You know the sign of a really lazy weekend? When you only take seven pictures :).
Andrew and I hopped on a plane Thursday afternoon and took a super short flight to Cancun (only 1hr 45min from Dallas!) for two days of relaxing…and apparently, it was relaxing because I just realized we only took seven pics…and two of those pics are of books I’m reading ;).
The last time the two of us went away together was almost 2 years ago (when we went to NYC), so it was time for two days of rest, relaxation and recharge.
We left in the afternoon and didn’t know exactly when we’d be there for dinner, so we ate a bite at the airport before we left. Any time we travel out of Terminal D, we eat here and snap a pic. Love this guy so much.
I CANNOT WAIT FOR MY BOOK REVIEW! This month, I’ve read the BEST books that I’ve read all year! I read Ali’s new book from cover to cover on the short flight. So easy to read, and so funny that I was actually laughing so hard in my seat that tears were streaming down my face. My book review will be on Monday!
We arrived and were ready to eat supper and chill out. We stayed at the El Dorado Casitas Royale per the recommendations of several friends. We were told it was an adult-only all inclusive with great food and a great spa. Win-win!
I sat here the next day and read. Again, this book was so good that I came home and ordered four more Hilderbrand books!
I mean…we should check out the spa, right? The two of us heading to the spa for massages.
And off to dinner that night!
The next day, I only took one picture (apparently, if my kids aren’t around, I fail to take pics). We slept late, stayed by the pool and I had a facial at the spa. After that, we headed to our last dinner before waking up at the crack of dawn to fly home.
That’s it! Listen, we’re taking a family vacation later this summer, and I can pretty much bet that I’m going to come home and bore you with 8,000 family pictures. We should all enjoy the short post while we can :).
I hope you had a wonderful weekend! It’s nice to getaway but it’s even better to be home.
************************************************************
-UPDATED-
Per your request, here are a few thoughts on our destination:
Several friends told us to stay at the El Dorado Casitas Royale in Riviera Maya, so that’s what we did. Some basic facts:
1. It was only an hour and 45 minute flight from Dallas to Cancun.
2. Once in Cancun, it only took about 18 to 20 minutes to drive from the airport to the resort. It was a really easy drive straight down the highway from the airport to the resort.
3. You can purchase transfers from the hotel before you go so that when you arrive, a van or car is waiting to take you there and you don’t have to use a cab.
What we loved about the resort:
1. Friendly staff that was very helpful!
2. Our room was very nice, clean, comfortable with all of the modern amenities you would expect from a nice hotel.
3. This is an all-inclusive that is known for their spa and food…and they were both excellent.
4. There were a wide variety of restaurants to choose from plus cafes, bars, and room service. The portions were small, but it was all you can eat everywhere you went. I really enjoyed every meal I ate.
5. I thought the spa was very nice and affordable. They offered a wide variety of spa services with a very knowledgeable staff. As far as spa prices go, I think it was moderately priced.
6. They made transportation around the expansive resort easy with drivers that were located throughout that would take you places on golf carts free of charge. If you didn’t want to walk, there was always a driver nearby that would assist you.
Things I didn’t really love:
1. We ordered room service for breakfast both mornings we were there and it took forever. The first morning, it took almost an hour and the second morning…it took 2.5 hours (YES!).
2. I hate to say this…but it wasn’t the prettiest beach. The resort and pools were gorgeous but the actual beach and oceanfront was less than desirable (not white sandy beaches). We overheard several people grumbling the same thing. My kids would have been very disappointed. (And I know time of year and weather conditions play a factor…so it could be more clear and prettier other times.)
3. Andrew and I enjoy water sports and they weren’t easily accessible. When I go to the beach, I want to be able to walk right out and paddle board, snorkel or use a jet ski, but it wasn’t convenient.
So, there you have it! Would I go back? Yes! For a weekend, it was a great pick for us because of it’s convenience. We really just wanted a nice pool to sit by with good food and a massage…and this resort scored all three.
Don’t forget, tomorrow is…
And this month’s bonus question is…What are you doing for the 4th of July?
Don’t forget to link up tomorrow with your post!
And if you’re looking for a little treat this summer…
…my Key Lime Pudding Pies should do the trick! This is a great make ahead recipe that you can do with your kiddos. No baking required!
Happy Tuesday!
