A Visit to Punta Sur: Colors of the Caribbean
On our recent trip to Isla Mujeres the concierge on the yacht, Alexander, told us we must visit Punta Sur, “It’s magical”. We rented a golf cart on day two and made it a point to put this picturesque spot on our itinerary.
Punta Sur
On our recent trip to Isla Mujeres the concierge on the yacht, Alexander, told us we must visit Punta Sur, "It's magical". We rented a golf cart on day two and made it a point to put this picturesque spot on our itinerary.
From high atop the rocky cliffs, on the southern point of the island, the sea views are spectacular.
One of our favorite elements of travel is discovering new, unexpected places that we revel in. Here is Scott, enjoying the natural beauty and the tropical breezes of Punta Sur.
Pathways wind through an outdoor art installation with metal sculptures.
The chameleon colors of the sea change each moment with layers of clouds and sun.
Possibly the best seat on the island. This café is perfectly placed for enjoying the views of Punta Sur.
Captured on Instagram.
The colors of the Mexican Caribbean.
More on our trip to beautiful Isla Mujeres.
If you are fortunate enough to travel to Isla Mujeres you will definitely want to make the short trip to Punta Sur. Islanders rave about the sunrise views, though we couldn't drag ourselves out of bed that early on vacation. Midday is just fine as you can see! If you rent a golf cart consider renting for 24 hours so that you have the option of touring the island early morning or at night.
Curated Hotel: Island Paradise at Zoetry Villa Rolandi on Isla Mujeres
Following two flights and one taxi ride to the water’s edge, Scott and I were whisked away on a private yacht to Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Island Paradise at Zoetry Villa Rolandi on the Island of Isla Mujeres:
Isla Mujeres is a jewel of an island just a leisurely yacht ride from Cancun in the Mexican Caribbean. The waters of the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women) shimmer in the sunlight with aqua to turquoise shades and appear luminescent at sunset with rose gold and blue tones.
Isla Mujeres is simply sublime.
Following two flights and one taxi ride to the water's edge, Scott and I were whisked away on a private yacht to Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Charming Alexander, an Isla Mujeres 4th generation native and concierge of the yacht, served champagne.
We arrived at Zoetry Villa Rolandi just 30 minutes after leaving Cancun...
and following our private concierge check-in, we were in the pool 15 minutes later.
#islandparadise
Zoetry Villa Rolandi is an intimate island-style resort, composed of only 35 oceanfront suites. Our suite looked over the pool with the white sand beach just a few steps below.
The view from our balcony.
There are 2 infinity-edged pools, a world-class Thalasso spa, two gourmet restaurants, a free concierge yacht service, and a lovely stretch of beach at Zoetry Villa Rolandi.
Isla Mujeres boasts some gorgeous sunsets, like this one over the infinity-edged pool to the sea.
It also has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
The sand was like sugar.
If you dare leave the lounge chair or hammock,
golf carts are available for rent and are great for a day-trip around the island.
We discovered a casual beachy spot for lunch with live music. Definitely feeling like a local here.
After a few hours of exploring the island, you will likely be longing to get back to that pool and lounge chair.
In your suite, a fruit plate and a daily bottle of champagne await you. The chocolate covered strawberries were a gift for us as members of Unlimited Vacation Club.
Evenings at Zoetry Villa Rolandi are filled with twinkling lights, decadent gourmet dining, and sublime sips. The service, even poolside at the intimate Le Metissage French-Mexican fusion cuisine, was impeccable.
This spot, Casa Rolandi, was perfect for breakfast, although we often ordered breakfast delivered en suite. Zoetry resorts are luxury all-inclusive vacations, and they always have 24 hour room service, as well as a free laundry service, a nice perk after a day of travel.
Just look at that view!
Cheers to a sunny escape to Isla Mujeres!
Contact us at Curated Travel to book your luxury all-inclusive getaway.
Curated Hotel: The Exquisite Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita in Riviera Maya
The final stop on our summer getaway to Riviera Maya was unforgettable. We started with an enjoyable week at Secrets Silversands, then made our way to Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita for five days. This oceanfront boutique hotel is one of the most luxurious travel experiences ever for us. With just 90 suites, and all-inclusive luxury, we felt completely pampered. As we had hoped, this was the perfect spot to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.
