Love in the Maldives (2023) Movie Script
1
Dear Reader:
Travel teaches you
to trust your intuition.
That applies
to sketchy street food,
getting directions,
and even trying new languages.
And when you travel
the world solo,
your instincts
are all you've got.
Every trip I've taken has taught
me something about myself,
and this time, on my trip
to the Sapo Rainforest
in Liberia,
I learned that when
I'm face-to-face
with a deadly green mamba snake,
my brain tells me to run
but my instinct tells me
to stand my ground
because the danger you can see
is rarely as deadly as the...
Rae Parker, you're back.
- Got in a couple of hours ago.
- And you came straight here.
You didn't go home first?
No, I wanted to get
this draft done
while it's still fresh.
I'm gonna clean those up.
Since you're here,
come up to my office.
I want to catch you up
on a few things.
What do you think when you hear
the words, "Icon Magazine"?
Magazine for the modern woman,
fabulous, uh, intrepid...
International.
Oh yeah, no,
that was gonna be my next one.
Icon Magazine's going online.
We're finalizing a merger
with the publishers
of Lady Dame London to become...
Lady Icon.
Wow, okay!
Congrats, Shelley.
Lady Icon needs
to come out strong.
We need to show that,
while we're good on our own,
we're better together.
I have the perfect story.
Okay, imagine this:
A 27-day solo trip
down the Zambezi River...
Didn't you do that already?
Oh, uh, no, I think...
I think you're thinking
of the Saya River,
that one's in Russia.
This one is in East Africa...
Rae, you need to do
something different.
Okay, I can climb up the Denali
and then ski
back down the face...
You've already summited
more mountains
than I even knew existed.
Okay, uh, well...
where do you want me to go?
- I want you to go here.
- Oh.
An underwater resort
in the Maldives.
Oh...
No, it's... it's gorgeous.
It's just, I think
that trips like this
are more suited for honeymooners
rather than
solo adventure seekers.
Frankly, we're not sure
where "Reservation for One"
fits in the new magazine.
Your readership is dedicated
but it's small.
You need to draw in
the Lady Dames demographics.
Older, more sophisticated,
more luxe.
Okay, so...
what are you suggesting?
Extreme pool lounging?
We need to cut through the noise
and find a more personal angle.
Readers want to get to know
Rae Parker better,
not some bigger,
grander adventure.
I don't know, this is just...
This is really not me.
Think of it
as a luxury adventure.
Find the personal angle.
We need this
and the Liberia article
by the end of the week,
so I need daily updates.
I'll have my assistant sign us
into a shared cloud drive.
Smile, Rae, you're packing
your bags for paradise!
You might want to take a look.
It really is a great view.
I've been looking at it
on my vision board
for the past...
well, several years.
Turns out it's real.
Rae Parker.
I'm here on assignment.
Oh, Debra Hoffman.
Assignment? Huh.
I am too.
Sort of.
That's her plane.
Ready, Jared?
I'll catch up with you.
This could be your chance
to get your course out there.
She can let the whole world
know about it.
I just wanna do a good job
for the resort.
Shirt would be
a good place to start.
- Welcome to the Maldives.
- Thank you.
Rae Parker with Icon Magazine?
That's me, and, um,
that one's mine.
Oh.
Oh, we'll bring that
to your room for you.
- Oh.
- Is that all you have?
Yeah, that's all I need.
Um, mosquito nets,
iodine tablets, flashlights...
- Fresh coconut?
- Oh, yeah.
- Thank you.
- Well, I can assure you,
you won't be needing
any of that at the Marata.
I'm Jules,
Public Relations Manager.
Nice to meet you, Jules.
You and up to nine guests
will find everything
you could need right here.
Oh, it's just me.
I travel alone.
It's kind of my thing.
Uh, right there is fine, thanks.
Well, then you'll have
plenty of space.
Can I show you around?
Actually, I kind of have
a deadline
and I need to check in
with my editor.
Do you guys have Wi-Fi?
Of course.
The password is "paradise."
Anything else
I can help you with?
No, thanks,
I'm pretty self-sufficient.
Well, I do hope you find
some time to relax.
It's kind of our thing.
Totally.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Our Experience Director,
Jared Joseph,
he's on his way, should I just...
Yeah, just send him in.
- Enjoy your stay.
- Yeah, you too.
The Maldives, a beautiful chain
of coral atolls
in the Indian Ocean, is home
to hundreds of shipwrecks.
The story of one vessel
lost to time has captivated...
- Rae Parker?
- The Wandering Shipwreck
is a national legend
that just may be...
- Hello?
- A national fact
- just waiting to be discovered.
- Rae Parker?
The story begins
almost a thousand years ago
when the island nation
was first...
- Hello.
- Ahh!
- Hi.
- Hi.
That's quite the arm you got.
I am so sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
I'm... I'm Jared.
I'm the Resort Experience
Director.
Rae from Icon Magazine.
I write "Reservation for One."
Here.
- Thank you.
- Well, I'll be here to help you
with any experience you might
need for your magazine.
What can you tell me
about the Wandering Shipwreck?
- What about it?
- I write an adventure column,
and that seems like a great fit.
It does. Unfortunately,
it's more legend than fact.
What's the legend?
Well, the legend is
that there was a ship
called the Vakkankurun that sank
almost a hundred years ago.
It was carrying plundered
treasure back to England.
Every few years,
someone claims to have found it.
We actually call it
the Wandering Shipwreck
because every monsoon season,
supposedly it moves.
I love it.
So there's no sunken shipwreck?
No.
But have you seen the downstairs
part of your suite yet?
There's a downstairs?
You ready?
How is this even real?
A decade of engineering.
But what we're most proud of
is what you can't really see.
The structure was built
to be part of the reef
and give sanctuary
to a thousand species
that call these waters home.
That's a lot of fish.
Fish, mollusks, crustaceans...
Sharks?
Absolutely.
Hope that won't keep you
out of the water.
Oh, not at all.
That has column potential.
- Can I swim with them?
- Yeah, sure.
Nurse sharks and whale sharks
are harmless.
We do it all the time.
Actually recommend it.
There's a powerful peace
being in the ocean,
surrounded by life
but in tune with yourself.
It's a green sea turtle.
It's a good omen.
No matter how long I've lived
here, that never gets old.
- How long have you lived here?
- Almost ten years.
- Wow.
- Yeah, I know.
The Maldives isn't just where
I work, it's my home now.
Since there's no shipwreck
for me to find,
I need another angle
for my article.
Where should I start?
Well, I've actually put together
a list of activities
for you here at the resort,
and I personally recommend
the Clarity and Connection
yoga and meditation program.
Thanks, I'm... I'm good.
Meditation's not really
my thing.
It's a lot more
than just meditation.
You know, we help people
discover their inner self.
My inner self and my self-self
are in complete agreement,
and we were looking
for something
more like cave diving
or mountain climbing.
Okay, um...
We have, uh,
a hike to the jungle
that goes from one side
of the island to the other.
I can set you up on a tour,
or you can just...
go by yourself at your leisure.
And this time I'll be on
the lookout for the green mamba.
- The green what?
- The green mamba.
I almost got bit by one
a month ago,
and I heard its hiss
just in time.
You can read all about it
in next month's article.
Uh, I don't think
we have those here.
Well, I'll be ready
for whatever you do have.
Yeah, that's good.
Where do I find this jungle?
I'll leave you instructions
in the morning.
- Okay?
- Yeah.
Good evening.
Here's your drink.
Rae! Just checkin' in.
You sent me to sleep
with the fishes, Shelley.
Show me the view.
Oh, I'm jealous!
I could use a vacation
like that.
I'm not on vacation, remember?
I'm working.
I'm gonna send you
the Liberia article tonight.
I look forward to reading it.
- Aren't you tired?
- No, I'm powering through.
- Made some good connections.
- Oh?
Yeah, the hotel
Experience Director
seems like a good person
to know, in more ways than one.
But unfortunately,
he said there's no sunken ship,
so I'm gonna go get lost
in the jungle tomorrow.
Shipwrecks? Lost in the jungle?
Rae, sultans stay in the Marata.
Just write about that.
Great view. Five stars.
I'm serious, Rae.
Try to connect
to the actual place,
not just a thrill
you create there.
What if I don't have
anything interesting to say?
Just write about how it feels.
That's why you're there.
I'll come up with something,
don't worry.
I will leave no stone unturned.
Thanks, man.
You know, it's only
a matter of time.
Yeah, I know.
It's just so peaceful right now.
I don't want to see that
get ruined.
- Who else knows?
- Just us.
I never even told Jules.
How are you doing
since she left?
I'm coming to peace
with it, you know?
Well, I'm here for you, buddy.
We only have to keep it secret
a little longer,
and Zara's working
to get this corrected.
Or until monsoon season
washes it away again.
Yeah.
The ending's a little clich,
don't you think?
No, it's great.
I know it's similar
to the Nahanni article,
but it's not identical.
Plus, that was four years ago.
You're losing your touch, Rae.
Am not.
Okay, fine.
I'll come up
with something better.
Won't be needing this today.
I need to find a water source.
I'm ready for you, green mamba.
- Rae?
- Hmm?
What are you doing here?
Getting lost in the jungle.
What are you doing here?
Pranayama.
Prana-what?
- Breath work.
- Great!
I'm sorry, just...
keep breathing.
You guys are doing great.
Are you okay?
You look exhausted and sweaty.
I'm fine.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Is that, uh...
Clarity and Connection, yeah.
You teach that?
I do.
Oh.
Sorry for what I said...
It's fine.
Can I help you
get back on the trail?
I'll just show you on the map.
Oh no, I... I...
I like getting lost.
It, um, gives me
something to do.
You know,
ever since I was a kid,
I always liked finding
my way home.
So...
Head back.
I can get you a golf cart.
Okay, never mind.
Hey, do you wanna have
dinner tonight?
I know this amazing restaurant.
It's the most incredible
experience.
For you, that is.
Um, a reservation for one.
You... you see what I did there?
Yes. No, I see.
Uh, yeah.
Dinner, that's, uh, that's good.
Thank you.
I don't think I can...
Debra!
Are you eating here?
What? I...
No, no, no, no.
It looks very nice though.
- But you're all dressed up.
- What, this?
It's old.
You know, I would love
a date for dinner.
That's very... I wouldn't want
to impose, I really wouldn't.
Not at all. Let's go!
I...
I've never seen so many.
Tuna tartare.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
- Enjoy.
- Look at that!
You know, I'm starting to feel
a little guilty
about eating fish out here.
Why? It's what they're eating.
Have you noticed
that every other table here
is a couple?
