Rock Shic: Mexico

Mexico

10/02/2018

#867 Girls Getaway — Best Moments in Cabo 🦄🌴☀️

OMG — October is here already (4Q18)!!! Eeks. This year has officially flown by so quickly by it’s just insane.

I can absolutely attest to the fact that September was simply INSANE. Summer was nuts on its own merits and went by much too quickly (Summer Camp! Turning 5!! Shelter Island!!!), but September took things to a whole other level. Between my oldest munchkin leaving for New Zealand with dad, mummy going on her first business trip to Buffalo/Niagara (look out for my post on Niagara Falls!), then hosting a reunion at our new home with some of my college buds… PLUS a bachelorette party in Cabo… I am one MEGA exhausted mamma!

Oh, and did I mention – we also hosted Rockshicbaby his 5^th birthday party at the Intrepid Museum – which was EPIC (larger than my own wedding in fact, haha)… think 30 kids, yes, that’s right 30 kids – plus corresponding adults, I think we had about 70 adults total, NO JOKE.

These photos were taken in Cabo, which really was gorgeous and lovely… it was akin to Arizona (which mamma visited last year), with a beach… and that pretty much captures Cabo's landscape. The resort was gorgeous and we had loads of girl time/fun time/down time. I must say, there's something very endearing about hanging out solely with a group of Asian girls, where we can slip in and out of our own native language with such ease and fluidity, like it's no big deal and assimilation isn't this all encompassing worry that permeates our political environment at the moment. There is something to be said about living in a bubble, and I think that I do live in one, whether I like to admit or not.

Political musings aside... we’re actually heading to Tulum in November (and we were JUST in Cancun in June), but MEXICO – I DO LOVE YOU!!! Just can’t get enough.

Hope you enjoy these captivating Cabo photos!!! I know I certainly relished those magical moments... it was definitely one fabulous girls trip for the history books.

Related:

Retail Therapy in Tulum

A luxurious girls getaway at the Four Seasons Scottsdale -- Arizona

The Best of Ritz Carlton Cancun -- Summer Getaway

Posted on 10/02/2018 at 09:30 AM in Mexico | Permalink | Comments (0)

08/10/2018

#863 The Best of Ritz Carlton Cancun — Summer Getaway

Hello hello! It’s hard to believe that summer is nearly over (okay we still have a few weeks to go)... but that little man only has (gasp!) one more week of summer camp left!!!

So what this means... is that our little escapade to Cancun was literally seven weeks ago, and it is high-time that we talk all about that.

For starters, the location and resort was absolutely brilliant (yet another slam dunk by the Ritz Carlton and Ritz Kids), next — let’s talk about beach pool fun! It just got better and better from there. We did one night at the culinary center (adults only) where our little man went and hung out at the kids center with one-on-one attention from a well-appointed Ritz staff. When hubs went to pick him up later he didn’t want to leave! A true testament to the spell. Then there was pool-side ceramics ehrrr he might an awesome soccer ball ⚽️ — how very appropos for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Oh, and did I mention beach pool beach pool? The cabanas were excellent, the spa was off the chain, and those spicy tacos... dragons may not love spicy tacos but this Mamma sure does!!! Not to mention all of the flavors that comes with everything else at the Ritz. We’ve been long fans of Ritz Carltons all over (see posts here on Washington, San Francisco, and Naples), but this one truly takes the cake! We will definitely be back.

Little man really enjoyed himself too I have to say... what a way to kick-start his summer camp schedule! Oh, and don’t worry — those were virgin shots he had on the beach (and we drank them out of coconuts! 🌴🥥

TGIF everybody — thanks for visiting and more to come on our upcoming escapades to Shelter Island!!!!

Highlights from Mexico City

Mexican Riviera -- Adventures in the Jungle

Viceroy Riviera Maya -- Inspirational Escapes

Posted on 08/10/2018 at 08:48 PM in Luxe Lodgings, Mexico, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

09/16/2016

#749 Highlights from Mexico City

Happy Friday! I'm looking forward to a great weekend spent with family and friends (one of my besties is having her baby shower tomorrow and I am soooooo excited!!).