Getaway to Zoetry in Riviera Maya
The final stop on our summer getaway to Riviera Maya was unforgettable. We started with an enjoyable week at Secrets Silversands, then made our way to Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita for five days. This oceanfront boutique hotel is one of the most luxurious travel experiences ever for us. With just 90 suites and all-inclusive luxury, we felt completely pampered. As we had hoped, this was the perfect spot to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary.
Following our concierge check-in it was just a short walk, through lush foliage on a stone path, to our top floor suite, named 'Dadra', with sweeping views of the sea.
The balcony was overlooking the beach and sea...
as was this picturesque blue one off the bedroom.
There are no room numbers at Zoetry. Each suite is named after a place the Mexican architect, Carlos Gosselin, visited with his beloved wife. I had the pleasure of meeting the charming Mr. Gosselin, who still lives at Zoetry part of the year, and sharing my appreciation of his designs and attention to detail. The suites and grounds are filled with his extensive collection of art pieces and sculptures from his travels. Much more than decor, you feel a museum quality to the spaces--and yet it is all supremely comfortable.
I'm thinking I could live here...
forever!
I was so enamored with the suite that I shot a quick video tour:
It was definitely time to chill in the beautiful pool.
We discovered that you don't carry a towel at Zoetry. Towels are brought by staff and arranged--perfectly tucked in--on the loungers for you. The service at Zoetry is incredible and staff is warm and friendly, always responding to requests with, "It is my pleasure." This is handsome Pablo, one of our favorite guys poolside!
Back at the suite, there were some sublime moments of relaxation. The room service menu is gourmet, and the suite is so welcoming that some guests dine en-suite for their entire visit. A daily bottle of champagne is also delivered. Cheers! We may have been tempted to stay in the suite more often, but we made some lovely friends while visiting at Zoetry. With a resort so small it's easy to meet friends from all over the world and stay in touch through Facebook.
Cheers to 15 years of marriage (and yes, it did feel like the entire trip was one big celebration;).
Isn't that the point of vacation and a getaway to Riviera Maya?
The beach loungers make for a perfect daytime spot or catching the colors of the sea and sky at dusk after a walk.
Zoetry is a small boutique hotel, yet the dining options are incredible. From beach side mesquite grill at El Chiringuito--where Scott tried to 'set the night on fire'--to the excellence of fusion style at La Canoa with Cusine de los Soles--to a romantic wine cellar gourmet dinner for two to celebrate our anniversary; we had one of the best culinary experiences of our lives at Zoetry.
A few instagram shots...
We also indulged in spa and water treatments at the Thalassotherapy spa at Zoetry. The options for healthy, restorative treatments--based on health through water-- are endless. From sunset sailing cruises to cooking classes to cigar rolling and yoga, there is always something to do at Zoetry Pariaso de la Bonita...or you can choose to do nothing at all. I look forward to posting more of our adventures at this amazing place and our time at Secrets Silversands. Here's a sneak peek at our sunset sail and a cooking class.
If you--or someone love-- are looking for an unforgettable travel experience (and discounts),
I have some ideas for you here.
Curated Hotel: Chic and Stylish Secrets Silversands in Riviera Cancun
The second stop on our 15th wedding anniversary trip was Secrets Silversands resort--nestled beside the turquoise seas of the Caribbean in Riviera Cancun. Our getaway started with a celebratory walk down memory lane in San Francisco and we were looking forward to a week of relaxation at the beach.
The second stop on our 15th wedding anniversary trip was Secrets Silversands resort--nestled beside the turquoise seas of the Caribbean in Riviera Cancun. Our getaway started with a celebratory walk down memory lane in San Francisco and we were looking forward to a week of relaxation at the beach.
Upon checking into our suite in the preferred club we were excited to see this view of the beach and preferred club pool.
Our suite was very spacious, including a living area, desk, table for two and a private terrace with a daybed.
The spa bath, with soaking tub and open stone tiled shower, is perfect for a beach vacation. The 'secret door' is for delivery of 24 room service trays without disturbing the guests. #nicetouch
The special touches-like welcome champagne, celebration banners (it was also my birthday;), and most essential-- the warmth and friendliness of the staff--keep us coming back to Secrets and Zoetry resorts.
I am always drawn to the beach, especially with these powdery sands, swaying palm trees, breezy palapas...
and private day beds.
