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!)
The Story of How We Met (+ a walk down memory lane in San Francisco)
The last thing I wanted to do that breezy fall day, back in 1997, was attend an early mental health conference in South San Francisco. I was going through a difficult time in life, a drawn out divorce, and I barely had the energy to make it to work as a school psychologist, much less pull off the professional thing at a conference an hour away. I remember getting stuck in traffic and feeling like a hot mess when I finally arrived at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront in South San Francisco. I thought I could finally relax, then I learned a colleague was intent on introducing me to the chairman of the conference before the session began. UGH!!!! I protested and started to walk away, until he caught my eye. His smile, and that twinkle in his eyes, were electric. I must have lit up, too, though it had been awhile since I had felt lit up in any way.
The last thing I wanted to do that breezy fall day, back in 1997, was attend an early mental health conference in South San Francisco. I was going through a difficult time in life, a drawn out divorce, and I barely had the energy to make it to work as a school psychologist, much less pull off the professional thing at a conference an hour away. I remember getting stuck in traffic and feeling like a hot mess when I finally arrived at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront in South San Francisco. I thought I could finally relax, then I learned a colleague was intent on introducing me to the chairman of the conference before the session began. UGH!!!! I protested and started to walk away, until he caught my eye. His smile, and that twinkle in his eyes, were electric. I must have lit up, too, though it had been awhile since I had felt lit up in any way.
That evening a group of us walked down the waterfront to dinner at the Elephant Bar. Halfway through my chopped salad, I spotted the chairman, his name was Scott. He made a beeline to our table, with that bright smile, and didn't break eye contact with me--not even once. He warmly greeted the entire group, some who he already knew from previous conferences, but he made me feel like I was the only one there. As the evening faded, the two of us ended up in the hotel lounge, talking late into the night. I remember it being the most authentic conversation I had ever had with a man. We shared some 'jagged edge' feelings of our individual lives but also hopes for satisfying relationships in the future. We had a connection, it was undeniable... and that's where it ended. We said goodbye and didn't speak again, for an entire year.
The following October, I again made my way to the conference. I assumed Scott would attend, but I was unsure if we would even recognize each other. Thinking I had been too open, maybe shared too much (I know, me?) or perhaps he had, too. I was feeling a little nervous, but also excited. As it turns out, he did remember me and I remembered him....that smile, that twinkle in his eye, captured me all over again.
This time, we stayed in touch and started seeing each other shortly after. In the end, we were both grateful that we didn't rush it, that we let time bring us back together when we were more ready for this kind of love.
My Editor, Scott, wanted to add his memory of that time in our lives:
From Scott: my recollections are very similar. I was running ragged with the pain of going through divorce and the sadness of the loss. I was also running high on the excitement of being in my element with the incredibly committed people who attended this conference in the name of making life better for kids. This would be a conference of 600 friends. One of these long-time friends and colleagues introduced me to a beautiful woman with... you guessed it... a radiant smile! I remember extended conversation in the pain zone, and a quick recognition of her heart, intellect, and ability to hear me and understand. She was going through it, too, and was one who felt deeply the pain and the desire to create a stronger, more intimate relationship in the future. But I was nowhere near ready to consider new relationships...
Like Heather, I didn't know if I would recognize her the following year, but there was that lovely blond with the crazy-bright smile. I yanked her on to the dance floor during the "hospitality" event, and the rest is... his-story and her-story.)
Heather: #lovethat
Flash forward to the year 2000, when Scott and I again stayed at the Marriott Waterfront, the night before our flight to Zihuatanejo, Mexico for our honeymoon.
The gracious staff sent the most delicious chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne to our room!
We visited this favorite spot again earlier this month, 15 years post honeymoon, as we started our 15th anniversary trip to Riviera Maya. Once again, the Marriott staff treated us like old friends. As we checked in to the modern, spacious suite (newly updated) we felt sentimental...returning to the "scene of the crime" we joked, but, more honestly, where our lives changed forever.
We visited the waterfront walkway, outdoor dining, lounge area and even the conference room where we first laid eyes on each other...This was a walk down memory lane for sure!
And yes, Marriott remembered...
We celebrated with bubbly and those amazing chocolate covered strawberries--
15 years later!!
And with that, a night down memory lane, we were off to catch a plane to Riviera Maya!