I don't think I would've had
very much fun eating alone.
Is that why you were
hesitating before?
Don't! I'm so embarrassed.
Oh, don't be.
You remember I said I was
on a kind of assignment?
Let's just say it's not as easy
as I thought it would be.
What's the assignment?
My husband died.
- I'm sorry.
- No, don't be.
Uh...
It was the best 30 years
I could've hoped for.
And as I say,
it was five years ago.
So, I just thought I'd be
a little bit more...
So, I set myself a list
of adventures, my Live It List.
And, um, here I am, so far away.
I've come all this way
for Jared's course, and...
I think it might be
a little bit too soon.
It must be really hard.
You are so brave
for coming all of this way
and taking the first step.
Thank you.
And take it from someone
that does this a lot,
like, a lot:
There is nothing wrong
with traveling alone.
Hmm.
Good evening, ladies.
Are you enjoying your dinner?
Yes, it's delicious.
And beautiful.
Was there anything else
I can get you two?
I hear the oysters
are really good.
Oh, and I imagine fresh.
The freshest you've had.
Okay, well, if that's a promise,
then yes,
I would love some fresh oysters.
It's a promise.
Well, if you don't mind,
I think I'm gonna call it
a night.
All that traveling.
But I would like to thank you
for a very lovely evening.
It was a pleasure,
and don't worry,
I have a bunch of work to do.
Okay.
Look over there!
Your oysters.
Bravo, sir!
Where'd you learn
how to dive like that?
I learned from a good friend.
- Mm, yum.
- His family's been pearl diving
here for generations.
Sounds like my kind of fun.
Where do I sign up?
It takes a long time to learn,
and a lot of practice,
all right?
I swim every morning.
How long?
I have a column to write.
Well, the first step
is breath work
which, as you know, is part
of the Clarity
and Connection program.
I know you're not interested,
but maybe it's worth asking
yourself why you're so resistant
to being introspective.
I am not resistant!
Right.
You know, I might understand
where you're coming from
better than you think.
What do you mean?
Well, before I came here,
I thought that I always had
to be pushing forward
or I'd fall behind.
Well, in the publishing world,
that's literally true.
Yeah, but sometimes
it's valuable
to... to slow down
and look and see
if the path you're on
is truly what you want.
I thought being a doctor
would make me happy.
I worked relentlessly
until I actually stopped
and listened to my thoughts,
then I realized that that's not
what I wanted in my life.
No matter how hard I worked on
it, it wouldn't make me happy.
You know, I needed
a different path.
- Wait, you went to med school?
- Yeah, why?
Is that hard to believe?
No, it's just...
it's just so not you.
No, it wasn't.
So you just gave it all up
to come out here and...
pearl dive and teach yoga?
It was a little less
straightforward than that,
but I guess it's the gist.
You know, and now
I get to help people
make discoveries
about themselves.
I like that.
It's kind of what I'm trying
to do with my column,
help people face their fears.
Okay, how about we meet
in the middle then?
Come with me tomorrow
and I'll give you
your first free diving lesson.
Do you have any experience
in the water?
Scuba certified.
That's perfect.
Let's say, uh,
we'll meet at the activity beach
at 10:00 a.m.
Good night, Jared.
Good night, Rae.
Hey.
Workin' late?
Bookings are pouring in.
Need anything?
Really, you too?
It sells rooms.
They're gonna look
for it anyway.
So how are things going
with the reporter?
You got her signed up
for Clarity and Connection yet?
She's a classic case of,
"I'm too busy
to work on myself."
Hmm.
Sounds like she needs it
more than most, then.
Well, whatever she needs,
it sure isn't what she wants.
She's just one guest, Jared.
There'll be others.
She's interesting though.
Don't give me that look.
Good night, Jared.
- You goin' in?
- Hmm? Oh, me?
No! Although it is on my list.
But no, I'm working
my way up to it.
I can feel it.
Are you sure?
I'll be right here.
Oh, thank you, Rae.
But no.
Today is about relaxing
with a good book.
I've been meaning to read that.
I actually think
I preordered that.
This one? You know,
I think this came out
about three years ago.
What are you waiting for, Rae?
Really?
Tell you what,
I've almost finished it.
Um, when I have, it's all yours.
Good morning, ma'am.
- Your coconut.
- Oh, you legend!
Enjoy.
All right, I'm ready!
- Good morning, Rae.
- Morning.
- Excited, can you tell?
- I can.
- Where we goin'?
- All right, look,
if we're gonna count this
as a formal lesson,
then there's a few things
we gotta go over first.
First step is breathing.
We use box breaths,
so we're gonna inhale
for four seconds,
hold for four seconds,
exhale for four seconds,
then... you guessed it...
Hold for four seconds.
Okay, let's try it.
So, in...
two, three, four.
Hold, two, three, four.
Exhale, two, three, four.
Hold, two...
three, four.
That was yoga, wasn't it?
Just a little bit.
All right,
let's get you some gear.
Say cheese!
- You ready?
- Yeah.
The water's so clear!
The best ocean in the world.
Come on.
You're doing great.
Now, the real reason
we came here?
Follow me.
- Whoo!
- That was so cool!
Rae, you look like
you got some sun.
Oh, I did.
Thinking of finding something
to do around here tonight.
Oh, well, there's Sunset Samba
at the beach pavilion.
- It's my night to lead.
- Dancing? I don't know.
We're having an underwater disco
at the end of the week.
- I'm in.
- Good.
Do you think you can
find yourself a partner?
Yes, I think I know
the perfect person.
Great, yes, I'll put you down.
And you, what do you...
What do you do
when you're not working?
I like to sneak away to surf,
but it's been ages
since I've done that.
Yeah.
You know, if you think about it,
we both do for work
what other people do for fun.
Hm. Doesn't mean
it's not work, though.
That's true.
- What's this?
- That is
the Wandering Shipwreck Hunt.
It's a dive tour that searches
for the sunken treasure
of the Vakkankurun.
- Why is Jared on this?
- Jared didn't tell you?
He was with the divers
when they found the gold.
- They found gold?
- Yeah! Isn't it exciting?
It was just one piece,
so they can't prove
it's from the Vakkankurun,
but it looks right.
- Can I take this?
- Of course.
Oh, um, and I just realized
that I've been meaning
to read the same book
for the last three years,
so you should take some time.
Go surf.
- Oh, hi, Rae.
- Hi.
What do you know about samba?
Oh, I know absolutely nothing
about the samba.
- Why?
- It sounds
like it's time for a lesson.
Five, six, seven, eight.
- Five.
- Ooh.
I'm so sorry.
One and two, three and four.
- Five and six, and seven...
- Right and then...
and eight.
Great! Excellent, nicely done.
Let's grab our partner.
We're gonna pair up.
I think we're ready to add
that spin we practiced.
Five, six, seven, eight.
One and two, three and four,
- five and six...
- Oh, dear.
Disaster, disaster.
That's okay, we're having fun!
Fun.
Fun, fun, fun, fun.
I don't think this is fun,
you know?
I think it's embarrassing,
I think people are laughing.
Nobody is laughing at us
except maybe ourselves.
Oh, gee, I... I, um,
it was a great try, Rae,
but I don't think I can do this.
- Totally understand.
- I really appreciate
the invitation, I do, I just...
- Great! Nicely done.
- I just can't.
All right, don't worry.
I'm adding the music now.
Five, six, seven, eight.
Five and six, seven and eight.
Sunset Samba partner, stat.
Go.
Oh, hi.
Is this meeting you halfway?
Yeah, something like that.
Wow!
Nicely done, everyone.
Give yourselves
a round of applause.
So, do you make a habit
of coming out of the ocean
like a mermaid?
I was coming back from a dive.
Ah.
Searching for serenity?
No. But I did find this.
It's gorgeous.
So, the Vakkankurun...
Ah, yes.
You didn't tell me
they found gold,
that you found gold.
That's because I don't want you
wasting your time here
on some tourist nonsense.
What did you find?
On a dive a lot like today's,
one of the divers found
a small piece of gold.
Yes, it could be
from the Vakkankurun,
or it could be from anything.
Doesn't mean that it's close.
But it could be.
Yeah.
It could.
But now every tourist
with a scuba tank
wants to go searching for it.
Sounds like an adventure to me.
No. The hunts are traps, okay?
They... they throw garbage
in the ocean
and let the divers find it.
Jared, this is the story
I've been searching for.
I have done a lot of things,
but a sunken treasure?
This would put my column
on the front page.
Did you hear anything
I just said?
Oh, just a fake pirate thing.
I want you to help me.
You know this area.
Look, Rae,
what's beneath all this
is worth exploring,
but not because of
some mythical ship, okay?
Here.
Keep this as a reminder
of what's real.
No, I couldn't.
No, I want you to have it.
And I'll think about it, okay?
Good night, Rae.
I wanted to apologize
for earlier.
I just, uh, oh, I don't know.
I panicked.
It's okay, really.
I'm sorry that I pushed you
to be my partner.
No, it was good.
I tried something new.
It didn't work out perfectly,
but the world didn't end.
So, I want you to tell me
about your assignment.
Oh, well,
I'm a magazine columnist.
Really? What do you write?
I write a column called
Reservation for One.
It's all about
all the adventures you can have
while traveling alone.
- You're kidding.
- No.
When I say I eat alone
all the time, I mean it.
Well, clearly,
I need to read your column.
Ooh, speaking of reading,
it's all yours.
- Any good?
- You're gonna love it.
Couldn't put it down.
I just need to find the time
to read it.
Jared, you made it.
Thanks for having me.
What's wrong?
I can't hide anything from you.
Welcome to my world.
Who is she?
No, it's strictly professional.
Strictly professional with who?
Spill the beans.
There's a writer,
and I'm trying to help her
find a topic for her article.
It's been tough,
I really want to help,
but she's just not interested.
You mean in you or your course?
Both.
This is the week
Monica is returning.
Have you seen her
since she left?
No.
It's not just that.
Sometimes I wonder
if trying to bring
Clarity and Connection
international
is just a waste of time.
Don't be silly.
People love your course.
The big-shot writer doesn't.
She will.
You have to keep the faith.
What's that?
This is my story.
Is that a personal story
about staying
- at a luxury resort?
- No, this is...
This is gonna be
so much better than that.
Are you sure? There's a lot
riding on this, Rae.
Yes.
Tick-tock.
Debra!
Oh!
Is Jared here yet?
Uh, I haven't seen him.
Um...
Yoga.
- Wait, are you doing yoga?
- Uh...
Please do yoga.
If you will, I will.
It's on your list, isn't it?
Possibly.
Then I can do yoga for you.
That counts as exercise, right?
