You know when you go somewhere and never want to leave because it’s so magical and the thought of returning back to reality makes you want to cry real tears?
I’ve had many travel moments like this. Tasmania. Bali. Italy…every damn time.
And now, Banyan Tree Mayakoba.
Wow. From the first moment we arrived, there were no worries. We were on pure vacation bliss surrounded by incredible architecture, delicious food, perfect weather, beautiful foliage, and flowers. Every detail of our stay was extraordinary, especially the wedding we were south of the border for. Holy crap. That’s all I’ll say, for now, you’ll have to scroll for those photos.
Now, as gorgeous as Banyan Tree is – it was really our friends we were with that added 500 extra doses of fun, beauty, laughs, and memories to this Mexican adventure. The past few months have been a struggle for me as I navigate my way thru grief and whatnots, however, being surrounded by so much beauty and such wonderful humans really gave me the opportunity to embrace all the incredible aspects of my life.
For this, I am exceptionally grateful. Lots of love and life in this group.
*****
Now, here’s how our Mexico trip went down….
Upon arrival, we were whisked away by golf cart to our beautiful villa. You can see here that we’re not at all excited to be in the jungle.
Villa 510. Really the one and only thing we had to remember all weekend long. 510.
What I woke up to after my nap on the second day.
Anthony would literally roll out of the sliding doors and into the pool every morning. This pool was magical.
These bike rides were a hoot! Each villa comes with a cruiser and trust me, we cruised all right. Sometimes right almost into the mangrove.
Let’s just say that tequila and bike riding is very different than no tequila and bike riding.
I actually did a little yoga every day. It was glorious.
In my heart of hearts, I wanted to steal one of these giant heads for my own home. They were everywhere and I love them.
Flowers always remind me of my mom, June.
I’m at my happiest while traveling. This I know for sure.
Tequila, anyone?
Even with all of the parties and activities, we had time to visit with our dear friend, Susanna, who took our own wedding photos on the beaches of Playa almost six years ago.
When you go to Banyan Tree, you go to the Haab dinner. You will be treated to a Mayan experience that you’ll never forget. Or maybe you will because of all the tequila. That’s what photos are for.
Badass Mayan warrior princess. How gorgeous she is.
A photo with our Mayan hosts!
Photo opts everywhere you turn at the Banyon Tree Mayakoba.
My best friend borrowed me this entire look. Except for my face. That’s mine. Thank you, Katie! And a special thank you to Karen for my Barbizon glamour shot.
Earth, Air, Fire, Water. All in one moment. Traveling steals my heart every damn time.
At this moment, there was nothing more I needed in life. A tamarind popsicle and some of Riley’s Reposado.
Our crew takes beach vball quite seriously. I was the team photographer and tended to keeping the team “hydrated”.
The Jaguars took home the gold! Raaarrrrr!
I love when I love the wives of all of my husband’s friends. Beautiful inside/out. And freaking fun!
Our “jumping” photo.
Shit. I never got that mojito.
But I did get a coconut with the bride and groom’s initials on it that was spiked with Malibu rum!
A DJ in a VW van. Done and done.
I first met these girls at Coachella circa 2008 – loved them at first sight. Had some really good cry laughs with them on this trip.
I needed a glamour shot so I made Anthony let me take one of him. My handsome man.
Check out his Instagram @anthciancio – he took a ton of these photos.
If you couldn’t find me, chances are I was at the tequila table.
The lotus flower. Rebirth.
Oh hello there. Welcome to my home. At least that’s what the staff kept saying, “welcome home”. I’m just going with it.
The wedding!
Ok. Is this not the most amazing table seating/Instagram wall you’ve ever seen?
The details of this wedding were extraordinary. I mean, my name was carved out of wood and painted in gold paint. Swoon.
I nearly passed away when I saw their beachy wedding altar. The flowers were exquisite.
Riley’s Reposado was drunk by many all weekend long. It was some of the best tequila I’ve ever had. And you know I love my tequila.
Here’s my spicy tequila spritz recipe.
The bride and groom!
The fact that fans were passed out at the nuptials pretty much solidified this as one of my favorite weddings ever.
DJ Dulce Rullan – we bow down to you and your spinning skills. Such a badass. Check her our on Instagram @djduclerullan
Ok, I’m a failure and didn’t capture a photo with the bride and groom the night of the wedding. Only because I was hardcore living in the moment – just kidding I took so many photos and videos, except the most important one. However, I did get this post-beach vball shot and it totally counts. There’s the happy, stunning couple in the middle! Congrats Riley & Kristen! You throw one hell of a freaking great party! It was a beautiful blast celebrating you two and your love. xo
For more of our travels, check them out here.
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