A/N: Let the island fun begin!
Chapter 18
Barabai
A little over five hours later, we are wheels down in Malé, the capitol of the Maldives. We arrive under the darkness of night which prevents us from getting a good arial view of the large island. Just as the runway was nose-to-stern traffic leaving Dubai, the landing strip here seems to be just as busy with incoming traffic. Ground crews direct our pilots to park the jet on the edge of the tarmac. We are but one in a long line of private jets flanking the pavement. Did someone send out an all-points bulletin to rich people? Attention Billionaires: Come to the Maldives to ride out the global pandemic in tropical luxury.
One of the most notable things about the parked planes surrounding us is that most of them have covers tightly wrapped into place. With these covers, the planes unique markings are not identifiable. It appears that although the Maldives is a popular COVID escape, the planes' owners are looking for anonymity. Why so secretive?
Our pilot instructs us to sit tight while we wait for customs to approve our paperwork. We wait for what feels like forever. The plane's cabin lights are dimmed. I am too restless to sleep. Soon, I will be face-to-face with Christian. We have so much work to do to get our relationship back on solid ground. My mind will not stop racing with what I will say when I see him, but I have yet to conjure up the right words for what needs to be said.
From the darkness, I see what must be the immigration officials approaching our plane. Why isn't the pilot lowering the staircase to let them aboard? Two figures appear from the shadows to greet the immigration officials. Even in the shadows, there is no mistaking the silhouette of one gorgeous CEO and his faithful sidekick, Taylor. My heart skips a beat. He is so close. I can almost smell him.
I watch as the two groups talk for several minutes. I see Christian and Taylor each hand over a messenger bag to the uniformed men. At first, I think that maybe the bags contain our immigration paperwork. The officers struggle for a minute with the weight of the obviously bulky bags. OK, that's got to be more than just some customs declarations and tourist visas.
The officials step away to examine the contents of the bags. They return and shake hands with Christian and Taylor. From across the tarmac, two large, blacked-out SUVs race towards us. In quick, choregraphed movements, the interior lights in the plane go completely black, the cabin door is opened, and the stairs are lowered. Sawyer instructs us all to be quiet, exit the plane, and get into the SUVs quickly. What's the dill, pickle? Not quite a warm welcome from the Maldives Bureau of Tourism.
Following Sawyer's lead, we are quiet, little church mice as we scamper into the awaiting vehicles. I notice that Frederic is clutching a generic red backpack that looks very unlike his style. The way that he is holding it seems odd. I wonder what precious cargo he has stowed away.
In the brief time that it takes for us to go from plane to SUV, Christian and his security staff unload the plane's cargo hold and throw the luggage into the back of a pickup truck. Christian climbs in the lead vehicle and our three-truck caravan moves back into the darkness. It is not until we are ushered through a rolling gate and away from the airport that our drivers turn on the headlights. This feels very James Bond-y. Sawyer never told us that we had to be quiet once in the SUVs, but no one is talking. For the first time ever, our group of friends remains well behaved and subdued. Shit is getting real.
Our caravan travels for about thirty minutes until we reach a small, non-descript marina. We quietly unload from the SUVs while still on our best behavior. We are led down a series of docks until we reach a seaplane. It looks like a tin can on pontoons. I'm really hoping Christian's men-in-black checked this bucket of bolts out for safety. We climb aboard the plane, still quiet, and a new pilot motors us away from dry land. Looking back to the dock, I see Christian and his men loading our luggage onto a fancy looking boat. I guess they must be following us by water?
By the time we take flight, the sun is breaking over the horizon. Our tin-can-in-the-sky stays low over the water. We are just high enough to get a good view of the many small islands that we fly over as we head south. The further we travel, the smaller the islands become. We travel over open water for a brief period before reaching another archipelago of lush green islands. Most islands have some amount of beach front. Many of them have one or two deep water docks extending into the azure blue waters surrounding them. We see thatched roof dwellings dotting the landscape. We have just entered a Condé Naste pictorial.
Barabai is a lush green, crescent-shaped parcel of land. The crescent forms a shallow, turquoise lagoon. White sands rim the lagoon. Beyond the beach lies several thatch-roofed dwellings all connected by wooden walk ways and boardwalks. From the air, I see a long pier extending off the back of the island. Our plane lands motors around to this dock where we unload.
We are greeted by the island's caretakers, Archie and Louisa. They are in their twenties and speak with heavy Australian accents. Archie is every bit the image of a surfer dude. Louisa is tiny with a well-sculpted body. They lead us off of the pier and onto a footpath. We walk by their cottage. They explain that there are two main trails through the dense tropical greenery of the island's interior. We take the trail that leads straight from the dock through to the opposite side of the island where our beach-front abodes await. The other trail is more of a nature trail that follows the perimeter of the island. I am happy to note that I will be able to run outdoors again.