Absolutely.
- Morning, ladies.
- Morning.
Um, do you have a minute
to talk?
Well, class is about to start,
but we can speak after.
That's why you're here, right?
Of course.
Right, let's get started.
Thank you.
- Morning, everyone.
- Morning!
Hope everyone is ready
for some fun,
a little bit of a challenge.
Right, so I'm gonna lead you
through a series of poses
that allow us to be
fully present in each moment.
So, I'll have everyone stand.
Coming to the front of your mat,
feet together.
All right, so we're
really just finding
our balance here.
Pushing our weight
down into the floor.
And we're gonna reach up,
both hands nice and high.
Feeling a deep stretch,
looking up.
Put our hands together
and come to our heart's center.
We're gonna forward fold,
reaching down into the ground.
We're gonna step back
into a deep lunge...
raising our arms up
into Warrior One.
Arms up high.
Gonna flip our arms sideways
into Warrior Two.
We're gonna reach forward
with one arm
and reach back with the other.
Keep that deep lunge
in the front leg.
Very good.
A little deeper in the leg here.
Perfect.
Very good,
get this a little higher.
Very good.
Just gonna sink our hips down,
relax the shoulders here,
and looking forward.
Perfect.
Great, we're gonna come
to the front of our mat.
Feet together.
Wow, I actually enjoyed
a yoga class.
Something is definitely wrong.
- You were awesome, Debra.
- I was...
I was awesome.
You know, I was wondering
if maybe there was room for me
in that group
meditation class later.
Absolutely. I'll save you a spot
at the beach.
Thank you.
Both of you.
Ooh, Rae, if you fancy a bite,
just drop by later.
Yeah, I'll be there.
So you helped Debra
come to yoga?
Why are you saying it like that?
I just thought
that maybe it'd be you
that needed the convincing.
I decided to meet you halfway.
Remember when you said that?
Well, now I need you
to meet me halfway.
The Vakkankurun.
Ah, the truth comes out.
I'm not expecting to find it,
but maybe the search itself
is enough.
Sounds like something
I would say.
Will you help me?
Rae...
I would love your help,
but, um, I'm gonna look for it
either way.
I need this article
to save my career,
and my career is my life.
So...
- Morning.
- Good morning.
Is this where I sign up
for this?
Yes, we have dives tomorrow
at 9:00, 1:00, and 5:00.
Great, put me down
for all of them.
Our first dive this morning
will be in
a shallow atoll lagoon
where you should be able
to see...
You are fully booked
for the next six weeks.
- Wow.
- Keep it up,
you'll be able to bring
Clarity and Connection
wherever you want.
Yeah, I don't think
it's ready for that.
Yes, it is. What's not ready?
I'm not ready.
I have to focus on the people
that are here right now.
I saw that Rae showed up
for a few activities yesterday.
- That's a good sign, right?
- No.
She's just searching
for information
about the Vakkankurun.
I think she's off
doing that right now.
So... help her.
Is that what you want
her article to be about,
searching for
some mythical treasure?
Are you just thinking
about her article,
or are you thinking about her?
This isn't like Monica, Jared.
Whatever it is
Rae is searching for,
this is your opportunity
to help her find
what she really needs.
Yeah, I just... I don't want
to lead her
in the wrong direction.
Struggling students
need extra attention.
If you can't help her, who can?
Jared, hi!
I want to show you something.
Welcome back.
Hi, look at this.
Wait.
What do you think?
Rae, I'm sorry,
this isn't real gold.
It's probably left over
from one of those
treasure hunts.
Listen, I thought
about what you said.
If the search is enough,
I think I can help you.
- You can?
- Yeah.
My friend, Zara, lives in Mal.
She's a cultural historian.
She knows everything
about the Maldives,
including the Vakkankurun.
So you're gonna help me find
the shipwreck?
I didn't say that,
but I'm off the next two days
and we can go visit her.
You can see the capital city,
and she can teach you
all about it.
Yes! That sounds great.
Oh, thank you.
What is that?
What's what?
That melody.
Is that the Give Me Fridays?
- You know that band?
- Yeah!
They were only the soundtrack
to my first Arctic expedition.
I had their album on repeat
during college finals.
Fridays aren't as good
as my Saturdays
- It's a great song.
- Great song.
Yeah.
Well, I'll get a boat ready
and we'll leave
tomorrow morning?
Sounds great.
So Jared gave you this recipe?
He said it's the key
to his relaxation.
Ah, but what is the key
to his abs?
- Debra!
- What?
I might be grieving,
but I'm not blind.
Are you reading my column?
And loving every word.
It's inspiring.
So, does that mean
you'll be my date
- to the underwater dancing?
- Absolutely.
- Good.
- One hundred percent.
- Great!
- Unless I chicken out.
One step at a time.
You're an amazing writer, Rae.
I can't wait to hear your take
on Clarity and Connection.
Yeah, I don't know.
All this inner world stuff
isn't really my thing.
An assignment like this
would have to be a challenge...
particularly with a distraction?
What distraction?
Anyone who knows
what to look for
can tell that fate
is pulling you two together.
Mm-mm, ew.
I do not believe in fate, okay?
I... I...
I choose my own path.
And what a path.
Have you always been
such an adventurer?
Since I was a kid,
um, I wanted to be
either an explorer or a pilot,
you know, control my destiny.
I think no matter who you are,
a little clarity and connection,
it's got to be
a good thing, right?
Maybe you could think of it
as scaling inner mountains.
I mean, I know
I hope I get up there,
get a good look around.
No, I... I respect your journey,
but mine is not about finding
what's in here.
It's about finding
what's out there.
This is Mal.
It's a small island
but a big city,
one of the most densely
populated in the world.
It's so different
than the resort.
There are over 1,200 islands
in the Maldives
and they're all different.
The king used to be called
the Sultan of 12,000 Islands.
Wait, 1,200 or 12,000?
Kings tend to exaggerate.
And believe it or not,
Mal used to be a walled city.
On an island?
I've never seen
so much scooter traffic.
Somehow, it all works.
Oh, thank you.
Hi.
Look how tiny.
Have you ever tried stone apple?
What is this,
like a tiny little apple?
- Yeah, kind of.
- What is it?
Apple's weird cousin
that no one likes to talk about?
Well, maybe it's gonna be
all you want to talk about.
Mm, yeah, this is nothing
like an apple.
- Jared!
- Hey!
I'm so glad you could
join us tonight.
- I'm making garudhiya.
- Zara, this is Rae.
Rae, this is my friend, Zara.
Hi! Nice to meet you.
I'm so excited to learn
about the Vakkankurun.
We're going to see Shakhir
before we stop by.
Oh, does he have a release
tonight?
- What kind of release?
- You'll see.
We'll see you in a little bit.
Like an album release?
So this is my favorite spot
in the Maldives.
- Why is that?
- Jared.
Shakhir.
Shakhir, this is Rae.
Shakhir taught me to pearl dive.
- I owe it all to him.
- It's good to see you.
- How are you holding up?
- I'm good.
And, Rae, it's nice to meet you.
You're just in time.
Yeah, thanks
for letting us come.
Do you want to see them?
They're so cute and tiny!
We can't touch.
They hatched earlier,
but we collect them
and release them all together
so that they have
a better chance of survival.
Right now is a perfect time
to set them
on their new big adventure.
Now, we don't put them
right in the water.
We put them in the sand
because this beach will be
important in their future.
Years later,
when it's their turn to nest,
they're gonna come back
to the same spot.
Jared will show you.
Come on.
Thanks, Shak.
Wait, how will they know
how to come back home?
It's imprinted on them forever.
Well, I say this guy
is ready to go.
Okay.
So we're gonna gently
put this on the sand
and tilt it up slowly.
Ooh, sorry, little guy.
Let the adventure begin.
Good luck out there, kiddo.
Thanks, Shakhir,
that was amazing.
Before you leave,
I have a gift for both of you.
Show me your hand.
Black pearls are
a symbol of hope
for wounded hearts.
That's too much, Shakhir.
- You too.
- Oh!
When the string breaks,
return the pearls to the ocean.
True love has been found.
Thank you.
- Tell Zara I said hi.
- I will.
Please, make yourself at home.
Your house is so beautiful.
Thank you.
So, tell me,
why do you want to know
about the Vakkankurun?
From what I know
about the story already,
it sounds so unique.
The Wandering Shipwreck.
The story begins
with the treasure.
The Koimala treasure,
named after the first king
of the Maldives,
was stolen in the 12th century.
- Wasn't it cursed?
- Yes,
until it was returned
to our people.
How did it end up on the ship?
For hundreds of years, it was
just missing in the Maldives.
Until the British came.
Ah, somehow,
it's always the British.
They tried to take
the treasure to India
on a ship, the...
- Vakkankurun.
- Yes.
Its name means "burglary,
theft, and robbery."
- Appropriate.
- The ship sank,
but no one knew where.
Now it just drifts
from place to place,
wandering the sea.
That's a great story.
But how much of this
is actually true?
- All of it.
- Really?
Yes. Zara's grandfather
was actually part of a plan
to sabotage the ship
before it left the port.
They didn't want to leave it
to the curse alone.
See why I don't want
tourists going
and looking for the ship?
Yes, I do.
- That smells great!
- They're back.
Let's eat.
Rae, this is my brother,
Nishan...
- Hi.
- And my husband, Jai.
Hi! Nice to meet you.
Thank you all
for welcoming me here.
- Welcome.
- It's our pleasure
to have a new guest in our home.
Especially when Jared
brings us someone
who already feels
like part of the family.
Smells so good.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you.
Five stars.
- I'm on dish duty.
- You absolutely are not.
That's for the boys.
So you're having a good time
in the Maldives?
Oh, yeah. Today with Jared
just opened my eyes to so much.
You two seem good together.
I haven't seen Jared this happy
in a long time.
He's always running away
underwater.
And when Monica broke his heart,
I wasn't sure
if he'd ever come back up.
Tell me about Monica.
She worked with Jared
at the resort,
even made plans to take
his course around the world,
but it wasn't meant to be.
And since then,
he's been a bit...
adrift.
Like the Wandering Shipwreck.
Yes, and just like it,
Jared has a heart of gold.
When I first got here,
that story was the only one
I cared about,
but he's so passionate.
He makes me feel like
I can find something
to write about.
Rae? We should probably go,
it's getting late.
It's too late to get on a boat.
I'll make up the guest room.
Jared, you can have the couch.
I don't mind the couch,
but are you sure
you want to trade five stars
for a twin bed?
There's no place I'd rather be.
Thank you, Jared, for today.
You've seen why I moved here
and now you see why I stay.
