Mexico Vacay Essentials

Is it bad that I’m already planning my next trip to the Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen? Talk about a dream getaway!  One thing I never realized is how far Riviera Maya is from LA - there’s really no easy way to get there, so Taye and I flew Jet Blue to Orlando then to Cancun (Play Del Carmen is 40 minutes or so outside of Cancun). I'm not big on wasting a full day traveling therefore we opted for a red-eye and connecting flight that got us into Cancun around 8am. All sleep deprivation went away as soon as we walked into the Grand Hyatt and were greeted with sparkling wine and yummy breakfast in the Grand Club; an exclusive area that guests staying in Grand Club level rooms have access to. And then I was escorted to my room and saw this view for the first time:

Yeah, now you know why I want to go back! All of the rooms at the resort face out towards the ocean; some with full ocean views, partial ocean views, private plunge pools, and a few with garden views. The plunge pool situation... I mean, HEAVEN! There's really not a bad room in the house because let's be real, you're going to spend most of your time outside relaxing on the beach, sipping margs by the pool, or dining on the restaurant patio! The decor in the rooms is very clean and modern with all the amenities you could ask for. And since the sun rises over the ocean, you have a natural alarm clock every morning (if you keep your blinds open).

Let's talk about the beach. Just stunning. They don't make beaches like this in Southern California (sorry, not sorry!). The resort has a few pools - one adult only - and also lounge chairs and umbrellas on the beach. We had no trouble grabbing chairs throughout the day and the food and drink service was exceptional out there! I highly suggest the coconuts for a little midday hydration - you know, in between margaritas. The food situation... 

SO. GOOD. For breakfast everyday we enjoyed the continental breakfast at the Grand Club which was legit the best continental breakfast I've ever had. Fresh fruit and fruit juice, assorted breads and pastries, meats and cheese, eggs, yogurt parfait (my fave!), and coffee anyway you like it including with almond milk. Taye was muy impressed with the almond milk situation! 

The resort has two restaurants and a handful of different bars throughout the property serving up fresh mexican food, sushi, smoothies, and all that good stuff. I definitely suggested getting the shrimp salad and ceviche! You really can't go wrong with the cocktails either, however, if you're in to Mezcal than this is the place to be. We even took a cocktail making class and learned how to make a few of their signature drinks!

If you're not a lay-on-the-beach-all-day kind of person they have a beautiful spa with tons of treatments and activities. I took an evening yoga class  (warning, you will want to go to sleep afterwards) and a water pilates class called Aqua Forza which was the hardest class I've ever taken. And you know I love me some pilates! Between the fresh fish and water pilates I managed to lose weight on this trip even though we ate and drank our weight in margaritas and guacamole.

Btw, did you know Playa Del Carmen is less than an hour to Tulum? Yup, that's why we decided to extend our trip there. Stay tuned for my Tulum travel guide!

Psst, check out my recent travel posts: San Diego Hotel Diary, Catalina Travel Guide, and Malibu Air Stream. Until next time, thanks for an amazing trip Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen!

PHOTO DIARY