To say our recent trip to Mexico was a dream vacation would actually be an understatement. In fact, it one was one of the best vacations we’ve ever taken and I can’t wait to tell you every last detail.

Finest Playa Mujeres Entrance and Lobby

Last month our friends at Expedia.ca kindly sent my husband and I on an all-inclusive vacation to Cancun, Mexico that quickly turned into an unforgettable experience that we just can’t stop talking about.  With Cancun as our destination, we started browsing the vast selection of quality hotels and resorts on Expedia.ca and finally decided on the five star Finest Playa Mujeres by Excellence Group. We always like to find a good deal, so while searching Expedia.ca’s website on both my computer and iPhone, I actually discovered that we could book the resort on our mobile device for nearly 20% off the ticket price – and that’s exactly what we did! Also, since our vacation package did not include airport transfer, I booked our private return transportation from the Cancun airport (no shuttle buses for me) to the resort right on Expedia.ca a couple days before we left for a very reasonable price. Initially we thought we could just pick up a Taxi when we arrived, but boy am I am glad we decided against that. The airport was chaotic with people coming and going in every which way, but in the midst of all the craziness the transfer company had our name on their list and we were quickly whisked away to our private air-conditioned van that got us safely and comfortably to our destination. Highly recommend doing this!

As we pulled up to the gates of the Finest Playa Mujeres we were instantly blown away by how fresh, modern and attractive the entrance was. We were greeted the moment we stepped out of the car with refreshing towels and a glass of sparkling wine that instantly set the stage for all the memorable experiences to come.  Since the resort kindly upgraded us to Excellence Club (an exclusive Adults-Only club), we didn’t check-in at the main desk, but rather were privately escorted to the Excellence Club lounge where we were greeted again with drinks and informed all about everything that the resort has to offer and the special amenities reserved for Excellence Club guests only. Privileges included late check out (they let us stay in our room until 5pm the day we left), ungraded in-suite services (hello pillow menu), our own special concierge (could totally get used to that), and restaurants, lounge, pool bar and beach area all exclusive to adults-only. We were escorted to our Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suite with Plunge Pool that had us holding back our squeals of excitement until the bellman finished up the tour and left the unit. Seriously this was the most beautiful suite we’ve ever been in and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

Our Rooftop Excellence Club Suite

Dress: Zara (similar) l Bag: c/o Kayu Design l Shoes: Nordstrom l Bracelets: Bauble Bar l Necklace: c/o Julie Vos

The first floor of our unit consisted of a spacious bathroom complete with a huge walk-in rain shower, sleek double sinks, and perfect lighting (hugely important ladies)! It had a roomy walk-in closet with enough space for each of our wardrobes, and the coolest little cabinet by the front door which they called the X-box where we would leave all of our dirty room-service dishes and they would be taken away from an outside door without disturbing you while inside your room. The layout of the room was very open concept and the King-size bed took center stage in the plan. It also included a sofa and seating area, a long console for desk space, fully-stocked drink bar and snacks fridge, and my favorite part – the Nespresso machine which made the most delightful coffees to sip on while taking in the morning views. The main level also had a balcony which consisted of a day bed, full-size bean-bag lounger, chairs and table, and of course the indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi tub. While situated inside the unit, two sides of the tub were enclosed in glass so that you could see outside while in the tub, but it was fully concealed enough that no one outside could look in – genius!

Now onto the crème-de-la-crème of our Excellence Club Suite – the rooftop terrace! There was a set of marble steps inside the unit leading up to the roof and when we opened the door at the top, instantly we were blown away by the pristine property and ocean view, and of course the magnificent rooftop amenities that were all ours for the week. The daybed, sofa and seating area, outdoor shower, and plunge pool were more than we could have asked for. I mean, who doesn’t want a private pool for when the urge to take a late-night dip comes calling? The rooftop was so inviting that on many evenings we just chose to lounge in our private space instead of at any of the amazing bars and lounges around the property – just because it was so perfect. We also even managed to wake up early on a couple occasions and sat up on the rooftop to take in the gorgeous sunrise. Our room was truly the ideal space for us and we can’t help but wish we were back there right now.

