Anniversary Trip to Playa Mujeres

This past Wednesday, David and I returned from a four night stay at Excellence Playa Mujeres, which is an all-inclusive adults-only resort about thirty minutes outside of Cancun, Mexico.  The vacation was to celebrate our ten year anniversary, which isn't actually until the end of July.  We decided to go early because A) it worked best with our summer schedule and B) why wait? and mostly C) hurricane season starts June 1st.  

So where do I even begin?  I'll skip right over the months of anticipation and weeks of work (organizing the house, cooking and freezing meals, updating the grandparent binder with every.single.detail, stocking up on household goods in case of an catastrophic event, writing daily notes/activities for each child, cleaning like a madwoman, etc.) and get to the part where we walked in the resort lobby and they handed us glasses of champagne and said, "Welcome Home."  I nearly cried.

After checking in at our private Excellence Club Lounge (we opted for the club level upgrade because it was the only way to get an ocean view room and it had several other luxuries we deemed worthwhile), we ate lunch at The Grill then strolled around the grounds until our room became available.  At first, the place seemed overwhelming and huge.  By the second full day, however, you know your way around quite well...or at least can get from your room to the beach and back, which is all that really matters.  We went back to the lounge and were once again offered food and drink, but turned it down and relaxed in the comfy leather couches for a few minutes until we were escorted to our room.  We opened the door to find everything just like it appeared on the website photos, which was a relief.  The spacious layout had a four-post king size bed, an L-shape leather couch, a modern marble bathroom with a shower big enough to sleep in, and a private patio with a hot tub and a lounge bed.  Housekeeping had placed two swan towel arrangements on the bed with rose petals scattered around them.  A bottle of champagne and fresh fruit was set out for us in honor of our anniversary.  Incredible.  We dumped our suitcases and began lounging right away.  There was no time to waste...or rather, there was.  And it felt awesome!

For dinner that night, we went to the resort's Lobster House and ate soup, grouper (me) and lobster (D), and cheesecake for dessert.  The portions weren't huge, which is actually good since every meal has at least three courses.  We walked right in and didn't have to wait for a table.  This restaurant jetted out over parts of the main pool and we had a great view of the palm trees on the beach and glimpses of the ocean.  After dinner we headed over to the main building and walked through the gift shop before settling down at a large outdoor cafe and listening to an incredibly talented singer cover some "easy listening"/pop hits.  Around 9:30 (yes - we were still awake!), a group of performers came out and put on a "Fire Show", which involved dancing and twirling various chains, hoops, balls, etc. that were on fire.  Quite impressive, but we called it a night before it ended.  It had been a long day of traveling and, frankly, if you've seen one performance of fire juggling, you've seen them all. 

The next morning, Sunday, I woke up at around 5:30am, which was 6:30am EST.  I'm not a late sleeper anyway, but I'm finally coming to terms with the fact that I just do not sleep well at all on trips.  We did bring our little fan, which helps a lot, but when you have the most comfortable bed in the world at home and a brain that is never fully "off", eight solid hours on a vacation night is a pleasure I rarely experience.  No matter, because one thing I don't have at home is a phone by the bed that I can reach room service on.  Thirty minutes after placing our order, we were eating a delicious breakfast on our patio while looking out at the ocean.  We ate, lathered sunscreen on, and hit the beach.  

The next six hours went something like read, take a walk on the beach, lie down and snooze a few minutes, wake up, eat, read, splash in the ocean, repeat.  I kept looking at the time and then chiding myself because WHO CARES?  We'll eat when we're hungry and sleep when we're tired.  The only thing I really needed a watch for was to time my exposure to the sun.  There was no one's nap, potty, or eating schedule to take into consideration but our own.  And that, my friends, was an unnatural phenomenon I came to terms with quickly.  

They had a Burgers and Rock n' Roll lunch set up farther down the beach that we decided to try.  We found one of the few tables in the shade and listened to the Hispanic accented singers belt out "Hotel California" and other classics while we ate our yummy guacamole-topped hamburgers, onion rings, and fruit.  

That night we got dressed up and ate at the French restaurant at the resort.  They have nine restaurants on site and we'd chosen four ahead of time for our four nights, but honestly the French one was the one we were the most hesitant about.  It turns out we had no need to be.  I ate the most delicious filet mignon I have ever tasted and David had some really tasty sea bass.  As we were eating dessert, they surprised us with a little fancy dessert plate of white chocolate mousse that had "Happy Anniversary" spelled out in chocolate sauce.  

After dinner we hung around the bar and waited for the Retro Show to begin in the Stars Theater.  It was about a 30 minute show of dancing put to tracks from the 70s through today's hits.  Not terrible, but we were thankful it was included in the price of our trip and we didn't buy special tickets.  We called it a night after the show.  Had to be up early for more beach laying and all that.

