Traveling the world is one of my greatest passions, and I’ve enjoyed every locale we’ve ever visited. Granted, some spots I enjoyed more than others, but some places take root in your heart, and make a lasting impact. Maybe it’s an experience you had, something you ate, a memory formed, or even your mental state while visiting, but your heart grabs hold of it, and that place becomes forever imprinted.
I have a handful of places forever stamped on my heart, and Maroma, Mexico…and even more specifically, The Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa…is now one of them. It might be the timing of the trip (mere weeks after losing my dad), the over-the-top service and kindness of every employee, the cotton-candy sunsets, clear-blue water, or endless guacamole, or likely a combination of it all, but I’m grateful for that time away and space to heal.
It’s definitely a splurge, but the amenities and service make it worth every penny. I’ve honestly never experienced a place so dedicated to their guests (with no pretension or stuffiness), and set in such a peaceful location.
The boutique-style hotel only has 60 rooms spread out over 200 acres, so even at full capacity, we rarely saw anyone. The biggest question on my Instagram Story (see it in my profile here) was, ‘Where are all the people?!’ We felt like we had the resort to ourselves!
I know safety is a concern these days for Mexico travelers, but honestly, we never felt one bit nervous or uncomfortable here. We were met at the airport by one of their private drivers, then passed through two sets of guarded gates before arriving at the reception area (with margaritas waiting!).
Sugarplum Travel Tip: Cancun airport is a short 30-minute drive from Maroma, and offers tons of direct flights from all over the country. Only a 2.5 hour flight from Dallas! Passports are required, and remember to hang on to your Visa they’ll give you upon arrival because you’ll need it to leave. #oops If you lose it though, you can buy another at the airport for $32.
Embroidered Dress | Hat | Flip-Flops | Sunglasses | Tassel Earrings
Palm Romper | Sunglasses | Hat | Lipstick | Tassel Earrings | Wedges
Men’s Shirt | Twill Shorts | Sunglasses | Embroidered Dress | Sunglasses | Hat
Mornings started with complementary coffee and hot chocolate service delivered to our patio, then a huge breakfast is served at the beach-side restaurant (also included in the rate). We usually filled up so much in the morning, we had a late lunch and skipped dinner.
We spent our time lounging at the pool and beach (someone greets you the moment you sit anywhere!), hanging in the spa, riding bikes through their jungle paths (so much wildlife!), eating guacamole, and even playing ping-pong.
We had a garden view room, and loved the quiet peace of the location overlooking the pool (one of three!).
We packed fairly light (even shared a single suitcase!), and I brought things that played double duty…like this maxi dress that was perfect as a cover-up by the pool, and easily dressed up for dinner. Fortunately Nordstrom has a great Vacation Spot section on their site year-round for both Women and Men, so I was able to grab some cute new things for both of us, with fast, free shipping!
Fit Tip: This dress is a thick jersey knit, and the petite size meant I didn’t need alterations! I’m wearing a petite small.
Maxi Dress | Earrings | Hat | Sunglasses | Flip-Flops | Tote Bag
Fav Tee | Shorts | Flip-Flops | Sunglasses
I lived in my swimsuit and breezy sundresses, and Mr. SP in tees and shorts, with a few collared shirts for dinner…but always in his flip-flops! And I left all hair tools behind, so this stuff was my saving-grace!
Embroidered Dress | Hat | Flip-Flops | Sunglasses | Tassel Earrings
Men’s Shirt | Shorts | Flip-Flops
This tie-back romper was my favorite outfit of the trip, and so darling with both these flat sandals and wedges. The hotel has a gorgeous rooftop overlook with 360-degree views of the jungle on one side, and the ocean on the other.
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS, but it’s a tad snug across the bum…so if you’re fuller on bottom, I’d size up one.
Romper | Wedges | Tassel Earrings | Sunglasses | Hat
Oh, did I mention this sweetest woman on the planet is there every morning making any kind of breakfast taco and quesadilla you can dream up?! On homemade tortillas!!?? It’s no wonder we were full for hours.
Sugarplum Style Tip: Oversized tunics make great swim cover-ups…this is simply a linen popover top, but several sizes larger than my usual.
Similar Tunic | Hat | Hoop Earrings
One-Shoulder Sweatshirt | Similar Cut-Offs | Flip Flops | Hat | Sunglasses | Similar Earrings
French Swim Top | Full-Coverage Bottom | Tote Bag | Hat | Sunglasses | Hoop Earrings
Men’s Polo Shirt | Shorts | Hat | Sunglasses | Crepe Shirtdress | Sandals | Sunglasses
Maxi Dress | Earrings | Hat | Sunglasses | Flip-Flops | Tote Bag
Of course my favorite under $50 dress came along, too! It’s such an easy fit, plus it packs like a dream. (Stay tuned next week for my full packing list and tips!)
