"You got the Aeaea Suite. It is actually a very special part of the resort, a private island with private luxurious rooms for each of you. The villa is one of the most lavish mansions in Greece, very old, and has a long history in our legends and myths. A boat is waiting for you at the dock."
The whole family looked amazed, though John had to ask "Are you sure about that? It sounds really expensive. We got this as a pre-paid vacation, and I can't really afford a big upgrade."
The receptionist smiled. "Oh, do not worry about that. Your entire vacation is completely paid for, no matter what you choose to do. We select one family for this special vacation package on the Island every month, and you lucky people won!" She paused. "Just to be sure, none of you are allergic to animals, are you?"
Sharon shook her head. "No, but why?"
"The Island is home to an amazing collection of wild and domestic animals, all of them perfectly tame and friendly. I am sure you will be excited by them."
Derrick looked interested. "What kind of animals? Goats and deer and stuff like that?"
The receptionist nodded. "Oh, there are those, of course, but also lions, elephants, chimapnzees, zebra, tigers, wolves, buffalo, seals, walruses, and almost any other large animal you can think of."
Sharon looked alarmed. "Lions and tigers? They are caged up, right?"
"No cages at all, anywhere." The receptionist smiled. "I assure you it is perfectly safe. If any of the animals scare you, just tell them to go away. They will leave you alone until you invite them to approach."
Sharon was still doubtful, but the idea of seeing tame lions, zebra, and other exotic animals sparked her kid's interest and they insisted on going. Although she still had her doubts, her whole family wanted to take advantage fo the Island, and she finally nodded.
A sleek, modern launch was waiting for them, piloted by a dark-skinned young man who said nothing, only nodding a greeting as they boarded. He apparently did not speak English, shaking his head at all questions and saying something none of them understood. It did not matter - the Island was close by, and the villa could be seen when they got close. it looked amazing, a miniature white marble palace. A tall, handsome woman wearing classical Greek robes was waiting or them at the dock, greeting them warmly.
"Hello and welcome. My name is Ms. Hawk. I will be your hostess while you stay at the villa. Leave your bags. They will be brought up. Let me show you to your rooms."
Sharon looked around nervously. "Where are the animals? I heard there were lions and tigers wandering the grounds."
Ms. Hawk smiled. "Do not worry. They have been told to stay away from you for now. I promise you that the animals will cause no injury. The only problem you might have is finding them to be too loving."
Walking to the villa was incredible. A magnificent white stallion trotted over to investigate, then a huge elk. Some goats and sheep were grazing while a Giraffe nibbled leaves from a tree. Then Derrick gasped and pointed at a baboon with garden shears and a basket, obviously trimming some shrubs. Ms. Hawk nodded. "Oh, yes. I am the only human here. Trained animals perform most of the menial labor here."
The villa was amazing, with rich tapestries and heavy furniture that looked old and expensive. Each of them had a room assigned. The kids got private rooms open to an outdoor terrace and a crystal clear pool, while the parents had adjoining rooms overlooking the sea. Ms. Hawk made sure they were settled, then said "There is a buffet set out for you, kept fresh all the time. Eat whatever and whenever you wish. If you need anything, just call out my name and I will take care of it."