Three days for Cassie

One beach, one long weekend, and everyone who loves her.

Fri 4 — Sun 6 September 2026

Cassie and her daughter on the sand at sunset, Playa Grande

Even the sun shows up for her.

Why we're doing this

Cassie talks to her plants and, as far as anyone can tell, they answer. She would rather build the thing than buy the thing. Every animal within a hundred yards finds her first, and stays.

She is, objectively, the kindest person in any room — and she would argue about that, which rather proves it. Our family's North Star, and she has never once made a fuss about being it.

So we're making one for her birthday. Three days, one beach, and no say in the matter.

The three days

Friday

4 September

Night-blooming cereus — only opens after dark.

Evening

The ladies take the house

We've booked a villa in Playa Grande for the whole weekend. Her friends arrive Friday, dinner happens, and then it becomes a slumber party. Adults only — bring whatever fourteen-year-old you still have in you.

Saturday

5 September

Bougainvillea — all day, all colour, no restraint.

Morning

Champagne breakfast

The ladies again, slightly worse for wear, entirely unbothered.

Daytime

Pool party and a barbecue

Everyone, all ages, in and out of the water. Family hours in the truest sense.

Evening

Sushi, pizza, cake

We'll catch the sunset on the beach first, around 17:30, then head in to dinner. Sushi by Fern — $60 per adult, with veggie options. Everything else is on Derek: kids' pizza, champagne, beer, a signature cocktail, and a cake that arrives without warning.

Night

Music, drinks, back in the pool

No end time listed, which is itself the plan.

Her birthday

Sunday

6 September

Coffee flower — blooms once, smells like jasmine, gone by noon.

Morning

Brunch, slowly

The actual birthday, for whoever is still standing. No obligation to come back for this one — we'll eat for a long time, say the nice things out loud, and hand the house back.

Afternoon

A hike, then the beach

Once the villa's handed back, the day's still hers — we'll probably wander onto a trail and end up barefoot on the sand, seeing out her actual birthday the way she'd choose. Tag along if you're still around.

Evidence