Sunday, June 28, 2009
My Dream Vacation
The words majestic and intoxicating come to mind when I reflect upon my most recent dream vacation. With three small kids, you might assume it would have been less than perfect, but it wasn't. Every day spent in paradise was like being pasted into the pictures of a vacation brochure.
The flight to Maui was idyllic and relaxing since each of the kids had a generous supply of coloring books, card-games, and snacks. I hardly heard a peep out of them as I read my neglected copy of Stephanie Meyer's Breaking Dawn. Meanwhile, my husband oscillated between some peaceful shut-eye and the occasional perusal of Andrew Doughty's Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook.
Upon landing, we all sipped our favorite Starbucks beverages and enjoyed the refreshing coastal breeze from the airy exterior of the Maui airport. We instantly soaked in the blissful feelings of paradise and relaxation as we awaited our Ford Flex rental car. Shortly thereafter, we were off and coasting. Our eyes were pleasantly overwhelmed, as we took in the vivid shades of green along the island's mountainous coastline. Our cameras could hardly keep up with the ocean's vast array of dazzling blues.
On the first day alone, we para-sailed, kayaked, and snorkeled. Our children met up with three large and friendly turtles that they later named Oscar, Tuck, and Greeny. Over the next few days, we hiked, sun-bathed, and built our fair share of magical sand castles. It wasn't about which shoes to wear, but rather about which beach to walk upon barefoot.
The Four Seasons Maui Resort at Wailea enchanted us with its refreshing pools, its scrumptious fine-dining options, and its glamorous spa. To help recover from the slightest tinge of jet lag, I enjoyed their recommended signature massage called the "Mele Wailea" which means "the song of Wailea". This particular treatment claims to "...capture the rhythm of the island." It certainly did that for me.
Each of our twelve uninterrupted and lazy mornings at the Four Seasons greeted us with majestic ocean views from our third floor balcony. We truly felt we had stepped into paradise. A reporter from the Seattle Times Express commented on the resort's grandeur, stating, "...I highly recommend staying at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea...I was lucky enough to stay there for two nights and can attest to its magnificence".
The seafood served on the island was fresh and uniquely dressed with a plethora of sauces while complemented with a delectable array of fruity side dishes. The strawberry daiquiris were dangerously good, as were the beautiful sunsets. The intoxicating power of the island made us want to serendipitously sell our house and move to Maui, so we could savor every last one of our god-given breaths upon its volcanic-rich soil.
Did I mention that we brought a sitter with us? The kids had a blast watching videos and playing games with their favorite parent substitute. And we actually had time for each other during the warm breezy evenings. Our favorite night-time endeavor was simply to stroll along the moonlit beaches. Likewise, we enjoyed numerous luaus at various resorts, which included lively music and dancing.
By the end of our dream vacation, we had absorbed an excess of vitamin D. We had also gained about five pounds each from all of the scrumptious foods we had consumed. We weren't quite ready to say goodbye to this celestial island that had temporarily robbed us of our cares and worries.
But, even the best dreams must come to an end. This one was exceptionally hard to wake up from because the images had all been so real. I could even feel the ocean's spray upon my face, which I soon realized to be my dog's gentle licks greeting me into a new day in the sizzling heat of the Inland Empire.
My upcoming vacation could never be quite as glamorous as this "Dream Vacation". But, it will be packed with the most important details of all: my loving husband and my three precious children. The truth is that we could go away to an island retreat or just stay at home as long as we're together. The most tangible and valuable aspects of my dream are true and I'm thankful that I get to wake up to them each and every day.
The flight to Maui was idyllic and relaxing since each of the kids had a generous supply of coloring books, card-games, and snacks. I hardly heard a peep out of them as I read my neglected copy of Stephanie Meyer's Breaking Dawn. Meanwhile, my husband oscillated between some peaceful shut-eye and the occasional perusal of Andrew Doughty's Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook.
Upon landing, we all sipped our favorite Starbucks beverages and enjoyed the refreshing coastal breeze from the airy exterior of the Maui airport. We instantly soaked in the blissful feelings of paradise and relaxation as we awaited our Ford Flex rental car. Shortly thereafter, we were off and coasting. Our eyes were pleasantly overwhelmed, as we took in the vivid shades of green along the island's mountainous coastline. Our cameras could hardly keep up with the ocean's vast array of dazzling blues.
On the first day alone, we para-sailed, kayaked, and snorkeled. Our children met up with three large and friendly turtles that they later named Oscar, Tuck, and Greeny. Over the next few days, we hiked, sun-bathed, and built our fair share of magical sand castles. It wasn't about which shoes to wear, but rather about which beach to walk upon barefoot.
The Four Seasons Maui Resort at Wailea enchanted us with its refreshing pools, its scrumptious fine-dining options, and its glamorous spa. To help recover from the slightest tinge of jet lag, I enjoyed their recommended signature massage called the "Mele Wailea" which means "the song of Wailea". This particular treatment claims to "...capture the rhythm of the island." It certainly did that for me.
Each of our twelve uninterrupted and lazy mornings at the Four Seasons greeted us with majestic ocean views from our third floor balcony. We truly felt we had stepped into paradise. A reporter from the Seattle Times Express commented on the resort's grandeur, stating, "...I highly recommend staying at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea...I was lucky enough to stay there for two nights and can attest to its magnificence".
The seafood served on the island was fresh and uniquely dressed with a plethora of sauces while complemented with a delectable array of fruity side dishes. The strawberry daiquiris were dangerously good, as were the beautiful sunsets. The intoxicating power of the island made us want to serendipitously sell our house and move to Maui, so we could savor every last one of our god-given breaths upon its volcanic-rich soil.
Did I mention that we brought a sitter with us? The kids had a blast watching videos and playing games with their favorite parent substitute. And we actually had time for each other during the warm breezy evenings. Our favorite night-time endeavor was simply to stroll along the moonlit beaches. Likewise, we enjoyed numerous luaus at various resorts, which included lively music and dancing.
By the end of our dream vacation, we had absorbed an excess of vitamin D. We had also gained about five pounds each from all of the scrumptious foods we had consumed. We weren't quite ready to say goodbye to this celestial island that had temporarily robbed us of our cares and worries.
But, even the best dreams must come to an end. This one was exceptionally hard to wake up from because the images had all been so real. I could even feel the ocean's spray upon my face, which I soon realized to be my dog's gentle licks greeting me into a new day in the sizzling heat of the Inland Empire.
My upcoming vacation could never be quite as glamorous as this "Dream Vacation". But, it will be packed with the most important details of all: my loving husband and my three precious children. The truth is that we could go away to an island retreat or just stay at home as long as we're together. The most tangible and valuable aspects of my dream are true and I'm thankful that I get to wake up to them each and every day.
Labels: dream vacations, family, moms