Our second full day, Monday, went basically the same as Sunday.  We ordered breakfast from room service, ate it on the patio, and went down to the beach.  This time we walked a short distance over to a short of jetty wall that frames part of a small harbor.  We walked out to the edge of it where there was a very small lighthouse and surveyed the beautiful Caribbean water.  The weather was as perfect as it had been the day before: highs in the mid-80s with a constant warm breeze by the ocean.  The farther you moved into the heart of the resort, the hotter it got.  The air seemed to circulate best and the humidity was felt less right by the shoreline.  

Just before lunch, we decided to grab a kayak and see if we could recall any of the skills we'd once learned.  Without any real intention on our part, we've realized kayaking has kind of become our adventurous thing on vacations.  It began on our honeymoon in Aruba, then we did it on a cruise stop in the Dominican Republic, and there was the amazing experience of the Bio Bay in Puerto Rico a few years back.  We couldn't leave without adding Mexico to our quests.  Sure enough, it was easy to fall into our paddling rhythm and David encouraged (read: taunted) me until I agreed to go all the way to the pier we'd walked earlier and back.  It wasn't that far - maybe a mile total - but as is usually the case, it's harder on the way back.  Though the wind was in our favor as we turned around, we'd miscalculated how strong the current was and had to work hard not to be pulled out farther from shore than we cared to go.  My turkey club sandwich and David's quesadillas were certainly tasty rewards as we chowed down on the beach afterward and then catnapped.

That afternoon we packed it in a little early and moved our stuff up to the pool area.  We reapplied sunscreen, someone brought us two frozen drinks, and we made our way to the lazy river part of the pool.  One can only aimlessly meander around in a pool before becoming utterly exhausted, so when we saw a chance to rest our tired souls in the hammocks draped over one end of a quiet corner, we climbed in.  After all, it had been nearly thirty minutes that we'd spent upright since we left our lounge chairs on the beach.  

For dinner that night, we decided to cash in our "Anniversary Card" (a special card we received at check-in that supposedly gave us a little extra pampering) at the Italian place called Toscana.  We handed it to the hostess and while she snapped a couple of pictures of us, the waiter inside placed fresh rose petals all around our table in the shape of a heart.  We ordered - linguini for me and shrimp for D - and they brought a bottle of wine to our table.  The food was good and the view by the window was nice, but the conversation was the best part.  I found myself somewhat surprised that here we were at the end of our third full day together without anyone else to interject, interrupt, or even give us subject matter to talk about and we were still going strong.  I hadn't turned on my phone in days and David had only used his to read by the beach.  We were focusing on no one else and connecting...and it felt great.  Our kids mean the world to us and technology has its perks, but they will suck the life out of your marriage if you allow them to.  It felt amazing to be on this trip with my groom and feel like newlyweds again.  

The show that night was a light show on the beach, which we soon found out was code for "Fire Show with Balls and Strands of Light instead of Fire", so we packed it in early and tried to see how far we could carry the newlywed feeling. ;)

We awoke the next morning with the sinking realization that it was our final full day there. The one thing that was making it a little easier to want to leave, besides missing the kids of course, was that I hadn't been sleeping well and was beginning to feel ill.  Not only was it our last day, however, but it was also David's 33rd birthday, so I wanted to make the most of it.  Per our beach concierge's recommendation, I was at our section of the beach a few minutes before 7:00am in an attempt to claim one of the awesome beds they have on the back rows.  It wasn't meant to be and they were already all taken, so he set us up with towels on our usual chairs and I went back to the room to have breakfast with the birthday boy.  

After our tasty French toast, we went out and settled into our read, rest, eat, rest cycle for a few hours.  At lunchtime, we walked up to the Lobster House and ate.  I wasn't feeling well at all and decided to send David back down to the beach and head to the room to catch a nap out of the sun and on a little more comfortable spot.  I managed to get in about thirty minutes before the hammering of tile from somewhere outside woke me up.  I decided to 
stop by the club lounge and ask if they could do a few balloons in our room for David's birthday.  They were happy to oblige and I assured her we'd be out for another couple of hours.  

We lingered on the beach later than previous days and managed to commandeer a bed up front with a great view.  It had previously been in the sun, but was now shadowed by the beautiful palm trees overhead.  We snuggled and talked awhile, trying to avoid the inevitable.  Neither of us was ready to go, knowing we would be saying goodbye to the turquoise waves and white sandy beach for an unknown amount of time.  I've had breakups that were less traumatic.  

We headed up to the pool area, played a little ping pong at their outdoor game center, and then cleaned up and showered for dinner.  David had decided he wanted to save the Mexican restaurant for his birthday dinner, but of course didn't want me to tell the hostess anything.  The balloons and streamers around the room had been more his speed as far as recognition goes.  The food was good, but I'm afraid my company was not.  I knew I was running a slight fever at this point (I suspected a sinus infection and UTI) and felt pretty rough.  The ambiance was gorgeous, though, and we tried to soak up one of our last uninterrupted meals together.  After eating our fajitas, we went back to the room so I could rest before that night's show.  It was to be a magic show and I knew David was really looking forward to it.  On the way back down, we went by the gift shop to get the kids a little something and pick out our traditional ornament souvenir.  Since all of the shows had drawn very small crowds all week, we didn't worry about getting there early.  Unfortunately, that night's event was more popular than we'd anticipated and we had to settle for some seats on the side without great views. 

