The writer is staying at a luxurious desert resort, where they are enjoying a private villa with a swimming pool, huge bathroom, and comfortable bedroom. The villa is decorated in a luxurious desert theme with gold accents and features a complimentary mini bar and premium drinks. The writer takes a tour of the resort, exploring the gym, infinity pool, and other amenities, and goes on excursions such as a nighttime scorpion-spotting tour and a 4×4 desert adventure. Despite the intense heat, the writer appreciates the peaceful atmosphere and luxurious amenities, but notes some drawbacks such as the need to book a buggy in advance to get to the private villas. The hotel offers extravagant suites with private butlers and in-room breakfast, with prices starting at £178 per night.
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Complimentary | Given free of charge, typically as a courtesy or promotion. | The villa features a complimentary mini bar and premium drinks. |
| Infinity pool | A swimming pool that appears to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, often with no visible edges. | The resort boasts an infinity pool overlooking the desert landscape. |
| Extravagant | Extremely luxurious or elaborate, often to the point of being excessive. | The hotel offers extravagant suites with private butlers and in-room breakfast. |
| 4×4 | A vehicle with four-wheel drive, often used for off-road driving. | The writer goes on a 4×4 desert adventure as part of the resort’s excursion package. |
| Butler | A person employed to manage the household and attend to the needs of a wealthy family or individual. | The hotel’s butler service is available to guests staying in the extravagant suites. |
| Accents | Decorative elements or features that add a touch of style or elegance to a room or design. | The villa is decorated in a luxurious desert theme with gold accents. |
| Amenities | Features or services provided to guests or customers, such as a gym or pool. | The resort offers a range of amenities, including a gym and infinity pool. |
| Peaceful | Quiet and calm, often in a way that is soothing or relaxing. | Despite the intense heat, the writer appreciates the peaceful atmosphere of the resort. |
| Drawbacks | Disadvantages or negative aspects of something. | The writer notes some drawbacks of the resort, including the need to book a buggy in advance. |
| Excursion | A trip or outing, often organized by a tour operator or hotel. | The resort offers a range of excursions, including a nighttime scorpion-spotting tour. |
Vocabulary Quiz
Choose the correct answer for each question.
-
The villa is decorated in a luxurious desert theme with gold accents. What does “accents” mean in this context?
- A type of furniture
- A decorative item or feature that adds style or emphasis
- A type of fabric
- A type of lighting
-
The writer goes on a 4×4 desert adventure. What does “4×4” refer to?
- A type of vehicle with four wheels
- A type of terrain
- A type of activity
- A type of vehicle with four-wheel drive
-
The hotel offers extravagant suites with private butlers. What does “extravagant” mean?
- Simple and plain
- Luxurious and elaborate
- Cheap and affordable
- Small and cozy
-
The writer notes that the hotel has some drawbacks, such as the need to book a buggy in advance. What does “drawbacks” mean?
- Advantages or benefits
- Disadvantages or negative aspects
- Features or amenities
- Services or activities
-
The hotel offers complimentary mini bar and premium drinks. What does “complimentary” mean?
- Paid or charged
- Free or included in the price
- Optional or extra
- Limited or restricted
Answer Key:
- b) A decorative item or feature that adds style or emphasis
- d) A type of vehicle with four-wheel drive
- b) Luxurious and elaborate
- b) Disadvantages or negative aspects
- b) Free or included in the price
Using the Present Perfect Continuous to Describe Ongoing Experiences
| The present perfect continuous is used to describe an action that started in the past and continues up to the present moment. In the context of the text, the writer is enjoying a luxurious experience at the resort, and the present perfect continuous is used to describe the ongoing activities and sensations. For example: “The writer is staying at a luxurious desert resort” implies that the writer has been staying at the resort for some time and is still there. Similarly, “The writer is enjoying a private villa” suggests that the writer has been enjoying the villa for some time and is still experiencing its luxuries. |
|---|
Quiz Time!
Choose the correct answer for each question.
1. The writer ____________________ at a luxurious desert resort.
A) has stayed
B) is staying
C) stays
D) stayed
2. The villa ____________________ in a luxurious desert theme.
A) is decorated
B) was decorated
C) has been decorated
D) is being decorated
3. The writer ____________________ a tour of the resort.
A) takes
B) took
C) has taken
D) is taking
4. The hotel ____________________ extravagant suites with private butlers.
A) offers
B) offered
C) has offered
D) is offering
5. The writer ____________________ the peaceful atmosphere and luxurious amenities.
A) appreciates
B) appreciated
C) has appreciated
D) is appreciating
Answer Key
1. B) is staying
2. A) is decorated
3. D) is taking
4. A) offers
5. A) appreciates
