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     The 10th of August, 2008 was My husband Larry's 61st birthday and I had been wondering what to do for him to make his day special.
     Then it hit me…an inspirational thought! Why not experience for ourselves the wonderful package we offer our guests on a regular basis. How about a surprise romantic getaway…just the two of us, in our new cottage, Angel's Rest. I will make all the plans, get everything prepared, and then, since this is a surprise, send him on an errand to the Cottage, under false pretense of course. So I did just that, I had a fabulous meal prepared consisting of poached Salmon with dill sauce, baked asparagus, Gorgonzola polenta, salad, and a bottle of white wine. (We call this our Dinner In Basket, which you can order off one of our menus to enhance the experience of your romantic getaway). I ordered birthday balloons, set the table with candles and flowers, and turned on some soothing music. At about 3 o'clock I asked him if he would show me how the new alarm system works. Being the 'techie' that he is I knew he couldn't resist trying to explain it to me. Knowing that I really had no interest whatsoever in the alarm system, he thought I was being kind by pretending to be interested on his behalf.
     In we went. He turned to me and said, "someone forgot to turn the music off.' He was beginning to catch on, walked out to the porch and saw the table set for an intimate dinner for two. He smiled broadly and said, "is this for me?" Then he noticed the two massage tables set up side by side in the Spa area. I told him the massage therapists would be arriving at 7:30pm to give us both massages. I could tell he was thrilled with this surprise and really didn't expect anything special on his birthday because we were so busy accommodating guests.
     I said, "lets go and put on our white robes (which are provided for guests) and see how it feels to just luxuriate, relax and kick back in this gorgeous space of Angel's Rest." We did and it was such a treat to just be with Larry, with no distractions, in this peaceful atmosphere, wrapped in our comfortable robes, and getting ready to sit down to a candlelight dinner already prepared for us. With soft music playing in the background, we relaxed a bit after dining before the massage therapists quietly arrived to give us both massages.
     We both commented on how quiet, comfortable, and beautiful the surroundings are there. .right down to the way it was decorated; the colors, the furnishings, it was all so calming. Seclusion and a spa experience, where you can have a massage, take a yoga class together, sit in meditation with a teacher, or have an energy session to just brush away the things that you no longer want to hold on to.
     The evening was perfect in every way and Larry and I both feel so grateful for the opportunity to be together to share it. And, we got to experience our creation, Angel's Rest, from the perspective of a guest. We were proud and sad to see the evening end knowing that the real world would be waiting for us to return. I will always remember how Larry's face looked when he realized that I had taken the time to make him important on his birthday, even though so many other distractions were demanding my time.
     One of the things Larry said when it was over was: "you thought of every detail to make it perfect for me, thank you for making me feel so loved and special". Well, I know I racked up the points in Larry's eyes but more than that I also got to be a part of this blissful experience. I thank God for such a beautiful, special place right in my own backyard. I know we will do this again but next time we will take more time to enjoy the beauty and serenity of this magical space.
     If you are looking for the perfect Romantic Getaway to make someone feel appreciated and special, or perhaps a way out of the doghouse, I highly recommend that you give Angel's Rest a try.