Lauren McGreevy says
Looks like y'all had a blast! That's awesome it was such a short flight. Have a great day!
Lauren
http://www.postgradinprogress.blogspot.com
kimm atwood says
We have a kid free getaway next weekend and I can't wait ! Looks like you guys had a great time
Nicole Miller says
Sounds like a perfect little trip!! Love Elin Hilderbrand…great reads!!
Narci says
What a wonderful trip!! My favorite trips are the relaxing ones where you forget to take pictures!! Love! 🙂
Erika Slaughter says
Yay for a little getaway!!! So glad you guys had so much fun! The pool, books, AND the spa?! My kind of trip!!
Anonymous says
Hi Shay! Will you be doing a Father's Day post? It seems like in the past you've done those & there always so fun to read.
Mix and Match Mama says
My Father's Day pics will be included in Thursday's post :).
Alaleh Sadri says
Stayed there last winter! Did you go to the health bar?! They had the BEST cookies! Have a fabulous day!! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
We ate lunch there on Friday! It was so good!!
Gwen Bowen says
We went to El Dorado Casitas on our honeymoon! The health bar was my favorite too- those cookies and the infused water were amazing! Makes me want to go back soon 🙂
Paula says
Sweet getaway! 🙂
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
Looks like the perfect weekend to me!
Megan says
Sounds like a wonderful short trip!!! I can't wait to check out Ali's book! I have always loved her!
dresselfamily.blogspot.com says
I'm a little embarrassed to say this.. me and hubby have NEVER had even a night away by ourselves in nearly 15 years!!!.. well our wedding night but that's it!!.. we didn't have a honeymoon.. we were married in england on a Saturday and because it was a whirlwind marriage we couldn't even get on the same flight to Canada where we would live.. for real lol.. then 2 days later he started school.. we couldn't afford to go anywhere.. when he finished school we had #1 baby.. and the rest is history lol
one day we will take a trip lol
The Yarbrough's says
Ahhhhh…..nice lil getaway. Wish I would have known. I would of jumped in your suitcase. :)'
Lauren Truman says
My husband and I stayed there for our honeymoon and have been wanting to go back!! I hope you loved it as much as we did!
Susanbrown says
That's where we went on our honeymoon!!! Such a great resort!! Glad you had a good time!
Amanda Brezgel says
So how was the food?! My husband and I are hoping to take a "honeymoon" to Cancun in 2016.
Ashley says
Definitely research Excellence Playa Mujeres and Excellence Riviera Cancun as well…tt's always good to have choices when you're trying to decide! They have excellent restaurants/food, attentive staff, amazing spa, gorgeous beach, and awesome pools! We recently went there and fell in love with the Excellence brand! Their prices are great for top-notch everything!
Lauren says
That's where Fi and I are going on our honeymoon in October! 🙂
Anonymous says
Taking note of that resort!
So nice!
I love seeing where people travel to!
KellyinPA says
What a nice get-away weekend! Every married couple, especially with children, should have one every now and again!;)
The Boutelle Family says
We went to the El Dorado Royale for our honeymoon! We loved it.
Lauren Crockett says
We went there for our honeymoon and LOVED it!! It's our favorite place we've ever stayed in Mexico! Hope yall had a fun and relaxing getaway!
Angela Ellingson says
Sounds like perfection! 🙂 Happy for you!
Elizabeth Birenbaum says
How fun! So glad you guys were able to have a little getaway and relax!
Kasi says
we went for our honeymoon in 2001 and then went back in 2010. It's an amazing resort. The biggest changes were made to the food choices. It was just so-so when we were there on our honeymoon but the restaurants are amazing now. The casitas are in my opinion the best part of the resort. This last time we had an upstairs casita with our own inroom pool. But the downstairs casitas that feed right into the rivers/pools are great too.
Anonymous says
How do you get Andrew to wear tanks?! My hubby has a comprible physique and won't wear them to save his life! Lol. Y'all are too cute!
Mrs. Biscuit says
Looks fun! I would *love* a 50 shades of shay on how you pack your toiletries! Please! Planning a trip to cancun in a few weeks and am already overwhelmed by all the toiletries I'm packing. 🙂
Shelly Powers says
I hope this comment is not coming twice… If so disregard… Did you have to take a bus/van through the not so nice parts of Mexico to get to the resort? My hubby and I want to go on a trip next summer for our 15 year anniversary but that kind of freaks me out! Thanks for your help! I know you and your hubby had a wonderful well deserved getaway!
