Great Stays | Hotel Esencia

Happy Friday, friends, and cheers to the weekend!! We’ve got two jam-packed days of volleyball on the agenda, so I’ll be doing a lot of cheering and sitting (thank goodness for this butt-saver). Knowing first-hand how quickly these years go, I’m here for every bit of it though! I love watching our sweet girl compete and grow more confident in herself and her abilities.

Today I’m excited to share snapshots from our Mexico trip earlier this month! For several years, the Belmond Maroma Resort was our special getaway, but they’re still closed for renovations, so we returned to Hotel Esencia for a few nights of recharging and reconnecting. Several of you actually recommended this spot to us last year, and it’s truly perfection in every way (the price tag is painful, but it was absolutely flawless).

No detail is overlooked, 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!

We look forward to this getaway all year, as a chance to unplug, reconnect, and reflect on the previous year. Basically like marriage boot camp… with guacamole!

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.

One Shoulder Dress (Small) | Slide Sandals | Woven Handled Bag | Headband | Sunglasses | Earrings | All-Weather Bangles

Scallop Swimsuit (Small) | Rainbow Straw Hat | All-Weather Bangles

Colorblock Midi Skirt (XS) | Tank | Slide Sandals | Straw Hat | Woven Handled Bag | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles

Swim Cover-up | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | Woven Tote Bag | Necklace | All-Weather Bangles

Sunglasses | Woven Tote Bag | Removable Tassel | Book | Glow Screen | Glow Stick | Glow Oil

Button Cover-Up (Small) | Bikini Top (Small) | Rainbow Straw Hat | Sunglasses | Woven Tote Bag | Removable Tassel

Tie-Back Maxi Dress (Small) | Straw Hat | All-Weather Bangles

Embroidered Top (Small) | Jean Shorts (code SUGARPLUM10) | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles

Swimsuit (Size 4) | Straw Hat | Woven Tote Bag | Removable Tassel

One Shoulder Dress (Small) | Slide Sandals | Woven Handled Bag | Headband | Sunglasses | Earrings | All-Weather Bangles

Tiered Maxi Dress (Small) | Rainbow Straw Hat | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles

Bikini Top (Small) | Colorblock Midi Skirt (XS) | Flip Flops | Rainbow Straw Hat | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles | Woven Tote Bag

Bikini Top (Small) | Colorblock Midi Skirt (XS) | Rainbow Straw Hat | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles

Tiered Maxi Dress (Small) | Rainbow Straw Hat | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles

Floral Strapless Dress | Slide Sandals | Woven Handled Bag | All-Weather Bangles

Bikini Top (Small) | Colorblock Midi Skirt (XS) | Flip Flops | Rainbow Straw Hat | Sunglasses | All-Weather Bangles | Woven Tote Bag

Swim Cover-up | All-Weather Bangles

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.

Scallop Swimsuit (Small) | Kimono | Straw Hat | Sunglasses

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!

Colorblock Swimsuit (Size 6) | Mini Skirt (Small) | Flip Flops | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | Necklace | All-Weather Bangles

Lounge Set (Small)

Swimsuit (Size 4) | Palazzo Pants (XS) | Flip Flops | Straw Hat | Sunglasses | Woven Tote Bag | 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!

Sugarplum Travel Tip: The hotel delivers complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, and pastries to the room every morning, so we’d start our day with the morning snack… then make our way to a big breakfast around 11-ish. That usually held us over until dinner, which meant we only paid for one meal per day! 

All too soon it was time to head home… in my go-to travel uniform, of course!

Striped Crewneck (Medium) | Performance Joggers (Small) | Rothy’s Sneakers | Necklace | All-Weather Bangles | Rolling Suitcase | Carry-On Duffle Bag

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! We loved every moment here, but I’m still counting down the days until the Belmond Maroma Resort reopens! Happy weekend, lovebugs!

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