CHIC RETREATS: CANCUN, MEXICO

When in need of some good old Vitamin D, you gotta travel some place warm! I haven’t traveled much outside the states unfortunately, so now I always start looking at places internationally. I really want to experience other cultures, foods and lifestyles as much as I can going forward. So to find someplace that’s warm, international, and that won’t cost a fortune?? That can be really hard if you don’t want to go backpacking and sleep in a different place every night. I also knew I wanted to stay in an all-inclusive resort, because I wanted this vacation to be effortless and stress free. So let’s review the list: some place warm, international, affordable and all inclusive?? Some of you may have already guessed it, but it’s none other than Mexico!

Mexico is the perfect place to have some fun in the sun that’s affordable and you really get your money’s worth! It’s only a four hour flight and you get to experience another country! We decided to stay at Excellence Playa Mujeres, an adults only beach front 5 star hotel located in Cancun. It’s a 30 minute taxi ride from the airport and close to the Mayan ruins at El Meco archaeological site. They greet you already knowing your name and handing you champagne. All meals, drinks and parking are included so you literally have nothing to worry about except gaining weight and a potential sunburn! Oh and they had 24 hour room service which I took way too much advantage of! 2am cheesecake orders if you know what I mean.

For an all inclusive price, I was really impressed with the food because you have to take into account people are ordering anything and everything just because it’s included, but none the less, everything was on point and really tasty almost everywhere we ate.

There’s 10 restaurants, 11 bars, a refined spa, 7 pools, and a fitness room that I actually used! I was super proud of myself about that. The best restaurants were definitely Agave, which we had to request days in advance for a special couples night. It was a prefixed menu and each dish was better than the last. Just as good as the high end restaurants in NYC with a Mexican flare. Chez Isabelle was a high end French restaurant that offered all my favorite delicacies like foie gras and bone marrow that was amazing! Lastly, the hotel offered the option to upgrade to a 5 course private dinner on the beach with a live jazz musician serenading us while we ate. It was so worth the extra money! I honestly don’t think I have ever done anything that romantic in my life. Perfect for honeymooners for sure!

The thing about Mexico is, although it’s beautiful, it can be really dangerous right now with all the tragic things you hear happening to tourists on the news. That was another reason I felt staying in an all inclusive resort was important. Excellence Playa Mujeres has so many different activities that there really was no reason to leave the resort anyway. The only thing I wish I could have done was went to the local downtown bar scene in Cancun I have heard so much about and try the local food stands I saw as we were driving from the airport. However, due to everything that was going on at the time we went, we chose not to. But with afternoon snorkeling, siesta, yoga classes on the beach at sun-up and nightly shows at the theater, the resort is definitely able to keep guests busy enough!

We chose a junior suite pool front, which is the smallest of the rooms, however it was huge! 668 sq ft with a private furnished balcony with and indoor jacuzzi. Full marble bathrooms, separate shower, in room premium liquor & wine bottle selection, pillow menu and daily turndown service and “excellence stationary”, which makes your room look and smell like a spa with soothing music.

Now I need to tell you a funny story. So, the separate shower is completely exposed with glass doors looking right into the rest of the bathroom, AND the bedroom! There is a separate room just for the toilet but the door is see through like the shower, so there’s really no privacy! To top things off, the bathroom has no walls (or doors) at all and opens right up to the bedroom. Although it was unique, I like my privacy when I shower and use the bathroom, so I was a bit uncomfortable and we couldn’t be moved because they told us all the rooms look exactly the same.

When we came back from the pool we were surprised to find they had put up wood panels to separate the bathroom from the bedroom and curtains to cover the shower and toilet door! I was so impressed that they would go above and beyond like that just to make us comfortable. I really had no words. Best service ever! They literally would not say no to anything we asked.

Excellence Playa Mujeres was the most relaxing vacation I have ever been on to date. I sat by the pool all day, ate all night, while watching some entertaining live shows that the resort put on each night. I’m sure there are plenty of action filled activities as well, but I just wanted to recharge and do a lot of nothing. I honestly didn’t even drink the entire time I was there. You know how sometimes you go on a vacation and by the time you get home you need a vacation from the vacation? Well Excellence Playa Mujeres was not that place for me. It was calm, relaxing and I highly recommend for anyone who wants an all inclusive luxury vacay that will recharge the soul. Also, going home with a great tan isn’t so bad either! Viva la Mexico!

CLICK THE BELOW PHOTOS TO SHOP/EXPLORE:

The top I wore is slightly different but is discontinued. This top is almost identical and has more of a “push up bra” design which is very flattering.

This was the first time I ever wore a thong bikini. I was nervous at first but it was also empowering as well. I work hard in the gym so why not be confident enough to show it off? Hurray to no tan lines!