We walk through the middle of island until the trail dumps us onto the most pristine beach that I have ever seen. This place looks like every stock photo that I have ever seen of paradise. We explore the beach front amenities like cushioned teak lounges, hammocks strung under the shade of palm trees, and a well-appointed tiki bar.
From the beach looking inward, Archie and Louisa give us a quick lay of the land. Directly off of the beach is a two-story structure called the big house. Along with gathering space that includes an open kitchen and large dining area, the big house has two master suites, a junior suite, and bunk rooms. What is notable about the structure is that there are no exterior walls. Instead of outer walls, posts and beams hold up the second floor and then the thatched roof. Thick canvas drapes are pulled open allowing for a very open-air living experience.
To the left of the big house is a path that leads to the treehouse. The tree house has three levels that stair step into the lush island foliage. The second floor of the Treehouse appears to be the only structure on this side of the island that has exterior walls and windows. This area will be used as Christian's satellite office. The top floor of the treehouse is the highest point on the island. It contains the largest master suite.
On the other side of the big house is a path that leads to the far-right beach villa. The beach villa is the smallest of the three main buildings. It is two stories with a bedroom upstairs and a bunk room down stairs.
Christian and Taylor will take the tree house. Kate and Elliott will take one of the master suites in the big house and José and Frederick will take the other. Gail has her own room. The other CPOs will stay in the big house bunk rooms. Mia, Ethan, and I will stay in the beach villa.
We are ready to explore our new digs. Our luggage, along with Christian and his security, has not yet arrived. We decide to check out our rooms while we wait.
My two housemates and I head down the path that leads to the beach villa.
"This is better than the Bachelor Paradise," squeals Mia.
"Let's hope this doesn't turn into Survivor Death Island," mutters Ethan.
"Or Lord of the Flies," I add.
We decide that Mia and I will stay in the upstairs suite. Ethan doesn't seem to mind staying in the bunk room. The room has two sets of built-in bunk beds. The bottom bunks are full size so he should be pretty comfortable.
Our room is unreal. Mia and I will share a huge bed that is surrounded in gauzy drapes. Three sides of the room are open to covered decking with rattan furniture upholstered in bright, tropical colors. The door on the only wall leads into the most freaking unbelievable bath experience. It can't really be called a bath room. It is more of a bath porch. A sink and vanity line the only wall. A water closet hides the commode. Looking out over the trees and into the Indian Ocean is a sunken tub open to the ocean breeze. Steps coming off the open-air bath lead down to an outdoor shower. The shower is made private by large, leafy tropical plants. If this is a junior suite, I'm gonna need to see what a master suite.
From our room, an outdoor staircase leads down to an infinity pool on the lagoon side. Beside the pool are lounge chairs and, wait for it...a sleeping pavilion with an enormous bed. Taking the stairs down a second flight, we find the bunk room directly beneath our room. Why has no one filmed a reality show here? This place is unreal.
About the time we are done exploring our villa, Reynolds and Sawyer come down the wooden walkway with our luggage. When I packed for Dubai, I had no idea that I would end up in this tropical oasis. I packed clothes appropriate for being a photographer's assistant – mostly jeans and cardigans and stuff. I have one dress and a one-piece bathing suit as well as work-out clothes but not much else. I am going to have to do some improvising with my wardrobe. Mia and I put on our bathing suits. I use a white button up shirt as my cover up. I decide to go barefoot since I didn't bring any sandals with me. We collect Ethan and head over to the big house to check out the rooms over there.
Kate and Elliott's room really is a master suite. It is bigger than our apartment. They have the same open air set up with a crazy amazing bathroom. Their outdoor waterfall shower is made with real boulders and gives the impression that the waterfall is natural. If not for the water control knob, I would be hard pressed to believe that this is not a naturally occurring water feature. Climbing up the stairs cut into the side of the boulders, we arrive at a private hot tub sunken into the top of the waterfall. The hot tub looks out into the thick, lush foliage of the inner island. José and Frederic's room is similar, but an infinity pool meets flush with one edge their room.
The main floor of the big house is open on all four sides. One side opens onto the paper white beach off the lagoon. The other side opens to a large patio and another pool. The pool flows into a rock grotto with another hot tub. So far, I am counting three pools and two hot tubs and we have yet to check out the treehouse.
Mia heads over to check out Christian's treehouse while I head out to the beach. I am in luxury-accommodations overload. I can't decide whether I want to nap in a hammock, pop a squat on one of the loungers on the beach, or float around the lagoon on one of the rafts.