I'm really happy
I got to share that with you.
Come on in, you two!
She's a good one.
How's the article going, Rae?
It's gonna be fine.
Remember,
it needs to be personal!
It needs to appeal...
The Maldives is working
its magic on you.
It's not just the place.
I'm really glad I came.
Me too.
So do you think
you found something
worth writing about?
There's so much I want to say.
There's one more thing
I want to share with you,
but it can't be in any article.
Is that...
What?
Don't let me forget this.
There's a south-moving current
and a light tailwind,
so we should probably...
Let's jump in!
Hey!
Look what I found.
It was on the deck of the boat.
This is definitely valuable.
Yeah.
How has no one ever found this?
Well, it's not near anything.
And when someone found
a piece of gold,
I might have put down
the wrong spot on the map.
I'm gonna throw it back.
It belongs to the Maldives.
We could take a picture first.
So you can remember.
It's not like
I'm gonna forget this moment.
It's a big secret to keep.
It's safer that way.
I've only shown this
to my closest circle.
I'm in your close circle?
I would say so.
I'm really glad
you got to see it.
So what do you got planned
the rest of the day?
Well, beach is calling me,
but I think I'm gonna write.
I need to come up with
a new angle for my article.
Not a shipwreck angle.
But I think
there's a story here.
I just need to give it time,
let it reveal itself.
Well, as you know,
the resort does offer
a lot of nice solitary areas.
Might actually help you find
what you're looking for.
Yes, you're right.
I think I know
just where to start.
Well, see ya.
Rae.
Yes.
I'll see ya tonight.
Good morning!
Welcome to Spa Retreat!
Just follow me, please!
Debra!
Rae, hi!
You're back!
You look different!
What is it?
Brighter somehow.
Thank you!
You look different too.
Look at me
having a meal on my own.
Ah.
It's been good to be here.
Clear my mind.
You know, I see now
I can move forward,
I can be a part of the world,
have adventures,
and I can take Donny with me
every step of the way.
That's just beautiful.
So, will I see you
at the dance tonight?
Will I see you
at the dance tonight?
You will!
And I may even dance!
Oh!
Well, I'd better go get ready.
Ladies?
It's a silent disco,
so while we all
listen to music and party,
it is Do Not Disturb
for the fish.
This is so much fun!
I hear the music
This is my song!
DJ, turn it up now
I'm gonna dance till I drop
Rockin' to the beat,
got my hands in the air
All eyes on me
They can't help but stare
Wow.
Hi.
Hi. You wanna dance?
See how I shine,
I'm at the stop sign
When I walk your way
You want to beg
See how I shine,
I'm at the stop sign
I'm on the big screen
I'm in a movie scene
I am a catwalk queen
And I'm livin' the dream
Rockin' to the beat
Got my hands in the air
All eyes on me
They can't help but stare
This is our time
You are all mine
See how I shine,
I'm at the stop sign
Hey, look who it is!
Um, sorry, I have to go.
Okay.
You ready?
Does he ever take a day off?
It's hard to tell.
Wonder who that was
who was talking to him.
Oh, I met her in the Koto Grill.
Her name is, um... Monica.
Hey!
There you are!
I came back to the dance,
but you were gone.
Um, I wanted to apologize
for leaving so suddenly.
It's okay.
You didn't really miss much.
Except the Samba.
And me doing the Worm.
Well, I really hope
I get another chance
to see that sometime.
Look, um...
I don't want to complicate
anything in my life,
or yours, or Monica's?
Right, of course.
I should've
said something sooner.
My ex-girlfriend Monica
flew in today
for her honeymoon,
and she wanted to introduce
her new husband
to all of her old work friends,
so I had to be there
for her sake.
You know, for a long time
I believed Monica and I
were heading in
the same direction in life,
and it turns out
she was pursuing another path
with someone else.
Oh.
- Sorry.
- No, it's okay.
I'm happy for her.
Really.
Especially now.
- Jared...
- Hey, are you hungry?
I know the perfect spot.
Of course you do.
Come on.
I've only ever seen
this kind of thing on TV.
It's a Maldivian tradition.
I know this probably happens
all the time around here,
but for me, this week
has been very special.
Yeah, this most definitely
doesn't happen
for me all the time.
It's been a special week.
Plus, I'm sure guys
are taking you out
for candlelight dinners
all the time in New York.
Not like this.
Not at all, really.
People come and...
People go?
You kind of just get used to...
- Saying goodbye.
- Saying goodbye.
I know what you mean.
Living here, almost everyone
you meet is temporary.
You know, resort guests
are flying out
just as soon as
you've gotten to know them.
But for those of us
that live here,
we're like a family.
If you could go
anywhere in the world,
where would it be?
Somewhere cold.
I'm serious.
I really miss seasons.
Just like a snowy day
where you don't feel guilty
staying in.
Oh, yeah,
I used to love snow days.
Just listening to the snow
fall off the trees.
It's kind of like
its own meditation.
Wait, you just gave me an idea.
I've been trying to develop
Clarity and Connection
into something that
I can bring around the world,
but I've been missing a hook.
What if I used unique elements
from each location?
Like here,
we can dive the reefs.
Himalayan salt cave sound bath,
thermal hot springs in Iceland.
Yeah, you get it!
Mhm.
I just think
that would be so special
to connect to each place
in a unique way.
Is this...
Give Me Fridays.
I don't know this song.
Is this a...
Samba.
Just slower.
Did you plan this?
Well, we missed it at the dance.
And we practiced.
Oh, wow!
Sparkly.
So cool!
It's the bioluminescence.
The water reaches
the right temperature
and all the algae glows.
It's awesome, so cool!
Just when I thought
you had quit on me!
Hi, Shelley, sorry,
I went on this crazy expedition
yesterday
and I was away from my computer,
but I had a revelation.
Now, hear me out.
It's still me in the column,
but what if there's also...
A sunken shipwreck.
What shipwreck?
The one you were diving on
with Captain Owns No Shirts.
I was worried, Rae,
but then I opened
our shared drive
and you really delivered!
I can't wait to see
the column about it.
But what about the column
you wanted?
Something personal?
No one even knows
about the sunken ship, so...
You're telling me
you discovered it?
That's unbelievable!
I asked for
a luxe vacation story
and you found gold!
Literally!
Shelley, I can't write about it.
I... I promised I would
keep it a secret until...
Don't be ridiculous, Rae,
you're a journalist!
I asked you to write
something special,
and this is special.
I can't.
This will save your column,
guaranteed!
And frankly,
if you don't write about it,
- someone else will.
- Shelley, I...
Get it done by tomorrow.
Clock starts now.
Maruhabaa, how may I assist you?
Have you seen Jared?
Jared.
I need to tell you something.
Whatever it is, I'm not sure
I'm gonna believe you.
What do you mean?
Your editor just booked out
a block of bungalows
for the camera crew
she's sending over.
To film the exploration
of a sunken ship
newly discovered by Rae Parker.
She has the exact location
of the Vakkankurun, Rae.
How?
There's only a few people
that know about that,
and you're the only one
that works for Icon Magazine.
- Jared, I can explain.
- I have to go.
I really trusted you, Rae.
I can't come up with anything.
He's never going to talk to me
ever again.
It can't be that bad.
Oh, it's that bad.
Jared wants something from me
that will make me lose my job,
and my job wants
something from me
that will make me lose Jared,
so either way, I lose.
Talk to him.
It's a big solo adventure again.
My thing is solo adventures.
I don't think I want
to be alone anymore.
Admitting that is brave.
Of all the places I've been
and all of the adventures
I've had,
I think this is
the scariest of all of them.
Journey of the heart.
Sounds like something
worth writing about.
My column is about being single
and seeing the world.
Since reading
Reservation For One,
I've grown and changed,
and I think it's only fair
that Rae Parker should get
to grow and change, too.
And I think your readers
would agree.
You teach people it's okay
to go out in the world
and do things on your own.
It's a good message.
But take it from someone
who knows.
When love reaches out,
reach back.
How'd you get so wise?
Mm, I read a lot.
Jules!
Oh, Rae!
I hope you enjoyed your stay.
I look forward
to reading more of your work.
No, I can't check out yet.
I have to talk to Jared.
Jared's left, Rae.
I'm so sorry, he took off
on the resort boat.
But he'll be back
before I leave, right?
He, uh... he asked me
to give you this.
Take as much time as you need.
The last flight's
this afternoon.
A pearl.
I can make things right.
This is Shelley Stevens
with Lady Icon.
Leave a message!
Hey, Shelley, it's Rae.
I can't give you
the Reservation For One column
that you asked for.
I'm just not the same writer.
Actually, I'm not
the same person
that I was when I arrived.
But, um, I think this could be
some of my best work yet,
and, uh...
I hope you agree.
Any word from Jared?
Sorry, Rae.
Thank you, Jules.
This week was truly special.
Well, I hope
we see you again soon!
You'll always have a room here.
You knew where to find me.
This beach is imprinted on me
forever.
I'm sorry, Jared,
that Shelley found the location
of Vakkankurun.
I did not mean
for that to happen.
The truth is...
I think I'm falling for you
and it scares me.
I handed in my column.
I'm calling it Table For Two.
It's about the time
I went to go find a shipwreck
and ended up
discovering something
way more meaningful.
I'm falling for you, too.
I don't know what happens next,
but I know that
I want you to be a part of it.
I realized that the only thing
holding me back
from taking my course
to the world was me.
I'm ready to take a chance,
I want to travel the world
with you.
I think I'd better take this.
Rae Parker, I can't even.
You read what I sent?
Read it? I devoured it!
It has everything!
Romance, drama, self-discovery.
And you're okay
with not publishing
- the location of the wreck?
- Okay with it?
What publisher wouldn't want
a serialized adventure
that already has a good ending?
We could publish the wreck
once it's more protected
or wanders off again.
Is that
your new column companion?
Rae, I love it.
Thank you.
Okay, I'd better go!
Bye.
So, you'll be my partner,
in person and in print?
As long as you do the writing.
Dear Reader:
They say,
"No matter where you go,
there you are."
But sometimes
it's precisely where we go
that changes who we are.
Travel opens our eyes,
and when we're really lucky,
it opens up our hearts.
It has been an honor to be
entrusted with your hearts
for all these years.
These days, I've made
a little more room in mine
and I hope you will, too.
Looking forward to growing
and changing as always,
together.
Hot off the press.
"Getting Lost, Finding Myself,
and Falling in Love."
Table For Two's feature debut.
Wow.
Well, your work's gone to print.
My international course
starts in a month.
Where do we go next?
We can go wherever we want.
But for now, I'm going in.
Dear Reader:
Travel teaches you
to trust your intuition.
