Esme's Island Getaway: Fall Asleep In Paradise

Drift into slumber with Esme’s Island Getaway, a bedtime story set in a serene South Seas retreat inspired by the golden era of tiki culture. Indulge in a tropical escape, from a leisurely breakfast by the sea to a soothing boat ride across turquoise waters and bamboo dance floor beneath the stars. Let the gentle ocean sounds lull you into deep relaxation as you fall asleep in this tranquil paradise. It's time to dream away.

Transcript

The rustling palms and sea breeze invite you to relax with tonight's calming sleep story,

Esme's Island Getaway.

Your day begins in a retro-chic bungalow in the South Seas,

Where a vibrant breakfast of tropical fruits is served beneath swaying palms.

Esme,

With her teased hair and flowing calf tan,

Embodies the timeless glamour of the 1960s,

Bringing the golden age of tiki culture back to life.

You stroll along the shore,

Collecting shells,

Before setting out on a boat to hidden caves where the aquamarine sea sparkles.

As the sun sets,

You sway on a dockside swing,

Surrounded by the glow of a perfect day fading into the perfect night.

Simplicity is the ultimate luxury in tonight's cozy bedtime tale.

It's time to dream away.

Welcome to Michelle's Sanctuary.

I'm Michelle,

And you may think of me as a dear friend and guide.

As you close the door on another day,

Tonight's oasis will help set the tone for peaceful dreams ahead.

This is your journey,

So feel free to adjust every detail to your preferences.

Our time together reminds you that you're in charge of your thoughts.

You choose what imagery to invite in or let go of,

So do what's best for you and know you can fall asleep at any point.

Settling into the sanctuary of your room and mind,

Release all your cares with a big audible sigh.

Bid goodbye to anything that dares to interrupt your peace.

Inhale deeply and let the air fill your lungs with a sweet sense of coconut,

Ripe papaya,

And the fresh salty sea breeze.

Let everything go in a sigh.

Continue this pattern of breathing,

Inhaling deeply,

And exhaling with clarity.

If you like,

You can inhale and then yawn and sigh,

But whatever you choose to do,

Breathe with contentment.

Envision your room melting away into the soft glow of tiki torches on a faraway island,

Free of cares and concerns.

Count down with me as you purge all tension and welcome the magic of the night.

5.

Feel the soft embrace of the ocean breeze,

Its warmth urging your muscles to relax and surrender to the tropical rhythm.

4.

A wave of gratitude rises as the gentle tide kisses your feet,

Whispering promises of ease and tranquility.

3.

Warmth spreads through you,

From your head to your toes,

A gentle invitation to let go completely and trust in this moment.

2.

Your body aligns with the peaceful energy of this place,

Ready to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of an ideal getaway.

1.

Celebrate the you who makes space for joy,

Welcoming experiences that forever uplift your spirit.

As you inhale deeply,

Yawn and let everything go with a contented sigh.

Guide your breath back into a soft,

Easy rhythm,

Noticing how much better you feel than mere moments ago.

In the state of relaxation,

It's time for the story to begin.

1.

Under the canopy of swaying palm trees,

Your eyes to the soft rhythm of the sea lapping on the pearly white sand beach.

Morning light filters gently through the open shutters and dancing sheer curtains of your private bungalow at Esme's island getaway.

2.

Birds sing outside your window,

Praising another perfect day in paradise.

You begin your day dressed in swimwear and billowing lightweight attire that is soft and pleasant on your skin.

3.

Every sensation comes with an invitation to revel in how wonderful it is to be human and to be part of this beautiful world.

4.

Your bare feet touch down on the cool bamboo floor and you slide them into a pair of comfortable sandals.

5.

Outside,

A path of polished stone leads to an open-air breakfast buffet where the island awakens with ease.

6.

A sleek white table,

Pristine and elegant,

Stretches beneath ivory canopies that billow like the sails of a boat.

7.

A rainbow array of sliced fruit fans across the table in colorful waves.

8.

Papayas,

Coconut,

Pineapples,

Mangoes,

Dragonfruit,

And starfruit are arranged like a modern painting.

9.

The air is fragrant with a mingling sweetness of ripe mangoes and the briny air.

10.

Harry Belafonte croons softly on overhead speakers,

The crackling sound of vintage vinyl enhancing a sense of travel to a simpler time.

11.

Other guests at Esme's tiki resort slowly congregate around the buffet table,

Easing into the morning with the same peaceful,

Unhurried approach as you.

Esme's artful touch is everywhere,

From the cornucopia of breakfast dishes to the tiny details like plumeria in crystal vases on cafe tables.

