Playa del Carmen (Part Three)

[quote][typography font="Homemade Apple" size="20" size_format="px"]Here’s to the days where the sand is your seat, the waves kiss your feet and the ocean pulls you into paradise…[/typography][/quote]

I can truly say that Playa del Carmen is my new favorite beach destination in Mexico.  With its gorgeous white beaches, wide array of activities, luxurious {and affordable} accommodations, and exquisite food scene you are immersed and captivated into the tropical splendor of the Caribbean…

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Playa del Carmen, it’s located in the heart of the Maya Riviera, about 40 miles south of Cancun and directly across from Cozumel island.  Having quickly grown from a small fishing village to a bustling cosmopolitan town, it attracts international travelers to experience a true Caribbean beach vacation. Its central location also makes it convenient to the sights & adventures on Mexico's tropical coastline.

We spent four glorious days in Playa {as the locals call it}.  It was hardly enough time to explore this beautiful beach town. Everyday we were swept away with the magical experiences of zip lining, white beaches, archaeological sites, cenotes {large sinkholes}, authentic Mexican food, mojitos, etc. In the evenings we explored Quinta Avenida, a popular pedestrian street that runs parallel to the beach. This charming avenue is filled with amazing bars, restaurants and shops.

I felt like a kid in a candy store and couldn’t get enough of the sun and fun. I wish I could have packed it all up and taken it home with me.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures in Playa del Carmen… Ole!

{Top choice for breakfast in Playa. Enjoy eating & sitting in the middle of a lush jungle setting!}

Breakfast: chilaquiles & fresh fruit juice at La Cueva del Chango. Amazing!}

{Beautiful skylight made out of wine & beer bottles at the restaurant. I want one at home!}

My traveling gnome: a bottle of Ceja Vineyards Chardonnay. I don't leave home without one!}

{Beach view from our hotel The Mahekal Beach Resort. Paradise.}

{Fresh fruit stands at the beach}

{Street food: pineapple, watermelon & papaya with lime juice & chile powder}

Dinner at the famous Cuban restaurant, La Bodeguita Del Medio. Check out the live salsa music & killer mojitos!}

{In another life, I think I was a mermaid...}

{A few incredible days in paradise made amazing memories that won't soon be forgotten. Hasta la proxima vez!}

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Chichen Itza (Part Two)

[quote][typography font="Homemade Apple" size="18" size_format="px"] One of the seven wonders of the world...[/typography][/quote]

I am back from a week-long adventure exploring the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.  I had the amazing opportunity to explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, located deep in the jungle of the Yucatan.

Two words come to mind when describing this ancient city: mystical and impressive. Built over a thousand years ago, the city is home to several structures that are remarkable both for their architectural design and their religious and scientific significance {the Mayan people were way ahead of their time}.

Chichen Itza, which in the Mayan language means “at the mouth of the well of the Itza,” was one of the most important Mayan political, commercial and religious centers of the classic period. This was also a place where many human sacrifices took place {in honor of the Gods}. Can you imagine living in this time period? I know I can’t…

I highly recommend a visit to Chichen Itza the next time you’re in Mexico. There is so much amazing history and stunning archeological sites. It truly is one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Ole!

{Two serpent heads in Chichen Itza}

{Tzompantli sacrificial altar. Skulls symbolizing death}

{El Castillo - The Kukulkan Pyramid}

{The Temple of the Warriors}

{Columns in the Temple of a Thousand Warriors}

On our way back to Playa del Carmen, we stopped at a charming town named Valladolid, where we had a chance to walk around the plaza and eat some delicious Mexican street food {corn on the cob with Chile powder, crème and lime juice!}

{Beautiful Cathedral of San Gervasio}

{Mexican street vendors selling corn on the cob}

{A Mexican candy cart}

For more pictures check out the gallery below. Ole!

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Bienvenidos a Cancun! (Part One)

[quote][typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]Just another day in paradise...[/typography][/quote]

July couldn’t come soon enough!  Yesterday I jet-setted to the tropical beaches of Cancun with my BF and a group of friends.