That applies
to sketchy street food,
getting directions,
and even trying new languages.
And when you travel
the world solo,
your instincts
are all you've got.
Every trip I've taken has taught
me something about myself,
and this time, on my trip
to the Sapo Rainforest
in Liberia,
I learned that when
I'm face-to-face
with a deadly green mamba snake,
my brain tells me to run
but my instinct tells me
to stand my ground
because the danger you can see
is rarely as deadly as the...
Rae Parker, you're back.
- Got in a couple of hours ago.
- And you came straight here.
You didn't go home first?
No, I wanted to get
this draft done
while it's still fresh.
I'm gonna clean those up.
Since you're here,
come up to my office.
I want to catch you up
on a few things.
What do you think when you hear
the words, "Icon Magazine"?
Magazine for the modern woman,
fabulous, uh, intrepid...
International.
Oh yeah, no,
that was gonna be my next one.
Icon Magazine's going online.
We're finalizing a merger
with the publishers
of Lady Dame London to become...
Lady Icon.
Wow, okay!
Congrats, Shelley.
Lady Icon needs
to come out strong.
We need to show that,
while we're good on our own,
we're better together.
I have the perfect story.
Okay, imagine this:
A 27-day solo trip
down the Zambezi River...
Didn't you do that already?
Oh, uh, no, I think...
I think you're thinking
of the Saya River,
that one's in Russia.
This one is in East Africa...
Rae, you need to do
something different.
Okay, I can climb up the Denali
and then ski
back down the face...
You've already summited
more mountains
than I even knew existed.
Okay, uh, well...
where do you want me to go?
- I want you to go here.
- Oh.
An underwater resort
in the Maldives.
Oh...
No, it's... it's gorgeous.
It's just, I think
that trips like this
are more suited for honeymooners
rather than
solo adventure seekers.
Frankly, we're not sure
where "Reservation for One"
fits in the new magazine.
Your readership is dedicated
but it's small.
You need to draw in
the Lady Dames demographics.
Older, more sophisticated,
more luxe.
Okay, so...
what are you suggesting?
Extreme pool lounging?
We need to cut through the noise
and find a more personal angle.
Readers want to get to know
Rae Parker better,
not some bigger,
grander adventure.
I don't know, this is just...
This is really not me.
Think of it
as a luxury adventure.
Find the personal angle.
We need this
and the Liberia article
by the end of the week,
so I need daily updates.
I'll have my assistant sign us
into a shared cloud drive.
Smile, Rae, you're packing
your bags for paradise!
You might want to take a look.
It really is a great view.
I've been looking at it
on my vision board
for the past...
well, several years.
Turns out it's real.
Rae Parker.
I'm here on assignment.
Oh, Debra Hoffman.
Assignment? Huh.
I am too.
Sort of.
That's her plane.
Ready, Jared?
I'll catch up with you.
This could be your chance
to get your course out there.
She can let the whole world
know about it.
I just wanna do a good job
for the resort.
Shirt would be
a good place to start.
- Welcome to the Maldives.
- Thank you.
Rae Parker with Icon Magazine?
That's me, and, um,
that one's mine.
Oh.
Oh, we'll bring that
to your room for you.
- Oh.
- Is that all you have?
Yeah, that's all I need.
Um, mosquito nets,
iodine tablets, flashlights...
- Fresh coconut?
- Oh, yeah.
- Thank you.
- Well, I can assure you,
you won't be needing
any of that at the Marata.
I'm Jules,
Public Relations Manager.
Nice to meet you, Jules.
You and up to nine guests
will find everything
you could need right here.
Oh, it's just me.
I travel alone.
It's kind of my thing.
Uh, right there is fine, thanks.
Well, then you'll have
plenty of space.
Can I show you around?
Actually, I kind of have
a deadline
and I need to check in
with my editor.
Do you guys have Wi-Fi?
Of course.
The password is "paradise."
Anything else
I can help you with?
No, thanks,
I'm pretty self-sufficient.
Well, I do hope you find
some time to relax.
It's kind of our thing.
Totally.
Oh, I almost forgot.
Our Experience Director,
Jared Joseph,
he's on his way, should I just...
Yeah, just send him in.
- Enjoy your stay.
- Yeah, you too.
The Maldives, a beautiful chain
of coral atolls
in the Indian Ocean, is home
to hundreds of shipwrecks.
The story of one vessel
lost to time has captivated...
- Rae Parker?
- The Wandering Shipwreck
is a national legend
that just may be...
- Hello?
- A national fact
- just waiting to be discovered.
- Rae Parker?
The story begins
almost a thousand years ago
when the island nation
was first...
- Hello.
- Ahh!
- Hi.
- Hi.
That's quite the arm you got.
I am so sorry.
No, I'm sorry.
I'm... I'm Jared.
I'm the Resort Experience
Director.
Rae from Icon Magazine.
I write "Reservation for One."
Here.
- Thank you.
- Well, I'll be here to help you
with any experience you might
need for your magazine.
What can you tell me
about the Wandering Shipwreck?
- What about it?
- I write an adventure column,
and that seems like a great fit.
It does. Unfortunately,
it's more legend than fact.
What's the legend?
Well, the legend is
that there was a ship
called the Vakkankurun that sank
almost a hundred years ago.
It was carrying plundered
treasure back to England.
Every few years,
someone claims to have found it.
We actually call it
the Wandering Shipwreck
because every monsoon season,
supposedly it moves.
I love it.
So there's no sunken shipwreck?
No.
But have you seen the downstairs
part of your suite yet?
There's a downstairs?
You ready?
How is this even real?
A decade of engineering.
But what we're most proud of
is what you can't really see.
The structure was built
to be part of the reef
and give sanctuary
to a thousand species
that call these waters home.
That's a lot of fish.
Fish, mollusks, crustaceans...
Sharks?
Absolutely.
Hope that won't keep you
out of the water.
Oh, not at all.
That has column potential.
- Can I swim with them?
- Yeah, sure.
Nurse sharks and whale sharks
are harmless.
We do it all the time.
Actually recommend it.
There's a powerful peace
being in the ocean,
surrounded by life
but in tune with yourself.
It's a green sea turtle.
It's a good omen.
No matter how long I've lived
here, that never gets old.
- How long have you lived here?
- Almost ten years.
- Wow.
- Yeah, I know.
The Maldives isn't just where
I work, it's my home now.
Since there's no shipwreck
for me to find,
I need another angle
for my article.
Where should I start?
Well, I've actually put together
a list of activities
for you here at the resort,
and I personally recommend
the Clarity and Connection
yoga and meditation program.
Thanks, I'm... I'm good.
Meditation's not really
my thing.
It's a lot more
than just meditation.
You know, we help people
discover their inner self.
My inner self and my self-self
are in complete agreement,
and we were looking
for something
more like cave diving
or mountain climbing.
Okay, um...
We have, uh,
a hike to the jungle
that goes from one side
of the island to the other.
I can set you up on a tour,
or you can just...
go by yourself at your leisure.
And this time I'll be on
the lookout for the green mamba.
- The green what?
- The green mamba.
I almost got bit by one
a month ago,
and I heard its hiss
just in time.
You can read all about it
in next month's article.
Uh, I don't think
we have those here.
Well, I'll be ready
for whatever you do have.
Yeah, that's good.
Where do I find this jungle?
I'll leave you instructions
in the morning.
- Okay?
- Yeah.
Good evening.
Here's your drink.
Rae! Just checkin' in.
You sent me to sleep
with the fishes, Shelley.
Show me the view.
Oh, I'm jealous!
I could use a vacation
like that.
I'm not on vacation, remember?
I'm working.
I'm gonna send you
the Liberia article tonight.
I look forward to reading it.
- Aren't you tired?
- No, I'm powering through.
- Made some good connections.
- Oh?
Yeah, the hotel
Experience Director
seems like a good person
to know, in more ways than one.
But unfortunately,
he said there's no sunken ship,
so I'm gonna go get lost
in the jungle tomorrow.
Shipwrecks? Lost in the jungle?
Rae, sultans stay in the Marata.
Just write about that.
Great view. Five stars.
I'm serious, Rae.
Try to connect
to the actual place,
not just a thrill
you create there.
What if I don't have
anything interesting to say?
Just write about how it feels.
That's why you're there.
I'll come up with something,
don't worry.
I will leave no stone unturned.
Thanks, man.
You know, it's only
a matter of time.
Yeah, I know.
It's just so peaceful right now.
I don't want to see that
get ruined.
- Who else knows?
- Just us.
I never even told Jules.
How are you doing
since she left?
I'm coming to peace
with it, you know?
Well, I'm here for you, buddy.
We only have to keep it secret
a little longer,
and Zara's working
to get this corrected.
Or until monsoon season
washes it away again.
Yeah.
The ending's a little clich,
don't you think?
No, it's great.
I know it's similar
to the Nahanni article,
but it's not identical.
Plus, that was four years ago.
You're losing your touch, Rae.
Am not.
Okay, fine.
I'll come up
with something better.
Won't be needing this today.
I need to find a water source.
I'm ready for you, green mamba.
- Rae?
- Hmm?
What are you doing here?
Getting lost in the jungle.
What are you doing here?
Pranayama.
Prana-what?
- Breath work.
- Great!
I'm sorry, just...
keep breathing.
You guys are doing great.
Are you okay?
You look exhausted and sweaty.
I'm fine.
Thanks.
Thank you.
Is that, uh...
Clarity and Connection, yeah.
You teach that?
I do.
Oh.
Sorry for what I said...
It's fine.
Can I help you
get back on the trail?
I'll just show you on the map.
Oh no, I... I...
I like getting lost.
It, um, gives me
something to do.
You know,
ever since I was a kid,
I always liked finding
my way home.
So...
Head back.
I can get you a golf cart.
Okay, never mind.
Hey, do you wanna have
dinner tonight?
I know this amazing restaurant.
It's the most incredible
experience.
For you, that is.
Um, a reservation for one.
You... you see what I did there?
Yes. No, I see.
Uh, yeah.
Dinner, that's, uh, that's good.
Thank you.
I don't think I can...
Debra!
Are you eating here?
What? I...
No, no, no, no.
It looks very nice though.
- But you're all dressed up.
- What, this?
It's old.
You know, I would love
a date for dinner.
That's very... I wouldn't want
to impose, I really wouldn't.
Not at all. Let's go!
I...
I've never seen so many.
Tuna tartare.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
- Enjoy.
- Look at that!
You know, I'm starting to feel
a little guilty
about eating fish out here.
Why? It's what they're eating.
Have you noticed
that every other table here
is a couple?
