You guys, I need a vacation.
Yes, I’ve been traveling a fair amount for conferences/blogging/quick weekends, but I mean A Real Vacation. A No-Plans-Whatsoever, Doing-Absolutely-Nothing, Staring-Off-Into-Space Real Vacation on a beach in a remote location. I just want to be in the sun with nothing to do. (Yes, you could say that the 20+ inches of rain in OKC this May has kind of gotten to me.)
The last true family vacation that involved a plane and a faraway destination was Maui in 2012. Three years is not acceptable, people. Especially considering the past few years have been slightly unnerving. We all need some downtime in the Whoorl household, and I need suggestions for the most relaxing and tranquil spot ever.
Where is your favorite sunny spot for complete relaxation?
image credit: sara pizzagalli
Corrin
June 1, 2015 at 6:23 amTulum. But I fear it may be getting a little overexposed. My family has gone every Thanksgiving for the past several years and I look forward to it all year.
Courtney
June 1, 2015 at 12:15 pmWhere do you stay Corrin?! We have been wanting to plan a trip there and were debating where would be a good day to stay. I’d love any recommendations!!
Corrin
June 1, 2015 at 12:21 pmWe stay at Ana y Jose Charming Hotel in the Nube and Lluvia suites, which are right next to the pool and walk straight out to the beach.
The top left picture here http://corrinrenee.com/ta-ta-tulum/ is the view from the patio.
Courtney
June 1, 2015 at 12:34 pmOh I’ve heard great things about that place too Corrin so I’m happy to hear that! I wasn’t sure if it was kid-friendly or not. We have a 5 year old that we plan to bring along!
Corrin
June 1, 2015 at 2:46 pmDefinitely kid friendly. Lots of naked babies on that beach! :-)
whoorl
June 3, 2015 at 7:02 amTulum is definitely on our list!!
Susan
June 1, 2015 at 8:15 amUSVI or BVI — we absolutely loved our recent trip to St John (USVI)…totally relaxing, gorgeous, good food. pure bliss!
Melissa
June 1, 2015 at 8:29 amTurks and Caicos! So relaxing and beautiful.
whoorl
June 3, 2015 at 7:02 amWe’re considering an all-inclusive resort there!
Sarah
June 1, 2015 at 8:32 amPositano – it’s heaven!
whoorl
June 3, 2015 at 7:03 amI bet!
Jamie
June 1, 2015 at 8:48 amWe had an amazing time at The Blue Palace resort in Elounda on the island of Crete in Greece…kids might be bored so maybe save that one for an adult only trip? Also, I can’t recommend Fiji enough – fun stuff for kids but not too much and lots of beautiful beaches and friendly people. Also Aruba is amazing for relaxing beaches and family time. Not a bad flight and it’s so lovely- sun everyday!
Lisa
June 1, 2015 at 9:13 amSt. John in the USVI. Specifically, the Coral Bay area. It’s quiet and simple and there are endless beaches and kind people and hiking trails, and beauty everywhere… I just love it. Even the more populated Cruz Bay is gorgeous and friendly and fun. Rent a Jeep and drive or hike to any of the beaches, they’re practically empty and all amazing. You will instantly relax.
Jenny
June 1, 2015 at 11:35 amTulum! It is my favorite place on earth – amazing beaches, amazing food, so incredibly relaxing and beautiful. I’ve been going there for the past few years a couple times a year.
whoorl
June 4, 2015 at 9:25 amJenny – where do you stay?
Jenny
June 4, 2015 at 9:29 amMy good friend owns a place (which she rents!). It’s a great kid-friendly, 2 bed property – smack in between the beach and old town Tulum! I love the flexibility of having a kitchen and laundry :)
http://casamargay.com/
whoorl
June 4, 2015 at 9:35 amThank you!
Sarah
June 1, 2015 at 11:47 amNosara, Playa Guiones, or Playa Samara – all in Costa Rica.
There is fabulous yoga (particularly in Nosara), fun places to eat day and night (casual, kid-friendly but still adult-awesome!). I stayed at Hotel Giardino Tropicale in Nosara, near Playa Guiones. The Playa Samara Tree House Inn looks super cool – but we only saw it from the outside. Our plan is to stay there next.
The Nosara Yoga Institute is in Nosara, and there are trails through the woods so you can walk there from Guiones.
If you can, fly into Liberia Airport and rent a driver to take you to where ever you’re staying. If you drive, DEFINITELY get a 4 wheel drive. :)
Jen
June 1, 2015 at 12:31 pmI also vote for St. John’s. Or Barbados. (Check out The Crane in Barbados.)
Adrienne J
June 1, 2015 at 6:01 pmPuerto Rico (Culebra/Vieques)! Or anywhere near there. You can rent a house for a reasonable price on St. John too! A couple years back I went with my parents and sister for a week. So. Much. Relaxing. Hiking too if you’re interested!
Jen
June 2, 2015 at 1:43 pmI love Vieques! We have been there three times – twice just my husband and I, and the last time we rented a house with my parents and our two kids (2 & 6 at the time). check out Journey’s End house rental. amazing.
Amy J
June 2, 2015 at 2:01 pmPuerto Rico is my pick too.
Tessa
June 1, 2015 at 10:01 pmI second Barbados. The people there are wonderful. The weather, scenery, food, etc. is all amazing.
Christina
June 1, 2015 at 11:54 pmPuerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta. We stayed at an all inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta and it was fab.
Sarah
June 2, 2015 at 1:58 pmI know you did Maui but there’s another part of Maui that would soothe our soul and be amazing- Hana. Travaasa in Hana is amazing. I took these pics while there –
https://instagram.com/p/0g7k5By2uC/
https://instagram.com/p/0jT3mIS2hM/
Go check them out!
whoorl
June 4, 2015 at 9:25 amHoly gorgeous, Sarah!
Becky J.
June 2, 2015 at 2:52 pmPoipu, Kauai. Sun, sun, sun. Beach. Kid-friendly. Lots of delicious local food. Adventures like hikes and waterfalls and plenty of posh resorts if that’s more your thing.
Natalie
June 2, 2015 at 3:27 pmSamoa. It was beyond anything I could imagine. Not sure how you and the fam roll, but this would be a great pick for a laid back trip with lots of outdoor options AND the friendliest people ever. The Samoana Resort nailed it for us. Happy vacation hunting!