I am a little bit hungry, but I have no idea what the meal situation will be. Is it breakfast time or lunch time? When did I last eat? I go in search of a snack.
Gail greets me in the kitchen of the big house. The kitchen is really just a part of the open-air first floor. All of the appliances fit under the polished concrete countertops. There are pull out drawers that serve as refrigerators. Nothing about the kitchen inhibits the 360-degree view from this space.
Gail offers me a hot tea and croissant. It must be breakfast time. Instead of a tea bag, loose tea is packed into a little metal orb with holes for steeping. How fancy. After finishing my croissant, I take my tea and pick a lounger in the shade. The sounds of this quiet island hide-a-way are too intoxicating. I am fast asleep before I can open my book.
When I awake, the tranquility of the beach has been traded for the rousings of the merrymakers. Elliott and Ethan are paddling around the lagoon and splashing each other from sea kayaks. Frederic and Mia are attempting to paddle board. José and Kate are lounging near me with freshly poured drinks. Speakers amplify someone's party playlist. Sawyer and Reynolds are dressed in cargo shorts and polo shirts which are a stark contrast to their usual black suits. The two CPOs seem to be deep in discussion about something security-ish.
Christian never joins us. While I am relieved to postpone what will surely be an uncomfortable first encounter with him, I feel guilty that we are enjoying ourselves while he is locked away in his private space. What is he doing in his treehouse in the sky?
Louisa and Archie arrive on bikes. They have cute little wooden carts that they tow behind them. They deliver lunch. We all congregate around the massive table in the big house. We set to passing and sharing a delicious spread of sweet breads, cheese, fruits, and prosciutto. Once we are all settled and happily munching, Archie and Louisa orient us to life on Barabai.
They explain that our island has no source for natural fresh water. Our showers are supplied by rain water collected in cisterns. The pools are salt water and require no chlorine. Our drinking water is brought in by boat.
As far as trash collection goes, every effort is made to reduce the amount of trash generated on the island. All non-compostable trash must be taken off by boat. No disposable paper products are used other than biodegradable toilet paper. Now I understand why my morning tea did not have a typical tea bag.
The island is powered by a variety of power sources. Off-shore wind turbines generate the electrical sources that will operate around the clock. These include refrigeration, the air conditioning in Christian's office space, and the VHF radio that will serve as our island-to-island communication. A solar-powered generator provides electricity for some day time use items such as the lights and electronics in Christian's office, the kitchen appliances, and rechargeable battery cells that operate things like the music speakers on the beach and an outdoor movie projector. Excluding Christian's office area and the kitchen space, none of our other living spaces have electrical lighting or power sockets. Even the lights in Christian's office will lose power at sundown.
Elliott laughs, "Chrissy is going to have a hard time giving up his computers and technology come night time."
Barabai is one of several private islands managed by an exclusive resort complex on a larger island. Although Christian owns Barabai, the resort manages the grounds and provides the amenities. Usually, the island would staff a full-time chef, butler, and housekeeping services. Because of COVID, our meals will be boated in from the main resort complex. Louisa explains that with the pandemic, all visitors are being required to self-isolate on their own islands. We will have to do our own housework.
For now, Archie and Louisa will be the only resort staff to stay with us. Our meals will be dropped on the pier and carted to the big lodge. We will not be able to send laundry or trash off the island so we are asked to make every effort to minimize trash and maximize the use of our linens.
We learn that the treehouse is actually a state-of-the-art business center with secure internet that can connect to SIPs main servers. Christian will have satellite phone service and the ability to securely conduct business without risking the interference from hackers and other online threats. The office area is air conditioned to protect all of this tech. Although the a/c will be 24 hours, the tech will not have power from sun down to sun up.
The island does not have cell service or wi-fi. With no power outlets, our phones, tablets, and laptops are useless.
As far as a schedule for the island, we will stick with set meal times and eat together. We will take turns with general housekeeping such as helping set up and clean up meals, keeping our gathering areas clean and tidy, etc.
In the big house, there is a small library with a billiards table and cabinets full of board games. Outside, there are kayaks, paddle boards, beach volleyball, table tennis, a few bikes, and an outdoor movie screen. Louisa explains that DVDs can be played on a battery-powered projector for night time entertainment. A small sailboat is available to use in the lagoon. Snorkeling supplies are also available. If the self-isolation mandate gets lifted, we can explore the atoll of islands by jet ski and find spots for surfing, picnics, and excursions.
Although there is not a gym on the island, there is the nature trail that goes around the perimeter of Barabai. Louisa will lead a morning yoga class on the beach. She also shows us where the water weights and resistance bands are stored. The water weights are hollow barbells. When filled with sea water, they function just like traditional free weights.
Should we need a doctor for any reason, we will use the satellite phone and internet in the treehouse to have a virtual appointment with a local doctor.
