Alex and I traveled to Riviera Maya, Mexico for a 4 night 5 day kid-less vacation and it was just what we needed! Check out all the details of our trip below. 

WHERE WE STAYED:
All-inclusive resorts are the way to go, and we booked our entire vacation through Southwest Vacations. We are very lucky to have a 2.5 hour direct flight from Austin to Cancun so travel is a breeze and affordable! We stayed at Valentine Imperial Riviera Maya (adults only resort), which had a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trip Advisor. The last time we had been to Mexico was 7 years ago for our honeymoon, and we stayed at The Royal Playa Del Carmen (adults only), which we really enjoyed. Great food, beautiful hotel, and located downtown so you can walk right out of your hotel and walk to the market and shop.

The Valentine Imperial resort had a great layout and gorgeous scenery. I felt like I was in a tropical jungle the entire time. There are less than 500 rooms, and it never felt crowded which I really enjoyed. It's secluded so if you want to go in to the city (Playa del Carmen or Cancun), you have to take a bus or taxi, which can easily be arranged.


ACTIVITIES:
Alex and I weren't ones to sit around all day. We joined in all of the activities the resort and entertainment team offered.  Pool Zumba, yoga, volleyball, basketball, spin, a foam party and more! There was plenty of time to relax in between. Alex became everyone's friend real quick, because he was the tallest guy in the pool and they wanted him on their team. They also have a gym and offer yoga and pilates, which I enjoyed taking one morning.

At night we would attend the shows at 9pm after dinner, some better than others. After the shows they had a live band or DJ set up in the main plaza. Most nights we were too tired to stay up, but one night we rallied and danced all night with some hilarious Canadians we met who were there for a wedding. Everyone was very friendly at the resort, and we made a couple of friends we met up with daily at the pool.

One day we decided last minute to do a half day excursion that we booked for less than $100 a person through the resort. We were picked up at 6am, and were back by 2pm. We swam in 2 cenotes, ziplined twice, swam through a cave, and rode four-wheelers.


BEACH / POOLS :
We spent most of our time by the pool (Alex's request), but at least once a day we would go to the beach. One day I rented a boogie board, and was able to ride a ton of big waves. It truly gave me the rush of surfing, which was so fun! The cabanas are reserved for anyone who buys the privilege package, but one day we noticed no one laying on one so we grabbed it for an hour to take a nap, then we got kicked off ; ). The water is clear, but it's a bit rough in the area with lots of waves.

There were 3 large pools, a lazy river, and cabanas everywhere. Around 6am every morning I would take a towel to the main pool to save our spot for the day. The main pool is for those that want to be social, listen to music, and party. The lazy river pool was secluded, quiet, and a great place to read and relax. If we ever go back, and I want a room that opens up to this pool! I would like to note I didn't get a sunburn the entire trip thanks to applying sunscreen every hour. The last thing I wanted to do was get a sunburn and feel miserable. I saw so many people walking around that looked like lobsters...ouch! Alex wore a Columbia hat and long sleeve shirt the entire time, so he basically looked like he fell in the water ; )


I highly recommend vacationing in Riviera Maya if you are looking for an affordable and beautiful getaway. I would love to go back to Mexico with another couple or group of friends! Have you been to Mexico before? If so, where did you stay?! Check out more of my travels at #CoulterTravels.