Ashley says
Just an FYI, we recently used Cancun Transfers (private service) to get from the airport to our resort…it's an excellent company! We didn't hit any "not so nice" areas because the awesome new highway avoids those areas completely. We ordered our transfer service online, and the driver met us at the airport exit–easy peasy!
JonesJunction4 says
Shay we were staying at the Casitas the same time that you were there! I have never commented but want to thank you for sharing your life with all of us! I find it so inspiring and it's my favorite blog! Your family is such a wonderful blessing. My kids are older now but it is so obvious that you already know to cherish this time with them now, time really does go so fast!
Sarah Lewis says
I read an Elin book for the first time in awhile (the Matchmaker) this weekend and it was so good! BUT I am 28 weeks pregnant AND it was a sad book which is not a great combo! I think my husband thought I was nuts! LOL. Love her books!! Keep up the book reviews! 🙂
Melissa says
A short and relaxing break is always a good thing, but I know what you mean about getting home. There just is no place like it. So, I'm going to ask because your other followers will likely want to know and of course, I do too. Please share the lip info from your various pics and the coral tank from the top pic. Thanks much and happy Tuesday!
Mix and Match Mama says
The lipstick is Bobbi Brown's Ballerina Shimmer and the tank is that same swing tank from Wednesday's post (I was wearing it in yellow stripe that day) but this time, it's in coral. I'm kind of obsessed :). It's a swing tank from Nordstrom.
Melissa says
Thx!
Sarah Tucker says
Elin Hilderband's books are the best! I just finished Barefoot this week and I am headed to get more of her books today. SO good!
~Maggie~ says
El Dorado is my favorite by far!! I hope y'all enjoyed it.
Anonymous says
Hi Shay!
Looks like you had a fabulous mini-getaway!! How did Ashby react to both you and Andrew leaving for the weekend? Just curious, since in your previous posts you've said she is very attached to you two!
🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
She did great! We wouldn't have gone if we thought it might disrupt things…so, we picked a good time, a good amount of time and left her with my parents (plus K and Smith!) and she had a ball! She was so happy to see us though :). Love that girl.
Anonymous says
That's great to hear! 🙂 Love reading your updates on her progress!
The Nelson Happenings says
Even with only 7 pictures it looks like your time with your hubby was beyond perfection !!!!
Deanna H says
We stayed at this resort for our honeymoon and LOVED it! I usually don't do the same resort twice {because there are so many to pick from}, but I'd go back to this one! One of my favorites!
Lindsay at Lindsay'sSweetWorld says
I absolutely adore that you still read actual books! I thought I was the only one left on the planet who doesn't have an e-reader. There's just something about a physical book that makes me happy… and I ADORE having all of those pretty spines displayed on my bookshelves at home! :o)
Anonymous says
LOVE Elin Hilderbrand novels, especially since they are all set on Nantucket and I'm a MA native. But she is a fun and interesting stroy teller for sure.
Amy Lafever says
Hey Shay! What kind of tinted moisturizer are you wearing? I'm looking for something light weight with this summer heat!
Mix and Match Mama says
Bobbi Brown!
Rachelle says
What brand are the v-neck shirts Andrew has on in the photos? I am always on the lookout for good ones for my husband!
Mix and Match Mama says
J Crew 🙂
Stephanie says
Shay! Where did you get your sunglasses?!
Mix and Match Mama says
Nordstrom! It's Ray Ban's Classic Aviators in gold.
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
Looks like y'all had a fun trip! We did a little mini-getaway this past weekend and I hardly took any pictures so I know what you mean!
Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
Kelsey Mann Peacock says
So glad you all were able to get away and just spend some alone time together! I'm sure it was an awesome trip & that you had three excited kiddos happy to have you home 🙂
Kelsey
http://www.thepeacockroost.com
April says
So fun! You two are precious! I love quick getaways with my hubs! 😉
Beautifully Seaside // Formerly Chic Coastal Living says
What a wonderful getaway! You both look refreshed 🙂 I need to check out those pies! Yumm!
Aubrey says
Ooooooh, Mexico! I think I'm the only person who has never been there. You look so happy and RELAXED! I need to get in on that action! We're going next spring with some of the world's best travel companions. I'm excited already!
marianne says
Wish you had taken more pics of the resort, food, etc. Since you are a travel agent, I was hoping you would give us all some tips and insider pics of the places you travel! Was it a business trip for Andrew? Looks like a nice getaway!