The magician was funny, but the tricks left a lot to be desired.  They did a few of the "put a woman in a box then stab/saw/grind her up" type of tricks.  He worked in a couple of corny jokes and the audience gave polite pity applause.  Thirty minutes into it, we opted to head for bed.  We still had to get up early to pack before our car arrived at 8:00am to take us to the airport.  I wish I could've felt better for David's birthday, but I think he suffered through having it at a five-star resort just fine.  I neutralized my guilt by realizing I was way less maintenance than two kids would've been.  

After a few coughing fits, I slept fairly decently that night and awoke ready to get home to my babies.  We packed, ate a light breakfast on the patio, and said our farewells to the Caribbean.  The bellhop showed up to help with our suitcases and our driver arrived right on time.  The thirty minute ride to the airport passed quickly as we watched all of the sights zoom by on the way.  We checked in and went through security without any trouble and only a little wait and ended up having about an hour and half to spare before boarding began.  We got muffins at Starbucks and looked through all of the souvenir stores.  With an hour to spare, we found our gate and I began working on editing pictures while David read.  

The plane ride was uneventful, which is the best kind.  I tried to nap, but was afraid that leaning my head back would cause coughing fits from the drainage, so I did the college-student-falling-asleep-in-class head bob a lot.  We landed and began the most idiotic journey from the international terminal to immigration and customs.  I usually brag about Hartsfield and how efficient it is, but I cannot for the life of me understand how they expect the majority of international passengers - especially the young, old, and those in less than good health - to travel the obscene distance to get from their plane to all the required checkpoints.  We attempted not to let it dampen our spirits and finally stepped out into the muggy Atlanta air to catch our bus back to our parking space in an off-campus lot, which is another 15 minute ride.

We finally got to our car and loaded up the luggage.  As we pulled onto the interstate and the Atlanta skyline came into view, I whispered a prayer of thanks to God for bringing us home safely from such an amazing trip.  I texted our parents and my brothers and felt the butterflies and excitement build as we got closer to the house and dodged in and out of rain showers.  David's dad sent me a message that said they were waiting outside for us.  We pulled into the driveway and I spotted Audrey with her rain boots on and umbrella spinning.  I jumped out and squeezed her tightly and told her how much I'd missed her and loved her until she said, "Mooooommy!" in her classic "that's enough" way.  I took Luke from David and hugged him while he excitedly told me about David's cake inside.  We went in and found several handmade colorful birthday signs and the cookie cake they'd gotten for him earlier that day.  We visited and swapped a few stories before his parents left.  I began unpacking a little with the kids underfoot - neither of us wanted to be out of each other's sight - and we gave them their souvenir instruments.  It wasn't long before the doorbell rang and the pizza delivery man handed us the yummy dinner we'd ordered.  We sat around the table together, ate, and talked.  As we did our nighttime ritual of devotion and prayer, we thanked God for keeping all of us safe and giving us all such a fantastic time.  

Unfortunately I brought back a couple of unwanted souvenirs - I was right about the UTI and sinus infection.  I also caught a case of...well, let's call it "Traveler's Tummy" to top things off (or bottom things out - however you want to look at it.)  I went to the doctor on Thursday and have started antibiotics.  I'm feeling better, but please pray for complete healing. 

Even with all of that, it was such a wonderful, luxurious trip.  In closing, I offer this PSA:  I cannot stress enough how important a few days away are for a married couple with young kids.  There are the obvious huge benefits to your relationship as a couple, but it improves your relationship with your kids as well!  It makes you savor every minute in the week leading up to your departure and cherish every moment in the days after your return.  Not to mention how awesome it is for them to have those special times with grandparents.  I realize not everyone has the opportunity to do a fancy resort in Mexico, but if there is any way to go somewhere for even just two or three nights, do it.  Not only will the memories we made last us a lifetime, but we'll be reaping the rewards in our marriage and with our kids for a long time as well. 

We are so, so grateful to our parents for stepping up and taking such wonderful care of our kids so that we could do this.  I missed them, but not once did I worry about them.  I knew they were in capable hands and that kind of comforting peace is absolutely priceless.  

Thank you, David, for the trip of a lifetime.  Thank you, Nana, Grandpa, Grandma Gloria, Grandmom, and Granddad, for allowing us the opportunity to take it.  

And thank You, Lord.  Not only for the trip and our safety, but for all You've given us in our nearly decade of marriage.  We wouldn't have been celebrating if not for Your grace.

Pictures:  Our Anniversary Trip to Mexico