A Sunny Escape to Tulum & Lunch on the Beach in Akumal
Along with pristine beaches and turquoise Caribbean seas, Riviera Maya is also famous for the archaeological site at Tulum. This ancient Mayan fortress city and port, built late in the 13th century--during the post-classic period-- was known for trading in jade and turquoise from the seaside location. The city is surrounded by walls of limestone on three sides and is nestled next to a beautiful beach
Along with pristine beaches and turquoise Caribbean seas, Riviera Maya is also famous for the archaeological site at Tulum. This ancient Mayan fortress city and port, built late in the 13th century--during the post-classic period-- was known for trading in jade and turquoise from the seaside location. The city is surrounded by walls of limestone on three sides and is nestled next to a beautiful beach. Scott and I had planned a day trip to explore the beauty of Tulum and Akumal. We rented a car at Secrets Silversands and headed out.
This is the iconic view of the Castillo, castle, with ancient limestone walls juxtaposed against the turquoise and blues of the sky and sea.
I would definitely recommend wearing your swimsuit under your clothing in warm weather. A number of fellow tourists stripped down and took a swim from the beach here. They ended up looking much more refreshed than I did. It was hot and steamy on this day in July. Walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and swimsuit are definitely recommended for a visit to Tulum.
The beauty of this place is memorable.
After leaving Tulum we drove through colorful Akumal.
We worked up quite an appetite hiking around the ruins so Scott had an eagle eye out for someplace fun for lunch...
and he definitely found it--La Buena Vida-- on the beach!
This spot, with tables, bean bags and hammocks on the beach was perfect for a relaxing, casual lunch.
For the more adventurous among us you can even dine in a tree top table.
margaritas in the sand
It doesn't get much more relaxed than this...fish tacos, guacamole, and margaritas from your lounge chair on the sand.
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!
An Invitation to The Knot's Dream Wedding in Wine Country
A dream wedding in wine country? Yes!! I felt excited as I read my invitation to attend the wedding of the year by the wedding website, The Knot. I had used The Knot website to plan my wedding back in 2000, and since that time they have become the premier wedding website. I also noted that the wedding location, the picturesque Chateau St. Jean, in Sonoma Valley, is a quintessential wine country venue.
A dream wedding in wine country? Yes!! I felt excited as I read my invitation to attend the wedding of the year by the wedding website, The Knot. I had used The Knot website to plan my wedding back in 2000, and since that time they have become the premier wedding website. I also noted that the wedding location, the picturesque Chateau St. Jean, in Sonoma Valley, is a quintessential wine country venue.
I had read about the couple, Samantha Carisch and Taylor Sinclair, who had originally planned a destination wedding in Mexico, but Samantha's mother's health issues prevented her from traveling. As they moved the wedding location back to California, they received the devastating news that her mother's cancer had returned, diagnosed stage 4, and had spread. Samantha and Taylor were determined to bump up the wedding date so that her mother could attend the celebration. In this clip they speak about their wishes with the local news. As you can see, America voted and this deserving couple won their Dream Wedding!
Once they were announced as the winning couple, the voting--on everything from wedding gown, makeup look, hairstyle, flowers, wedding rings and honeymoon destination--began. In the end, viewers made some beautiful choices for this wine country wedding, co-sponsored by Revlon and Chateau St. Jean. The selections included the lace Pnina Tornai wedding dress and Jenny Yoo's Annabelle bridesmaid dresses in spearmint. The flowing, pastel bouquets and florals were created by Farmgirl Flowers.
Samantha carried a heart-shaped locket with her mother's picture on her wedding day.
I can only imagine there was a touch of bittersweet in this reflective moment for Samantha.
As Samantha wrote on the Knot, "Life has challenged our relationship in numerous ways and has yet to affect how incredibly in love we are and our ability to grow even closer as a couple. After canceling our wedding plans twice due to my mom's health concerns, it brings tears to our eyes knowing that we'll be able to share our wedding day, which may be our last “big life moment,” with all of our loved ones."
The beautiful wedding party...and
The picture perfect wedding day...
and the affectionate kiss seals the deal.
Meet Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Sinclair!!
Not only did the couple look forward to the inherent romance of wine country, but also a high-tech twist to their nuptials. The wedding was live-streamed on the wedding day so family and friends, including Samantha's mom, unable to attend in person, were able to watch the romantic wedding ceremony in real-time. Samantha was able to chat with her mom throughout the wedding day on skype.