I don't think I would've had
very much fun eating alone.
Is that why you were
hesitating before?
Don't! I'm so embarrassed.
Oh, don't be.
You remember I said I was
on a kind of assignment?
Let's just say it's not as easy
as I thought it would be.
What's the assignment?
My husband died.
- I'm sorry.
- No, don't be.
Uh...
It was the best 30 years
I could've hoped for.
And as I say,
it was five years ago.
So, I just thought I'd be
a little bit more...
So, I set myself a list
of adventures, my Live It List.
And, um, here I am, so far away.
I've come all this way
for Jared's course, and...
I think it might be
a little bit too soon.
It must be really hard.
You are so brave
for coming all of this way
and taking the first step.
Thank you.
And take it from someone
that does this a lot,
like, a lot:
There is nothing wrong
with traveling alone.
Hmm.
Good evening, ladies.
Are you enjoying your dinner?
Yes, it's delicious.
And beautiful.
Was there anything else
I can get you two?
I hear the oysters
are really good.
Oh, and I imagine fresh.
The freshest you've had.
Okay, well, if that's a promise,
then yes,
I would love some fresh oysters.
It's a promise.
Well, if you don't mind,
I think I'm gonna call it
a night.
All that traveling.
But I would like to thank you
for a very lovely evening.
It was a pleasure,
and don't worry,
I have a bunch of work to do.
Okay.
Look over there!
Your oysters.
Bravo, sir!
Where'd you learn
how to dive like that?
I learned from a good friend.
- Mm, yum.
- His family's been pearl diving
here for generations.
Sounds like my kind of fun.
Where do I sign up?
It takes a long time to learn,
and a lot of practice,
all right?
I swim every morning.
How long?
I have a column to write.
Well, the first step
is breath work
which, as you know, is part
of the Clarity
and Connection program.
I know you're not interested,
but maybe it's worth asking
yourself why you're so resistant
to being introspective.
I am not resistant!
Right.
You know, I might understand
where you're coming from
better than you think.
What do you mean?
Well, before I came here,
I thought that I always had
to be pushing forward
or I'd fall behind.
Well, in the publishing world,
that's literally true.
Yeah, but sometimes
it's valuable
to... to slow down
and look and see
if the path you're on
is truly what you want.
I thought being a doctor
would make me happy.
I worked relentlessly
until I actually stopped
and listened to my thoughts,
then I realized that that's not
what I wanted in my life.
No matter how hard I worked on
it, it wouldn't make me happy.
You know, I needed
a different path.
- Wait, you went to med school?
- Yeah, why?
Is that hard to believe?
No, it's just...
it's just so not you.
No, it wasn't.
So you just gave it all up
to come out here and...
pearl dive and teach yoga?
It was a little less
straightforward than that,
but I guess it's the gist.
You know, and now
I get to help people
make discoveries
about themselves.
I like that.
It's kind of what I'm trying
to do with my column,
help people face their fears.
Okay, how about we meet
in the middle then?
Come with me tomorrow
and I'll give you
your first free diving lesson.
Do you have any experience
in the water?
Scuba certified.
That's perfect.
Let's say, uh,
we'll meet at the activity beach
at 10:00 a.m.
Good night, Jared.
Good night, Rae.
Hey.
Workin' late?
Bookings are pouring in.
Need anything?
Really, you too?
It sells rooms.
They're gonna look
for it anyway.
So how are things going
with the reporter?
You got her signed up
for Clarity and Connection yet?
She's a classic case of,
"I'm too busy
to work on myself."
Hmm.
Sounds like she needs it
more than most, then.
Well, whatever she needs,
it sure isn't what she wants.
She's just one guest, Jared.
There'll be others.
She's interesting though.
Don't give me that look.
Good night, Jared.
- You goin' in?
- Hmm? Oh, me?
No! Although it is on my list.
But no, I'm working
my way up to it.
I can feel it.
Are you sure?
I'll be right here.
Oh, thank you, Rae.
But no.
Today is about relaxing
with a good book.
I've been meaning to read that.
I actually think
I preordered that.
This one? You know,
I think this came out
about three years ago.
What are you waiting for, Rae?
Really?
Tell you what,
I've almost finished it.
Um, when I have, it's all yours.
Good morning, ma'am.
- Your coconut.
- Oh, you legend!
Enjoy.
All right, I'm ready!
- Good morning, Rae.
- Morning.
- Excited, can you tell?
- I can.
- Where we goin'?
- All right, look,
if we're gonna count this
as a formal lesson,
then there's a few things
we gotta go over first.
First step is breathing.
We use box breaths,
so we're gonna inhale
for four seconds,
hold for four seconds,
exhale for four seconds,
then... you guessed it...
Hold for four seconds.
Okay, let's try it.
So, in...
two, three, four.
Hold, two, three, four.
Exhale, two, three, four.
Hold, two...
three, four.
That was yoga, wasn't it?
Just a little bit.
All right,
let's get you some gear.
Say cheese!
- You ready?
- Yeah.
The water's so clear!
The best ocean in the world.
Come on.
You're doing great.
Now, the real reason
we came here?
Follow me.
- Whoo!
- That was so cool!
Rae, you look like
you got some sun.
Oh, I did.
Thinking of finding something
to do around here tonight.
Oh, well, there's Sunset Samba
at the beach pavilion.
- It's my night to lead.
- Dancing? I don't know.
We're having an underwater disco
at the end of the week.
- I'm in.
- Good.
Do you think you can
find yourself a partner?
Yes, I think I know
the perfect person.
Great, yes, I'll put you down.
And you, what do you...
What do you do
when you're not working?
I like to sneak away to surf,
but it's been ages
since I've done that.
Yeah.
You know, if you think about it,
we both do for work
what other people do for fun.
Hm. Doesn't mean
it's not work, though.
That's true.
- What's this?
- That is
the Wandering Shipwreck Hunt.
It's a dive tour that searches
for the sunken treasure
of the Vakkankurun.
- Why is Jared on this?
- Jared didn't tell you?
He was with the divers
when they found the gold.
- They found gold?
- Yeah! Isn't it exciting?
It was just one piece,
so they can't prove
it's from the Vakkankurun,
but it looks right.
- Can I take this?
- Of course.
Oh, um, and I just realized
that I've been meaning
to read the same book
for the last three years,
so you should take some time.
Go surf.
- Oh, hi, Rae.
- Hi.
What do you know about samba?
Oh, I know absolutely nothing
about the samba.
- Why?
- It sounds
like it's time for a lesson.
Five, six, seven, eight.
- Five.
- Ooh.
I'm so sorry.
One and two, three and four.
- Five and six, and seven...
- Right and then...
and eight.
Great! Excellent, nicely done.
Let's grab our partner.
We're gonna pair up.
I think we're ready to add
that spin we practiced.
Five, six, seven, eight.
One and two, three and four,
- five and six...
- Oh, dear.
Disaster, disaster.
That's okay, we're having fun!
Fun.
Fun, fun, fun, fun.
I don't think this is fun,
you know?
I think it's embarrassing,
I think people are laughing.
Nobody is laughing at us
except maybe ourselves.
Oh, gee, I... I, um,
it was a great try, Rae,
but I don't think I can do this.
- Totally understand.
- I really appreciate
the invitation, I do, I just...
- Great! Nicely done.
- I just can't.
All right, don't worry.
I'm adding the music now.
Five, six, seven, eight.
Five and six, seven and eight.
Sunset Samba partner, stat.
Go.
Oh, hi.
Is this meeting you halfway?
Yeah, something like that.
Wow!
Nicely done, everyone.
Give yourselves
a round of applause.
So, do you make a habit
of coming out of the ocean
like a mermaid?
I was coming back from a dive.
Ah.
Searching for serenity?
No. But I did find this.
It's gorgeous.
So, the Vakkankurun...
Ah, yes.
You didn't tell me
they found gold,
that you found gold.
That's because I don't want you
wasting your time here
on some tourist nonsense.
What did you find?
On a dive a lot like today's,
one of the divers found
a small piece of gold.
Yes, it could be
from the Vakkankurun,
or it could be from anything.
Doesn't mean that it's close.
But it could be.
Yeah.
It could.
But now every tourist
with a scuba tank
wants to go searching for it.
Sounds like an adventure to me.
No. The hunts are traps, okay?
They... they throw garbage
in the ocean
and let the divers find it.
Jared, this is the story
I've been searching for.
I have done a lot of things,
but a sunken treasure?
This would put my column
on the front page.
Did you hear anything
I just said?
Oh, just a fake pirate thing.
I want you to help me.
You know this area.
Look, Rae,
what's beneath all this
is worth exploring,
but not because of
some mythical ship, okay?
Here.
Keep this as a reminder
of what's real.
No, I couldn't.
No, I want you to have it.
And I'll think about it, okay?
Good night, Rae.
I wanted to apologize
for earlier.
I just, uh, oh, I don't know.
I panicked.
It's okay, really.
I'm sorry that I pushed you
to be my partner.
No, it was good.
I tried something new.
It didn't work out perfectly,
but the world didn't end.
So, I want you to tell me
about your assignment.
Oh, well,
I'm a magazine columnist.
Really? What do you write?
I write a column called
Reservation for One.
It's all about
all the adventures you can have
while traveling alone.
- You're kidding.
- No.
When I say I eat alone
all the time, I mean it.
Well, clearly,
I need to read your column.
Ooh, speaking of reading,
it's all yours.
- Any good?
- You're gonna love it.
Couldn't put it down.
I just need to find the time
to read it.
Jared, you made it.
Thanks for having me.
What's wrong?
I can't hide anything from you.
Welcome to my world.
Who is she?
No, it's strictly professional.
Strictly professional with who?
Spill the beans.
There's a writer,
and I'm trying to help her
find a topic for her article.
It's been tough,
I really want to help,
but she's just not interested.
You mean in you or your course?
Both.
This is the week
Monica is returning.
Have you seen her
since she left?
No.
It's not just that.
Sometimes I wonder
if trying to bring
Clarity and Connection
international
is just a waste of time.
Don't be silly.
People love your course.
The big-shot writer doesn't.
She will.
You have to keep the faith.
What's that?
This is my story.
Is that a personal story
about staying
- at a luxury resort?
- No, this is...
This is gonna be
so much better than that.
Are you sure? There's a lot
riding on this, Rae.
Yes.
Tick-tock.
Debra!
Oh!
Is Jared here yet?
Uh, I haven't seen him.
Um...
Yoga.
- Wait, are you doing yoga?
- Uh...
Please do yoga.
If you will, I will.
It's on your list, isn't it?
Possibly.
Then I can do yoga for you.
That counts as exercise, right?