In the meantime, this comes much belated (two months in fact), but I wanted to share some recent highlights from a business trip to Mexico City. Though I've traveled several times to Mexico (first time in Zihuatanejo, and then more recently to the Riviera Maya and Tulum), this was the first one to Mexico City and it is absolutely a fantastic city!!! I must admit that I was a bit reluctant at first -- both due to the safety elements and also due to Zika. Thankfully, as it turned out, Mexico City is high altitude and thus excluded from the CDC's "warning zones" for the Zika virus. Moreover, when you're there you quickly realize that the weather feels more like San Francisco or Denver weather, not exactly bug-central (of course this did not stop this frenetic mamma from purchasing every mosquito repellent known to man and taking it with me on the plane.... To the extent that hubs asked me, without much irony, whether or not I was planning on going camping).

For the trip, I stayed mostly downtown in the historical district (in the same hotel where them filmed Bond!), largely because that was where duty called -- though luckily I did get the chance to explore a little on my very last day and sample some of the world-class haute cuisine that the city is known for. Believe me when I say that it did not disappoint!!

Can't wait to go back...

Enjoy!

Related:

Retail therapy in Tulum

Mexican Riviera - Adventures in the Jungle

Passport to Ixtapa

Mexico - Ready to Sail!

Yoga in the Caribbean

Viceroy Riviera Maya - Inspirational Escapes

Exploring ancient ruins, right smack in the middle of the city!

Posted on 09/16/2016 at 09:06 AM in Mexico, Travel Inspirations | Permalink | Comments (0)

04/24/2015

#663 Zamas – Sunset Dining in Tulum

All I have to say is… TGIF!!!

I haven't been able to update this site as frequently as I would liked, namely because I've been working hard on my start-up, City Baby Dining – formal announcement here!

In the meantime, even though it's not TBT (missed that boat yesterday), I wanted to share with you my recent photos from Tulum, Mexico, which continues to be a hot bed for the bohemian jet-set crowd. In fact, we just recently caught up with some friends at the Happiest Hour in the West Village, who had freshly returned from their Tulum getaway. Listening to tales of their vacay, it was hard not to feel fondness and nostalgia for our own Tulum memories.

My mamma-in-crime (aka travel companion to the Riviera Maya) was the one who had recommended Zamas, as she had been there before. The result was simply magic.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed our sunset, beach-side dinner and cocktails. We were both barefoot, with sand at our feet, ocean waves blowing in our hair, happily savoring delicious, freshly caught fish at our fingertips. (They were whole fish! Yours truly is a sucker for whole fish).

Since the restaurant is also located at a hotel, the nearby surroundings were absolutely stunning, which lent to a nice, post-dinner walk around the property. There were lots of selfies, laughter, and tons of wobbling about on large stones, as we prided ourselves for being such adventurous gals.

Sigh.... How I wish I could go back soon! Though we are counting down the days to our imminent trip to St. Lucia, so I guess I can't complain too much.

Happy Friday everyone! I hope to check in at least once more (hopefully with some big news), so please keep your eyes peeled.

Other Mexico Features include:

- Retail Therapy in Tulum

- Passport to Ixtapa

- Yoga in the Caribbean

- Ready to Sail

- Mexican Riviera – Adventures in the Jungle

- Take me back to the Beach

- Viceroy Riviera Maya – Inspirational Escapes

Posted on 04/24/2015 at 07:55 AM in Eat Drink Love, Mexico, Travel Inspirations, Tulum | Permalink | Comments (0)

03/16/2015

#647 Viceroy Riviera Maya – Inspirational Escapes

Hello Mexico! This was the view that welcomed us upon arrival at the Viceroy Riviera Maya

Of course, brought my favorite monogrammed luxe clutch from my previous outing for NY Fashion Week by Gigi (Kelly Green). After all, who doesn't love to travel with their personalized luggage-set?