I often tell friends, who are feeling discouraged or lonely, you just never know who you might meet, and how your life may change, around that next corner--or at that conference. ;)
Cheers to the romance of travel!
Thank you to Marriott and Lenna in PR for the upgraded suite, prosecco and chocolate covered strawberries.
Marriott is clearly a brand with a heart!
San Diego Getaway (Mixing Work & Play!)
The first time I visited San Diego, as a teenager, I felt like I had arrived in a tropical paradise. The waters were shimmery and foliage was lush with palm trees waving in the soft breezes. I hadn’t been to San Diego in years, so when a professional conference Scott and I were planning to attend was scheduled in town, we jumped at the chance. The Bahia Resort, the first beachfront hotel built on Mission Bay, has a mid-century modern vibe with a Mediterranean twist. Interiors have been updated over the years and, thankfully, they have left the retro exterior in the original form.
The first time I visited San Diego, as a teenager, I felt like I had arrived in a tropical paradise. The waters were shimmery and foliage was lush with palm trees waving in the soft breezes. I hadn't been to San Diego in years, so when a professional conference Scott and I were planning to attend was scheduled in town, we jumped at the chance. The Bahia Resort, the first beachfront hotel built on Mission Bay, has a mid-century modern vibe with a mediterranean twist. Interiors have been updated over the years and, thankfully, they have left the retro exterior in the original form.
I enjoyed strolling around the property with my camera. I've always found this style of architecture intriguing. This design seems to offer more privacy and a unique perspective to these retro spaces. It's especially cool when the view is a beachfront.
Our suite was nicely equipped with a kitchen, dining table, separate bedroom area (with luxury linens) and that beachfront patio.
This is definitely a good way to decompress after a day of trainings on how to handle trauma in schools (follow-up note: I returned to work the following Monday morning to 2 full days of grief counseling at a local High School here. Unfortunately the timing on this training was perfect.
My sister, Dorie, and her guy, Michael, joined us in San Diego for a couple of evenings. They took us to one of their favorite spots, James' Place in La Jolla, for sushi. Our evening with famed sushi chef "Big Mike" as our sushi whisperer was an unforgettable foodie experience, just as they promised. Our thanks Big Mike!
Another day of meetings, with a break beach-side....this is the life!
Time for a beach side happy hour at the suite...
and toasting to the pleasant combination of work and play in San Diego with my guy.
For our last night in San Diego we dined at the famed Croce's Park West, with live music, and ended the evening with a walk and poolside lounge at the stylish Hilton Bayfront.
When the sistas get together there is endless fun...at least we think so!
Love this view!
Healthy, active lifestyle options, like beach cruiser biking on the beach path and watersports, abound in San Diego. I've always wanted to try SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding) which is super popular on Mission Bay. Though I didn't have time to try it on this trip, it's definitely on my list for our tropical getaway this summer. #splash ;)
A few fun photos I snapped on Instagram.
San Diego is notoriously photogenic.
The Bahia Resort has a sister property, the Catamaran, just across the bay. The Bahia Belle is a Mississippi style sternwheeler that cruises between the two resorts offering music, cocktails and dancing. It's free for guests staying at the resort. If you are looking for a beachy getaway in California, for couples or for families, I highly recommend Bahia Resort. To book this getaway Bahia Resort Hotel and for other recommendations in San Diego contact me.
Are you making travel plans for summer yet?
What's next on your travel bucket list?
Date Night at 7 Seas Los Cabos-Surf's Up!
Every now and then Scott and I stumble onto a surreal experience during our travels. This was one of those times. It was the final evening of our trip to Los Cabos, and our tradition is to do something celebratory on our last night. I tend to follow my gut instinct when making plans and when I learned of 7 Seas, with a description so intriguing, I just knew this was the place.
Date Night at 7 Seas Los Cabos-Surf's Up!
Every now and then Scott and I stumble onto a surreal experience during our travels. This was one of those times. It was the final evening of our trip to Los Cabos, and our tradition is to do something celebratory on our last night. I tend to follow my gut instinct when making plans and when I learned of 7 Seas, with a description so intriguing, I just knew this was the place.
Arriving at the Cabo Surf Hotel is a bit like a journey back in time.
It felt nostalgic---in a good way.
The hotel, restaurant and infinity-edge pool are beachside.