The infinity edged pool is beautifully designed to flow under the hotel and out to the preferred club pool with views of the sea.
The colors of the Caribbean...
Evenings are just as beautiful as sunny days in a tropical paradise.
Secrets Silversands is described as livelymodernchic--and it's all that and more! At this adults only resort chill music (I'm a fan) gives the sleek, modern public spaces a relaxing vibe. There are a number of spaces for lounging and socializing at night. A selection of high-end restaurants serving global cuisine in beautifully decorated spaces or you can dine en-suite with 24 hour room service. The beach is super relaxing with friendly staff providing food and drinks. You can be as private, or as social as you like, whatever you are in the mood for at Silversands. We enjoyed a day at the luxurious Secrets Spa by Pevonia with a couple's massage, hydrotherapy session with steam rooms, a water circuit, and private outdoor cabanas. We also took a couple of day trips--including a visit to the ruins at Tulum--while staying at Secrets Silversands. I look forward to posting on that fascinating excursion as well. Our next stop will be our stay at the insanely beautiful Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita in Riviera Maya.
As members of the Unlimited Vacation Club, Scott and I are big fans of this all-inclusive luxury concept for a truly memorable vacation. If you, or someone you know, are in the mood for a luxurious tropical getaway I am happy to share our membership/discounts with you as part of the referral program. For more info here. We have referred a number of couples and they also have rave reviews of the brand like we do.
How is your summer shaping up so far?
Where have your travels taken you?
Cheers!
PS-Our #stylefocus Lifestyle Linkup goes live again on Monday, August 3rd, please join us and add a couple of your lifestyle blog post links!!
Curated Collections at my Stylemindchic Boutique!
(Look at all these new arrivals!)
Curated Hotel: The Chic H-10 Port Vell in Barcelona
Our getaway to Barcelona was the last stop on our three-week vacation to Portugal and Spain. This was our second time visiting Barcelona, and though our time was short, Scott and I were looking forward to getting better acquainted with this culturally vibrant, sexy city.
Our getaway to Barcelona was the last stop on our three-week vacation to Portugal and Spain. This was our second time visiting Barcelona, and though our time was short, Scott and I were looking forward to getting better acquainted with this culturally vibrant, sexy city.
We were off to a good start as we arrived at the H10 Port Vell. We were warmly welcomed, with huge smiles and a glass of bubbly, by the handsome staff. Upon arriving at our suite we were happy to see a beautiful view of the harbor, and all the amenities weary travelers could hope for. A hip, modern suite with plush robes, luxury linens, an espresso machine, chocolates, a welcome note and a bottle of champagne.
We selected the H10 Port Vell, for several reasons. One is that I am a sucker for a rooftop lounge, especially one with a refreshing pool, like this one. I also love clean, modern furnishings and sleek design. The H10 brand has all the details in place to provide creature comforts to travelers with a fresh twist.
With a perfectly appointed suite, a bottle of bubbly and this view from the rooftop lounge, we considered staying 'in' for the rest of our holiday, but our adventurous spirit prevailed.
Another reason we chose the H10 Port Vell is that it's located right next door to the Gothic Quarter, Barri Gotic. On our previous visit to Barcelona, in 2006, we discovered Barri Gotic on our last evening. We were enamoured with the seductive labyrinth of walkways, ancient gothic architecture and quintessential tapas bars spilling out into the alley ways.
This is the perfect place to meander away from the boulevards and lose yourself. Brimming with boutiques, galleries, cafes and tapas bars around every turn, you are certain to find a hidden gem, or several.
We enjoyed Casa Pascual for cafe style tapas and friendly service. The bites and sangria were authentic and it was only steps from our hotel. The location is good for exploring both the harbor and Barri Gotic. On our previous visit we enjoyed an exquisite meal at Comerc 24 where we dined on gold dust, the first, and only, time in our lives (It's delicious!;).
Viewing the whimsical, organic architecture of Antoni Gaudi is a must in Barcelona. His use of natural forms, like stone and shades of color, with mosaic tiles, is legendary. A Gaudi walking tour from Trip Advisor, a definite must for our next visit to Barcelona here.
Another must see while in Spain is the Flamenco Dance.
Never before, or since, have we witnessed dance that exuded this much fiery passion: sexy, sultry and fluid. It will make you want to get up and dance, I promise. Not a bad way to spend a colorful night on the town in Barcelona.
