Showing posts with label mexico. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mexico. Show all posts

Friday, January 2, 2015

Packing List: Mexican All-Inclusive Resort

Packing for Mexican All-Inclusive


I'm deep in planning mode for our winter vacation to Mexico, and since it's my second trip to an all-inclusive resort, I feel more prepared than the first time around. Besides the obvious, here's what I'll bring:
  • A Turkish towel. Because sometimes the resort's towels aren't great, and they don't dry nearly as fast.
  • Glam pool wear (huge hat, cat-eye sunnies, and black bikini). Because I like to pretend that I'm a D-list celebrity when pools and cocktails are involved.
  • Waterproof mascara and bright lipstick. Because that's all you need to pair with your sun-kissed glow.
  • EWG-approved sunscreen for face, lips, and body (3-ounce bottles). Because I will not get burned on my first day again. And I won't slather questionable chemicals on my skin, either.
  • A fun float. Because floating in the Caribbean Sea surrounded by angel fish is pretty much the best thing ever.
  • Cup and koozie. For getting extra-large drinks and keeping them cool.
  • Travel candle. In case the room smells like a jungle.
  • Meds. Because I don't want to spend $20 on Tums and aspirin in the gift shop. 
  • Paperbacks. Because I don't want to worry about leaving my Kindle alone when I go for a walk.
What did I forget?
P.S. Here's the post from my last trip to Mexico.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

mexico withdrawal.



It's been more than a week since we returned from Mexico, but I still wake up expecting to see the sun rising over the ocean outside my window. That's how I started every day, uncharacteristically waking up at 6 a.m. to slide open the balcony doors and let the salty breeze in, then calling room service for a big breakfast to be delivered to our room. We drank Mexican coffee and ate pastries in fluffy robes. I've never been so spoiled in my life.

We stayed at an all-inclusive resort just outside of the fishing village of Puerto Morelos. I researched resorts obsessively before buying the tickets. My criteria: Oceanfront, infinity pools, multiple dining options, swim-up bar, good reviews. The Now Jade Resort delivered on most fronts, though the food was sometimes lacking.

We rented a car, which I'd highly recommend. It cost $60 for the week, less than the price most shuttles will charge just to take you to your hotel. This allowed us to go where we wanted when we wanted. No waiting on cabs, no packing into tour buses with a bunch of drunk Canadians. The roads were clearly marked, and we felt very safe, even when we drove down a dirt road to a remote spa in the jungle.

Highlights of the trip: Massages at said spa, exploring the ruins at Tulum, fish tacos and margaritas on the beach in Puerto Morelos, bargaining for beautiful Mexican blankets at the market, and paddling around the stunning Siete Bocas cenote on the Cenote Trail. Although it was great just hanging out by the pool, I'm so glad we left the resort and got to know the Riviera Maya.

If you're planning a trip to Mexico and you have questions, please feel free to ask!

Mayan ruins at Tulum

More Tulum

 These monstrous lizards were everywhere!

I ate a lot of fish and shrimp tacos. A lot.

Deep thoughts with Todd: Beach or pool? Rum runner or mojito?

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

spring break.

Mexico.


I don't think I've ever deserved a vacation more than I do this one. March was brutal, complete with endless special issues at the paper, demanding freelance projects, and a sinus infection to boot. I may only be going to Mexico for five days, but I'm going to milk it for all it's worth. And by that I mean hanging in a hammock over an infinity pool sipping mojitos until I turn into a raisin. I'm also secretly happy that the resort doesn't have Wi-Fi so Todd and I will be forced to unplug for the first time in a long, long time.

What are your spring break must-haves? I'm making sure to pack plenty of magazines, serious sunblock, and the kind of glam poolside attire I probably couldn't get away with on little Sullivan's Island.

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

countdown: riviera maya.






The tickets are booked and the countdown is on. Six weeks until we're lounging by an infinity pool, snorkeling off a coral reef, drinking fruity cocktails at 10 a.m., and exploring Mayan ruins. March is always a challenging month, but it'll be a lot easier knowing this is my reward.