The best hot sauce ever at the Viceroy Riviera Maya, I was positively obsessed #rockshiceats

As Spring finally emerges (huzzah!) in NYC, it’s time for Manhattanites to pick up their Condé Nast, surf Jetsetter (or Luxury Link for those of you so-inclined) and plan that perfect Spring escape. All of this makes me long for another getaway with my ladies, much like I did last Fall with my favorite mommy-in-crime.

We ditched our bubs and hubs and jetted far away to the Riviera Maya (not my first escapade there I must admit), and spent a long weekend relaxing in a jungle paradise overlooking the beach. The Viceroy Rivieia Maya has it all. Private lounge pool? Check. A lush, beautiful tropical setting? Setting. Individual, rustic-chic villas? Check. Best of all – a beautiful beach, set beside an equally outstanding pool (choices choices).

We had freshly caught seafood every day (yours truly is a fan of grouper tacos with spicy sauce, muy picante!), followed by lots of lounging in the sun, a day-trip/ shopping excursion to nearby Playa del Carmen and Tulum, an evening BBQ on the beach, and moonlight dances beneath stars. In a nutshell, it was a nice, relaxing, and lovely getaway. To the exaltation of both mommies, we woke up in a sea of calm and tranquility, away from screaming babies and weary husbands. Bliss.

Oh, and did I mention swimming in the clear blue waters during the day? Our in-villa private plunge pool was also quite nice (the staff will keep it at any temperature you wish, so you’re always warm and toasty! Not that the weather was chilly by any means).

Come to think of it, now I really, really want to return! Plus, who could turn down a nice hammock?

P.S. For the sportier, more adventurous types out there, there's always ziplining in the juggle!

Posted on 03/16/2015 at 07:32 PM in Luxe Lodgings, Mexico | Permalink | Comments (0)

11/29/2014

#598 Take me back to the Beach

Entering our suite at the <a href="http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/rivieramaya" target="_blank" data-mce-href="http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/rivieramaya">Viceroy Riviera Maya</a>

Beach-time relaxation at the Viceroy Riviera Maya, seriously the best!

Happy Saturday!

As we nearing the end of November, and as the weather becomes increasingly more frigid in NYC (our one excursion of the day being brunch at Monument Lane), I can’t help but sigh and reminisce over my recent trip to the Riviera Maya of Mexico at the beginning of this month – where we shacked up in our own private villa at the Viceroy Riviera Maya.

Sun, sand, sea – great friends, fantastic scenery, and extraordinary food, what could be better?

Next week hubs and I are flying down with the little guy to the Gulf coast of Florida, where we’ll reprise our annual refuge from the cold. The countdown has officially begun!!!

After all… who doesn’t love a beach?

Sunset/ Sea-side dining at nearby Tulum (Zamas) -- seriously the best! For more features on Tulum, see here.

Morning breakfast at the Viceroy Maya, lots of flavor and spice!

Posted on 11/29/2014 at 11:26 PM in Mexico | Permalink | Comments (0)

11/09/2014

#589 Retail Therapy in Tulum

Dress: Anthropologie | Lace Top: Urban Outfitters | Wedges: Calypso St. Barth (from my last trip to Montauk) | Bag: Calypso St. Barth, last featured here in Bermuda | Sunglasses: Dior

Well hello there and happy Sunday! Yours truly has been gallivanting again, back to the Mexican Riviera (see features from my last visit in August), and this time we took a side-trip to Tulum for some girl-time fun and colorful shopping tour. This was actually my first time in Tulum, though I’ve been hearing about it non-stop amongst peers and colleagues alike of how it’s *the* top destination for the international eco-set.

Verdict? Tulum does not disappoint.

We did a little bit of everything... from meandering on the beach, to bar-hopping on Tulum boulevard (Avenida Tulum), to climbing over the rocky coast to view a magnificent sunset. The town itself is every bit as organic-chic as i had envisioned it to be (and then some...). In a nutshell, think of Tulum as a mix of Williamsburg with some bohemian soul, add in super cute boutiques, powdery white beaches, and yoga center aplenty.

