A few months ago my husband I were invited to a super chic destination wedding in Tulum, Mexico.
I knew that if I didn't go that my husband would still go and then Id be home missing out on all the fun. Except I wondered how I would manage this trip with my three children. Brycen is 7, Brinkley is 5 and the baby would only be just turing 7 months at the time of the wedding.
I knew I could make it work but it wasn't going to be easy. First I focused on what we'd ALL need for the trip and I started packing (yes, a month early).
I grabbed the suit cases from the storage locker and layed one out for the two older kids and one for the baby. *Id have to figure out where all my things would go later..
First I went through all the kids clothing from last summer and took out what I knew would still work for this summer. The baby would need an entire new summer wardrobe but I knew the other kids would have some things that would still fit.
Then I took note of what I would need to get.
I used sites like zuilly.com to get cost efficient but stylish baby and kids clothes. Luckily it was winter at the time and I was able to score some pretty good prices on off season clothes. (TIP: be aware of the ship dates as some things from this site take a while to get delivered and I wound up opening some packages well after the trip was over.. so disappointing)
Thinking about the day to day at the hotel it occurred to me that the baby spent a lot of time in his 4 Moms Momaroo. So I knew I needed to find something he could sit in or even nap in while we were away. I wound up bringing the vibrating chair that came with our Pack n' Play. It has a thin metal frame and thin nylon seat so I could easily pack it in the large suitcase and jam all the rest of the baby things around it.
Some other important travel items were:
Noise Maker - We all shared one room basically at the first hotel and it helped let the baby sleep while the other kids were still there playing or hanging in the room taking breaks from the beach
Disposable Baby Bottles - I didn't learn this until I was there slaving away at the hotel sink all day sanitizing the baby bottles. Its totally worth buying these bottles http://steribottle.com and then tossing them. It will help save time and avoid the baby from the possibility of the drinking any contaminated water. However, try them before you go to make sure your baby will take them ok.
All Toiletries - its not as easy as you'd think to get things while you are away. I figured I'd get some things like diapers and things if I needed them but it was quite difficult depending on how exotic of a place you are going.
Kids Dependable Snacks - (i.e. gold fish, cereal bars and things they normally snack on at home). Mexico had amazing food but the kids found it hard to snack on their unique items.
Carry On Bags - Each child (including the baby) had their own carry on bag. I packed some small toys and electronics as well as snacks in the big kids. The babies bag had plenty of formula and bottles and a couple of organic baby food pouches (Brent LOVES Gerber and Ella's Organics). As well as the ERGO carrier and some small toys and pacifiers.
--
After all the well thought out packing we set out on our excursion.
The trip was short and sweet since we live in NYC and Mexico is only about a 3.5-4 hour flight. We flew into the Cancun airport but the hotel was about another hour from the airport in gorgeous Tulum.
Esencia - hotelesencia.com
The hotel driver picked us up and I was so happy they had car seats all set for all the kids!
The trip went by fairly quick as the kids enjoyed looking at all the new seniority and the baby got a quick undisturbed nap.
Upon arriving, the hotel was serine and simple. It was gorgeous and exactly what we all needed.
Our villa wasn't huge. Its the largest of the one bedrooms but its a one bedroom. Its basically a large open space with a tv/lounge room that leads to the deck and then small staircase that leads up to the bed and bathroom. There was also a large bathroom in the main entry hall which was a great bonus since we have so many people who need to shower and get ready.
The baby slept in a crib that they provided. The staff was incrediblly helpful with getting the room prepared for the baby and the older kids.
They had the lounge area set up for sleeping for the two older children. They knew how many children we had and ages as they reached out to me via email when booking and communicated a lot with me prior to the trip to make sure our needs were met. And our needs were definitley met. They stocked the room with beach toys, baby supplies and even helped me get settled in.
The stay was amazing. The only issue I had was cleaning the baby bottles. I was so nervous the baby would drink the water and get a stomach bug so I used only bottled water. The hotel had a water boiler for me also which I used to make warm bottles but also to sanitize the bottles before use. I spent much of the trip cleaning bottles.
We spend most of this trip socializing with other wedding goers. The kids enjoyed the beach, the ease of life and the food.
My husband and I loved the small town of Tulum. This hotel is about 30 +min from the area we went out to dinner in. But its worth the trip. The food and nightlife are amazing. The restaurants are all outdoors with sting lights enchanting every corner of the fabulous beach side town.
We returned the following day with the kids to do a little sight seeing and shopping. We weren't disappointed. There was something for everyone. Although you could easily walk the entire lenght of the town in an hour.. the shops are interesting and the merchandise is high end. Even for a new yorkers taste. Don't expect to find the cheap Mexican trinkets here. Tulum is filled with expensive local artist work and specialty shops like Coquie Coquie an amazing perfumier on the beach that also sells high end clothing and accessories. I have heard you can also stay as there is a tiny resort attached. Sounds super exclusive!
Our stay at Esencia drew to a close but up next was the all amazing and glorious Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
I've mentioned Banyan Tree to some NY people and they've only had amazing reviews.
The initial take for me and the kids wasn't great since our villa (gigantic 3 bedrooms with pool villa) was far from the beach.
But we settled in and really enjoyed everything Banyan Tree has to offer... Its a different vibe from Esencia since its a huge resort and you get around the via a small trolly/golf cart. However, if you aren't traveling with kids or just happen to be alone for a few hours the hotel does provide two adult bikes that are parked outside your door for use at any time.
The food was great and there are numerous restaurants to choose from.
Don't try walking to the beach from the villa as I did and ran into the local monkey. I wasn't aware of these monkeys and though i was being attached by a raccoon (they look very similar.. or at least I thought so)!!
The Mayan dinner is a MUST. I have no idea how expensive it was but it was worth the splurge.
The children loved the theatrics and my husband and I really loved the food and drink tasting. *This is set up by appointment only.
