I love Mexico. I think it is easily one of the most underrated countries in the world. When I lived in San Diego, I purposely chose my apartment because of its proximity to the border. Whenever I had a long weekend, I immediately headed south. I would roll down the windows with Shakira blasting and drive along the curves of the Baja California peninsula waiting for a certain feeling in my stomach to appear letting me know that I had arrived at the place I would be calling home for a couple of days.
Thus, when a fellow travel photojournalist Kirsten won a trip to Playa del Carmen that coincided with her 30th Birthday and asked if I would like to join her, I said “si” without a moment of hesitation. I already knew it was going to be a fabulous trip, but when it started off by 1) getting bumped up to first class and 2) with the flight attendant insisting that my latte be spiked, well then I knew for certain.
We stayed at the luxurious Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa, & Nature Park (HTR). It was my first time ever experiencing an all-inclusive resort. I was a bit overwhelmed during our first meal when I realized I could have whatever my stomach desired. My goal was to try a bite of everything over the next couple of days.
Nowhere does my soul become more alive than when I am near an ocean, so my mission was to explore HTR’s as soon as possible. We decided to save their public beach for another day and to spend the last remaining hours of sun on their secluded beach, which was tucked away in a mangrove forest.
Of course, one must always take advantage when traveling with a professional photographer. It was time for my first photo shoot of the trip!
After my foray into modeling, I needed a siesta and the nearby hammocks were the perfect place for my respite.
Kirsten and I captured one more photo of us together, before heading to the jacuzzi to watch the sunset.
The sunset was nothing less than spectacular! I was delighted that not only was I able to celebrate Kirsten’s extra-special Birthday with her, but that our first day in Paradise was perfect.
I am prejudiced against all-inclusives because I have the stereotype of them being full of obnoxious tourists and bad food and being totally isolated from any real culture, but this one I think I could do. The food looks amazing – and from what you’ve said it was – and that beach is just gorgeous. You and Kirsten don’t like half bad either 🙂
I was prejudiced as well and that’s why I never did it, but after this experience I will try it again in the future. It was SO nice never having to worry about having my cc or cash with me. The only thing is that you feel obligated to always stay and eat on the property, which wasn’t a bad thing at the end of the day because the food was delish. Thanks for your sweet words lovely one!!!
Aww girls trip out! I didn’t know this was your 1st all-inclusive resort, seems like you enjoy it a lot. You look fabulous by the way.
Well, Kirsten takes fabulous pictures!!! 🙂 Yes, it was my 1st time and it was an interesting experience. Will definitely try it again in the future, though it’s bad news for my waist hahaha.
Loved the photos, loved the writing and loved my two favorite photographers / bloggers. I hope to see you again soon ladies!! Besos desde Mexico!!
Awww, Jorge I’m glad that you loved it all! There will be more to come for sure! And I hope that we get to see each other again soon as well. Te mando mil besos desde NC. 🙂
oo love it! Can’t wait for the rest of these posts! Mexico looks beautiful and I love the photos!
I can’t wait to post the rest of the photos, I have some good ones coming up!!! Mexico is gorgeous, no doubt about it.
I did an all inclusive in Playa del Carmen and it was fantastic as well. It was hilarious having the waiters come up to us at breakfast and offer tequila. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Haha, from the moment we woke up to the moment we went to sleep we were offered tequila. I think it’s more popular than water in Mexico!!!
Bumped up to first class, yeah, that’s a good start! I love hammocks they definitely would be calling to me in the afternoon!
Great start right!?! Nothing like arriving to your destination in style. And one day my home will have a hammock!
Too cute!
Haha thanks! 🙂
Loved it!
Oh yay!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this series! i’m a big fan of Mexico since I lived there for a year … 🙂 You are SO right about it being underrated.The beaches are incredible and the language and culture is AMAZING… I loved the Mayan Riviera when I went. My only regret is not exploring more of the western/Pacific coast of the country… Apparently places like Huatulco and Puerto Escondido are picture perfect! Next time… 😉
Oh yay, glad you’re loving the first post! Can’t wait to share the rest of them. I think it’s so fantastic that you lived in Mexico for a year! I would move there in a heartbeat if given the opportunity. I agree about the beaches, language, and culture being AMAZING!!! There is ALWAYS next time…
Mexico is a fun place to be
Definitely a fun place to be!!!
two of my fave traveling gals on an awesome trip! looks like it was so much fun and of course with you two, the photos are going to be fab- especially when you’re in them! shakira is the icing on the cake! 🙂
I SO wish you could have been with us on the trip Lorna!!!!