Archie tells us that the many surrounding private islands are all filled with groups looking to isolate from the pandemic. He mentioned that a-list celebrities and other billionaire executives are reported to be self-isolating just like us. It is kind of exciting to think who might be staying nearby.
Each night, caretakers from the surrounding islands along with contacts at the resort will all come together over the VHF radio. This is how information will be transmitted to us regarding updates on the virus and the mandatory self-isolation imposed by the Maldivian government.
Louisa hands out eco-friendly toiletries. We are all given our own bottles of Dr. Bronner's castile soap. I am happy to see that my favorite scent, rose, is available. We will use castile soap for showers, shampoo, handwashing, dishwashing, and laundry.
After we finish with lunch and help to clean up, I decide to go on a run around the island. It is so hot that I opt for just a sports bra and boy shorts. It takes me less than 10 minutes to make the full lap. I am half way through my second lap when I vow to never again exercise at this time of day. The foliage does nothing to protect me from the dank heat of mid-day. The humidity is so thick that I feel like I am running through hot soup. I finish the second lap and head straight for the pool at the beach villa. Kicking off my shoes and socks, I dive into the water seeking a much needed cool down.
I take my first outdoor shower. At first, I am really self-conscious and afraid that someone will see me. After a few minutes, I realize how good it feels. It feels slightly naughty to be naked outdoors. The water comes directly from the cistern and feels so good washing off the salt water from the pool. I lather up with my rose-scented wash and enjoy the sounds of the island's birds echoing through the trees. An over-sized Turkish towel is just the right weight to cover me while I walk back up the bathroom stairs and into my shared bedroom.
Taking a cue from a recent blog I read, I decide that I am going to develop one new habit for every week that we are here. For the first week, I will journal daily. I pull out the blush pink leather journal from Carla and a fountain pen I received for graduation as well as some watercolor markers. After writing a short narrative about our arrival to the island, I start doodling and making lists. I make a list of all of the activities I can do on the island. I will check each one off when I have tried it. I make another list of future journaling topics like creating a five year life plan and creating a personal mission statement. I color in my doodles and take some time to meditate. The afternoon is a welcome respite from the pandemonium of our travel here.
Archie and Louisa suggest that we set our dinner time to coincide with sunset. With the heat tempered, we will be more comfortable to laze around the table and meander through the meal. I ponder on what to wear for dinner. I really have very few options. Maybe I will turn a pair of jeans into cut-offs if I need them. I wear the one dress that I have with me. It is a khaki, sleeveless linen shift. I have two pairs of shoes, my chucks and tortoise shell ballet flats. I opt for the ballet flats. I throw my hair into a messy bun and call myself ready.
I head over to the big house to see if I can do anything to help with dinner preparations. Ms. Jones puts me to work setting up the seating area on the back patio for cocktails. Louisa mixes up pitchers of some type of rum punch that tastes like rainbows and coconuts. I put out glasses and decorate the table with a few flowers that have fallen from the surrounding bushes.
As the sunlight fades, Archie lights gas sconces and poolside torches. The patio begins to have a very primal vibe. This feels so different than any other life experience. It is part magical, a little bit intrepid, and sprinkled with the fear of the unknown. Will we be here for a few weeks or a few months? Is this a vacation or a long-term relocation?
Everyone begins to trickle down from their respective rooms. Elliott finds a guitar and brings it to the patio. He picks out melodies between sips of his punch. Ethan and Mia arrive. Mia is dressed to the nines, of course, in a strapless maxi floral print that billows as she walks. Kate, José , and Frederic join us and I top-off everyone's drinks.
Christian skipped lunch. I wonder if he will skip dinner, too? We have not been close enough to even say hello since we landed. I haven't laid eyes on him since the seaplane left the dock this morning. He must be tucked away in his office trying to save GEH and all those who work for him. He must have the weight of the world on his shoulders right now.
Just after sunset, I smell that sexy elixir before I see him. I turn to see the most beautiful man not ten steps away. My panties grow wet as I take in his gauzy linen shirt and royal blue chino shorts. My god, is Christian Grey wearing flip flops? Even his feet are sexy.
A/N: I have had so much fun creating boards for Barabai on Pinterest. In case you want to get some visuals on Barabai, check out the board. On Pinterest, search for user CarolinaGraceFF2020. Check out the Fifty Shades of Change board. PM me if you have trouble finding the page and I'll send you the link. I have broken the board down into sections for each building, the CPOs, the island itself, etc.
Thank you for coming along on this crazy ride. I apologize if I did not get a chance to respond to your review. As always, it is your reviews, favorites, and follows that keep me motivated to write more. Thank you, thank you, thank, you!