You know when something is so pretty that pictures don’t even do it justice? That’s how I feel about my vacation to Mexico. My family and I just returned from seven marvelous days in Mexico, split up between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. It was the epitome of relaxing and culminated a months worth of graduation/Christmas/birthday/New Year festivities. Every new year should start with a beach vacation, in my opinion.
Today I will recap our time in Cancun and tomorrow will cover Playa del Carmen.
THE HOTEL
We stayed at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun, an all-inclusive resort located at the tip of Cancun. It is surrounded by water on three sides, making for amazing views from anywhere on property. It is 30 minutes from the airport and about a five-minute walk to the clubs and bars in Cancun (think “typical” spring break venues). However, you don’t need to leave the resort at all.
The brand-spanking-new-hotel has eight restaurants (all food + drinks included), seven bars, a spa, three pools, water activities and nightly entertainment. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, always responding with “my pleasure” instead of “you’re welcome.”
THE FOOD
Each of the restaurants were a different type of cuisine (French, Asian, Italian, American, etc.). Lots of fresh fish, fruits and tacos. The avocado was especially excellent, although I had to ask for it a lot because it wasn’t listed on the menu…I though that was weird in Mexico, no? The staff was very knowledgable about gluten-free and I managed to eat something (usually off the menu or with many substitutions) at every restaurant.
We ordered the fruit plate from room service a few times and ate it on our balcony overlooking the water. *Pinch me*
THE ACTIVITIES
You can do everything or nothing at the resort. We choose the latter; most of our time was spent sitting at the pool. We all brought books and magazines and stayed out from practically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. enjoying the sun. I am the laziest active person ever and will very happily camp out by the pool for hours without being bored. It’s a favorite quality of mine. The hotel offered kayaking, scuba diving lessons and paddle boarding, but the days we were in the mood for activity, the water was a little rough. Most nights after dinner we watched the hotel entertainment, usually acrobats or dancers.
One night, at my sister’s request, we walked into town to experience the “nightlife.” The best way to describe it is stereotypical spring break…all. year. round. We went out on a Monday night and you would have thought it was a weekend. The venues were not the nicest (I’m being generous with that statement) but the people were a sight to see.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
-Celebrating my mom’s 50th. The entire trip was to celebrate my sister’s 18th, my 21st and her 50th, but we were away for her actual birthday.
-Swimming Walking in water that was literally the color of my sister’s shirt (the perfect aqua). No swimming for me…that water was freezing.
-Disconnecting. We had Wi-Fi at the hotel but I really only checked Instagram occasionally (and to participate in the BGB challenge). I read a few blogs and emails but didn’t respond or comment much. We barely knew what was going on in America news-wise and, for one week, that was fine by me. Although it did feel nice to catch-up on everything when we returned. Hello, Bloglovin’ feed of 100+ posts…
Tomorrow I’ll share the highlights of our stay in Playa del Carmen, the more active part of our vacation.
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*Linking up to MIMM. Thanks, Katie!*
That looks like perfection! I love active vacations, but at the same time I also enjoy lazy pool-side vacations too. Can’t wait to read your next recap :)
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Garmin Forerunner 220 Review
It seriously was perfection! I like to so something active and then relax the entire next day.
Oh man, if pictures don’t do it justice then I can’t imagine how beautiful it must have been! Looks absolutely breath taking. How did you get yourself to leave?! Looks like paradise on earth to me:)
We were so close to Belize! That’s where the wedding is right?! It is beyond stunning.
Disconnecting like that is so important once in awhile, especially when you’re in such a relaxing place! I did it while hiking his summer and it was awesome.
I completely agree! Especially when we are swimming or doing things around water, it feels awesome (and easier) to just put the electronics away.
That looks like a beautiful vacation! I disconnect by going to the gym and reading while I bike. It helps my legs turn over and I can lose myself in my favorite form of amusement. Your orange dress is so pretty and looks great on you
Ellie recently posted…Weekend In Review [First Race Since October!]
I do that sometimes! Actually, usually the longest I disconnect is when I’m at the gym or running. I think that’s a good habit for us to keep up :)
So happy you had such a nice trip! Looks absolutely beautiful there. I try to disconnect from my phone for at least an hour a day. And I love lazy beach days, they’re the best!
