we pulled away. Wiping her eyes, Dinah laughed. “We’re so dramatic.”

I chuckled. “That we are,” I turned to look at the food on my bed. “Did you cook this?” I asked after popping some bacon into my mouth. “I just want to know how long I have to live.”

She pouted and playfully shoved me. “You’re mean. To think I got up at the ass crack of dawn, got out of bed, showered and had to painstakingly order this from La Casa de Jauregui just for you. I am appalled,” she scoffed and laughed. We both went into a fit of laughter. Of course Dinah wasn’t going to cook. The girl hated cooking besides making sandwiches because she had to survive of course, but other than that, she never ventured into the kitchen unless Ally or I were in there.

“I appreciate it nonetheless, Cheech,” I took her hand in mine and gave it a light squeeze. After I was done with consuming the scrumptious breakfast of bacons, eggs and my favourite; a Cabana along with some green tea, Dinah placed the gift that she had in her lap in mine.

“For you, my lady,” she said in one of the worse British accents ever causing me to chuckle.

The younger girl knew just how much I hated receiving presents, especially if they were expensive because Dinah always bought things that were pricy and my gifts, could never be as good as hers. “Chinaaaa, you know how I don’t like presents.” I whined.

She shook her head. “Shut up and open the damn gift!” She demanded and I sighed heavily. Of course I couldn’t deny her gift. Upon tearing off the banana gift paper (Dinah knows me so well), I was greeted to a blue book that had the words; “Sometimes our memories may fail us because we’re only human but the one thing that doesn’t change is pictures. They capture the moment, a moment that we wish we could live in forever but it’s just not possible. Things change and people change but pictures don’t,” it was written in Dinah’s cursive scrawl. I ran my fingers over the words and what it said was absolutely right. The only things you have left of some memories are just pictures.

Do you ever scroll through your phone and see a picture you have no memory about but it’s just there in your gallery staring at you? Yeah, our memories are unreliable but pictures hold steadfastly to every single moment that we once shared with someone we loved or just random strangers in the background or even selfies.

I flipped through the pages of the book and every single picture made me cry. It was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received from someone. “Thank you so much, CheeChee. This is perfect.”

***

It was nearing closing time at studio and I was super tired. I couldn’t wait to head home and bury myself under my sheets. I finished up editing the few pictures I had to do. I grabbed my leather jacket and threw it on. Before leaving, I went to look for Meryl.

“Hola abuelita. I’m about to head out. Is that okay? Or do you need me to do anything else?” I asked my adoptive grandmother.

“No, it’s okay Camilita. We’d see you tomorrow, yeah?” I nodded. “Have a good night, mija. Love you.”

“I love you too. Good night,” I bade her farewell and exited the studio. On my way out, I bumped into Ally. She had a huge smile on her face. I hadn’t seen her or Normani for the day and neither did Lauren call or even text me all day. I had hoped she would’ve remembered something about me today even though a part of me knew she wasn’t going to.

“Camila, hey! I was just in the neighbourhood and thought I’d come and walk you home,” she said in a high pitched voice but I felt like there was an underlying message behind her tone.

I rested my hand on her shoulder. “You okay, Ally? You’re acting strange,” I asked the shorter girl. She assured me that she was fine but her eyes were glancing everywhere but at me. “Okay…” I said suspiciously.

She patted her pockets and face palmed herself. “Damn it! I forgot my phone at work. Can you walk back with me to get it?” Ally asked and I just shrugged. It was either this or being home alone in my room flipping through Dinah’s scrap book and crying my eyes out. We then headed in the direction of the diner where Ally and I both worked.

We engaged in light conversation. She informed me that she met this guy, Will at the diner one day and he asked her on a date. I was happy for her, believe me, but every time I saw a happy couple, I couldn’t help the pang of jealousy that I felt because that used to be Lauren and I. I didn’t even know if there was ever going to be 'Lauren and I’ ever again but I still held onto that little ray of hope that one day everything will be okay.

“We’re here,” Ally said snapping me out of my inner turmoil.

I nodded. “Okay. I’d wait outside.”

“NO!” she yelled and I jumped in surprise. “I mean..no. It’s cold out and it might take some time to find it. So come in,” she pleaded. Ally was acting really strange tonight and I didn’t know what had gotten into her.

