 You've heard of a honeymoon? Well, now, make room for the "babymoon." It's a new trend, common among first-time-parents-to-be, who see it as one of the last vacations they'll take as a couple before "baby makes three." As a relatively new mom, I can attest to the difficulties of taking a relaxing vacation with a baby. But recently, my husband and I decided to take a trip to Mexico without our son Bodhi. Our “babymoom” may have been two years after the fact, but it provided some much needed time away as a couple. Normally, when you think of a vacation in Mexico, especially if you are from Houston, Cancun is the first destination that typically pops in your mind. While this is a fun destination when you are in college or single and in your 20’s, this is not the place that I want to visit with my husband for a relaxing getaway. Instead, let me direct you to a ‘find’! A sleepy little fishing town just 20 minutes from Cancun called Puerto Morelos. With a population of a mere 3,000 residents, it’s easy to instantly feel a part of the community. From the moment our driver picked us up from the airport, we felt at ease and very welcome. Gracious and full of information, she filled us in on the various nearby towns, local attractions and the neighborhoods along our brief ride to the hotel. Our destination was a boutique beach resort called Cieba Del Mar. An all-inclusive resort located right on the water with a mere 88 rooms, two pools, three restaurants and a fabulous Spa. Upon our arrival, we were greeted with champagne cocktails as we were educated on the amenities of the property. Within moments, we were in our room, which I can only describe as gorgeous. Was it the wooden shutters that open up from the garden tub to a view of the pool and beach? Was it the not one, but two balconies overlooking the lush landscape? Could it be the king size bed with the huge down pillows or the yummy robes? Nothing was missing. They even have a double-sided cubby next the front door that room service can access in the morning to drop off your breakfast in without disturbing you. Now that’s what I call room service! After checking out the view from the room, we immediately wanted to check out the water! We walked down to the pool, but quickly bypassed it to head to the pristine white sands on the beach. With just a few sand-bathers watching, a lovely breeze blowing and not a care in the world, we jumped into the surf. Not too hot, not too cold. It couldn’t have been more perfect. You see, the Great Mayan Reef is located about a mile offshore and is the second largest barrier reef in the world. This offers a natural sea wall to the beach area. Closing it off almost like a little inlet. It’s perfect for swimming and keeps sharks and other nasty sea creatures at bay while offering some of the world’s best snorkeling opportunities. The following morning, we saw just what the hotel was bragging about when we set off with our diving instructor, Miguel. While I had been snorkeling before, my husband never had. This was going to be an experience for him and he had a new toy with him to try out, our Liquid Images camera. It is a snorkel mask with a built in video and digital camera (check out the web for some great shots). He got to put his camera to great use! Although it was a little choppy, our small crew ventured out to sea for the quick 15-minute boat trip to our dive spot. Miguel was very accommodating and put our anxious group at ease within moments by discussing all of the do’s and don’ts. We suited up and jumped into to the warm and waiting waters. Within moments we understood why this is some of the best snorkeling around. The vibrant colors of the coral and the vast amounts of sea life took my breath away. The peaceful calm that comes over you when you are in the water is indescribable. Upon our return to the hotel, it was time for lunch and leisure. The cuisine is a combination of local Mexican flavors with an international twist. The food is fresh, the service is prompt and courteous, and the prices are reasonable. After all it’s all-inclusive! Margaritas anyone?! A few hours of relaxation back at the poolside bar, a quick shower and we were off again. This time we were headed to the beautiful eco-attraction, Xcaret (ish-ca-ret), for a spectacular dinner show. My only regret is that we were just there for dinner. I could write an entire article on this park. There is a hotel on property and we may have to look into making another trip back here .There is so much to see & do – underground rivers, swimming with the dolphins, sea turtles or sharks, snuba, zip lines and much more. Suffice to say, if you are in the neighborhood, definitely add this attraction to your itinerary. With tickets starting as little as $59 adults/$39 kids, it is well worth the ticket price! As I mentioned earlier, Ceiba Del Mar is definitely a ‘boutique’ hotel with a pampering vibe. I decided to put their reputation to the test and check out their yoga classes and spa treatments while my husband was off to the underground river at Rio Secreto. I am certain, my day was not nearly as exciting as his, but it was exactly what I needed. As the sun rose on the horizon, I ventured out onto the beach. Yoga class started at 8:30 am on the pier, under the tiki hut. With a brisk breeze blowing, and the waves lapping against the pylons, our class began. I couldn’t imagine a better place to practice. It was blissful; the perfect way to start off my day. From there, it was off to the spa for their signature, Balsamic Mayan treatment. An intense, two-hour treatment said to have therapeutic effects that will last one month! I don’t know if the effects will last that long, but I have never felt so relaxed in my life. At one point, I didn’t know where my body ended and the table began. The aromatherapy, the essential oils, the music and the therapist were so in tune, it truly felt like time was standing still. I highly recommend scheduling a couple of treatments during your stay! You will come back home a new person. While I relaxed the day away at the resort, my husband was donning a wetsuit and a helmet equipped with a headlight to venture underground to check out one of the natural marvels of Riviera Maya, Rio Secreto. Snorkeling through dark, underground caves is not my idea of a good time (I’m claustrophobic), but he had the time of his life! For a mere $49, this ticket is a must for the adventurous types! While it may seem like we were on a non-stop tear of activities for the mere two days we were in Mexico, it didn’t feel like it. I can honestly say that my husband and I are more relaxed than we have been in years. If you are looking for some sanctuary from the kids or the job, or just the pressures of life, hop on a quick 2-hour flight and head down to Ceiba Del Mar in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. You will be swimming in the beautiful, blue waters within an hour from arrival and you may just add years to your marriage!
Ceiba Del Mar, Puerto Morelos Xcaret Ecopark, Riviera Maya Rio Secreto, Riviera Maya Alltournative Adventure Tours, Riviera Maya Continental Airlines offers direct flights from Houston to Cancun Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico |
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