I initially wrote this blog in March of 2020, right after we returned home from our fourth visit to the Banyan Tree Mayakoba. It was during this same time that the world began the COVID-19 shutdown and quarantine. I decided not to post my blog because it did not feel like the best time to talk about vacations. Today, June 24, 2020, there is still a lot of uncertainty in the world, and not many people are traveling. However, I felt that sharing my story and a few of my photos may inspire you to reminisce about vacations you have taken in the past and begin dreaming of where you want to go next in the world.
For the past four years, we have traveled during the winter to vacation in Mexico for a week. I adore getting out of the cold weather and going to a warm sunny destination. It is healing to my entire body, mind, and soul.
We love to go to a place outside of Playa Del Carmen called the Banyan Tree Mayakoba. It is a fantastic resort that feels like you are spending your vacation at a spa. It is beautiful, quiet, has extraordinary service, and fabulous food. In the Mayakoba area, there are three other resorts, and it is so fun to ride the beach cruiser bikes. We ride down to the beach, around the Banyan Tree resort, and through the rainforest path to other resorts enjoying their restaurants and bars.
The rooms are private villas with a swimming pool, outdoor grassy lounging area, and a large open-air bathtub. The villa is lined with windows and sliding glass doors to enjoy the indoors and outdoors all at once.
There are many activities to enjoy, such as paddle boarding, sailing on the catamaran, kayaking, and long walks on the sprawling beach. There are two large community pools and swim-up bars to enjoy, as well as a beach club where the food and drinks can be brought right to your lounge chair in the sand.
Since we enjoy wine and cooking, we have taken a wine tasting class and had the opportunity to sip and learn about terrific Mexican wines. Last year we took a Thai cooking class that was fabulous, and this year we took a Mexican cooking class. It was so much fun and absolutely delicious.
Traveling is always so much fun. We enjoy seeing new sights, experiencing new flavors, and learning about new cultures. We have a long list of places we want to visit. However, the Bayan Tree seems to keep calling us back each year, much like a sea turtle returning to its birthplace. The Banyan Tree feels like a home away from home, and that is such a special feeling. If you too love to travel, I hope you find a place that speaks to your heart as much as the Banyan Tree speaks to ours.
I am in no way sponsored by the Banyan Tree to write this blog. I share this information with you only because it brings me so much pleasure.