“Okay..” I said and Ally took a deep inhale of breath before slowly opening the door. The diner was pitch black and I heard shuffling on the inside. If I hadn’t known better, I would’ve thought Ally was taking me here to kill me but I knew my little nugget and she would do no such thing. After walking in, I heard footsteps and a loud crash, the lights flickered on and I was greeted to, “SURPRISE!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CAMILA!”

I let out an ear piercing scream and nearly fell back through the doors. Landing on my ass, I clutched my chest and breathed heavily. “Oh my gosh!” I scanned the room and saw the girls, the Jaureguis along with my favourite Jauregui in her wheelchair grinning at me, some of my co workers, Perrie who was grinning widely at me and Camila Mendes who was slowly getting up from the floor and rubbing her ass. I guess the loud crash was her falling. A happy birthday banner was draped over a table of presents; there were yellow and blue balloons everywhere. I wasn’t expecting anyone to do this for me. Well I hoped they wouldn’t have because I wasn’t in the partying mood; but I was grateful to have all the people I cared about here.

I was pulled up by Taylor Jauregui who was biting back a laugh. “You okay there, Mila?” I shook my head laughing.

I was brought into a group hug by Dinah, Normani, Ally, Perrie, Camila Mendes, along with Taylor. “So I guess this was why you were acting so strange with me, eh Ally?” I asked playfully and she smiled shaking her head.

“I’m sorry okay. I can’t lie or keep secrets. I swear I was about to explode.”

“That’s our Allysus. Such a good kid,” Normani said as she ruffled the older girl’s hair. “I’m sorry for avoiding you all day, Milz. But this took a lot of planning and last minute gift shopping. Don’t panic, they’re not that expensive.” Normani clarified.

“Speak for yourself, mine isn’t,” Cami exclaimed. “Hey, Mila. It’s so good to see you! I missed you,” she wrapped her arms around me. “You got a lot hotter from the last time I saw you,” she said when she released me, looking me up and down, causing me to blush.

“Happy Birthday, Camila. You didn’t even tell me today was your birthday. But it’s so good to see you again,” Perrie said as she wrapped her arms around me.

“Thank you, Pez. Shouldn’t you have known after checking my records?” I asked as we pulled away from the hug.

“Oh. Yeah. You’re right,” she laughed. Taylor butted in and pulled me away.

“That’s enough hogging, Camila. Lauren needs her now,” I felt my heart rate speed up at the mention of my ex girlfriend.

She was sitting there in her wheelchair looking effortlessly beautiful. The green eyed goddess donned a band tee and some ripped jeans but one of the pants’ legs was cut short to accommodate her cast and only one side of her combat boots. I had to stop myself from ogling her.

Lauren was conversing with her mother but stopped and looked at me. Her green eyes locked with mine and she sent me her signature smile. “Yep this is how I’m going to die,” I thought. I could honestly say right now that I was never going to get over her if she still had such a huge effect on me. Lauren still had me wrapped around her finger and I did not care one bit.

“Happy birthday, Camz,” she husked when I was in close proximity of her. Taylor and her mother left us alone to prepare the food or something around those lines. I wasn’t sure of anything because I was too lost in these emerald orbs.

“T-thanks,” I stuttered out after a few seconds of silence. She giggled and handed me the gift bag she had in her possession. “What’s this?” I asked dumbly.

“It’s a present. Funny story, I went to this antique shop to buy you a present, after Dinah told me today was your birthday and I was told that I never came to collect a parcel and this was it,” she scrunched up her eyebrows. “Dua said I was planning to get you this a while now for your birthday.”

“Lipa Antiques?” I asked and she nodded. I remembered how Lauren used to take me there whenever her friend, Dua called her to tell her about some cool new item they got. My ex was always a kid in a candy shop whenever she was in there.

“Open it,” she requested, so I did. When I opened the gift, I saw the most beautiful snow globe ever. I may have been very biased because it was a gift from the person who I held very dear to my heart, but it was really beautiful. In it, there was a picture of Lauren and I on our first date. It was the cliché picnic on a beach and she managed to get someone to snap a picture of us.

That day, literally was one of the best moments of my life. People may have thought we were moving too fast, and that I was confused because Lauren was the first person that showed me some sort of love but it wasn’t that. I knew I loved her. I had already been living with her and the girls for a few months. Everyone seemed to had known that we had feelings for each other, but we were too oblivious to see it.

There was a button on the side of it, so I pressed it and to my surprise, the one song I hadn’t heard or listened to in forever, was playing softly in a piano version. I heard Lauren gasp softly. “That…that song,” she said and I looked at her. “It’s been stuck in my head all day. I don’t know the words just the tune.”