Fit Tip: I’m wearing an XS
Crepe Shirtdress | Sandals | Earrings
Sugarplum Travel Tips for the Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa (aka, what we did to make the resort more budget-friendly!)
*We had a Garden View Deluxe (#47), with a large room, bathroom and walk-out patio. The air-conditioning and fans worked great, but we rarely even needed them in January (it was in the 60’s at night). We didn’t miss having a beach or ocean view, and saved quite a bit with the garden view.
*The rooms don’t have TVs, so bring lots of books. They do have excellent free wifi, so you can stream shows on your own device if you want. There’s also a lounge area with a TV and lots of DVDs, as well as a pool table.
*Request a coffee and hot chocolate for your morning service, and they’ll bring you a pitcher of each (included in the rate). You’ve not lived until you’ve had their homemade hot chocolate (delicious mixed with coffee!).
*Take full advantage of the huge breakfast offerings (included in the rate)! The dinner menu was a little heavy for us, so our routine was to enjoy coffee on the patio for about an hour, breakfast at 10, and then a late lunch at 5. And usually a beach-side guacamole somewhere in the middle.
*If there’s something you want that’s not on the menu, they’ll do their best to make it for you. We had fajitas and nachos more than once, and neither is on a menu! The portions are also large enough to share, and you can order and eat virtually anywhere on the property.
*The room service menu has a little of everything, and is significantly less-expensive than the restaurant dinner menu.
*The spa is incredible, but it’s not necessary to book services to take advantage of it. We ended each day with a trip to the sauna, steam room, and cold-dip pools.
*It is kid-friendly, but I think it’s better-appreciated as a couple. There is a game center with all kinds of beach toys, bikes, etc.
*The water is purified, but bottled water is available everywhere. We had no safety or sickness issues.
Embroidered Dress | Hat | Flip-Flops | Sunglasses | Tassel Earrings
But most of all, we had time and space to talk, and rest, and laugh, and dream. It was perfect, and I can’t recommend this haven enough!
Fav Men’s Tee | Shorts | Sunglasses | Flip-Flops | One-Piece Swimsuit | Similar Cut-Off Shorts | Flip-Flops | Hat | Sunglasses | Earrings
Palm Romper | Sunglasses | Hat | Lipstick | Tassel Earrings |
This post is really more of a Great Stays review than an actual Trip Report because we never even left the resort! We were just enjoying the peaceful property, first-class amenities, and stellar service too much to venture out.
I am, however, already scheming a return trip since there is so much to see and do in the area. (The hotel is running a huge sale for new bookings until May, but I think it ends tonight!) What places have stolen your heart? Where’s your favorite haven for escape?
{Shop Beach Style for Her}
{Shop Beach Style for Him}
*All photos taken with my iPhone 7 and edited with ColorStory app. This post created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all styling, opinions and guacamole inhalation are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*
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The trip was definitely worth the splurge. I’m so envious! Blue skies and warm weather! 🍃 Wish I could go too instead of being stuck in the cold, haha! ❤️
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Oh my goodness! Everything looked like PERFECTION!!
Beautiful photos! It does look like you had the resort to yourselves!
Design by Sydnee | A Lifestyle Blog 💗
You forgot the thread count on the sheets, a n d the taco count!
Momma (w/two kids!!), you look fantabulous in those swimsuits!
I’d say, Maui, Kauai, and some well researched and chosen islands in the Caribbean are the best for me. Thanks, C. That was great fun!
LOL! I like these posts to be thorough….both for my own memories, but so someone considering their own trip has all the info I gained!! 🙂 As for the tacos…I lost count 😉
What a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing! What size is your darling red swimsuit?
Also, on a random note, I keep getting Boden catalogs in the mail and their clothing looks precious. Their clothing is colorful and looks right up your alley. Wondering if you have ever tried and what your thoughts are?
I have a long torso, so I sized up two sizes to a 4, and it fits great. here’s a link to the red one: http://bit.ly/2DbMmFv
As for Boden…YES! I adore them! My fave striped tees come from there, as does my pink coat. I worked with them several years ago and fell in the love. My only hesitation with shopping more is the difference of sizing (european vs american)…makes it a little trick to get the size right and I had shipping back and forth! But you’ve inspired me to look again! xo
Ps- Ok, next time I get married, I’m getting married here!