Absolutely.
- Morning, ladies.
- Morning.
Um, do you have a minute
to talk?
Well, class is about to start,
but we can speak after.
That's why you're here, right?
Of course.
Right, let's get started.
Thank you.
- Morning, everyone.
- Morning!
Hope everyone is ready
for some fun,
a little bit of a challenge.
Right, so I'm gonna lead you
through a series of poses
that allow us to be
fully present in each moment.
So, I'll have everyone stand.
Coming to the front of your mat,
feet together.
All right, so we're
really just finding
our balance here.
Pushing our weight
down into the floor.
And we're gonna reach up,
both hands nice and high.
Feeling a deep stretch,
looking up.
Put our hands together
and come to our heart's center.
We're gonna forward fold,
reaching down into the ground.
We're gonna step back
into a deep lunge...
raising our arms up
into Warrior One.
Arms up high.
Gonna flip our arms sideways
into Warrior Two.
We're gonna reach forward
with one arm
and reach back with the other.
Keep that deep lunge
in the front leg.
Very good.
A little deeper in the leg here.
Perfect.
Very good,
get this a little higher.
Very good.
Just gonna sink our hips down,
relax the shoulders here,
and looking forward.
Perfect.
Great, we're gonna come
to the front of our mat.
Feet together.
Wow, I actually enjoyed
a yoga class.
Something is definitely wrong.
- You were awesome, Debra.
- I was...
I was awesome.
You know, I was wondering
if maybe there was room for me
in that group
meditation class later.
Absolutely. I'll save you a spot
at the beach.
Thank you.
Both of you.
Ooh, Rae, if you fancy a bite,
just drop by later.
Yeah, I'll be there.
So you helped Debra
come to yoga?
Why are you saying it like that?
I just thought
that maybe it'd be you
that needed the convincing.
I decided to meet you halfway.
Remember when you said that?
Well, now I need you
to meet me halfway.
The Vakkankurun.
Ah, the truth comes out.
I'm not expecting to find it,
but maybe the search itself
is enough.
Sounds like something
I would say.
Will you help me?
Rae...
I would love your help,
but, um, I'm gonna look for it
either way.
I need this article
to save my career,
and my career is my life.
So...
- Morning.
- Good morning.
Is this where I sign up
for this?
Yes, we have dives tomorrow
at 9:00, 1:00, and 5:00.
Great, put me down
for all of them.
Our first dive this morning
will be in
a shallow atoll lagoon
where you should be able
to see...
You are fully booked
for the next six weeks.
- Wow.
- Keep it up,
you'll be able to bring
Clarity and Connection
wherever you want.
Yeah, I don't think
it's ready for that.
Yes, it is. What's not ready?
I'm not ready.
I have to focus on the people
that are here right now.
I saw that Rae showed up
for a few activities yesterday.
- That's a good sign, right?
- No.
She's just searching
for information
about the Vakkankurun.
I think she's off
doing that right now.
So... help her.
Is that what you want
her article to be about,
searching for
some mythical treasure?
Are you just thinking
about her article,
or are you thinking about her?
This isn't like Monica, Jared.
Whatever it is
Rae is searching for,
this is your opportunity
to help her find
what she really needs.
Yeah, I just... I don't want
to lead her
in the wrong direction.
Struggling students
need extra attention.
If you can't help her, who can?
Jared, hi!
I want to show you something.
Welcome back.
Hi, look at this.
Wait.
What do you think?
Rae, I'm sorry,
this isn't real gold.
It's probably left over
from one of those
treasure hunts.
Listen, I thought
about what you said.
If the search is enough,
I think I can help you.
- You can?
- Yeah.
My friend, Zara, lives in Mal.
She's a cultural historian.
She knows everything
about the Maldives,
including the Vakkankurun.
So you're gonna help me find
the shipwreck?
I didn't say that,
but I'm off the next two days
and we can go visit her.
You can see the capital city,
and she can teach you
all about it.
Yes! That sounds great.
Oh, thank you.
What is that?
What's what?
That melody.
Is that the Give Me Fridays?
- You know that band?
- Yeah!
They were only the soundtrack
to my first Arctic expedition.
I had their album on repeat
during college finals.
Fridays aren't as good
as my Saturdays
- It's a great song.
- Great song.
Yeah.
Well, I'll get a boat ready
and we'll leave
tomorrow morning?
Sounds great.
So Jared gave you this recipe?
He said it's the key
to his relaxation.
Ah, but what is the key
to his abs?
- Debra!
- What?
I might be grieving,
but I'm not blind.
Are you reading my column?
And loving every word.
It's inspiring.
So, does that mean
you'll be my date
- to the underwater dancing?
- Absolutely.
- Good.
- One hundred percent.
- Great!
- Unless I chicken out.
One step at a time.
You're an amazing writer, Rae.
I can't wait to hear your take
on Clarity and Connection.
Yeah, I don't know.
All this inner world stuff
isn't really my thing.
An assignment like this
would have to be a challenge...
particularly with a distraction?
What distraction?
Anyone who knows
what to look for
can tell that fate
is pulling you two together.
Mm-mm, ew.
I do not believe in fate, okay?
I... I...
I choose my own path.
And what a path.
Have you always been
such an adventurer?
Since I was a kid,
um, I wanted to be
either an explorer or a pilot,
you know, control my destiny.
I think no matter who you are,
a little clarity and connection,
it's got to be
a good thing, right?
Maybe you could think of it
as scaling inner mountains.
I mean, I know
I hope I get up there,
get a good look around.
No, I... I respect your journey,
but mine is not about finding
what's in here.
It's about finding
what's out there.
This is Mal.
It's a small island
but a big city,
one of the most densely
populated in the world.
It's so different
than the resort.
There are over 1,200 islands
in the Maldives
and they're all different.
The king used to be called
the Sultan of 12,000 Islands.
Wait, 1,200 or 12,000?
Kings tend to exaggerate.
And believe it or not,
Mal used to be a walled city.
On an island?
I've never seen
so much scooter traffic.
Somehow, it all works.
Oh, thank you.
Hi.
Look how tiny.
Have you ever tried stone apple?
What is this,
like a tiny little apple?
- Yeah, kind of.
- What is it?
Apple's weird cousin
that no one likes to talk about?
Well, maybe it's gonna be
all you want to talk about.
Mm, yeah, this is nothing
like an apple.
- Jared!
- Hey!
I'm so glad you could
join us tonight.
- I'm making garudhiya.
- Zara, this is Rae.
Rae, this is my friend, Zara.
Hi! Nice to meet you.
I'm so excited to learn
about the Vakkankurun.
We're going to see Shakhir
before we stop by.
Oh, does he have a release
tonight?
- What kind of release?
- You'll see.
We'll see you in a little bit.
Like an album release?
So this is my favorite spot
in the Maldives.
- Why is that?
- Jared.
Shakhir.
Shakhir, this is Rae.
Shakhir taught me to pearl dive.
- I owe it all to him.
- It's good to see you.
- How are you holding up?
- I'm good.
And, Rae, it's nice to meet you.
You're just in time.
Yeah, thanks
for letting us come.
Do you want to see them?
They're so cute and tiny!
We can't touch.
They hatched earlier,
but we collect them
and release them all together
so that they have
a better chance of survival.
Right now is a perfect time
to set them
on their new big adventure.
Now, we don't put them
right in the water.
We put them in the sand
because this beach will be
important in their future.
Years later,
when it's their turn to nest,
they're gonna come back
to the same spot.
Jared will show you.
Come on.
Thanks, Shak.
Wait, how will they know
how to come back home?
It's imprinted on them forever.
Well, I say this guy
is ready to go.
Okay.
So we're gonna gently
put this on the sand
and tilt it up slowly.
Ooh, sorry, little guy.
Let the adventure begin.
Good luck out there, kiddo.
Thanks, Shakhir,
that was amazing.
Before you leave,
I have a gift for both of you.
Show me your hand.
Black pearls are
a symbol of hope
for wounded hearts.
That's too much, Shakhir.
- You too.
- Oh!
When the string breaks,
return the pearls to the ocean.
True love has been found.
Thank you.
- Tell Zara I said hi.
- I will.
Please, make yourself at home.
Your house is so beautiful.
Thank you.
So, tell me,
why do you want to know
about the Vakkankurun?
From what I know
about the story already,
it sounds so unique.
The Wandering Shipwreck.
The story begins
with the treasure.
The Koimala treasure,
named after the first king
of the Maldives,
was stolen in the 12th century.
- Wasn't it cursed?
- Yes,
until it was returned
to our people.
How did it end up on the ship?
For hundreds of years, it was
just missing in the Maldives.
Until the British came.
Ah, somehow,
it's always the British.
They tried to take
the treasure to India
on a ship, the...
- Vakkankurun.
- Yes.
Its name means "burglary,
theft, and robbery."
- Appropriate.
- The ship sank,
but no one knew where.
Now it just drifts
from place to place,
wandering the sea.
That's a great story.
But how much of this
is actually true?
- All of it.
- Really?
Yes. Zara's grandfather
was actually part of a plan
to sabotage the ship
before it left the port.
They didn't want to leave it
to the curse alone.
See why I don't want
tourists going
and looking for the ship?
Yes, I do.
- That smells great!
- They're back.
Let's eat.
Rae, this is my brother,
Nishan...
- Hi.
- And my husband, Jai.
Hi! Nice to meet you.
Thank you all
for welcoming me here.
- Welcome.
- It's our pleasure
to have a new guest in our home.
Especially when Jared
brings us someone
who already feels
like part of the family.
Smells so good.
Oh, thank you.
Thank you.
Five stars.
- I'm on dish duty.
- You absolutely are not.
That's for the boys.
So you're having a good time
in the Maldives?
Oh, yeah. Today with Jared
just opened my eyes to so much.
You two seem good together.
I haven't seen Jared this happy
in a long time.
He's always running away
underwater.
And when Monica broke his heart,
I wasn't sure
if he'd ever come back up.
Tell me about Monica.
She worked with Jared
at the resort,
even made plans to take
his course around the world,
but it wasn't meant to be.
And since then,
he's been a bit...
adrift.
Like the Wandering Shipwreck.
Yes, and just like it,
Jared has a heart of gold.
When I first got here,
that story was the only one
I cared about,
but he's so passionate.
He makes me feel like
I can find something
to write about.
Rae? We should probably go,
it's getting late.
It's too late to get on a boat.
I'll make up the guest room.
Jared, you can have the couch.
I don't mind the couch,
but are you sure
you want to trade five stars
for a twin bed?
There's no place I'd rather be.
Thank you, Jared, for today.
You've seen why I moved here
and now you see why I stay.
