Snapshots from Hotel Esencia (+ What I Packed & Wore!)

Happy Friday, friends, and cheers to the weekend!! I’m especially happy today, because not only are we headed to Norman to see Sloan, but tomorrow my friends Val and Suzie are flying in from California for a big holiday weekend at the lake!

It’s a long weekend of family, friends, college football, lake floats, and tons of snack food. I literally could not be happier! I hope you have a fun few days ahead, as well!

Last week, we bopped over to Mexico for a few days to celebrate the beginning of a new season of marriage for us. Many of you had suggested we take a trip soon after college drop-off, as something to distract us from the sadness of her leaving, and it was the best idea!

Of course we felt sad saying goodbye, but knowing we’d soon have our toes in the sand made it a little easier, ha! Mexico is always a top choice for us… it’s fast and easy from Dallas, the people are incredible, and don’t get me started on the food (and hello, margaritas!)!

The Belmond Maroma Resort is a long-time favorite for us, but since I broke my ankle there last Summer, we opted to return to Hotel Esencia this year! Both are absolute perfection at every turn, from the service and food, to the design and tranquility. Truly my favorite places on earth!

We recharged and reconnected, and toasted our 23 years of parenting two kids who flew the nest. Cheers to us!

No detail is overlooked at Hotel Esencia, from monogrammed beach towels to pool-side popsicles, and there is design inspiration everywhere you look. Not to mention, it’s only 45 rooms over 50 acres, so it’s incredibly peaceful and quiet. If you like slick and polished, this place is not for you. But if you like to be barefoot and sandy, while receiving top-notch service, you’ll be in beachfront heaven!

Here’s a peek at our weekend, along with what I packed and wore. Of course I brought more than I needed, but resort wear is just too fun! Each item is linked under the picture, sizes included.

Palazzo Pants (Small) | Crop Tank (Small) | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles

Black Bikini (Small) | Gauzy Pants | Flip Flops | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses

Black Swimsuit | Eyelet Cover-Up | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles

Bayberry Swim Trunks (code SUGARPLUM20)

Coffee and pastries are delivered to the room each morning… such a dream!

Sugarplum Tip: Request a coffee and hot chocolate, and mix the two! I dream about this concoction all year!

Ruffle Neck Maxi Dress (Small) | Woven Clutch | Gold Sunglasses | Medium Hoop Earrings | All-Weather Bangles

Black Bikini (Small) | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses

There are three restaurants on property, and each is not only amazing, but has the dreamiest ambiance!! They’re all open-air and casual, so I was typically barefoot or fresh from the beach. Everything is charged to the room, so there’s no need to carry a wallet or worry with gratuities (they’re included in the rates).

Sugarplum Travel Tip: The Beefbar Restaurant is one of the best meals we had all year, and they also have a wood-fired pizza that makes for the best room service snack or dinner in.

Cover-Up | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles

Strappy Maxi Dress | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace | All-Weather Bangles

The hotel includes a ton of complimentary amenities and gifts, so we felt constantly spoiled! Beach bags, nightly trinkets, flip flops, and more are included in the rate. They also have a ton of games, books, and water sports (like boogie boards, paddle boards, a Hobie cat, etc.) available to guests at no charge.

There’s even a nearby cenote with resident manatees… just ask at the sports hut for a free excursion!

Black Bikini (Small) | Bayberry Swim Trunks (code SUGARPLUM20)

Sleeveless Midi Dress (Small) | Flip Flops | Gold Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace | All-Weather Bangles

Red Bikini (Small) | Sarong | Teardrop Earrings | All-Weather Bangles

Strappy Maxi Dress | Gold Sunglasses | Medium Hoop Earrings | All-Weather Bangles

This year we booked our room through Elevate Travel, and not only were we able to take advantage of private promotions like a free night stay and free room upgrade, but were given free amenities like daily breakfast, spa credits, and unlimited mini bar snacks and non-alcoholic drinks in the room. Those savings really added up!

All too soon it was time to head home… I opted for this breezy dress since it’s so hot, and it was perfect for travel! Lightweight and comfy, and didn’t wrinkle!