We soar over the sparkling azure waters before finally landing just off the coast of San Juan, Puerto Rico. As we step out of the plane, I’m immediately struck by the vibrant colors and tropical scenery that surround us. The palm trees sway gently in the warm breeze, and the scent of saltwater and coconut fills the air. “This place is so beautiful! I can’t believe it is part of the US and I have never been here,” I exclaim.
This is a new adventure waiting for us.
As we make our way to the resort, I am struck by the lively energy of the island. The resort is situated in the little town of Luquillo, with crystal clear waters and soft sandy beaches surrounding it. I look around, trying to take in every detail.
“Wow, this place is amazing!” I exclaim, turning to Jackson and Olivia. “I can’t wait to start documenting our experience here.”
Olivia jumps up and down. “I can’t wait to go snorkeling!” she says, grabbing her bags.
Jackson looks excited but also a bit apprehensive. “Indeed this looks like a great place to be,” he says, taking in the scenery. “It’s beautiful, but I’m not sure I’m ready for all the heat.”
I smile at him. “Don’t worry, Jackson. I promise this is just the same as Cancun,” I tease, fanning him with a brochure.
I don’t understand why I am suddenly feeling so playful around him, but he did just let me fly a plane. An experience I will never forget.
As we walk through the lobby, I take in the grandeur of the resort. The colorful decor, the lush vegetation, and the sound of the ocean waves crashing nearby make me feel like I’m in a tropical paradise. The lobby is warm and inviting, with a cozy lounge area and a rustic island feel.
The resort’s name is Casa Bonita, and it’s renowned for its luxurious amenities and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
“We’re staying in the Presidential Suite,” I say, leading the way to the elevator.
“The Presidential Suite?!” Olivia gasps in amazement. “That sounds amazing!”
Once we get to the suite, we all take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the place. The suite is enormous, with a living room, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, and three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom.
I rush to the balcony, taking in the view. “This is breathtaking,” I say, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such luxury.
“I’m glad you like it,” Jackson says. “I can’t wait to see your photos and videos.”
I smile at him, feeling my heart swell with warmth. “Me too, Jackson. Me too.”
“Well, I am going to crash,” Olivia announces loudly. “If I am not out in about six hours, be alarmed.”
I laugh at her retreating form. She really is such a great sport.
I turn to face Jackson who is running his hands through his hair.
He seems a little excited to be here, which reminds me, I need to update my father on the progress of my trips. So far, he was not the biggest fan of the Caribbean. I wonder if his expectations for Cancun were met, or if he is still going to be disappointed. I am not looking forward to that conversation.
“I better get settled in,” I tell Jackson, dragging my bags to one of the two remaining rooms.
“Great. Meet you back here in two hours for dinner?”
“Perfect.”
I leave him standing in the middle of the room admiring the décor of the common living space.
When I open the door to my room, I’m taken aback by its sheer size and beauty. The room is decorated in warm, earthy tones with a cozy king-size bed in the center. The plush bedding looks incredibly inviting, and I can already imagine snuggling up in it after a long day of swimming.
There’s a beautiful, decorative plant display on one side of the room, and I picture myself lounging on the sofa nearby, sipping a refreshing iced tea and taking in the breathtaking views. The windows in the room are large and offer a stunning view of the beaches, and I anticipate capturing it all on camera.
As I walk towards the balcony, I’m struck by the natural beauty that surrounds me. The bright colors of the plants in the display create a peaceful and relaxing ambiance, and the warm summer breeze carries the delicate scent of flowers through the room.
Turning back towards the room, I notice a door that leads to the bathroom. The bathroom is spacious and equipped with modern amenities, including a bathtub and a walk-in shower. The countertops are made of cool and refreshing marble, and the lighting is warm and inviting. I can already tell that I’ll be spending a lot of time here, taking long relaxing baths and enjoying the tranquility of the plants nearby.
My father might be a pain in the ass most days, but I think dealing with him in exchange for these luxurious trips is a price worth paying.
I take a deep breath before dialing his number. We haven’t spoken in a couple of days, and I can feel the tension building up already. After a few rings, he answers.