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
Printed Maxi Dress (Small) | Flip Flops | Beaded Bag | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses | Medium Hoop Earrings | 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!
Abstract Maxi Skirt (Small) | One-Shoulder Tank (Small) | Flip Flops | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses | Medium Hoop Earrings | All-Weather Bangles
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.
Palazzo Pants (Small) | Crop Tank (Small) | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace | All-Weather Bangles
Smocked Strapless Dress (Small) | Flip Flops | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses | Woven Clutch | All-Weather Bangles
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)
Printed Maxi Dress (Small) | Flip Flops | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace | Medium Hoop Earrings | All-Weather Bangles
Bandeau Top | Swim Bottoms | Sarong | Straw Hat | Gold Sunglasses | Straw Tote Bag | All-Weather Bangles
Sleeveless Midi Dress (Small) | Flip Flops | Gold Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace | All-Weather Bangles
Red Bikini (Small) | Sarong | Teardrop Earrings | All-Weather Bangles
Gauzy Shirt | Jean Shorts | Flip Flops | Sunglasses | Pendant Necklace | 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!
Sleeveless Midi Dress (Small) | Jean Jacket (Small) | Flip Flops | Pendant Necklace | Straw Hat | Duffel Bag | Rolling Suitcase | All Travel Links HERE
That was photo-overload, I know! The resort was just so inspiring, I couldn’t stop snapping pics!
Do you have a place that’s special to you? I’d love to hear, and maybe add it to our bucket list! Happy long weekend, lovebugs!
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You looked fantastic. You must have changed outfits all day long in order to get so many cute photos. My favorite is you swimming next to the manatee. Wow! Lifetime experience.
Are you doing a resort line with Gibsonlook this year? Asking for a friend…
haha, part of the job I love so much!! No gibson collections planned as of now, I’ve taken a step back from them for a bit! xo. C
What airline did you use? How did you get to the beautiful hotel? That picture with the manatee is amazing- go pro or cell phone? Or? Welcome to the new chapter of empty nesting!!!
Hi! We flew American from Dallas to Cancun, and arranged a private transfer through the hotel! The underwater pics are just an iphone, crazy right?!
I love the bandeau swimsuit from Dillard’s and the price is just right! I see it’s not returnable, so can you please share what size you bought? Thank you and cheers to you and your husband on this milestone!
Thank you! It runs a little bigger than most swimwear, I’m in an XS in both pieces! (I usually size up in swim, but didn’t need to with this one)
The photo of you with the manatee is mesmerizing! Wow!!
It is truly a once in a lifetime experience!!!! So lucky to have captured the moment, too! xo, C
What type of camera was used to capture that wonderful picture??? I’m curious to know as I like to snorkel.
The guide who took us to the cenote used his iPhone for all of the underwater photos!!!! xo, C
Your code for Fair Harbor isn’t working. Is that the correct code? Thanks! My husband loves their swim trunks!
Oh shoot! My Fair Harbor code is only good for 72 hours, it must have expired, so sorry! xo, C
Would you consider doing a post with either resort wear and/or athletic wear with UPF for sun protection? For women and maybe a few pieces for men?
This is an interesting idea! It’s probably too close to Fall for this type of post, but I’ll keep it in mind for next spring/summer!! xo, C
Thank you. I was thinking about a cruise next May, so that is perfect timing.
Amazing!! You will love it!
As someone who has experienced several Mohs surgeries due to skin cancer, please look at full zip rash guards/ golf shirts of the Tommy Bahama brand either at their online store or at TJMAXX. Lilly Pulitzer has cute UPF clothing as well on their website. Athleta has a few pieces with UPF .