Thank you, Alyssa! Sometimes I purposely leave my phone upstairs in my room so I’m not tempted to browse. I need some way to break the habit.
Your mom looks like she could be your sister!! That looks like an amazing trip. As far as disconnecting…I need to do that way more. Something to work on, for sure!
I don’t know if I would have disconnected as much if not for the limited Wi-Fi and poor signals. Those helped! I sure hope I get my mom’s youth genes.
Pure beauty!!!! (totally jealous up here!!!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Beetroot Risotto
I sent some warm vibes your way. Guess it didn’t work lol :(
Okay 1) I am obsessed with your cover up. 2) That hotel is GORGEOUS! I need to go back to Mexico. The last time I went, I was like 12 years old but it’s still my favorite vacation to date. All about those lazy, unplugged vacations ;)
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Not-Training 1/3-1/9
This ranks as one of my favorite vacations! Being able to relax in that environment was such a treat.
One of my favorite things in the entire world is reading a book on the beach, so I’m jealous of the time you spent relaxing! I also love being active and doing fun “vaction-ey” things too. Your pictures are SO pretty!
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…What you focus on expands
It’s my favorite thing too. I never take it for granted!
If I’m not jealous of your life, now I am! Everything looks simply incredible.
It didn’t feel real! It was that beautiful. Now it’s back to reality ;)
thank you so much for posting this ! being a GF traveler is so hard for me. esp. with all inclusives since i feel almost trapped in one place and scared they wont understand it. it seems you felt very comfortable there and didnt get sick (i hope!) i will have to keep this in mine. i am a total lazy person on the beach ! i hate when people ask me what activities i did ! laying on the beach is totally an activity !
It’s really hard to travel GF. I called ahead of time to ask about GF options and luckily they were very accommodating. Totally with you about laying on the beach!
I like a mix of relaxation and active time in my vacations. I hate to say it, but I can find myself getting bored in the most beautiful places if I’m not doing something. Not my favorite quality, but hey. Either way, your vacation looks amazing and so pretty! Can’t wait to read the rest!
I know what you mean but I guess it’s good that you recognize it. I think a mix of active and relaxing is the best combo.
This looks absolutely AMAZING! I love the fact that all the food was included and it looked delicious :) I have such a difficult time disconnecting that I found it to be a blessing when my old phone would die. Usually when I’m in the mountains I turn my phone off and so I need to do that more here in the city. Normally I just have the constant feeling of needing to see what everyone is doing and what I should be doing ;) Great for the stress.
Kaitlin recently posted…fabrick ~ nyc eats
For the first few meals we kept waiting around for a check because we weren’t used to the “all-inclusive” aspect. Not having service makes it easier to disconnect..or the fear that I will get charged for international data plans.
What a beautiful vacation, the water looks incredible! I prefer a mix of relaxation and adventure on vacations. I love to relax and not have to worry about being anywhere, but I also like to do little excursions like hiking, biking, running etc. because I get bored and restless after a while lol.
sarah recently posted…Friday Favorites: Pinterest Edition
If we had any more time there I probably would have gotten a bit restless. But after the go-go-go from the holidays it was a perfect way to unwind!
Wow, the resort (and your dress!) look brilliant. Glad you had chance to unwind and celebrate so many special occasions.
My parents must be on the same wavelength as yours in terms of starting the new year in the sun since they have just booked a last-minute beach break in the Canary Islands for the end of January (without me :( as I have to work) but even though I tend to prefer more active vacations, I think even I could be tempted to set up camp on one of those sun-loungers with a book for a day! xx
Charlotte recently posted…TOL…Take two minutes to remember
BOO, no fair that you can’t go too. Now they HAVE to bring you back an awesome souvenir though.
This seriously looks like heaven! Sitting by the pool with a book and sunshine sounds like perfection right now in this 24 degree weather. I’m so glad you had a blast! :)
Bailee recently posted…Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I said (multiple times a day) how I couldn’t believe we were there It felt too pretty for me- haha!
I don’t really take vacations that involve doing nothing, but I think we will have a few days like that on our honeymoon, and I am looking forward to them. That resort looks beautiful (and so warm!).
Rebecca @ Vitamin OH! recently posted…Coastal Delaware Running Festival Marathon Training: Week 1
I think you will definitely enjoy them! Especially after the go-go-go from a wedding.