I'm really happy
I got to share that with you.
Come on in, you two!
She's a good one.
How's the article going, Rae?
It's gonna be fine.
Remember,
it needs to be personal!
It needs to appeal...
The Maldives is working
its magic on you.
It's not just the place.
I'm really glad I came.
Me too.
So do you think
you found something
worth writing about?
There's so much I want to say.
There's one more thing
I want to share with you,
but it can't be in any article.
Is that...
What?
Don't let me forget this.
There's a south-moving current
and a light tailwind,
so we should probably...
Let's jump in!
Hey!
Look what I found.
It was on the deck of the boat.
This is definitely valuable.
Yeah.
How has no one ever found this?
Well, it's not near anything.
And when someone found
a piece of gold,
I might have put down
the wrong spot on the map.
I'm gonna throw it back.
It belongs to the Maldives.
We could take a picture first.
So you can remember.
It's not like
I'm gonna forget this moment.
It's a big secret to keep.
It's safer that way.
I've only shown this
to my closest circle.
I'm in your close circle?
I would say so.
I'm really glad
you got to see it.
So what do you got planned
the rest of the day?
Well, beach is calling me,
but I think I'm gonna write.
I need to come up with
a new angle for my article.
Not a shipwreck angle.
But I think
there's a story here.
I just need to give it time,
let it reveal itself.
Well, as you know,
the resort does offer
a lot of nice solitary areas.
Might actually help you find
what you're looking for.
Yes, you're right.
I think I know
just where to start.
Well, see ya.
Rae.
Yes.
I'll see ya tonight.
Good morning!
Welcome to Spa Retreat!
Just follow me, please!
Debra!
Rae, hi!
You're back!
You look different!
What is it?
Brighter somehow.
Thank you!
You look different too.
Look at me
having a meal on my own.
Ah.
It's been good to be here.
Clear my mind.
You know, I see now
I can move forward,
I can be a part of the world,
have adventures,
and I can take Donny with me
every step of the way.
That's just beautiful.
So, will I see you
at the dance tonight?
Will I see you
at the dance tonight?
You will!
And I may even dance!
Oh!
Well, I'd better go get ready.
Ladies?
It's a silent disco,
so while we all
listen to music and party,
it is Do Not Disturb
for the fish.
This is so much fun!
I hear the music
This is my song!
DJ, turn it up now
I'm gonna dance till I drop
Rockin' to the beat,
got my hands in the air
All eyes on me
They can't help but stare
Wow.
Hi.
Hi. You wanna dance?
See how I shine,
I'm at the stop sign
When I walk your way
You want to beg
See how I shine,
I'm at the stop sign
I'm on the big screen
I'm in a movie scene
I am a catwalk queen
And I'm livin' the dream
Rockin' to the beat
Got my hands in the air
All eyes on me
They can't help but stare
This is our time
You are all mine
See how I shine,
I'm at the stop sign
Hey, look who it is!
Um, sorry, I have to go.
Okay.
You ready?
Does he ever take a day off?
It's hard to tell.
Wonder who that was
who was talking to him.
Oh, I met her in the Koto Grill.
Her name is, um... Monica.
Hey!
There you are!
I came back to the dance,
but you were gone.
Um, I wanted to apologize
for leaving so suddenly.
It's okay.
You didn't really miss much.
Except the Samba.
And me doing the Worm.
Well, I really hope
I get another chance
to see that sometime.
Look, um...
I don't want to complicate
anything in my life,
or yours, or Monica's?
Right, of course.
I should've
said something sooner.
My ex-girlfriend Monica
flew in today
for her honeymoon,
and she wanted to introduce
her new husband
to all of her old work friends,
so I had to be there
for her sake.
You know, for a long time
I believed Monica and I
were heading in
the same direction in life,
and it turns out
she was pursuing another path
with someone else.
Oh.
- Sorry.
- No, it's okay.
I'm happy for her.
Really.
Especially now.
- Jared...
- Hey, are you hungry?
I know the perfect spot.
Of course you do.
Come on.
I've only ever seen
this kind of thing on TV.
It's a Maldivian tradition.
I know this probably happens
all the time around here,
but for me, this week
has been very special.
Yeah, this most definitely
doesn't happen
for me all the time.
It's been a special week.
Plus, I'm sure guys
are taking you out
for candlelight dinners
all the time in New York.
Not like this.
Not at all, really.
People come and...
People go?
You kind of just get used to...
- Saying goodbye.
- Saying goodbye.
I know what you mean.
Living here, almost everyone
you meet is temporary.
You know, resort guests
are flying out
just as soon as
you've gotten to know them.
But for those of us
that live here,
we're like a family.
If you could go
anywhere in the world,
where would it be?
Somewhere cold.
I'm serious.
I really miss seasons.
Just like a snowy day
where you don't feel guilty
staying in.
Oh, yeah,
I used to love snow days.
Just listening to the snow
fall off the trees.
It's kind of like
its own meditation.
Wait, you just gave me an idea.
I've been trying to develop
Clarity and Connection
into something that
I can bring around the world,
but I've been missing a hook.
What if I used unique elements
from each location?
Like here,
we can dive the reefs.
Himalayan salt cave sound bath,
thermal hot springs in Iceland.
Yeah, you get it!
Mhm.
I just think
that would be so special
to connect to each place
in a unique way.
Is this...
Give Me Fridays.
I don't know this song.
Is this a...
Samba.
Just slower.
Did you plan this?
Well, we missed it at the dance.
And we practiced.
Oh, wow!
Sparkly.
So cool!
It's the bioluminescence.
The water reaches
the right temperature
and all the algae glows.
It's awesome, so cool!
Just when I thought
you had quit on me!
Hi, Shelley, sorry,
I went on this crazy expedition
yesterday
and I was away from my computer,
but I had a revelation.
Now, hear me out.
It's still me in the column,
but what if there's also...
A sunken shipwreck.
What shipwreck?
The one you were diving on
with Captain Owns No Shirts.
I was worried, Rae,
but then I opened
our shared drive
and you really delivered!
I can't wait to see
the column about it.
But what about the column
you wanted?
Something personal?
No one even knows
about the sunken ship, so...
You're telling me
you discovered it?
That's unbelievable!
I asked for
a luxe vacation story
and you found gold!
Literally!
Shelley, I can't write about it.
I... I promised I would
keep it a secret until...
Don't be ridiculous, Rae,
you're a journalist!
I asked you to write
something special,
and this is special.
I can't.
This will save your column,
guaranteed!
And frankly,
if you don't write about it,
- someone else will.
- Shelley, I...
Get it done by tomorrow.
Clock starts now.
Maruhabaa, how may I assist you?
Have you seen Jared?
Jared.
I need to tell you something.
Whatever it is, I'm not sure
I'm gonna believe you.
What do you mean?
Your editor just booked out
a block of bungalows
for the camera crew
she's sending over.
To film the exploration
of a sunken ship
newly discovered by Rae Parker.
She has the exact location
of the Vakkankurun, Rae.
How?
There's only a few people
that know about that,
and you're the only one
that works for Icon Magazine.
- Jared, I can explain.
- I have to go.
I really trusted you, Rae.
I can't come up with anything.
He's never going to talk to me
ever again.
It can't be that bad.
Oh, it's that bad.
Jared wants something from me
that will make me lose my job,
and my job wants
something from me
that will make me lose Jared,
so either way, I lose.
Talk to him.
It's a big solo adventure again.
My thing is solo adventures.
I don't think I want
to be alone anymore.
Admitting that is brave.
Of all the places I've been
and all of the adventures
I've had,
I think this is
the scariest of all of them.
Journey of the heart.
Sounds like something
worth writing about.
My column is about being single
and seeing the world.
Since reading
Reservation For One,
I've grown and changed,
and I think it's only fair
that Rae Parker should get
to grow and change, too.
And I think your readers
would agree.
You teach people it's okay
to go out in the world
and do things on your own.
It's a good message.
But take it from someone
who knows.
When love reaches out,
reach back.
How'd you get so wise?
Mm, I read a lot.
Jules!
Oh, Rae!
I hope you enjoyed your stay.
I look forward
to reading more of your work.
No, I can't check out yet.
I have to talk to Jared.
Jared's left, Rae.
I'm so sorry, he took off
on the resort boat.
But he'll be back
before I leave, right?
He, uh... he asked me
to give you this.
Take as much time as you need.
The last flight's
this afternoon.
A pearl.
I can make things right.
This is Shelley Stevens
with Lady Icon.
Leave a message!
Hey, Shelley, it's Rae.
I can't give you
the Reservation For One column
that you asked for.
I'm just not the same writer.
Actually, I'm not
the same person
that I was when I arrived.
But, um, I think this could be
some of my best work yet,
and, uh...
I hope you agree.
Any word from Jared?
Sorry, Rae.
Thank you, Jules.
This week was truly special.
Well, I hope
we see you again soon!
You'll always have a room here.
You knew where to find me.
This beach is imprinted on me
forever.
I'm sorry, Jared,
that Shelley found the location
of Vakkankurun.
I did not mean
for that to happen.
The truth is...
I think I'm falling for you
and it scares me.
I handed in my column.
I'm calling it Table For Two.
It's about the time
I went to go find a shipwreck
and ended up
discovering something
way more meaningful.
I'm falling for you, too.
I don't know what happens next,
but I know that
I want you to be a part of it.
I realized that the only thing
holding me back
from taking my course
to the world was me.
I'm ready to take a chance,
I want to travel the world
with you.
I think I'd better take this.
Rae Parker, I can't even.
You read what I sent?
Read it? I devoured it!
It has everything!
Romance, drama, self-discovery.
And you're okay
with not publishing
- the location of the wreck?
- Okay with it?
What publisher wouldn't want
a serialized adventure
that already has a good ending?
We could publish the wreck
once it's more protected
or wanders off again.
Is that
your new column companion?
Rae, I love it.
Thank you.
Okay, I'd better go!
Bye.
So, you'll be my partner,
in person and in print?
As long as you do the writing.
Dear Reader:
They say,
"No matter where you go,
there you are."
But sometimes
it's precisely where we go
that changes who we are.
Travel opens our eyes,
and when we're really lucky,
it opens up our hearts.
It has been an honor to be
entrusted with your hearts
for all these years.
These days, I've made
a little more room in mine
and I hope you will, too.
Looking forward to growing
and changing as always,
together.
Hot off the press.
"Getting Lost, Finding Myself,
and Falling in Love."
Table For Two's feature debut.
Wow.
Well, your work's gone to print.
My international course
starts in a month.
Where do we go next?
We can go wherever we want.
But for now, I'm going in.