As you sip a refreshing glass of chilled coconut water,

Your gaze drifts to the shoreline where shells shimmer like scattered jewels on the sand.

Each morning holds the promise of gentle adventures,

Walking along the beach to collect treasures left by the tide,

And getting lost in the delicate curves and lacy edges of aquamarine waves.

Like a tempting gesture imploring you to come hither,

The sea calls to everyone on these tranquil mornings.

12.

It brings the promise of a cool reprieve as the afternoon sun rises and the heat intensifies.

But right now,

The heavenly air embraces you with such gentle comfort.

The world feels forever soft.

13.

You linger at a cafe table on the lanai,

Letting out a sigh with a wonderful feeling of being without an agenda.

The soft clinking of plates and silverware,

And the occasional flutter of wings from curious island birds begging for crumbs provide the morning soundtrack.

Feeling satiated,

You stand and stretch your arms overhead,

Loosening in the island's easy warmth.

The soft strains of the morning soundtrack transition into lively surfer songs from the 1960s,

Bringing a bright tempo to the day ahead.

You walk along the winding path to the sand.

Pepper-red hibiscus and waxy green leaves line the edges.

Emerging from the dappled sunlight,

Esme appears like a vision,

Effortlessly embodying the spirit of the resort.

Her teased hair rises in a half-beehive as elegant waves flow down her back.

Esme's calf dance swirls around her in flowing shades of turquoise,

Salmon pink,

And soft yellow,

Mirroring the colors of sunrise and the sea.

Her every step is light and deliberate,

The long skinny straps of her gold bohemian sandals winding up her calves like shimmering twine.

She pauses briefly to greet a guest with a warm smile and a gentle hand on their shoulder,

Her bronzed skin glowing.

She exudes the charm of an old Hollywood star,

Fully devoted to the timeless elegance of an era decades before her time.

She is a brave soul who crafts a world and lives life on her terms.

To Esme,

Mornings are for lingering.

She laughs in the face of modern scheduling and rushing through this pleasant transition into the fresh canvas of a new day.

Since the doors of the resurrected resort open,

Guests would detail their lives,

Full of stress and made-up deadlines.

Esme found it peculiar.

She always felt that time was everyone's individual gift,

And theirs to do with it what they chose.

She'd hear their stories and feel deep gratitude that her resort could provide a sanctuary for the soul.

Though she never had children,

She treats her guests with maternal energy,

A very godmother we could all use at some point.

To Esme,

Adults need tenderness and care as much as children do.

Her whispers in the morning are a reassuring reminder that it is okay to slow down and enjoy life.

It's okay to be goalless for a little while.

Esme approaches you,

Inquiring how your morning is going,

And you feel a magnetic pull to her.

Your interaction is like stepping into a childhood memory you'd forgotten but never stopped aching for.

Esme reminds you,

With a graceful hand placed on your arm,

That you are part of this magical world and that there is magic within you.

She continues on with effortless grace,

Pausing to adjust and say quiet praise to a blooming hibiscus on the path.

Her presence lingers long after she slipped away,

Like the sweetness of tropical air at dusk.

She leaves you with a profound sense of peace,

Knowing you are exactly where you need to be.

Every guest recognizes that Esme belongs on this quiet island in the South Seas.

But her journey here was not an easy one and unsupported by most of her family and community.

Esme grew up in the icy wilderness of Alaska,

Where survival was the first skill taught.

By six,

She could loop chains around her small boots with lightning speed,

Mastering the art of walking on ice.

On daily ice fishing trips,

Her father taught her to slither like a seal should the ice crack beneath her weight.

Her community was deeply proud of their ability to thrive through endless weeks of darkness and unending nights.

But when Esme discovered her grandmother's collection of travel brochures and music from Tiki culture's golden age,

She couldn't imagine why anyone would choose this cold,

Austere life.

She hated the cold and the many layers required just to step outside in the winter.

Her childhood room became a rebel's haven,

A vision of escape to an island where she would one day resurrect an old resort.

A bamboo-patterned lamp sat on her dresser,

Casting a warm glow over turquoise walls she'd painted with her grandmother,

Her only ally.

Vintage postcards of beaches and Tiki idols rescued from a thrift store adorned the walls.

She fell asleep to the crackle of her grandmother's vinyl records.

The swaying sounds of ukuleles and steel guitars painting dreams of islands drenched in golden light becoming more real than the harsh winter outside.

In the corner of her room stood her favorite possession,

A rattan chair shaped like a peacock's tail that her grandmother begged her father to bring back from Anchorage.

