A Deal for Sweethearts
We booked this trip months ago. The travel agent had been puzzled. ‘I’ve never heard of Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia,’ she said. ‘I’d suggest Tahiti or the Maldives.’
'No,’ I said. ‘Southeast Asia was where Steve and I first holidayed together. That’s where we want to celebrate our anniversary. We’ve seen Song Saa on TikTok. Barefoot luxury - exactly what we want. What’s more, Song Saa means sweetheart. Perfect!’
So, here we are; gliding across the aquamarine water to our luxury paradise.
Our Island host guides us to our Jungle Villa. Built out of recycled timber and perched like a treehouse with an indoor/outdoor bathroom and a private infinity pool, it is amazing! Even better than the pictures online.
'Hey Steve, a bit different from our first trip together,’ I giggle.
‘I reckon. In those backpacking hostel days, I couldn’t have imagined that we’d ever stay somewhere as fancy as this!’ says Steve. ‘That daybed beside the pool has my name on it.’
'I’m just going to check on something but I won’t be long,’ I say.
'You’ll find me in Paradise honey,’ replies Steve.
I wander down to Guest Services which sounds much more formal and hotel-like than what it is - a beach bure on the sand made of repurposed driftwood. I want to book a special couples spa day as a surprise for Steve.
No one is at the counter but I can see two staff in the little room behind the counter chatting so I wait patiently. The chatter gets a little more excited; a little louder. Their conversation wafts towards me.
'Yes, it’s really her. She’s booked in under a false name – Dorothea Mackellar. Funny name really. She’ll be here this afternoon. Coming with her daughters and her sister and some friends,’ says one person to the other.
Who are they talking about I wonder? They’re clearly starstruck. I listen a bit harder.
The other person replies, ‘And it’s really Nicole Kidman?’
‘Yep.’
I organise the spa day then go back to our Villa and tell Steve that we’re gaining a famous neighbour.
Just before sunset, we stroll down to the overwater bar and order cocktails. The brightly coloured fishing boats putt along as the sky turns all shades of pink.
We are gazing at the glorious sunset when someone appears at my side. ‘Hello,’ she says with an Australian accent. I turn and there she is – Nicole Kidman.
I am mute but, luckily, she continues. ‘I hear that you’re celebrating your thirtieth wedding anniversary. Well done – not everyone gets there.’ There is a wistful tone to her voice. ‘I wondered if you’d do me a great favour? I’d love it if my family and I could just roam around and not have to worry about photos popping up online. If you’ll allow me that, I’d be happy to pick up your tab for your anniversary trip.’
I find my voice. ‘Sounds like a sweetheart deal to me.’
Bio
Leonie Jarrett lives in Melbourne, Australia with her Husband of more than 3 decades, 2 of her 4 adult children and her 2 Golden Retrievers. Leonie loves to tell stories.
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