The Perfect Gift

It was the typical setup. “Hey, got somebody I want you to meet,” Ross Bugger’s roommate said. “She’s been my buddy since I was a little kid.”  He agreed because it was his best friend in college. So, he texted her…and she answered back.

That’s was five years ago, and now Ross and Valerie were planning the wedding and honeymoon. He knew he wanted to take her somewhere special for the honeymoon. A place they could unwind after the craziness of planning a wedding in less than a year. A getaway catering to their needs, their desires. An escape from reality to a paradise of relaxation and adventure.

This was going to be their gift to each other and the perfect way to begin the biggest adventure of all – their lives together.

Ross called their travel agent and Destination Vows specialist, Laura L. with their specific requests and she found everything they wanted in Secrets Maroma Beach, Cancun.  Their number one request was that the hardest decision they had to make was what drink to order or what entertainment to choose.

As soon as they landed, a member of the staff was there to greet them, taking their luggage and showing them to the shuttle. The short ride to the resort was restful, filled with the sights of quiet wooded areas and beautiful scenery. It was as if they were leaving reality behind.

Upon reaching the resort, the friendly staff ushered them into the serene beauty of the lobby where they were quickly and efficiently checked in. A staff member led them to their suite, pointing out various amenities and then left with the reassurance that should they require anything at all, the staff was simply a phone call away.

They wandered through the spacious suite onto the balcony that overlooked one of the many pools and beyond, the tranquil beauty of the ocean. They decided to explore the grounds, catching glimpses of tiny wildlife meandering through the lush foliage along the paths. They noted the infinity pool that seemed to stretch into the ocean, and the sailboats and kayaks ready for adventure if they chose to do so. And all around, the numerous staff, friendly, yet efficient, catered to the desires of the guests.

They decided to be casual and enjoy the rest of the day on the beach with drinks, and then a lovely dinner in one of the many fine restaurants.  A waiter served them right on the beach, pointing to a tiki bar set up for their pleasure. He also made recommendations for their dining pleasure and they decided on Portofino, the Italian gourmet restaurant for the first night, but were determined to try anything and everything the beautiful resort had to offer.

What to eat, what to drink and how to play were the only type of decisions they had to make for the rest of the week. They wandered through the myriad boutiques filled with jewelry, souvenirs, and elegant clothes. They took part in the pool games if they desired, or left the fun and games to quietly relax on the beach or at the infinity pool. Checked out a show or danced in the lounge. Dressed for dinner or casually made a trip to the bar side grill buffet. Whatever they desired.

He set up a sunset sail with the help of the concierge. Surprised her with a rose as he escorted her to the marina.  Smiled as she giggled when the champagne bubbles tickled her nose, and memorized the look of wonder on her face as he held her and watched the sun fade into the horizon.

The next day, she surprised him with breakfast in bed, thanks to the friendly staff, so they could spend the morning being lazy. But the morning turned into afternoon, and the day became a time for napping and people watching from the terrace. Neither missed the outside world one bit. Phones and tablets were forgotten. It was a time to connect in a more intimate way.

They walked the sugar sand beach, chatted with other couples, even exchanged information with a few, but mostly, the week was for them. They let loose on the dance floor, channeled their inner Ringo singing She Loves You at The Beatles' tribute musical, and laughed until they cried with the comedians show. The real world was as far away as they imagined it to be, because, for now, their lives revolved around each other and whatever they desired.

Slowly those tiny lines of stress faded from his lovely bride’s brow as the warm days of relaxation flowed into the sparkling skies of the evenings. They spent the last night on the beach, a candlelight dinner for two, a romantic walk along the beach, and a kiss under the blanket of stars with the moon shining brightly, illuminating the waves gently lapping at the shore. Their gift to each other would become such a beautiful memory.

On that last day, as they waited to board the plane to whisk them home, ready to begin the real-life adventure of man and wife, they looked at the pictures of their honeymoon trip and realized what a priceless gift it truly was for both of them.