Cabo Surf Hotel
This is a obviously a surfer's paradise...(and the home of Mike Doyle's Surf School)
and the best place for apres-surf.
7 Seas Seafood Grille and Surf's up in Los Cabos
The 7 Seas Seafood Grille is located at the heart of the hotel, overlooking the beach.
The view from our table took our breath away...
My favorite traveling companion/husband/Scott was very pleased with my choice for dinner.
Scott selected the 'Surprise Me Chef' with a slice of tuna so thick it was reminiscent a steak.
I ordered the 'Lemon Caper Fish' which which light, fresh and flavorful.
Eduardo, Sylvia, Freddie and Ivan spoiled us with friendly, yet impeccable service, and the freshest of seafood delicacies.
It was also the quality of the light, the gentle waves lapping on the beach,
and watching the surfers, who seemed somehow from a different time.
#throwbackthursday
Stylemindchic Lifestyle and a glass of sauv blanc at 7 Seas Seafood Grille by the sea in Los Cabos
One of those surreal moments.......
captured on Instagram.
If you are in Los Cabos (San Jose del Cabo or Cabo San Lucas) I highly recommend dinner out at Seven Seas and a stay at the Cabo Surf Hotel. It's fun for families as well as a romantic dinner by the sea.
A Walk Down Memory Lane in Barcelona at Azul-Tierra
It was one of those moments, and I can still see it in my mind’s eye: moody lighting, rich, warm, worldly scents, flickering candles and eye-catching objects of desire. I return to that moment often in my mind, it’s the perfect escape. Have you ever visited a place that just sticks with you in a completely sensory way? If you close your eyes you can conjure up the fragrance, the quality of light, the sultry temperature, the whole mood of a place.
A walk down memory Lane
It was one of those moments, and I can still see it in my mind's eye: moody lighting, rich, warm, worldly scents, flickering candles and eye-catching objects of desire. I return to that moment often in my mind, it's the perfect escape. Have you ever visited a place that just sticks with you in a completely sensory way? If you close your eyes you can conjure up the fragrance, the quality of light, the sultry temperature, the whole mood of a place.
During our first trip to Barcelona in 2006, Scott and I were on one of our meandering city walks. We happened upon an open doorway where over-sized sculptural plants stood guard. A peek inside revealed moody lighting, burning candles, a woodsy-citrus fragrance and magnificent floral arrangements. As we entered and our eyes adjusted to the dim light, we felt as though we were transported to another place in time. I remember feeling like it was a mood I wanted to bottle and take home with me. After absorbing the ambient beauty and pouring over the wares, we chose a silver salt-cellar to remember the moment.
Our salt cellar...the perfect souvenir of our trip.
Years later, while rummaging through my stack of business cards, I was happy to find that I had picked up one that day. I hadn't been able to recall the name of the place and had exhausted my best guesses on Google. Finally, I was able to revisit my sensory experience in Barcelona, online, at Azul-Tierra.
Fast forward to last summer... Scott and I ended our trip to Portugal and Spain with a few days in Barcelona. We had hoped to revisit Azul-Tierra and bring home another memento. We set out in our rental car, loaded with GPS, but couldn't find it. Scott refused to give up, which surprised me, and eventually he found it on his mobile with a new address! We again arrived on foot, but at the new location. It was larger,with more of an interior design studio feel, still having the same global, ambient vibe and fragrance.
As we nosed around, I was again seeking a memento of our trip. I was browsing through the candle collection when a gentleman asked if I needed help. I turned and recognized him from the website as the owner and creator of Azul-Tierra, Tony Espuch. How fun that upon my return, eight years later, I would meet the mastermind of Azul-Tierra as he was offering me a candle!
Tony's lovely assistant, Maribel, showed me some of the recent projects completed by Tony and his team. They are captivating. He has designed hotels, restaurants, shops and private homes in Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, France and Tunisia. His motivation "...the challenge of creating other worlds." Tony, you had me at my first step through the doorway in 2006. I felt transported to another world and came back for more.
Enter
Azul-Tierra
"Hey there, gorgeous! Wanna hang-out?"
(at least I think that's what he's saying)
For more on our travel to Lisbon, Algarve, Seville, San Sebastian and Barcelona.
There is something satisfying about reliving a sensory memory.
When was the last time you retraced your steps with a walk down memory lane?
