riviera maya: working vacation

The Barcelo Maya all-inclusive is a compound resort unlike any other. There are 5 Barcelo hotels on this 1 property, all ranging in price. 

We were fortunate to not only stay at the high end hotel called Barcelo Palace Deluxe, but we were given "Club Premium" access which includes private check in/out, top shelf drinks, an exclusive lounge, free wireless internet, personalized concierge services and free bottles of tequila and champagne in room. Best believe I brought the 30 proof tequila home with me! 

I must admit that although we had impeccable service and the Palace Deluxe was refined and elegant, Bryan and I preferred the "life and style" of the middle range hotel, Barcelo Colonial - It was alluring, vibrant, livable and full of action. We agree that we would always stay at the Palace Deluxe, but would make a point to spend time at Colonial on future stays.

There is definitely something for everyone at this property and all in all, the compound was just marvelous. Exactly what one would want when wanting to escape to paradise! 

Day 1

Group Dinner

Day 2

Suite Shoot

Presidential Suite Shoot

Shannon and I

Sunset Shoot

Group Dinner

Day 3

Playa Azul

Room Shoot

Group Dinner

Day 4

Adult Pool Shoot

Lobby Shoot

Will and Shannon with us - hurry up and wait was the name of the game... oh, and drink!

Bryan's 30th birthday dinner celebration!

Fantastic french onion soup

Apple Crepe and the most neat hand towels we'd ever seen!

Day 5

Bryan walking the beach

Wedding Shoot

Restaurant Shoot

BBC's are the best!

Group Dinner followed by Discotheque Shoot

                                   

Day 6

Suite Shoot

standard for the week - laptop, over stuffed bag and champagne

waitin' on a woman... story of his life!

Pool Shoot

Playing in the kids pool -- Yes, we got kicked out. Woops!

Our last Group Dinner which included the coolest sake bombs I'd ever seen, totally different than here in the states!

Individual Sapporo's served in an ice bucket? I like it!

Lobby Bar Drinks

With Walter, the talented photographer and our new friend

Last group picture :(

We truly had an unforgettable and delightful working vacation in the Maya. We were kept on our toes, busy and on a schedule the entire week. I feel as if I grew as a person throughout this short experience. Bryan and I were both pushed out of our comfort zones and forced to do things that were simple, yet challenging. I love feeling challenged and accomplished. And we had tons of fun along the way!

The resort website with our images won't go live for many months. Although I felt like a fool most of the week, I have faith in the talented producers and cameramen that the revamped website will be nothing but beautiful!