Retreating to Riversleigh

I had been hearing about this place for years, but it was my friend, Lori, that finally persuaded me to indulge myself through a retreat at Riversleigh. I was told at check-in that I would be occupying the southwestern turret in a room recently vacated. “Just leave your bags. They will be taken to your room.” They were; however, I couldn’t figure out how they beat me up there. Perhaps there was another elevator.

I marveled at the third floor view as  I sat on the plush window seat and gazed out of the rounded bank of windows. I could see the a bit of the mountains to the east as well as the magnificence of the of the ocean below. This manor house really did have it all. The valley sprawled beyond the waterway to the west and I could see the city lights coming on and twinkling in the dusky distance. How very lucky I was to have this place of solace with a 270 degree view of the world!

The room was lushly furnished with a huge poster bed where I could cocoon myself by closing the curtains hanging from the top.  There was a chandelier above with naturally formed crystals and amethysts. I could only imagine how spectacular the room would be when the morning sun spilled light through the crystals. I now understood why this was called the Rainbow Suite. I couldn’t wait until morning to see the shimmering rainbows that I knew would grace the entire room.

Draped burgundy velvet gathered at the center formed the bed’s canopy.  I threw myself on the bed sinking into the luxurious satin covered duvet. Mmmmmm! I had never slept in a bed that engulfed me with invisible arms against a soft, fluffy mattress. It was that nurturing “being held against mother’s breast” kind of thing.  There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that the 16 hour flight to this part of Mother Earth was well worth it! (Hee! Mother Earth, mother’s breast. How clever!)  Sleep was already threatening to overtake me. I was all too aware that I must unpack before I could crawl into the sumptuous bed for some recuperation.  I sometimes resent the reality of traveling when it comes to getting settled.

As I was about to leave my sanctuary the chandelier abruptly dimmed and the energy in the room moved up a notch in vibration. I watched with great curiosity as my luggage opened by its own accord. The drawers in the marble-topped bureau opened and I giggled as my bags unpacked themselves before my eyes. Skirts, blouses, shorts, jeans, bathing suit, and dresses filled the bureau and the wardrobe I hadn’t noticed. (Strange there was a wardrobe when I was sure that was a closet  near the bed.) My carry-on also unpacked and the path of my art and writing paraphernalia led my eye to the curved antique desk that sat under the rounded bank of windows opposite the bed. The the window seat was to the left of the desk and a full size easel to the right. The curved desk had an ample surface made of glass with cubby holes, drawers and cupboards galour below. The glass made it a perfect place for making art.  Holy crap! Cross off the “have a romantic, sequestered bedroom with lots of windows, window seat, breathtaking views, space for art, fabulous mansion bed” off my bucket list! To think that this room was mine as long as I needed… no…wanted.

The sound of running water dre my attention to the en-suite bath. Jumping off the bed my feet met the soft Persian rug that covered the hardwood floor. The flooring changed to warm tile as I entered the bathroom where I spied a long, deep, claw-footed bathtub with a gentle slope at one end. The tub was filling with lavender colored water that somehow glowed, reflecting off the walls, ceiling, and window much like a swimming pool reflecting light.

Never one to question the magic in life, I immediately divested myself of the clothing I had worn forever and a day. Thick towels were on a warming rack, a selection of bath accessories filled the low shelf above the tub. Hmmmm…No need for bath salts. The water smelled of lavender and vanilla. Choosing a long-handled brush, I ran the bristles along my arms, legs, and body. Funny… I hadn’t thought to dry brush my skin in years. After five minutes of vigorous brushing I dipped one foot then the other into the lavender water. The temperature was not too hot, not too cold, but perfectly blissful. My body sank into the water as my soul sighed in complete rapture. Yep, I was definitely NOT going to do hard time here!

If not for the possibility of drowning I was sure that I could sleep right here. I reminded myself that I could luxuriate in the tub any darn time I wanted between now and whenever. The bath sheet slipped from the heated rack and  wrapped around my body. The towel was as softer that I imagined possible and my idea of pampering was suddenly inadequate. I was spoiled for life.  And here I had thought life had lost its magic. Silly girl! Ignoring the nightgown folded on the bottom of the bed, I climbed into the bed and was asleep before the bath towel hit the floor…if it even did… My last thought was to remind myself that I really needed to check out that closet.

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