Last week we got back from our (nearly) week-long vacation to Mexico! We went to get away, relax and recoup and to celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary! We posted a good amount of photos on social media but we got so many questions about the where, when, whats of our trip so I know a post is due. So here goes:

Q & A:

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Who did you book through?

So, we booked through Expedia. And honestly, I won’t book through their site again. I’ve always used Expedia for every trip we’ve taken, from night aways to cross-country treks. But this time, we didn’t have a good experience. The reasons? I paid for 100% travel insurance but when it came time to actually use that (we tried to cancel the trip once we realized Sean got laid off and a trip shouldn’t be in the cards) — they revealed it would actually cost more to cancel the trip than the trip cost us originally. Why you ask? Well, the hotel was 100% refundable, but airlines have their own rules about cancellations. I could have cancelled flights for vouchers not cash back, but my vouchers would only be eligible for use from the airport the original flight was departing from. What does that mean? It means I would have received vouchers from Logan (would have been fine), but then we had layovers so… JFK, Charlotte N.C., and Cancun. So to rebook something I could ONLY leave from JFK, Charlotte N.C., or Cancun. But, I live in Boston. How would I get to those airports without flying…. see? Tricky, Expedia. I just felt like they weren’t truthful, forthcoming or honest.

What airlines did you take to Mexico?

So, I swear everything after these two answers will be positive! Our original flight was an American Airlines flight but 10 minutes before boarding, they delayed the flight for maintenance. FOR EIGHT HOURS. We would have missed our connecting flight so I got on the phone while standing in line, and managed to get us on a United flight within 30 minutes AND we actually arrived in Mexico 2 hours earlier than originally planned. Sounds great, right? Not really…. because our luggage didn’t make those same flights and was “lost” (i.e. never made it out of Boston) for over 24 hours. So, no clothes, toiletries, contacts, sunscreen… ugh. We eventually got our luggage but I’m so glad we packed our bathing suits in our carry-ons!

Our flights back home were through Delta. Definitely the better of the airlines we had experience with. Our flight from JFK to Boston was delayed by 4 hours because of weather. But that’s no fault of theirs.

Where did you stay?

We stayed at Senses Riviera Maya by Artisan. I can’t say enough about this hotel! The success of this find is all Sean’s. He scoured and searched the internet for places to stay and this one delivered. We didn’t want a huge resort with so many people and things to do which in turn we felt an obligation to do because we were there. My main goal was to listen to quiet, sit and look at the ocean and do nothing. This hotel is adults only, only has 37 or 38 rooms and was so peaceful. Every room was huge, had an ocean view with a balcony or deck and its own private soaking tub plus a kitchenette, a sitting area and a walk-in closet. Like who needs a walk-in closet on vacation? No one… but who would complain? No one… 

What did you do?

Our days consisted of waking up with no alarm (yes!), relaxing in bed (for me), sitting on the deck (for Sean), getting ready, eating breakfast, sitting by the pool, ordering drinks and snacks from the restaurant, servers bringing them to us at the pool, eating lunch either at the pool or in the restaurant, sitting by the pool again, napping, eating dinner, and going to bed.

// my sunglasses // sean’s sunglasses //

What were the amenities?

There were hot tubs, you could go to the beach (it was a bit too full of seaweed for me) but the hotel would set up lounge chairs and umbrellas for you, you could snorkel or scuba dive, or rent jet-skis (for additional costs), and you could book spa services (we got in-room massages one day!) — but mostly, we just laid around and did nothing. I read a book!

The hotel also provides a free shuttle to Playa Del Carmen. We weren’t planning on doing it since we wanted to do nothing, but since the airlines lost our luggage and the hotel was small with no store — we needed to buy some things. Mainly — shorts for me, toothbrushes, deodorant, and sunscreen.

// my raybans // cape cod bracelet //

// ponycap //

What was Playa Del Carmen like?

Probably what you imagine. It was nice to experience it and we had a good time but if we were to travel to the same area again, I don’t think we’d take the day to visit Playa Del Carmen. Once you’ve done it once, you’re good. It’s many souvenir shops, restaurants and bars, and so many people trying to sell you stuff. And hot. SO HOT. With no AC relief unless you go into a bigger store (they have Old Navy, H&M, Nike).

What was included?

The hotel was all-inclusive — so all our food and drinks and tips were included. But we still tipped on top of that and left cash with anyone who helped us or served us. Sean was super excited about this place because the restaurant has a really great chef and everything was made to order. I have to admit he was right and everything was so delicious. There were a few times when I looked at the menu a little anxiously because I wasn’t feeling adventurous (I’m a super picky eater) and the chef made me chicken fajitas even though they were not on the menu.

Even the full fridge in the room was included and the housekeeping staff restocked it every day with snacks, waters, sodas and beer.

Would I like it?!

This is probably different depending on who YOU are. But I’d say if you like to go to resorts for the beach… this hotel isn’t for you. I say that because the access to the beach was off to the left of the hotel and not directly on the hotel grounds. Which means the servers didn’t serve drinks and food on the beach (much different from other larger resorts). But if you like the pool, infinity pools, an adults-only quiet atmosphere, great food, fancy drinks, and lounging on poolside cabanas — it’s for you.

Did you drink the water?

We didn’t. I don’t know the ins and outs of this and I didn’t google it. But years ago, I remember being told not to drink the water so we stuck with that. We brushed our teeth with bottled water.

Did you feel safe?

There was never a time I felt unsafe. I know traveling can be a bit out of your comfort zone and it’s especially tricky when you’re going to a place that mainstream media tends to talk negatively about — but it was a wonderful experience. Of course, we went to a super tourist area and barely left the resort but people were nice and friendly and helpful. When we first walked out of the airport, of course, there was a mad rush toward us of people asking us if we needed cabs, or drinks, or trying to force us to buy their goods. But we just kept smiling or saying no, gracias! We had already arranged our ride to the hotel, with the hotel, and they had someone waiting for us with a sign with our names and identification. The hotel was secluded and behind 3 gates with security guards. I guess that says something about the area, but I choose to look at it as they want you to be safe so they’re protecting you.

Would you go again?

Totally! And I’d go back to Senses by Artisan again and again!