Christmas...

So, back in October we decided it would be a good idea to skip Christmas this year, all the shopping and commercial hubub was more than any of us wanted this year.  So we decided we would go to Mexico instead.  So on Christmas Eve morning at 9am we left DFW for Mexico, trying desparately to outrun the snow, luckily we made it safely with no delays and were eating lunch and drinking pina coladas by the beach by 1pm. 

I've always loved Christmas so I have been very surprised this year by how wonderful it is to just enjoy the company of loved ones, and skip the stress and hassles of shopping in the Christmas chaos, and traveling all over for 3 or 4 family Christmases.  This was possibly the best Christmas I've ever had! 

We went to Playa del Carmen Mexico, a mere 30 minutes south of Cancun.  We stayed at Secrets Capri Riviera Maya an all-inclusive adults only resort, and would highly reccomend it to others.  We spent most of our time laying on the beach reading, doing water aerobics, swimming, playing volleyball, and walking down the beach.  We had perfect weather, it was hot (80's) when the sun was out and a nice reprieve when it ventured behind a cloud, and cooled off considerably (high 60's-70's) when the sun went down in the evenings.  The goal for me was to have a relaxing holiday, and it was very relaxing.  We also spent a lot of time eating and drinking, part of the glory of an all-inclusive resort.  I particularly enjoyed the dinner and show of the hibachi restaurant, and the dessert options at the Italian restaurant (I ordered two Ice Cream stuffed profiterols with caramel and chocolate drizzle and chocolate canneloni stuffed with strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla mousse mmmmm....). 

Resort Review for TripAdvisor
Great rooms: spacious, with nice balconies, had a single size jetted tub. 
Restaurants/Food: Better than any other all inclusive I have visited, no dinner buffets except for special occasions, 4 sit down dinner restaurants (hibachi/Pan-Asian, Italian, Seafood, Steakhouse), beautifully decorated restaurants with a romantic ambiance
Drinks: Great, good service, fabulous Pina Coladas...good house wines
Staff: There staff were friendly and helpful without being overbearing, and willing to assist you as needed
Activities: Good schedule of activities during the day including water aerobics, volleyball (beach and pool), kayaking, aerobic beach walks, rifle shooting, archery, Bocce, and hobie sailers.  In the evening, more relaxed come and go activities rather than the nightly "big show" I think about with all-inclusive resorts, activites varied from karaoke, live music, football watching parties, casino night, magic show, etc.  Good, but sometimes felt as though there wasn't one thing to occupy the entire evening
Beach: Beautiful fine white sand, there were some stumps in the edge of the water that should be removed, the water is not as clear at the edge the waves disturb the sand, but it is the beautiful turquoise/royal blue you think of when you think of the Carribean once you travel a few feet out and looking at it from afar.
Only Complaints: Stumps on beach, Bad Sushi, Bath tub only for one, and Hot tub wasn't very hot at night

I just asked Richard if he had anything to say about our vacation he said, "I loved spending time with my wife"...what a good husband I have!