Daily freshly-squeezed juices at The Market Kitchen

Bistro – Excellence Club Adults-Only Restaurant

The Sweet Corner Cafe > Dress: Old Navy l Bag: c/o Kayu Design l Shoes: Nordstrom l Necklace: c/o Mejuri

Golden Bar Lounge

Finest Playa Mujeres is an all-inclusive resort that really has it all. It’s situated on a beautiful white-sand beach, has 12 swimming pools, a full-service spa, contemporary furniture and art throughout the property, and a luxury feeling that encompasses every aspect of the resort. Pure white architecture as far as the eye could see was a welcome reprieve from the standard yellow and brown decor that you expect to see at an all-inclusive resort. While we stayed in the Excellence Club for adults-only, it’s actually a family friendly resort that offers all the same luxury amenities for the whole family. In fact, the elevated level of luxury and service available to families was so impressive that we are already planning when we can go back with the kids.

Sunglasses: ban.do l Dress: ASOS l Hat: c/o San Diego Hat Company l Bracelet: Bauble Bar l Sandals: TKees

Playa Mujeres Beach

Duke’s Lobster & Seafood Restaurant

When considering an all-inclusive resort, oftentimes the food is something you tend to expect to be disappointed by. But this was far from the case at Finest.  The resort has 11 restaurants (no reservations required), and at every sitting we were astounded at how wonderful the offering, level of service, and quality was – not to mention the exceptional ambiance, decor, and attention to detail that graced each restaurant. While all dining options were something to rave about, a few of our favorites were Tinto & Tapas (authentic Spanish cuisine), Lizo (Mexican specialties), and Shoji (Teppanyaki chefs preparing delicious Asian flavours right in front of you). We also couldn’t get enough of the offerings at The Market Kitchen – the main buffet restaurant serving a vast range of selections. Usually buffet’s at all-inclusive resorts are the least desirable restaurants, but this one served fresh, delicious foods that we just kept coming back for. At breakfast we couldn’t get enough of  the huge selection of exotic, freshly squeezed juices that ranged in colour from red to green to orange for a pure dose of goodness. And when breakfast was over but you still craved something freshly squeezed, no need to look further than the Tropical Juice Bar which offered freshly-made juices all day long, including pure coconut water straight from the coconut – a daily order for us!

Tunic: c/o San Diego Hat Company l Beach Bag: c/o Benefit Cosmetics l Sandals: J.Crew l Sunglasses: Winners

Sunglasses: Kate Spade l Dress: ASOS l Bag: c/o Kayu Design l Bracelets: Bauble Bar l Watch: c/o Thomas Sabo

Hat: c/o San Diego Hat Company l Shorts, Tee, Scarf: c/o Joe Fresh l Bracelet: c/o Mejuri l Sunglasses: ban.do l Ring: c/o Julie Vos

While luxury accommodations, endless amenities, and mouth-watering food make for an incredible holiday, nothing sets a resort apart quite like impeccable service and staff. We can’t talk highly enough of the level of service we received from the genuinely hospitable and kind staff at Finest. From the moment we arrived every staff member made us feel completely at home and comfortable knowing we were in the best care for our time with them. A perk of the Excellence Club was having our own Exclusive Club Concierge, and Oliver outdid himself every step of the way. From reserving preferred dining times, bookings spa appointments, and leaving surprises for us every time we turned around, we felt so special and pampered, which was just the feeling you want to have on an extraordinary getaway. When at the Private Club Beach, our beach concierge Sarah ensured we always had the front-row bed ready and set up no matter how late we arrived on the scene. And Guest Relations Manager Javier made his daily rounds to ensure we were happy and satisfied with the level of service we were receiving – which of course was always spot-on.

La Cocinita Food Truck > Dress: c/o Joe Fresh l Tote Bag: c/o Kayu Design l Shoes: Nordstrom (similar) l Necklace: c/o Thomas Sabo

Golden Bar

Hat: c/o San Diego Hat Company l Dress: ASOS l Maillot: Kate Spade

This Expedia.ca vacation was hands down one of the best vacations we’ve ever taken, and we can’t wait to return soon to this modern, tropical paradise with our children and enjoy it together as a family. Every aspect of our getaway was nothing short of perfect and we would highly recommend visiting Expedia.ca to book your next luxury Cancun experience.

*A special thank you to Finest Playa Mujeres for making our stay so wonderful!