Below are some photos from the center of town (aka downtown pueblo), where we kicked off our Tulum jaunt, just south from the shore along Carreter 307 (note, pretty much the entirety of the Rivieria Maya centers around route 307) -- in addition to our time on the beach along the Boca Paila road. While the beach area is definitely more scenic, downtown Tulum does have some definite authentic charm and edge to it. Plus, it's where we found some pretty awesome local artisan espadrilles, making me an automatic fan!

Some additional notes: we passed by a super cute yogi/fashion boutique called Shalom Tulum, right across from Zamas (where we shared a delicious dinner overlooking the beguiling ocean). Alas we didn’t have time to stop and browse, but definitely wish we had!!!

... All the more reasons to return to Tulum, I say!

Posted on 11/09/2014 at 08:23 PM in Mexico, Shopping Guide, Tulum | Permalink | Comments (0)

11/04/2014

#588 Mexican Riviera – Adventures in the Jungle

Hanging (literally) in the jungles. I haven't gone ziplining since Costa Rica!!

Hola! It’s amazing to think that in just two more days, yours truly will be back in Mee-hee-co!!

We’ll be shacked up at the Viceroy Riviera Maya, and I truly can’t wait! Just the thought of lounging in the sun, cocktail in hand, plunge-pool at my feet, is enough to make me swoon and relax.

To commemorate this upcoming excursion, I’m sharing some photos from our recent ziplining and ATV experience in the jungles of the Riviera Maya, courtesy of Selvatica – recently listed by Travel and Leisure as one of the top great adventures in the world.

All I have to say is… can’t wait to be back!!

Posted on 11/04/2014 at 09:06 PM in Mexico, Riviera Maya Part I | Permalink | Comments (0)

08/10/2014

#559 Ready to Sail

Believe it or not, the last time we sailed together was on the Hudson River! See here.

Just before sunset this Friday – my girlfriend and I were meandering along the beach when we walked past the water sports activity center (you know, the type that every hotel boasts but inevitably gets under-utilized).

We quickly learned that the Rosewood Mayakoba had a myriad of choices for fun-seeking ocean-lovers (unsurprisingly), and in fact, they actually offered free sailing trips on their little in-house catamaran. Even better, the captain himself will show us how to sail it!!!

“Would you like to try it right now?” He asks. “The waves are in perfect condition.”

It didn’t take much persuasion for us to find ourselves strapping on our life jackets and lathering on an extra layer of sunscreen, and before you know it… we set sail.

Suffice to say, it was a blast – all the better that we got to take a tour of the Mayakoba beach from the other side. It’s funny how you learn the lay of the land from a different perspective. (FYI – this also happens to be excellent way to scope out the nearby resorts, in case you want to mix things up a little).

It felt both rejuvenating and liberating – as we sailed along the Caribbean coast with ease, like we were always meant to be there.

Sometimes the best experiences in life are the unplanned ones.

My girlfriend did most of the driving, while I just sat back and enjoyed the coastal view – and concentrated on not getting (too) wet.

Posted on 08/10/2014 at 09:59 PM in Mexico, Riviera Maya Part I | Permalink | Comments (0)

#558 Yoga in the Caribbean

Greetings from Mexico!

My darling friend and I have been shacked up at the Riviera Maya since Friday, relaxing and indulging in some beach-side adventures along the Caribbean coast – think sailing, ziplining, ATV jungle rides, and the like. The only thing we didn’t get to see were Mayan ruins, but that will have to wait until next time.

We’ve been based out of the Rosewood Mayakoba for the past few days, and I can’t tell you how much we’ve enjoyed the experience. Case in point, this was us just earlier in the morning. Imagine rolling straight from bed to beach… and practicing some slow flow vinyasa!!! Yoga in the gardens is nice and all, but the ocean breeze trumps all.

Namaste my lovelies, and enjoy the rest of your weekend! Xxx.