The van marked Springfield Village picks us up in downtown Bangkok. Susan had finished her shopping and I had wrapped up business. I’m ready for rest and golf. But not so fast. Bangkok’s infamous traffic jams resist our escape to the tranquil natural surroundings that Taylor and Betty have praised at Springfield Village.

Finally we’re on the Expressway. The resort is just two more hours away. Our Village is on the east coast, facing the Gulf of Thailand. Taylor called it “different world.” Betty was a little more eloquent: “It’s a hidden paradise—“ and then she smiled, “--devoted to you.” - Mike

It’s night. We’re in the country near the ocean. Our van winds along a dark road bordered by tall trees. No lights, no buildings. No other people. I anticipate the hidden paradise Betty told me about. Twelve hundred acres of privacy deep within Nature.

Suddenly, when you least expect it there are lights and the silhouettes of regal architecture ahead of you! It’s like entering a modern version of a small medieval Asian kingdom. Taylor had told us the architecture was Thai-Balinese, but whatever it is, it’s gorgeous and exotic. - Susan

I wake up slowly in the luxurious king-sized bed. Susie is still sleeping. I turn my head and open my eyes to see a world of greenery outside our window. I hear the sound of exotic birds I’ve never seen before. I remind myself about my tee time on the golf course. That’s the only thing on my schedule today. I have time to sleep some more. I smile and close my eyes. - Mike

We have breakfast at Bosco, the restaurant next to the swimming pool. The staff is so friendly! Fresh orange juice and coffee ready almost before the asking. Then a sumptuous breakfast. So many choices!  Mike and I sit in the restaurant’s open-air sunken cabana, near the edge of the swimming pool.

It’s not like any other swimming pool I’ve ever seen before. It’s almost like being surrounded by a brilliant blue lake. Little islands with palm trees dot the pool.  To reach Bosco, we walk through charming man-made caves. The sounds of waterfalls invigorate the atmosphere. –Susan

Golf at Springfield Village. I’m in heaven. You play your game in the midst of Nature. You’re nestled in sloping terrain, surrounded by a variety of trees. Beautiful lakes confront you as you navigate your way through each hole. The soundtrack comes from the more than one hundred species of birds who live here.

We get a short burst of rain and stop by the second hole kiosk where drinks are served while we wait and chat with our amiable Thai caddies dressed in pink. The rain stops. Within ten minutes Springfield’s world-class drainage system ensures playability. I’m back on the green. The tropical weather proves an asset to the lushness of the course. –Mike

Miss Kie, the guest relations officer, drives me up a hill in a golf cart. Mike is playing golf. I’m headed toward Springfield Village Spa. Along a winding road we climb toward a magical looking building, which Miss Kie tells me combines Thai and Balinese architecture.

 Once inside, I begin to shift into a whole new mood. I enter a realm of soothing, salutary smells and tranquility stirred by soft breezes. A health director who specializes in internal medicine and dermatology offers me a choice of treatments including massage, reflexology, facials, body wraps, body scrubs, vichy shower and hair and scalp treatments. I chose the vichy shower and a facial massage. I slide gently into a state of total relaxation. –Susan

After golf, I want to just kick back in our deluxe cottage while Susie finishes up at the spa. I step out onto our porch. Our private jacuzzi awaits. I gaze at the view. Below me, not far off, I watch a group of golfers trying to solve the 18th hole of Golf Course B.

Our balcony is encircled by bamboo, coconut and banana trees. Flowers poke up around my railings. I haven’t seen such a variety of flora since I was a Boy Scout camper. I breathe in the pure fresh air and lie down on the swing chair. Only when Susie returns do I wake up. – Mike

Imagine a soft, cool night in tropical Thailand. You and your husband basking in the hot, churning waters of your own Jacuzzi on your own private balcony.  We overlook the swimming pool disguised as a paradisiacal lagoon. A combo playing jazz in the Bosco Restaurant provides us with soothing background music.
Soon we forget the hectic lifestyle we left behind only yesterday.