The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of life-altering events, leaving us a bit overwhelmed. Sometimes, the only way to reset is to step away and recharge, and that’s exactly what we did. Our family headed to Riviera Maya for a week-long escape, and it was exactly what our souls needed.
Surrounded by turquoise waters and endless sunshine, we quickly felt the weight of the past few weeks lift. The peaceful rhythm of the ocean and lush surroundings created the perfect backdrop to relax and reconnect with each other.
Upon arrival to Cancun airport (BTW, did you know that the literal translation of can cun is snake nest?!)
Giggles before dinner
These animals are everywhere! They stole Noah's food while on the beach too and we watch them attempting to steal people's bags
Relaxation and Pampering
Our days were spent soaking up the sun by the pool and on the beach. My Mom and I pampered ourselves with eight full body massages (yes, eight!) between the two of us—each one on the beach, adding a special touch to our relaxation. We also enjoyed incredible meals at the resort’s restaurants, each dinner a new experience with fresh flavors and themed nights. From Michael Jackson tributes to pirate and fire shows, every evening felt like a mini celebration.One of the highlights was trying the silent party, where everyone danced to music on wireless headphones. It was hilarious and fun!
Walk on the beach (on the way back from the massage)
Boys loved ordering their drinks - mango margaritas and cherry dimples :) Virgin, of course!
Beach time!
Posing with some 'photo props' - there are a few photographers on the resort that take pictures of the guests. Naturally, they have people dressed up for posing with...
While the octopus at a French restaurant was perfectly cooked, I was still struggling with eating it
Twinning
Mom enjoying her Mango margarita and Mahi at a Mexican restaurant
I am warming up to ceviche (I haven't really enjoyed it before)
Game time at the pool
At the show
At a silent party
Exploring Mayan Culture
While we had plenty of time to relax, thanks to Noah's persistence, we also explored the rich history of the region. One unforgettable experience was our visit to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Walking among the ancient ruins and learning about the Mayan civilization was awe-inspiring. The Pyramid of Kukulcán and the sacred ball court felt like stepping back in time.We also swam in a cenote, a natural sinkhole with crystal-clear water, where we marveled at the beauty of the underground world.
Swimming at the Cenote
Visiting a small town where we had lunch too
After cenotes, we all went for lunch at a local restaurant (designated for tourists, of course), where a couple of locals dressed as Mayans performed for us. They posed with the boys afterwards.
Quality Time Together
What made this trip truly special was the time spent with my family—laughing, playing Skyjo, exploring, and creating memories together. The emotional rollercoaster of the weeks before melted away in the warm embrace of Riviera Maya, reminding us of the importance of slowing down and being present.I’m so thankful for this time with my family, for the massages, the food, the adventures, and the quiet moments. Our hearts were full, and our spirits rejuvenated. This getaway was exactly what we needed, and we returned home with a renewed sense of balance and gratitude.
Noah traded a $5 for 100 pesos to buy this nicely shaped cotton candy
Noah and Mociute are enjoying some ice cream
