beltwayandbeyondChristmas tree taken down? Check. Holiday music off the radio? Check. Coldest day of the year? Check. Nothing left to do but head to Canun, Mexico! Just like cutting our own Christmas tree, escaping to Cancun in mid-January has become an annual tradition. We trade in our parkas and boots for sunscreen and flip flops as we head to our favorite adult-only, all-inclusive resort: Live Aqua. See what it is about Live Aqua that makes the stress of the holidays melt away and why this is how we ease into each new year.
We book the first flight of the day...because by now we can practically taste the margaritas. Three hours later, it’s 80 degrees and you can smell the ocean. It’s a (welcome) shock to the system to replace the grey DC skies with the brilliant blues and aquas of the ocean. Prepare yourself.
Entering the resort is like opening your front door after a long day at work. That is, assuming your house is filled with aromatherapy and soothing music and you are greeted with cool moist towels, a drink, and a hand massage. This tranquility and service is a glimpse into your stay.
Cheers! Our vacation officially begins when we’re sitting at the AKA bar with champagne and margarita in hand. Boasting five bars stocked with beer, wine, and liquor, there’s something for everyone. Order your favorite adult beverage in a trendy lounge, on a swing by the ocean, on a stool in the pool, or from your own private cabana.
Just like the bars, there are a number of pools on the property, each with its own personality. Swim laps in the lap pool, overlook the ocean from the infinity pool, relax in the hot tub, people watch in the swim-up bar pool, or sip your pina colada in one of the smaller pools. Pools not your thing? No problem, there is plenty of lounging and swimming to be had on the beach!
If you’re anything like Greta, vacation is a time to catch up on reading. With a stack of books, magazines, and SPF-75 in hand, the first thing we do every morning is book our private cabana for the day. Cabanas are the perfect home base for your day of reading, lounging, swimming, and indulging. And bonus, each cabana comes with a foot massage!
The resident macaws, Goya and Tita, will quickly become a highlight of your day. They proudly display their rainbow of colors, patiently posing (and squawking) for selfies. And under the careful watch of their handler, they can be seen soaring above the resort a few times a day.
The food at the resort rivals many of the high-end restaurants in DC. Fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, and seafood are used to create innovative, delicious meals at all seven of Live Aqua’s restaurants. Despite using well over 200lbs of avocados per day, each dish appears (and tastes) as though it was carefully prepared by your own private chef. Paired with a glass of wine or cocktail and the breathtaking views, every meal is our favorite.
Romance is in the air at Live Aqua...and we’re not just talking about rose petals on the bed. The zen-like atmosphere allows us to unwind and reconnect. In fact, we got engaged here on our first trip! We’ve also come here with groups of friends, finding it to be a great way to relax and reconnect with friends as well.
Goya and Tita are not the only creatures milling around the resort! Iguanas can be found wandering around--especially when the afternoon crepe cart is wheeled out--and have even been known to take a quick dip in the hot tub. Most of the time, though, they’re lounging in the sun or by the water...just like everyone else.
One of our favorite things to do is catch a sunrise or two. The vibrant colors, cool breeze, and stillness of the morning is an experience that is hard to beat. You can take in an unforgettable sunrise from the privacy of your balcony or a stroll on the beach.
Take a closer look...it’s rice! Rice art is a fun and unique tradition at Live Aqua, epitomizing the resort’s attention to detail and appreciation of its guests. The talented staff at the resort are second to none, greeting guests with smiles (and often by name) and surprising them with special treats (like intricate, personalized messages in rice art!).