I sighed heavily and began to sing. “Now’s all we got and time can’t be bought. I know it inside my heart. Forever will forever be ours, even if we tried to forget. Love will remember” I whispered the ending. The fact that Lauren didn’t even remember something so dear to us, broke my already heart even more. As soon as those words to the song escaped my lips, an expression of shock was plastered on Lauren’s face. “It was our song.”

“I-I don’t know what to say…I d-don’t remember,” she whispered sadly.

“Of course you don’t, Lauren! I don’t expect you to remember anything about me,” I bit out harshly and stormed off not before giving her back her present. I don’t know what had gotten to me but at that moment, I couldn’t take it. This was the song that had been blaring through the speakers in the movie theatre when Lauren asked me to be her girlfriend. This was the song we sung alone to for most of our road trips; the song we sun before our lives was turned upside down.

I saw the hurt in her eyes before I stormed off but I forced myself not to care and to apologize. The girls watched me storm off but didn’t try to stop me which I was grateful for because I wanted to be alone.

It was cold out, but I didn’t care. I found a chair and plopped down. I ran my hands through my hair and sighed heavily. The guilt started to seep in. I shouldn’t have reacted like that, Lauren didn’t deserve it and it wasn’t her fault if she didn’t remember me. My body sunk into the chair and I shut my eyes tightly to prevent the tears that were definitely going to fall.

“I’m sorry,” I didn’t have to open my eyes to know who it was. “I’m sorry I don’t remember you, I’m sorry I’m hurting you, I’m sorry I’m not the same Lauren you were in love with,” I heard her sigh heavily. “And I’m sorry I can’t bring her back to you,” her voice broke at the end.

Upon opening my eyes, I saw the girl in her wheelchair directly in front of me, she looked broken, sad. I just wanted to pull her into my arms and whisper sweet nothings into her ear. But she wasn’t mine to do that to. “It’s fine, Lauren. I shouldn’t have reacted like that. It was rude and uncalled for.”

“No it’s not fine, Camila! I’m hurting you and I don’t want to do that,” she let out frustratedly. “I hate that I can’t remember you because god how I wish I did. I wish I remembered what it felt like to love you and for you to love me back. I wish I remembered Camila. But I can’t and it hurts. Because no matter how hard I try, my fucking memory fails me.” I was going to stop her rant but it was better to let everything out and to just clear the air. “I can’t even explain how every time I look at you, I feel my heart somersault. I can’t explain how I yearn to be around you, I can’t fucking explain why all I think about is you!” She threw her hands up in exasperation. “I’m so confused, Camila,” she sighed and combed her fingers through her thick, raven hair. “And I can’t explain why I’m saying all this, but please don’t hate me for not remembering you. I’m trying Camila. Please don’t give up on me,” she begged. I saw tears running down her face.

I couldn’t help it anymore; I got off the seat and hugged her as best as a person could whilst hugging someone in a wheelchair. “I won’t give up on you, Lauren. I’m sorry.” I whispered in her ear and pulled back after a couple seconds into the hug. She wiped at her eyes and reached for my hand.

“I’m sorry, for everything, Camila,” she said and I shook my head.

“Don’t apologize, Laur. It’s going to be okay.”

She sighed heavily and nodded. From the corner of my eye, I saw Don and Meryl walk into the restaurant, choosing to give us some privacy. Lauren pulled out the snow globe again and gestured for me to take it.

“I don’t know if you like it or not but…” I cut her off.

“I love it. I’m sorry if I made you think otherwise. It’s such a beautiful gift, Lauren. I always wanted a snow globe and this…it’s perfect. Thank you,” I smiled and she returned it. “Let’s head back inside, yeah?” I asked and she nodded. I got up from the chair and headed into the diner with Lauren following suit. I couldn’t help but feel, especially after what just happened, that maybe things between Lauren and I would eventually work out.

Meryl and Don greeted me and wished me a happy birthday. I had no idea they were in on this as well. All my life I loathed my birthday but after Lauren came into my life and these amazing people, it slowly but surely would turn into something I would look forward to.

“To Camila,” Cami said whilst holding a glass of champagne. Everyone else raised their glasses to me. I felt so awkward because I hated having all this attention on me, but I kept looking into my green eyed beauty’s eyes and ignored everyone else around us.

“To Camila,” my loved ones responded.

*** So guys, what’s your thoughts on the chapter? And your thoughts on the story so far? Don’t forget to comment or vote.

