Pro tip: if your boyfriend is going to overindulge on yummy tequila drinks at your all-inclusive resort on day one, make sure you know how to order room service and a good movie :)

But before we get into that, let’s rewind!

On our latest adventure, Carson and I decided to pack our bags and leave our troubles behind as we headed to Mexico. Now, if you have never been to the Cancun area, there is one thing you really need to know… the airport has a welcome bar as you are exiting :). The second you step foot out of the airport, the air is alive with music and people kicking it into vacation mode.

Carson: In other words, while you are hauling your girlfriend’s bags because she is busy recording every step you take, you can at least go enjoy a margarita!

On this trip, we decided to stay in Riviera Maya, at the newest addition to the Hyata Zilara group! Upon arrival at this beautiful hotel, we checked in and decided not to waste a single second. I don’t think you have ever seen two people change into their swimsuits as quickly as we did, but we were so ready to get our vacation started. We wasted no time grabbing our first tacos at Lola Beach and then diving into the refreshing waters of the resort pool. This space is complete with a swim-up bar, a poolside restaurant, and plenty of cabanas and chairs for the guests to lounge on all day long.

Within seconds of grabbing our first pina colada at the swim-up bar and chatting to the friendly bartender, Carson, being the social butterfly that he is, had already made his first vacation friends. I think he got a bit overexcited being surrounded by all the palm trees and Jimmy Buffet music because he took his vacation mindset a little too seriously and our day ended approximately 2 hours later with me hauling him into bed :).

Carson: In my defense, it was this guy’s 50th birthday and his group just loved me. How do you turn down tequila shots from a birthday group? I held my own until the world very suddenly decided to start spinning.

This is where my protip from before comes in handy! I'm a huge fan of room service in general, something about getting to eat in the comfort of your own room while wearing the fluffy hotel robes just hits. Luckily for me, Hyatt Zilarar Riviera Maya has an insane room service menu so I FEASTED. While Carson sored away, I enjoyed the simple joys of room service and a cozy movie night.

Upon waking up on day 2, Carson was feeling the after-effects of vacation indulgence, but I was not about to let that stop us from making the absolute most of the day!

Carson: Psh I was fine, it takes more than that to keep CWall down!

We headed down to the breakfast buffet and let me tell you, “buffet” does not even begin to cover the spread that was laid out for the guests. Everything from complete stations to traditional Mexican breakfast options, to pastries and more. That was when I found the new love of my life, sorry Carson, MEXICAN COFFEE. I don’t even know how to describe this but it was a thick espresso life coffee with hints of cinnamon and brown sugar mixed in. As a coffee lover, I may have had a bit too much but it was so worth it.

Then it was time to get changed and head down to the cabana that we had rented for the day. I mentioned before that there are cabanas by the pool but there are also these gorgeous cabanas set up along the beach with an unobstructed view of the ocean. And not only do the cabanas come with your very own butler for the day, they also come with a selection of food and drinks that you can request throughout the day. Not to mention, you also get these great welcome coconuts with refreshing coconut water when you first arrive. Talk about vacation luxury!

We spent a few hours just relaxing in the shade, letting the breeze roll through and the sun hit our faces. Noting but the sound of waves crashing. I could have stayed here for hours! But, because it was summer, we blinked and suddenly there were heavy storm clouds rolling in. We held out for as long as we could but pretty soon we were sprinting across the resort, trying to outrun the rain and get back to our room.

Carson: It was just a little rain, we could have totally stayed!

Now, being the perfectionist that I am, I was definitely a bit bummed that our day was cut short but that is why I have my more optimistic partner. Carson grabbed me, pulled me out onto our balcony, and started to dance me around in the rain until we were both laughing at our Nicholas Sparks movie-worthy moment.

Carson: It’s pretty easy to cheer up a social media girl, a cute rain photoshoot and dance and suddenly the bad mood is gone.

For dinner that night, we had the concierge make us some reservations at this adorable Italian restaurant on the property, Capri Grille. We devoured bread and olive oil, grilled octopus, and some of the best seafood pasta that I have had in a long time.

Our day 3 started with a quick room switch! Because we really wanted to test out the private pool rooms, the hotel was able to get us in for the remainder of our stay, and let me tell you… SO WORTH IT! The private pool rooms are beachfront suites with patios that extend into these perfect plunge pools. If you are looking to take your vacation up a notch, I highly recommend a room like this!

After a dreamy morning in our pool, it was time to kick up the relaxation levels a bit with a visit to the spa. Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya offers different spa packages at their exclusive on-site spa and we opted for a massage and time in the therapy pools. When we got there, we were given some robes to change into for the day and led into their relaxation area. This open-air pavilion was completely surrounded by lush palm trees and greenery that acted as a privacy wall all around. Inside the pavilion itself were different pools, including a water pressure pool, waterfall pools, and a cold plunge. There was even a whole build-your-own-scrub station where you could blend together different salts and minerals to create your own body scrubs and face masks. We spent some time just unwinding before they called our names for our massages. Now, I don’t know about Carson, but I have never been more relaxed in my life. My masseuse even ended the session by oiling and braiding my hair. How cute!

After a quick shower, it was off to enjoy our last night in paradise with something really special… a private dinner on the beach. The staff builds these adorable little teepee set-ups, filled with twinkle lights and an elegant set table. As we enjoyed a glass of wine, our 4-course meal was served to us under the stars. In the distance, we could hear the music from the hotel and the sounds of the waves. It was the perfect way to end the night.

Day 4 had come and it was time to pack up and leave paradise. But not before we popped a bottle of champagne and enjoyed one more morning in our comfy robes, watching the sunrise over our plunge pool. We wanted to soak in as much of this view as we could before our driver arrived to take us away.

It is no secret that people often choose a trip to Mexico to an all-inclusive resort because it can be a wild party. But what is so often overlooked is the luxury escapes that these resorts also offer. Our stay, minus Carson’s first day, was filled with amazing food, relaxing experiences, and romantic setups. If you are looking for a vacation to really unwind and reconnect with your person, look no further than the Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya.

KIM AND CARSON’S WANDERLUST TIPS:
• Book the Ocean Front Private Pool King Room
• Get the Queso Fondito dip at Lola Beach Restaurant
• Reserve a dinner on the beach
• Arrive early for your spa treatment to enjoy the relaxation room and pools
• Use Private Transportation Riviera Maya as your airport shuttle service

Escape to paradise and immerse yourself in the allure of Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya. Book your retreat today and embark on a journey of rejuvenation and rediscovery.


written by Kimberly Edelsbacher