She draped it with folies,

Practicing sitting like a movie star,

Imagining herself in glamorous flowing dresses instead of bulky parkas and wool sweaters.

Those childhood dreams would touch the many who found their way to Esme's island getaway,

A time capsule of mid-century Tiki splendor,

From fiery torches to cozy bungalows and glamorous spreads of tropical food.

It was Esme's vision of warmth,

Light,

And beauty,

A far cry from the icy tundras she once knew.

Her story dances in your mind all morning as you begin to wonder what changes you might make in life.

New adventures and long-held desires that have been kept at bay now flourish in the south seas.

You remove your sandals,

Balancing them on your fingers as you walk barefoot through the powdery sand,

Collecting shells on the way to the dock.

The water sparkles under the sun,

A kaleidoscope of blues and teals inviting you to join in its beauty.

At the dock,

The afternoon excursion boat awaits,

Rocking gently.

A sleek vessel with a polished wooden deck and ivory canopy,

Evoking a timeless elegance.

The captain stands by the gangplank,

Greeting guests with a toothy grin and hearty laugh.

His weathered face and bronze skin speak of countless days spent on these waters,

His cheerful demeanor putting everyone at ease.

Like Esme,

His daily adventures answer the call of his soul and his deep sense of happiness is infectious.

You step aboard,

Greeted by the inviting atmosphere.

The deck's benches are adorned with cushions featuring island flowers and lush ferns.

Three guests are already seated,

Their energy adding warmth to the intimate gathering.

One is an older woman with a cascade of silver hair loosely gathered at her nape.

She wears a flowing linen dress in ocean hues,

Her posture elegant yet relaxed.

She may have been a ballerina in a former life.

She has waited a lifetime for this trip.

Beside her sit a brother and sister in their thirties,

Dressed casually in lightweight shirts and shorts,

Who are also first-time visitors to the resort.

The boat pulls away from the dock with a gentle lurch,

And the engine's soft vibrations are met with a surprising rhythmic slap of waves against the hull.

It startles you all,

And you break out in nervous laughter.

But from here on,

The sailing is smooth.

A layer of saltwater mist lands on your face and arms,

Bringing a cool sensation and contrast to the warm sun.

The captain shares the history of the surrounding waters as the island recedes and then disappears.

Yet the water feels uncharted,

Arousing a sense of freedom and curiosity.

This ride stirs a feeling,

And you realize how much you wish you could slow down time and stay here just a while longer.

In the comforting embrace of the sea breeze and cresting turquoise water.

As the boat nears jagged limestone formations rising dramatically from the sea,

It slows and the anchor drops.

The captain opens a trunk of snorkeling gear,

Inviting everyone to dive into the water and explore the caves if they'd like.

Equipped with fins and a mask,

You slide into the tepid water that feels much cooler compared to the afternoon heat.

The sea is impossibly clear,

Offering a breathtaking view of the vibrant world beneath the surface.

Fish of every color dart between coral reefs,

Their movements fluid and hypnotic.

Rays of sunlight filter through the water,

Creating shifting light patterns on the sandy bottom.

The older woman joins you,

Moving gracefully through the waves,

Her silver hair shimmering in the sun.

As she swims ahead,

The younger man dives deeper,

Pointing excitedly to a sea turtle gliding past.

Laughter and shared wonder ripple through the group as you venture toward the caves.

Feeling a tingle of excitement in your abdomen,

You follow behind the older woman,

Who no longer lets fear hold her back from anything.

She enters first,

And you follow behind,

Your fins propelling you forward with ease.

Swimming into the shadowy depths of the caves,

The walls rise around you protectively.

The limestone shimmers faintly as mineral deposits.

Catch what little sunlight filters through.

The sound of your breath echoes softly in the stillness,

While tiny silver bubbles ascend like luminous pearls.

A flurry of rainbow-hued fish darts around them,

Curious and swift,

Only to scatter in playful disappointment when they discover the bubbles hold no promise of food.

The group swims back to the caves with pangs of hunger and a sense of satisfaction.

Your lungs used to their greatest capacity.

Now relax with each easy breath,

Unburdened and free from any weight.

Of stress.

When you return to the boat,

You find a small box waiting for you,

Neatly tied with a turquoise ribbon.

Inside is a perfectly prepared meal,

Tailored to your preferences.

You savor it on the return trip,

The flavors bright and satisfying,

Just like this day at sea.

As the shoreline comes back into view,

The golden hues of late afternoon bring the promise of a romantic sunset.

The boat slows,

And the captain expertly guides it to the dock.

Once your feet land on the sand,

You turn back to thank him once more,

Your heart full from the day's adventures.