PS. For all of you who’s out there in the path of Hurricanes Irma, Katia and José, please stay safe.

Wattpad: Commander_Camren

#UPDATE #series #g!p #camren #romance fluff #submission #Love Will Remember

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billwerde · 7 years

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#RIP Tommy Page

In its own unforgiving but meaningful way, life has taught that people I love or have loved, enjoy or have enjoyed, or even been people I’ve been challenged by and only later realized how that challenge made me better… these people leave my life, often unexpectedly. All I can find in these moments is acceptance. And some moments to reflect deeply on time shared.

Tommy Page left this world last night. I’ll set aside the unresolved, and focus instead on what was. Because the latter was pretty entertaining.

Tommy and I shared an important chapter, I think, in both of our lives. Lisa Howard was the publisher of Billboard while I was Editorial Director, and Lisa hired this crazily high energy guy I had never met before to drive advertising sales and partnerships for the magazine. And when Lisa eventually moved on, Tommy took over as publisher of Billboard and became my partner in crime.

Tommy and I surely had our differences, mostly in style, as any professional partnership does. But he loved Billboard. Put Billboard before his own needs. Worked his damned hardest for Billboard. That was my bar for respecting a colleague, and Tommy flew past it. Anyone who knew him or worked with him will tell you that if Tommy Page lacked for anything, it wasn’t enthusiasm for the task at hand.

I don’t know how long Tommy and I ran Billboard; I went through 13 different bosses and 6 ownership structures in 8+ years there, so the dates and eras blur now, into a mostly happy continuum of music, talented people and surreal moments, mixed with a lot of long hours and travel. But I want to say it was a couple of years.

I have two memories I want to share in this moment. They are the first two that came to mind when I heard the news. And I think each says something about Tommy I’d like to remember.

The first was connected to one of the very best memories of my time at Billboard. We relaunched Billboard magazine in January of 2013; this was part of our evolution from being a pure trade brand to one with elements for music fans to enjoy. We needed the perfect artist to grace the relaunch issue—someone with a story that would intrigue fans and the industry alike. Someone who, on their own, had the gravitas and credibility to carry a relaunch issue. To say I was overjoyed when Prince agreed to do it is an understatement.

It will not surprise you, educated reader, that Prince had a lot to say about the music business. The man who once held out on his Warner contract and appeared in public with the word “Slave” on his face to protest his relationship to his record label showed little signs of mellowing as he aged, at least on this topic.

Billboard’s longtime R&B writer Gail Mitchell flew to Minneapolis and was granted access to Paisley Park. We knew Prince allowed no recordings, but Gail was caught off guard when Prince told her she also couldn't take written notes, because “that’s pretty much the same as recording.” Gail eventually filed the story and we edited it and got it on page as time was expiring with our printer.

Now, we never published anything with the goal of making the subject happy, per se. But if you could print a great story and the subject liked it anyway, that was always a good feeling. And this was Prince, an idol of mine since childhood. His manager called after it ran to request a bunch of copies and to let me know that Prince loved it and may want to speak to me at some point about the music business and ways Billboard could help bring about more positive change. We shipped a bunch of issues to Minnesota, and I didn't give it another thought. It took us two months of phone calls and planning to almost not make the Prince cover story happen. I didn't expect anyone would ever take the time to make the logistics line up for a casual conversation.

Except that they did.

Two or three weeks later it was Grammy week. This was 2013 and Prince wore a hood and carried a cane and basically was peak Prince as he came out to present the Grammy for Record of the Year to Gotye and Kimbra. Tommy and I were in the audience. Billboard had a nice little afterparty that night,and I remember telling Tommy I was going to head to my hotel and take a nap, and would be by the Billboard party later. Grammy week was exhausting; I think I’d gotten a few hours of sleep the previous couple of days.

No sooner had I dumped my suit on the floor and drifted off did my phone start blowing up. Tommy was texting me.

“Bill”

“BILL”

“Where are you???”

“Need you here now!”

“Prince coming. Wants to talk to you.”

This got me out of bed.

Fast forward 45 minutes and I’m on the roof of some chi chi hotel rooftop. Pool, torchlights, cabana, the works. Our dear friend Marcie Allen, who throws the best parties, period, was organizing this one, and led me to a cabana in the back where we were instructed to wait until Prince arrived.