Drones captured the spectacular views of the intimate venue, set among the vineyards. A robotic machine created cocktails, the wedding party wore 3-D printed jewelry and the bride and groom wore fitness monitors during the ceremony.
As Samantha and Taylor look back on their wedding, I hope the beauty and romance of these images will be a sweet reminder of the day they were united as husband and wife. As many of us know, marriage is not all about a gorgeous lace gown, stunning flowers and a champagne toast. Samantha and Taylor, destined to meet, have already experienced some of the deepest challenges that life can bring. Life has already tested them with joys and sorrows along their journey. They have already lived some of the most essential wedding vows, in sickness and in health. Samantha and Taylorare beginning their married life with the genuine, hard-won knowledge of how to support each other, and their families, in this journey of marriage, commitment and life.
Best wishes on your marriage, Samantha and Taylor, and this new chapter in your lives.
Enjoy your well-deserved honeymoon in Tahiti!
I hope to be invited to the Knot's next Dream Wedding. In the end, I made the choice (difficult as a blogger and a romantic!) to watch the wedding on live-streaming, and not in person this time. Instead of a glamorous wine country wedding, I kept my previous commitment (as a school psychologist) to celebrate our Special Education graduates and throw an end of the year party for our hardworking Special Education staff at my house. The live-streaming broadcast of the wedding allowed me to be part of each event that day. Despite a surprise rainstorm, we had a beautiful rainbow to end our evening, and I toasted to Samantha and Taylor's wedding day from my view across to wine country.
I received this message from the beautiful bride Samantha on Instagram:
sinclairndipity "Such a beautiful blog about our wedding thank you so very much!💗 Wish you could have made it to our big day as well but I agree it was a worthy reason to miss...ironically enough my mom was a special education teacher and a great one at that! Takes a genuine soul to be in such a field and I send all my best wishes to the graduates! Hope you had a wonderful celebration and glad you could follow along from afar☺️ Cheers all around!😘🍷"
Watch the entire video series of the Wine Country Dream Wedding.
Read more of Samantha and Taylor's story at Dream Wedding People Magazine.
I was offered lodging/transportation to attend The Knot's Dream Wedding in Wine Country.
All opinions about the event are my own.
Wedding Event Planning: Jeannie Savage and Tips on Planning
All Images: Credit Jasmine Star Photography/The Knot
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?
Mother's Day Bouquets Made With Love
I always look forward to Mother’s Day weekend. I get to celebrate my favorite women, far and near, and there is usually a flower graced springtime brunch involved. Our tradition is that my family comes to our house in Chico for the day, and it’s such a treat to host.
Mother's Day Bouquets
I always look forward to Mother's Day weekend. I get to celebrate my favorite women, far and near, and there is usually a flower graced springtime brunch involved. Our tradition is that my family comes to our house in Chico for the day, and it's such a treat to host.
My mom, Jeri, is a flower arranger extraordinaire in my mind. Over the years she has collected several photographs of her creations. Recently she had the images printed on notecards, with high quality envelopes, and gave them to family and friends as gifts. What a perfect way to remember all those beautiful bouquets, and Mother's Day bouquets, made with love.
These notecards are a gift in and of themselves.
I've never mailed one, the collection is a keepsake for me.
It's been a rough week here. I spent the first two days grief counseling at a local high school, following a tragic lunchtime car accident where a 17-year-old basketball star died. His friend was life-flighted to UC Davis Medical Center and is in a medically induced coma. This kid was popular, yet kind to everyone, and a true leader. The heartbreak on campus is palpable with some dealing with loss this close for the first time and others being triggered with a multitude of previous traumas. As a lesson in forgiveness, the father of the student who died, met with the parents of the driver, to offer his comfort and forgiveness before it was even asked. I'm still so close to this story that I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I write this. Hug your children tightly and remind them to wear their seatbelts. The fine art of forgiveness is truly a life lesson.
In many ways we all do some mothering in our own right here and motherhood is a gift here. If your path to motherhood was/is difficult, as mine has been here I share your journey. If you are a stepmom, like I am, here, I know it's an entirely different form of mothering. For many of us, motherhood is a complicated journey, but a blessing here. If you, or someone you love, are needing a little dose of hope today or a smile here.
As we celebrate mother's day this year, let's remember those among us who are missing a mother, or a child, just now. To each of you, and especially a few of my dear friends who are feeling the loss this year, big hugs to you. Reach out in love today.
Happy Mother's Day to you!
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.
