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. 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 trip last week to one of our favorite escapes… the Belmond Maroma Resort! We discovered this gem a few years ago (see my posts here, here & here), and Mr. SP and I literally count down the days all year until we return again. It’s become our time to unplug, reconnect, and reflect on the previous year. Basically like marriage boot camp… with guacamole!
From the moment we enter the palm-lined drive, I feel my entire body relax and exhale. They greet you with a margarita, and within minutes I’m in a swimsuit with my toes in the sand. Between the incredibly friendly staff, peaceful jungle-meets-beach setting, morning hot chocolate delivery, and huge breakfast (all included in the room rate!), I savor every second I’m here.
Granted it’s a splurge, but we watch for sales, travel during slower season, and take advantage of all the added amenities. (I shared ways we save while we’re here in this post.) As returning guests, we lucked out with a beach view upgrade this visit, and I think we spent as much time sitting on our patio as we did the beach!
With only 63 rooms spread over 300 acres, we always feel like we have the place to ourselves. And not only is the service outstanding, and you feel pampered the entire time, but there’s not an ounce of pretension or stuffiness! It’s super nice, but still super easy-going. As evidenced by my casual wardrobe of swimsuits and sundresses.
Here’s a peek at our week, 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, and you’ll see how I repeated key pieces. And bonus, much of it is on sale!
Striped Cover-Up Dress (XS) | Hat | All-Weather Bangles (Use code HiSugarplum to save 15%!) | Necklace
Ruffle High-Waist Swimsuit (small) | Bag | Tassel Charm ($10!) | Hat | All-Weather Bangles (Use code HiSugarplum to save 15%!)
Ruffle Neck Dress (XS) | Rattan Circle Bag (on sale!) | Sandals | Sunglasses ($11!) | Hoop Earrings | All-Weather Bangles (Use code HiSugarplum to save 15%!)
One-Shoulder One-Piece (4) (also here) | All-Weather Bangles (Use code HiSugarplum to save 15%!)
Ruffle Neck Romper (XS) | Bag | Sandals | Sunglasses ($11!) | Hoop Earrings | All-Weather Bangles (Use code HiSugarplum to save 15%!)
I’m not even sure who I was this vacation, but I started every morning with their yoga class (I mean, how can you deny this serene space?!), followed by a workout in their incredible fitness room!! Apparently I also work out in just a sports bra on vacation, too!? I loved this set… feels just like Lulu, but for a fraction of the price!
Tank (S) | Sports Bra (S) | Leggings (XS) (under $25!)
Sports Bra (S) | Leggings (XS) (under $25!) | Sneakers (size down half)
Leopard Swimsuit (4) | Beachy Pants (XS) | Necklace | All-Weather Bangles (Use code HiSugarplum to save 15%!) | Knot Ring | Sunglasses ($11!)| Hoop Earrings
This was my first time bringing just a Kindle to the beach, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to read!! No matter the light, or water splashes, it was perfect every time! And weighs next to nothing, so it was easy to pack and carry. I read ‘A Dressmaker’s Gift‘ and loved it!
When we weren’t reading by the beach or pools, you could find us enjoying the Kinan Spa (sauna, steam room and cold-dip pool are open for guests) or exploring the more than 300 acres of the jungly beach resort.
Striped Knit Dress (XS) | Hat | Color Tile Bracelets (‘SUGARPLUM40’ saves you 40%!) | Sunglasses ($11!) | Necklace | Hoop Earrings
Ruffle High-Waist Swimsuit (S)| Bag | Tassel Charm ($10!) | Hat | All-Weather Bangles (Use code HiSugarplum to save 15%!)
Several times a day, hotel staff walk the property handing out free snacks and refreshments while you lounge by the pool or beach. And guacamole time was usually around 4 every afternoon for us. It’s truly heaven!!
One-Piece Ruffle Swimsuit (6, runs short) (25% off!) | Leopard Skirt (S) | Bag | Tassel Charm | Hat | All-Weather Bangles (Use code HiSugarplum to save 15%!) | Sandals
Cover-Up Tunic (buttons closed, too) | French Tie Swim Top (S) | Swim Bottom (S) | Hat | Necklace | Color Tile Bracelets (‘SUGARPLUM40’ saves you 40%!)
One-Shoulder One-Piece (4) (also here) | All-Weather Bangles (Use code HiSugarplum to save 15%!) | Jean Shorts (26) | Hat | Sunglasses ($11!)
Every morning starts with coffee and hot chocolate delivered to your door, followed by a huge, multi-course breakfast served beachside.
We had a beautiful room with an incredible oceanview. The garden view rooms are so tranquil, too.
What to Pack for a Beach Trip
- T-shirts & festive tops
- Shorts or cut-offs
- Sundresses/Rompers
- Swimsuits (the more the merrier!)
- Swim cover-up
- Large hat & sunglasses
- Flip-flops & flat sandals
- Pajamas
- Beach tote bag
French Tie Swim Top | Swim Bottoms | Color Tile Bracelets (‘SUGARPLUM40’ saves you 40%!) | Hat
Then it was time to take our Buenos Dias back home…until next time my beloved Belmond Maroma Resort
Buenos Dias Tee | Jeans | Sneakers (size down whole size) | Roller Bag | Carry-On Bag | All-Weather Bangles (Use code HiSugarplum to save 15%!)