This story is already too long, so I’ll save the details of what went down for another time. But suffice it to say, Prince showed up. He came straight to the cabana, still with his sparkly cane from the Grammy stage. And after a sliver of pleasantries, got straight into explaining why the record business was still unforgivably corrupt, and why Billboard needed to be doing more to stop it. I pushed back. I wanted Prince to consider the possibility that because of his actions and the actions of others who dared fight the system, that the balance of power had shifted and was continuing to shift to the artist. I wanted him to consider the possibility that his justified anger might be keeping him from taking some small amount of satisfaction or pride that his efforts were showing signs of paying off.

It was a respectful but certainly intense back-and-forth. At some point, about 20 or 30 minutes in, Prince started quoting scripture to make his points. As he and I went toe to toe, I could see Tommy watching, head swiveling as Prince and I parried, getting increasingly concerned with what it meant to be arguing with our iconic party guest.

Now, Tommy and I have never discussed this night, and I know from a post he made about it when Prince died that he remembers it a little bit differently than I do. But his account and mine agree on this point: Tommy hated to see anyone unhappy, and so Tommy, perhaps misreading intensity for anger, wanted to lighten the mood. And, after a few of his attempts to insert humor were only briefly acknowledged, Tommy seized his opportunity the next time there was a pause.

“You have really incredible skin, Prince. What kind of lotion do you use?”

Prince Rogers Nelson crooked his head at Tommy, stood up on his cane, and said “With that…” and like a purple wisp of smoke, was gone as suddenly as he came.

Now to be honest, in that moment, I kinda wanted to pound Tommy. But the truth is, the conversation had run its course. And really, a back-and-forth that surreal deserved an ending equally so. And of course, in retrospect, Tommy just wanted everyone to be happy. To be enjoying the party. This was quintessential Tommy.

The other memory is much more personal and less Prince-like, though it does involve bright colors.

Billboard has a big Latin music conference and awards show each April in Miami. And setting aside all the very real strategic reasons why this was an important week for Billboard, it was also just about as much fun as a person can legally have and still call it “work.” Dancing to Latin music every night, and partying with the Latin music business and fans was always a real highlight of my year.

The thing about Miami, though, is that people treat “formal” differently down there. If you wear a grey suit, you stick out. Linens, pastels… these were a requirement. And for those that know me, linens and pastels aren't exactly a staple of my wardrobe. Tommy loved fashion, and loved to talk fashion with me. I think he got a kick out of a straight guy who had a POV. Tommy decided he and I were going shopping on our first day in Miami, and that he was going to Miami-fy me.

There’s not much more to share than that, although I’m sure if you could have seen me and Tommy, bouncing around South Beach with all the muscle boys in Zara Man and Banana Republic, you’d have smiled. Tommy running up to me with skinny ties. Tommy getting other sharp-looking men to gather and share opinions when I came out of a dressing room. Tommy just being genuinely blissful in that moment to shop, to share time with a friend… to help me. I got some nice compliments when I wore the slightly-shiny, sky blue suit and the tie that Tommy picked out to the Latin Music Awards, and Tommy beamed like a proud parent. We’d laugh about that shopping trip for years to come.

Now the years have stopped coming for my relationship with Tommy. And I’m sad, tearing up, really, selfishly thinking about things I didn't get to tell him, and then thinking, with broken heart, about those he’s left behind who need him in more profound ways.

The older I get the more I see how life is exclusively about our experiences with other people and the world around us. Tommy and I shared a wild chapter full of parties and laughter, airplanes and restaurants, hard work and music, oh so much wonderful, blessed music, and a goddamned unparalleled team at Billboard that worked harder and better than anyone had a right to expect. I write this for those loved ones, and I write for Tommy. I accept that you’re gone now. I’m so appreciative we had the time we did. And I miss you, man.

#tommypage rip music #tommy page

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Hotel Review: Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina, St Lucia

Capella Marigot Bay exterior with pool and bar

The St Lucian landscape, especially around the south west coast on its Caribbean edge, is a tapestry of twisty hilly roads laced with lush valleys, banana palms, hillside forests and white sandy beaches. When it comes to luxuriant beauty, this island has it in abundance.

Following one of those twisty hills leads to the five star Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina. It’s carved into the hills around the natural harbour of Marigot bay and the first approach is to the hotel’s reception on the hilltop. You are greeted by a flurry of team members who take your bags, offer cold towels and a drink and generally make a fuss. From there a path leads to 127 rooms that cascade downwards towards undulating and lush landscape of the resort, the pools, restaurants, marina and shops.