Mix and Match Mama says
I guess I came home in such a relaxed and mellow mood that I just breezed through my post without enough info :). This wasn't any sort of business trip. We really wanted to get away for a short weekend and Mexico is very convenient if you live in Dallas, so we picked this place off of the recommendations of several friends. I'll add some more specifics about the resort on Friday's post. You and several others wanted a little more info, so I'm happy to help!
acerny says
We went to the El Dorado casitas on our honeymoon and LOVED it! That was 7 years ago, so I'm sure it's changed. Was it still amazing? Was the beach area nice? It had sand bags when we went in 2008! Would love to go back 🙂
Jaren says
What a perfect little getaway! I need one soon!
Anonymous says
Elin is one of my favorite authors and one of the best books I've read by her is Castaways. So good!
Amanda Bajin says
So much fun to get away with hubby! Loved loved loved A Beautiful Day!!! I just finished it too!! I am going to start Matchmaker and then The Rumor. I love Elin's books. Fun and easy reads. 🙂
Becky Reid says
Looks like a wonderful get away! Yay to you for taking some adult time. My hubby and I did El Dorado for our honeymoon and I long to go away again just the two of us! Right now, I can't seem to get too far from my 1 and 4 year old, so I really look forward to hearing about your family vacation later this summer. Being from Canada, we head south every winter. We loved Dreams, Paradisus and (of course) Beaches 🙂
Ashley says
Love it! Becky, have you been to Beaches Turks & Caicos before? We have been to Sandals, Excellence, and are going to another Sandals in March. Beaches T&C looks amazing…my side of the family might go there in a few years (we have a Disney cruise this Dec!). 🙂 We love traveling!
Becky Reid says
We haven't, but Beaches T&C is on my must list 🙂
We have done a Disney cruise and it is perfection! You will be treated like a Princess. My Mommy Note to you – check all schedules at the door. I usually run a tight ship with my two kidos, but there is so much to do and little time to do it all. Relax and Enjoy!
Eileen says
Love Elin Hilderbrand's books. I've read almost all of them. They make me want to plan a trip to Nantucket!
Cheryl and Brian says
I would love to see an updated Shade of Shay for packing…headed from Central New York on a two week road trip in the south east…need to pack a little lighter than normal! 🙂
Anonymous says
Just wanted to say that I've been following your family blog religiously after discovering it through The Bachelor, and I'm not even a mom haha or even married! I'm 20, yet your posts are still so entertaining and personable 🙂 I'm glad you and Andrew got to have some alone time together. I was just in Cabo and it's beautifullll, hope you had fun!
Jen R says
so funnn!!! My husband and I haven't been away together since our first was born….6 years ago. ah!! My family didn't live here to watch the girls for the weekend….until recently, but then I went and had baby C, and now we can't go until I'm done nursing her! haha! Soon…soon.
So question.. If I wanted to start writing the post for the What's up wednesday post, would I be answering all the questions? I don't know that I've ever seen your WUW post!
Thanks!
♥ Jen
A Splash of Life Blog
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! You answer all of them (or you don't have to…if there are some that don't pertain to you, you can skip those.) We'd love to have you play along!
Kris Billings says
Sounds like the PERFECT weekend… Glad you had fun!
Leslie Seror says
Looks like a perfect getaway! My hubby and I haven't been away since we had our first son 6 1/2 years ago. I know we need to. Thanks for sharing!
Denise Ross says
Wonderful to hear you had an amazing time away with Andrew. Good for your marriage, good for your soul 🙂
V @ X-tremely V says
That is such a short flight for a great getaway! Sometimes the best times don't have pictures because you are busy enjoying the moment!
Jamie {the celebrating momma} says
I would have never thought to just hop over to Mexico for a weekend getaway – I always think over the top vacation. I am so excited to add this as a possibility with a mini getaway with my hubby!
Pamela Danckaert says
Hi Shay! My Husband and I are traveling to Mexico in a couple weeks for a kid free getaway. This will be the first trip to Riviera Maya and to Mexico for both of us. As the date gets closer, I'm getting a little anxious. Do you have any tips or suggestions for first time travelers to Mexico? Thanks so much! Blessings to you!