This looks so pretty and peaceful! For me, we took my dream trip to Maui, Hawaii this year and it was everything I always imagined it to be and more! Already dreaming of our next trip!
Ahhh, that sounds amazing!! We’ve not made it to Hawaii…YET!
Looks fantastic! Can you really promise there was no seaweed? I thought I’d permanently crossed Mexico off my list due to to the nasty seaweed I encountered there so many times……would be great if we could go back!
Yikes! I think it totally has to do with the tides and storms off-shore. We had just a sprinkling of seaweed, and it was raked off the beach every morning. I’ve yet to visit a beach in the world who didn’t have seaweed at one point or another though.
Well. This is FABULOUS. I loved reading all about it today and watching it all on stories when you were there! The resort should pay you top dollar, move you there, and have you on their welcoming committee!!!!!!!!
I’m totally okay with that!! Come visit me there and I’ll greet you with a margarita in hand!!
Wow–this is heaven on earth = paradise. The photos are beautiful–scenery is exquisite. The palm romper is my favorite–you look so cute!
I’m having a bit of a jealous moment as I look at the snow falling outside and then back at these photos! Looks like you guys had a great time- it was fun to follow your Instagram stories too. Your swimsuits are gorgeous and I love that palm tree romper on you!
Oh I know…it feels like 3-degrees here today!! But at least you have lovely snow to go with it!!
Your words and pictures are beautiful! What a great post! On the maxi dress…did you always wear it with a swimsuit, or sometimes with a bra? It is adorable and I’d love to wear it, but can’t tell if the back is too low for a strapless bra. What are your thoughts?
Thank you! You could def wear it with a strapless bra, or my fave stick-ons!
Cassie, that place looked like a little bit of Heaven on Earth! How fun! I’m so sorry about your dad. My mother passed 4 1/2 years ago, but it still seems like yesterday… I’m an RN, and I was lucky enough to be able to quit my job, so that I could take care of her. I will treasure those last few weeks forever. Bless you, it will get easier.
Hi Cassie!
What type of bra/undergarment do you wear under the plunge back romper?
Thanks-
I love these stick-on Nubras! http://bit.ly/2E5bcF8
What a gorgeous place to go. Looks really peaceful for sure. Seems like you had a great and relaxing time in your time of need, good for you. The pictures are all great pictures as well. Cute little outfits chosen to go with. Loving the stylish sunglasses as well. Really good
advice on how to pack lightly, I should learn how to!! Thank You for sharing!!!
Enjoyed following you both on your vacay, its on my “life list” since it’s close to Houston. Love how chic you always look in all your budget friendly pieces, very stylish! Gracias for sharing!!
What a great trip at a great time. I’m glad you both were able to go and enjoy yourselves. It’s always nice to get away as husband and wife, and leave the mom and dad aspect at home every once in a while.
What color are you wearing in the Crepe Dress? Hard to tell if it is the Blue Ceramic or Pea Coat color! Looks great!!
Mine is the Blue Ceramic!! Kind of a teal blue! xo
Hi Cassie! My best girlfriend turned me onto your blog. I’m loving it all! You are adorable! I have one question: I ordered the Articles of Society Classic Skinny jeans, in the size I normally wear. Just got them in and tried them on. They fit well, but have a little extra room around the waist and front. I’m just wondering how much they stretch out? I don’t wash my jeans every wearing and am thinking I may possibly exchange them for a size down so they are a better overall fit. My body type is more square shaped, I don’t have much of a waist. I like my jeans to fit well, but not be so uncomfortable around the waist that I can’t enjoy wearing them. : ) Thanks for the help!
Hi Belinda…be sure to thank your friend for me!! 😉 I size down in those jeans…they do stretch quite a bit, and start to sag in the waist and crotch. Never a cute look 😉
My husband and I are going to Cozumel for our anniversary Feb 5. We are so excited. Do you roll your clothes when you pack?? I am 64. He is 71. This is our first vacation since we retired. I have our clothes planned. Like you, I am not over packing, which is not normal for me!!! Enjoyed looking at your trip. Helped me in my planning. Thank you!!
How exciting!! What a fun trip! Mr. SP and I honeymooned in Cozumel 20 years ago! I will sometimes roll heavier clothes, like jeans and jackets, but lightweight things I find do just as well folded neatly and stacked in the eBags! xo
thanks, I like it.
http://www.88smallthings.blogspot.com
Best ,
Rains