Bird’s eye view of the pool at Capella Marigot Bay

The property is now on its third incarnation. It had its first heyday in the 1950s when its bar, the celebrated Hurricane Hole, was the place to be seen, and stars including Ava Gardner were regulars. Then it became a Discovery resort but six years later, it was rebranded and newly refurbished by the expanding Capella hotel group for luxury seekers.

The sprawling nature of the resort means you could get lost. Staff follow the motto “to take the guest to their point of comfort” which means not just pointing them in the right direction but actually taking them to their destination, regardless of what they might be doing.

Capella Marigot Bay romantic setting for exterior dining

Who For

Affluent holiday-makers, most likely couples, looking for some St Lucian sunshine amid beautiful scenery. Families too, but currently there is no kids’ club.

Accommodation

Bedroom at Capella Marigot Bay

The air-conditioned rooms are very spacious, cool and shady to escape the tropical sun with lashings of teak wood floors, doors and shutters and balcony. Four poster king size beds have mosquito nets and the large, black-tiled bathrooms generally come with wet rooms with oversized shower heads and fine toiletries. A few have baths too.

Some rooms come with their own outdoor Jacuzzi built into wide verandas, and many have views over the bay and the large open-air kidney-shaped pool. There’s coffee and tea making facilities, a large TV, a mini bar and a safe.

Facilities

The Aurega Spa at Capella Marigot Bay

The Aurega Spa, named after a constellation in the northern hemisphere, has a sensational menu of massages, wraps and beauty treatments. Their signature treatments are based on the cycles of the moon, lasting 120 minutes. There’s a modern gym too and a beauty salon.

On hot days, a dip in the infinity pool or being perched by the pool bar sipping blessedly cool cocktails is just the tonic. Both are surrounded by stylish cabanas or shaded day beds and egg chairs.

Food and drink

Rum Cave so called for its huge selection of rums

The Hurricane Hole has now been replaced with the with Rum Cave, its design reminiscent of a cellar. It’s new name reflects its extensive range of rums including locally distilled rums such as the Chairman’s Reserve, Admiral Rodney and 1931 – the best rum you can get. This is a small cosy space and tables are made from barrels and diners sit on high stools. Ambience is informal and the menu includes a selection of small plates (nine tapas style options) created for sharing.

Their signature restaurant is The Grill at 14⁰61⁰. Its location at the resort’s highest point means you get to enjoy the stunning views and watch the yachts as they moor or leave the harbour while dining al fresco or choose to sit indoors.

There is pool bar with stools so you can snack and drink without whilst still in the water. But if you don’t fancy that you can make yourself comfortable at the Brut Bar nearby for some sushi.

A short walk along the marina is the al fresco Bayside Cafe which is ideal for informal dining. Though not owned by the hotel there are other restaurants including a lovely Indian restaurant called Masala Bay.

What’s nearby

The Capella Marigot Bay marina looks romatic in the evening light

A short stroll across a bridge and a walkway that passes the sometimes extravagant yachts moored in the marina, leads to a quaint development of shops and restaurants. In the evening the marina is lit up and as the colours shimmer in the harbour water, its easy to get lost in the romance of the scene.

There’s no doubt that the harbour and marina are beautiful, and there is a tiny beach opposite. Better still there is a 15-minute speedboat shuttle that can take you to Anse Cochon beach as part of the Capella experience. They throw in the towels too. You can snorkel there to get a gorgeous eyeful of the coral reef.

Marigot Bay is located between Castries and Soufriere, each less than an hour drive away. Or ask the hotel to arrange a guided tour to catch a boat to Soufriere and visit the Maranatha Botanical Gardens to view tropical and native plants and learn about their therapeutic properties. Then visit Tet Paul Nature Trail where after a brief hike to the summit, a stunning view of the island’s majestic twin peaks, the Piton unfolds before you.

For a little more adventure book a rain forest adventure and experience a tour of the forest canapy via a cable, trek its mountainous landscape or zip line all the way up and back down.

Wifi available?

Yes and its free

Room rates

Prices from $550 (£355.00) per room, per night in a ‘Resort View’ room, based on two adults sharing.

More info

St Lucia tourist board has lots of information worth reading

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REVIEW OVERVIEW Service Location Food SUMMARY

Sensational service, beautiful views and delicious food make for a fabulous holiday experience. One minor gripe is the lack of beach, but never mind, there is a boat shuttle to Anse Conchon.

4.7

OVERALL SCORE

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