Mad ditto!
Awww a big THANK YOU for all of your super de super sweet words. Much love and Shakira rocks!!!!!!!!
So agree that Mexico the most underrated. I am always so surprised people are afraid of the place.
I also place it in my top 3 food countries along with Vietnam and Italy – sorry France but you’re still top 10.
If this series changes just 1 person’s opinion about Mexico I will be the happiest woman alive! I HATE the misconceptions regarding this spectacular country. I’m glad though that there are others out there, like yourself, who are trying to change them! I agree the food in Mexico is out of this world amazing!
This just makes me want to go back NOW!!!!! Going to be hard to sit through this series and not have even worse wanderlust 😉 Thank you for coming with me to celebrate my big birthday bonita!!!!!!!
It’s hard writing it girl!!! I want to be laying in “our cabana” with our super delish drinks from our friend Chef Oscar! Glad you enjoyed the 1st post, more to come soon!!! TQM
P.S. OF COURSE you chose my FAVORTE Shakira song for the song of the post 🙂
Claro que si mamita!!! ♥
GREAT photos Andi!!!!
Thanks lovely!!!
Love Mexico too! Reading your post made me want to go back. I have never been to an all-inclusive resort but have to admit it is intriguing. Might be nice to be pampered for a few days. Looking forward to more tales of Mexico.
I’m so happy to hear that you love Mexico too! I would totally give an all-inclusive a try. It’s not something I will start doing ALL of the time, but will probably do from time to time. I really enjoyed it!!!
Sounds like the perfect first day! We are heading off to a Mexican All-inclusive next month and can’t wait. I’m worrying about gaining tons of weight trying all the food!!!
OMG, you just have to work out extra hard before you go. I easily gained 5 pounds from all of the food and alcohol, but it was TOTALLY worth every calorie!!! Have fun!
I’ve been waiting for this series! The food looks so yum and I love the spiked Starbucks, haha =)
Yay, I’m glad you were excited to see the new series!!! The food AND latte were super yum 🙂
I’ve never been on an all inclusive trip, but it seems like a great way to spoil yourself on a birthday trip.
Those desserts look delicious!
It is the ultimate in spoiling oneself! I would do it again on a special occasion for sure!!!
I mean how much better could a trip start, 1st classes and spiked starbucks! From the photos you two are going to have a great time. Hope the rest of the days go as well as the start.
Awww thanks so much for your super awesome comment! It was seriously the PERFECT start to the trip!!!
I’ve been waiting for you to post about this trip! It looks SO beautiful and so serene at that beach. Wow, that last photo is gorgeous.
Yay, I love how excited people are about this series!!! It was such a beautiful place for sure. And yeah that last photo definitely gives me tropical wanderlust! TQM
Nice picture of the great blue heron. Sorry though big bird, the next four photos are much more beautiful.
Hahaha you are SUCH a flatterer I loooooove it!!!
GREAT REVIEW! I pretty much adore everything you do!!!
Awww thank you I’m so touched!
Fabulous!
THANKS!!!
Mexico looks great More than mexico u two lookin great hehehe .. it made me to add mexico in my wish list !!! thx for this post !
Haha, what a sweet compliment, thank you!!! 🙂 You’ll LOVE Mexico!
Oh, darling, I’ve been so behind on al the posts in my Google Reader but was thrilled when I saw that you were writing about yours and Kirsten’s trip to the country I’m moving over to in November!
Especially in the exact place (Playa del Carmen) where I’m hoping to study to become an English teacher. 😀
I’m loving the photos. You both look simply gorgeous.
Oh how freaking exciting that you’re moving to Mexico!!! What an awesome change that is about to happen for you. Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you and I have a lot of friends in that area that I can put you in touch with. Glad you enjoyed the photos! Much love!!!