You feel a camaraderie with a silver-haired woman and the younger travelers,

And express you will hopefully see them at dinner.

Back at your bungalow,

You step into the outdoor shower nestled within a private garden of palms and flowering vines.

The warm water flows over your tanned skin,

Washing away the salt and sand from the excursion.

You pause for a moment,

Letting the droplets cascade over you.

You lather a bar of coconut soap that fills the air and your lungs with its sweet,

Toasty aroma.

Each breath feels restorative,

Grounding you in the serene corner of the world.

The sky begins to shift into a canvas of deepening blues,

And for the first time all day,

You hurry just a bit in an effort to catch the sunset.

Your skin feels silky and smooth as you towel off and wrap yourself in a floral robe,

Walking back into the bungalow.

An outfit bought for this occasion hangs in the wicker armoire,

And you change into the light,

Airy fabric that captures your favorite tiki-era look.

You wander out to the private dock before your bungalow,

Stepping on the creaking planks that rock in the tide.

A rattan hammock chair swing,

Suspended over the water,

Beckons.

You ease into it,

Letting your toes skim the surface of the sea.

The horizon stretches endlessly before you,

Painted in breathtaking shades of amber,

Coral,

And violet as the fiery magenta sun lowers.

The sea is still,

Its surface like liquid glass reflecting the colors of the sky.

Tiny ripples undulate like jewel-toned silk,

Capturing your attention.

The perfume of the night takes hold,

As the deepening sweetness of frangipani fills the air,

And you decide to rise for dinner.

Tiki torches line the stone path,

Their fiery light creating rising peaks of shadows and light.

Dinner is an intimate affair on the open-air lanai,

With tiny candles and carved-out coconut shells casting a golden glow over the tables.

You savor every bite of the meal,

Thoughtfully prepared once more to meet your customized preferences.

The flavors burst on your tongue,

Vibrant and clean,

Perfectly balanced to nourish both body and soul.

As you sip on a frozen coconut cream and pineapple drink with an umbrella straw,

Steel drums begin to play,

And the dance floor comes to life.

Esme confidently moves in the center of the bamboo dance floor,

Now dressed in a caftan of deeper blues,

Greens,

And purples,

And sequined patterns that swirl like a vintage poochie scarf.

Her now-silver sandals sparkle as her movements flow with grace,

Casting a spell with her welcoming energy.

Even the shyest,

Most awkward guest feels emboldened to move their body to the music,

Emulating the tempo of the tradewinds and the incoming tide.

Esme's joy is contagious.

She connects with every soul with a gentle smile or touch or curtsy,

Inviting you all to welcome the rhythm of the night on the dance floor beneath the stars.

You lose yourself in the music,

Every muscle warmed and stretched by the fluidity of your movements and the balmy,

Tropical night.

The island has awakened a new version of yourself,

Softened and free,

And there's just no going back.

By the time you return to your bungalow,

The island has fallen into a hushed stillness and a crescent moon is in the center of the sky,

Hovering over the sea.

The stars feel close enough to touch,

Scattered across the purple-black sky like a million glowing gemstones.

You step onto the veranda,

Inhaling deeply as the gentle night air brushes your skin.

You feel a headiness and a bone-deep tiredness as you shuffle indoors.

You slide into lightweight,

Breathable pajamas and climb atop the tall bamboo canopy bed.

The linens cool and crisp against your skin.

As your eyes grow heavy,

The tropical notes of the day linger on your skin.

A tangy blend of sea salt,

Coconut,

And papaya that carries you into slumber.

The sussurating palms and the whispering sea help your mind drift into a dreamscape.

Here,

Visions take shape,

Blossoming with clarity and promise,

Waiting to one day become the waking moments of your life.

Your last thought before drifting to sleep is what a wonderful world this truly is.

Finding refuge,

Finding comfort,

Finding hope,

Finding peace.

It's time to dream away.

Good night.

Reviews

Thank you, Michelle🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻Drifted in and out of the story, yet heard the last thought: “ What a wonderful world”… and now I find myself singing that song, I will keep that in mind, while pressing the play button again, not ready to start the day at 5 am. Thank you for taking me all over the world on nightly adventures 🙏🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🙏🏻

Another favorite. Thank you for taking me to lovely places to forget about pain and limits. Where to next?💕

What a wonderful adventure. This brought back so many great memories of the 60s, which was one of my favorite decades. I remember the teased hair & some of the best music. Thank you, Michelle, for another special story.

Thank you, Michelle, for the lovely story. I’ll have to listen again as I only heard a little bit. 💕