We arrived in the early evening just in time to catch the most breathtaking sunset, followed by a celebratory birthday dinner & night swim in honor of one of my best friend's birthday. We are here for 8 days - the first half of our vacation we'll be attending our friend's wedding {in Xcaret} and then the  rest of the trip we'll be enjoying the exotic beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula.

I’ve only been here once before and I’m looking forward to swimming in the crystal clear {80 degree} ocean, exploring the Mayan ruins & eating delicious authentic Mexican cuisine.

I can’t wait to share more of my experiences {and pictures} next week! In the meantime, here is a sneak peak of our first day in Mexico…

p.s. Anyone have suggestions for things that we shouldn’t miss? Ole!

{Hello paradise!}

{Enjoying a refreshing margarita! Happy Birthday Cassandra! xoxo}

{A stunning sunset from our balcony}

SF Sunset Sailing

I was 8 years old when I had my first sailing experience.  My mom loves to tell the story that I was the only kid on the sailboat lying on my back with my arms crossed behind my head, commenting that…

[quote][typography font="Homemade Apple" size="22" size_format="px"]this is the life…[/typography] [/quote]

It’s funny, even as a child I was enthusiastic about taking advantage of life’s exciting and magnificent experiences. Last Friday I had the opportunity to relive these feelings and set out on an adventurous sailing trip around the SF Bay.

Having only sailed twice before, I was excited by the prospect of gliding through the San Francisco Bay with nothing but the wind blowing us along. We set sail in the beautiful Sausalito Harbor on a historical sailboat called the Seaward. It was truly a magical experience sitting out in the open sea, taking in the gorgeous panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Three hours seemed to fly by as we enjoyed the seascape while sipping on wine and snacking on cheese and crackers {compliments of Call of the Sea}. Once the sun began to set, I couldn’t peel my eyes away from the most beautiful sky, illuminated with bright orange, pink and blue colors. It was the ideal ending to a memorable afternoon of sailing.

P.s. Make sure to bring warm layers {it gets nippy out there!} Ole!

{Peach scarf courtesy of BLING by Brenda- It's light & airy, perfect for summer!}

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Hotel Yountville - Staycation

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[quote]Once in a blue moon it feels great to pack an overnight bag, stay at a fabulous hotel and unwind from a hectic week at work...[/quote]

I welcomed this idea with open arms and happily left the endless emails and task lists at home. This mini staycation took place at the luxurious Hotel Yountville {located a hop, skip and jump away from the city of Napa}.  As soon as we walked through the gorgeous European styled lobby, I knew that we were in for a truly memorable experience.

The vibe: In the picturesque little town of Yountville, you get a taste of ultra chic and luxurious comfort at your beck and call.

Our itinerary was simple - relax, enjoy a bottle of bubbles while sitting around the outdoor fire pits, take a leisurely stroll and grab a bite to eat at Bistro Jeanty {the tomato soup soufflé is to die for!}. The evening ended underneath the stars with a refreshing night swim in the heated pool. After this relaxing, stress free day, climbing into the four poster "Dream Bed" with its cool, luxurious Italian linens, was an ideal ending to a perfect day.

Overall, I was impressed and blown away with the attention to detail and, most importantly, with the gracious and welcoming staff.  It was the ideal mini getaway that was filled with pampering, relaxation and indulgence. It was truly perfect! Ole!

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{A lovely and delicious welcome gift}

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{Long patterned sexy maxi dress, courtesy of BLING by Brenda}

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{Heated cypress-lined pool. Amazing}

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{Take a stroll in the peaceful outdoor gardens}

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{Relax & read a book next to the outdoor fire pits}

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{Beautiful black feathered earnings, courtesy of BLING by Brenda}

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{Gorgeous European styled lobby}

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{Sit by the fire place & enjoy a glass of Ceja Vineyards "Vino de Casa" blends}

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{Cruise over to the in-house restaurant, Hopper Creek Kitchen, for breakfast. We devoured the most exquisite meal of Brioche French Toast and a Chanterelle Mushroom Omelet}

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{A truly memorable, romantic and exciting destination resort...}

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