Ringing in the New Year: Mexico Style
You know what’s really hard? Playing magic makers, hosts, parents, gift wrappers, chefs, cleaners, mixologists, and Santa for Christmas, all to leave for vacation the day after. But you know what’s harder? Taking care and creating core memories with toddlers in the midst of the coldest winter in years with not much access to the outdoors, for an entire week between Christmas and New Years. So, if you have the means and desire to travel with kids, you’ve got this! And you’ve come to the right place.
Over the holiday break, we had the amazing opportunity of heading to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with family and it did not disappoint. It was the first time we took the kids away for 7+ full days and night, and it was so nice. We stayed at the Deluxxe Grand Mayan Vidanta in Puerto Vallarta. Despite it being a massive resort, which is typically a turn off for us, especially when traveling with small children/toddlers, it was exceptional. Typically, large resorts like that have a challenge create an exceptional experience across their resorts, restaurants, pools, grounds and entertainment, but we were so thoroughly impressed given the size of the resort and will be back.
We were very fortunate to be able to replicate a living situation at home, with a full two-bedroom, three-bathroom suite equipped with a full kitchen, living room and balcony which made replicating a week of living, as if we were home, easy. While it’s not typical we have set ups like that on most trips, it did make things more enjoyable, especially during naps and post-bedtime adult time, the best part was that the kids thoroughly enjoyed sleeping in the same bedroom together. Core memories unlocked!
Here are a few tips that made this trip a bit easier and enjoyable for our family:
· The kids and family areas at certain pools are not typically the locations we love to hang out as a family for the day, to most people’s surprise – each morning, we would send a family member to snag spots at the quietest adult pool – yes, say that out loud and think we’re crazy – but honestly, it had the warmest water, gorgeous views of the ocean and mountains, shallow sections for the kids to play, swim up bars for the adults, and just generally better people that did entirely suck 😉 IYKYK
· Always plan out your day and factor in the walk time when planning for toddler meltdowns when hangry or nap time is approaching, you will thank us later
· Always make dinner reservations early and in advance, even if you had to cancel or maneuver your plans – especially when traveling during a holiday week this is a MUST at resorts – and don’t let them tell you otherwise if they won’t let you book resy’s before you check in
· Don’t hesitate to check with the resort or hotel if they have any portable cribs – it cuts down on having to travel with your travel crib (or buy one!)
· Pack new toys, crafts and stickers for the last few days/day of the trip as after many dinners out the kids get sick of playing with the same things; I pack flat at the bottom of my suitcase and it works like a charm every time
· Make the stressful moments fun (easier said than done, we get it!) – let them ride your suitcase in the airport, it acts as a fun ride and a much more efficient and less strenuous way to cart your kids all over the place without losing too much time, let them be in control of the snacks or food they want, let them press the elevator buttons and say “open sesame” just as it’s about to open and don’t think twice about the guaranteed meltdowns that will happen in public
· Be patient, there is nothing that coffee or prosecco can’t solve!
Here are a few products that make traveling with toddlers a bit easier:
· Inflatable bed bumpers – 1st trip we didn’t travel with a travel crib
· Inflatable car seats – note, it worked great for our 3 year old, was a bit too big for our 2 year old, but it worked for Mexico
· Toddler soft headphones/headband
And most importantly, here’s a quick review of the restaurants we tried at Vidanta. Cocktails are skippable, but wine lists are plentiful and worth it for the price. Ariba!
· La Cantina – simple, festive, fun, no frills – worth it!
· Quinto – gorgeous views, amazing atmosphere, stellar service, quality food, kid friendly even being fine dining
· Brezza – a must see – food and experience was spectacular – check out this bird glass our drink came in
· Burger Custom – ok food, great atmosphere, longer service and wait times for burgers?
· Gong – what you’d expect from an Asian restaurant in Mexico; food and experience was worth it but definitely not the best Asian food ever consumer
· Bistro Bleu – nice experience and views, overlooking the plaza Lake and ocean in the distance; food was delicious
· Puerto Manjar – gorgeous beach views, get there by 6:30 PM (we were there in January) for the sunset; food was delicious
· Eddie’s (off property in Nuevo Vallarta) – cheap, local, delicious, great service; a must try!
· Pool Bars – all of the food was better than expected; especially the shrimp tacos, ceviche (any kind), guacamole, steak tacos or quesadilla and beet salad
· Breakfast Buffet – eh, pass – it’s a time suck, overwhelming, overstimulating and food was ok at best
Happy New Year! You’ve got this.
