Christine, equipped with a towel, gown and a small bag of toiletries, stepped up to the entrance of the beauty parlour as though ready for battle. Proudly she declared her prior booking and upon being confirmed, basked in the glow of acceptance. There was nothing quite like the luxury of self pampering, something she hadn't had in quite a spell.
Sighing with glee, she followed a woman dressed in white into the main quarters of the parlour. There she saw men and other women alike relaxing in what appeared to be a lounging area, sipping on herbal teas, whilst soothing music and the pleasant smell of lavender incense filled the room.
“There are various luxury facilities here, ma'am, we have a number of massage styles to choose from, from Thai style to hot rocks. We also have acupuncture and aromatherapy. There are hot tubs, sauna rooms, manicure and pedicure rooms and more. As you might expect, some of our facilities have a waiting list, so if you'd like to use them, please register your interest with their receptionist. Other facilities such as the hot tub and sauna room are unlimited use, though not designed to facilitate large quantities of people, so bearing in mind consideration for others is tremendously appreciated. We supply gowns and towels if you'd like, I'm not sure if you were made aware”.
“I was, sorry, I just prefer to use my own”.
“That's okay too. We have changing rooms and small lockers in the back. Please store your things in there”.
“Thank you”, Christine replied, growing a little impatient.
“This is the Zen room, you can relax here, drink tea or cocktails and read magazines or our collection of books whilst you wait for the availability of any of our facilities”.
“Okay, thanks”.
“Is there anything else I can help you with, ma'am?”.
“No, that'll be all. Thanks again”.
“Okay ma'am, enjoy. Don't be afraid to speak to any of us if you encounter any problems”.
The woman finally left Christine to her own devices and to be entirely honest, the feeling was akin to setting a child loose in a toy shop.
Christine wasted little time putting her toiletries away in order to bask in life's rare luxurious moments. She registered her name for a full body shiatsu and made her way to the tub.
It wasn't long before she was able to slip into the revitalizing heat of the hot tub. Every muscle in her body relaxed and she uttered a satisfied sigh. She would have preferred to not have to share the tub with others… she’d have preferred to not share any of the spa treatments with others to be entirely honest, but this was as much as she could ask for.
There she remained for another half an hour, fighting off relaxation induced drowsiness, before stepping out and making her way back to the Zen room to indulge in a cheeky cocktail.
She took a seat on one of the lounging sofas; soft and deep, almost body embracing and picked up a glamour and style magazine. Flicking through the pages and sipping her cocktail, a lady took a seat next to her.
They sat beside each other in silence for what seemed like five minutes before the lady interrupted her, much to Christine's initial irritation, she came here to escape disturbances, not encounter more of them.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you, I've just been glancing at that cocktail you have, it looks simply marvellous, how does it taste? I'm not usually one for alcohol, but I'd consider a naughty cocktail here if it's any good”.
“It most certainly is”, Christine replied, feeling a little guilty for her prior cold attitude, “this one is cherry and apple blend, it's called Saultana”.
“I think I'll treat myself to one”, the lady replied and left Christine's side to retrieve one from the bar. She returned with a cocktail in hand and a satisfied look on her face.
“My goodness, it's delicious, a little strong though”, she declared, wincing.
“Isn't it just?”
“I almost feel like a teenager again”, a statement that seemed a distant memory to Christine.
“It’s the perfect means to leave behind the daily grind”.
The lady chuckled.
“My name is Rohini, it's a pleasure to meet you…”
“Christine, and the pleasure is all mine”.
“Is this your first time here?”
“It is”.
“Have you had a chance to try any of the facilities yet?”
“Just the hot tub, and you?”
“I've had a manicure and pedicure, so I don't think I'll be taking a dip, I do however want a Thai massage”.
“I'm due for a shiatsu full body massage myself”.
“That should be nice”.
“I certainly hope so, it's about the only thing I have to look forward to besides the heat of the Caribbean at the moment”.
“That's certainly sad to hear, I hope things get better”.
“I do too, this trip is something of a family reunification, but here I am trying to avoid confrontation”.
“I’d probably be out of place saying this and feel free to tell me so, but I lost some dearest friends a few years ago. They weren't family, but I considered them as such. It pains me every day to know I'll never see them again, so whatever the case might be between you and your family, I'm more than certain you can resolve it”.
“I suppose you are right, I appreciate that bit of advice”.
“Mountains and molehills”.
“Very true, I don't know until I try, right?”
“I'm sure you'll be glad you did”.
Just then Christine's name was called out on the intercom.
“Well, that's me. It was a pleasure meeting you, Rohini”.
“The pleasure was all mine”, Rohini replied.
Christine took her leave. She stepped into the massage parlour, removed her gown and lay down flat upon the massage table.
Within moments she was lost in a bliss induced trance, her masseuse incredible with her hands, relieving her