If afternoons spent lollygagging around on the rooftop lounge, and nights at Flamenco, start to look too 'glamorous', I have the flip side of that perspective. Just moments after this photo of Scott and I was taken, at an outdoor tapas restaurant, I adjusted my chair backwards. The chair leg went into the flowerbed and I ended up falling backwards in the chair, flat on my back, with my legs in the air and my skirt over my head! That was way too much 'information' for the fellow diners to digest during lunch, and then, I couldn't stop laughing. Enough said. Travel isn't always as glamorous as it may appear, but it's always an adventure!
And more proof of why a rooftop lounge, with a pool, is one of the best inventions ever. These 'lounge lizard' images, taken at the B Hotel during our first stay in Barcelona, July of 2006. This was an unforgettable afternoon of relaxation during another busy travel itinerary.
Our three weeks of European travel came to a close and we were ready to be home.
Earlier posts on our trip to Portugal & Spain:
Getaway to San Sebastian, Spain
and How to Dress European Chic
Some of my favorite roof top terraces here.
Writing travel posts is one of my favorite themes of my Style*Mind*Chic Life.
I feel like I'm reliving our travels as I create each post.
Thank you for following along on this 'sunny escape' to one of my favorite places.
Have you ever visited beautiful Spain?
Traveling soon? Find hotel deals & read millions of traveler reviews on TripAdvisor!
*H10 Port Vell graciously provided an upgraded suite and bottle of champagne to sweeten our stay.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Sunny Getaway to San Sebastian, Spain
In direct contrast to the colorful alleys and sun drenched landscapes of southern Spain is the green, Tyrolean flavor of Basque Country of Northern Spain. Scott and I arrived in Bilbao by plane from Sevilla, and were amazed at the verdant green of the hills. We rented a car and headed to San Sebastian, by the sea. I vacillated on whether to select a hotel more on the outskirts of town, or beach side, on the promenade. In the end we were delighted with our choice of the Hotel Niza, and it’s perfect location, right above the promenade, La Concha Beach and the sea.
A suite with a view in San Sebastian, Spain
In direct contrast to the colorful alleys and sun drenched landscapes of southern Spain is the green, Tyrolean flavor of Basque Country of Northern Spain. Scott and I arrived in Bilbao by plane from Sevilla, and were amazed at the verdant green of the hills. We rented a car and headed to San Sebastian, by the sea. I vacillated on whether to select a hotel more on the outskirts of town, or beach side, on the promenade. In the end we were delighted with our choice of the Hotel Niza, and it's perfect location, right above the promenade, La Concha Beach and the sea.
When we opened the door to our suite our mouths were ajar. Our sun-filled suite, with light and airy furnishings, had two large french windows that opened to a balcony with stone columns, and views of the promenade and the sea.
The Hotel Niza staff, and handsome Harri (above), welcomed us warmly and did everything to make our stay memorable.
It's impossible to choose between favorite spots on a trip, but if forced to decide, I would choose San Sebastian on this summer trip to Portugal and Spain. The seaside beauty, healthy lifestyles, stylish residents and family vibe all appealed to me.
San Sebastian is a chameleon beauty by day.....
and a scintillating temptress by night.
On our first night we ventured down the promenade, towards the old-town center, and discovered a tapas restaurant, Garagar. The charming Eneko treated us to tapas and conversation, as he shared the rich history of the area with us.
Cafe de la Concha
We dined at Cafe De La Concha, on the promenade near Hotel Niza, a record two days in a row. I enjoyed the tomato, arugula, goat cheese baguette so thoroughly that we returned the next day for my birthday lunch. We both enjoyed the refreshing sangria and the entertaining people watching on the beach.
For more on
A glimpse of the promenade and beach
I enjoyed celebrating my birthday, July 15th, while visiting San Sebastian. I love a little pampering on a special occasion, and Scott treated me to a morning at the La Perla Centro Talaso Spa, a relaxing break from our travels. If you want more from San Sebastian, check out How to Dress European Chic. For more on our summer vacation to Portugal and Spain see Lisbon Getaway, Sunny Beaches of Algarve, Sevilla, Barcelona, a little walk down memory lane in Barcelona and my 'revealing day spa day in Spain.
For more romantic travel ideas here.