I shared our stay on my Instagram Stories (see the fun HERE), and had such an overwhelming response from y’all that the lovely people at the Belmond Maroma Resort are offering a free special dining experience for all your reservations! (On top of all the other included amenities!)
Simply email reservations, and mention you found them on Hi Sugarplum for the dinner to be added to your stay!
Do you have a place that’s special to you? I’d love to hear, and maybe add it to our bucket list! Obviously I’m passionate about this property, so feel free to leave any questions in the comments! Happy weekend, lovebugs!
[GREAT WEEKEND SALES]
American Eagle // Buy One, Get One 50% off all jeans and joggers, plus save $20 on all order $80+ with code AWWYEAH
Backcountry // Up to 50% off site-wide for the Semi Annual Sale
Banana Republic // Up to 40% off select styles, plus an extra 50% off sale styles
Colleen Rothschild // Get the Tahitian Luxury bundle trio for only $79
DSW // $10, $20, or $60 off your purchase with code LEVELUP
J.Crew // Up to 50% off sale styles & 40% off wear-now styles
J.Crew Factory // 50% off office-ready styles, up to 50% off everything else, plus an extra 40% off clearance
LOFT // 40% off your purchase with code LOFTIMIST
Macy’s // 20% off select departments
Nordstrom // Up to 40% off during Winter Sale
Old Navy // 30% off everything including clearance
Pottery Barn // Up to 30% off Kitchen and Dining
Great chance to wear all your cute Gibson resort wear! Wouldn’t that be a fabulous place to shoot your next line? If only the logistics could work out…
You’re lucky your daughter plays in an inside sport. Soccer moms aren’t so lucky. It can get cold and rainy outside. Still, we have to support our young athletes.
So true!! I’ve thought that many times…thank goodness we’re inside!! My son played soccer, so I remember those cold early mornings well! And yes, loved wearing my Resort pieces here! Id love to shoot a collection here, too….maybe someday!
Didn’t you complain a get an upgraded room? I remember you saying sorry not sorry. Heehee love that you like “go there”. Some see it as bratty I see it like you do well deserved. Lol on all your stories for getting the yucky middle seat. You go Sugatplums. WORK IT and SHOW IT IFF.
We didn’t complain, we asked to move to a room on the other side of the resort because we like it over there better! We had to upgrade a little bit because only one room was available in the desired location! xo, Cassie
Wwow! What a post. We can feel the warmth, Cassie!
I wish we had brought the warmth home with us… it’s been cold in North Texas this week! xo, Cassie
Hi Cassie!
How do you pack your hats so they don’t get crushed in your suitcase?
Hi! I actually wrote a dedicated blog post for this question! It’s right here: https://hisugarplum.com/?s=pack+a+hat
xo, Cassie
When would be considered off season or when would the best time be to travel, price wise?? We have little ones with us, so we need to make it worth while!
Busy season is spring break and the summer months for sure! February is a little less crowded because kids are in school, so that’s considered off-season. Hope that helps! xo, Cassie
That does help, thank you!!
Great post! Thanks so much for the link! ❤️
This resort looks fabulous! Thank you for sharing, you always have great content that is relevant and attainable. I so appreciate the time you spend working on all of it. By the way, I love the striped knit dress from your new collection, had to get it in two colors it was so good. This might be a weird question, but was the bathroom in the room private? I have stayed at two different resorts now and the toilet area had a glass door that was very open to the room and of course the pictures never show that part. Also, did you have any problems with seaweed on the beach area?
Hi Angela!! Thanks so much for the kind words, and I’m thrilled you love the dress!! Of the three rooms we’ve stayed at this resort, all of them had private water closets! In one it was just a thatched door, but a door none the less! 😉 xo. C
Great pics! You look fantastic! Thanks for all you do!
We are headed to a resort very close to yours next week, the Dreams Playa Mujeres. I’m super excited and mostly packed already!
Have you ever taken an excursion to Chichen Itza? In past visits we have snorkeled in the bay and in a cenote, visited Tulum and Coba but we haven’t ventured further. I know it will be a long, bumpy ride in a van, but I think it would be worth it.
We saw that place…looks so nice!!! We’ve been going to Mexico for years and have explored quite a bit, but not that area yet! But if you love excursions and exploring, I can’t imagine you won’t like it! We stayed at the resort and really relaxed this time! Have a blast!
Hi! Love this post. I’m traveling in April and need a beach bag, how is the quality of this one? It’s so cute and looks like a good size. Thanks!
Hi Marie! I’ve only been able to use it on this one trip, but it held up great! Was the perfect easy beach bag to ‘throw in and go’! xo, Cassie
I finally bought a color crush bracelet after seeing them in so many of your posts! Thanks for the promo code!
Woo hoo, I hope you love them!! xo, Cassie
I love the T-shirt, is it as short as the Nordstrom pic shows? Buenas Dias!
It’s a little more cropped than basic tees, but I’m wearing it with mid-rise jeans and was still able to give it a little half-tuck!
Love all your posts!! We are going to Mexico in April so I was excited to see this one!! Do you still have a code for the Summersalt suit? Thanks!