March 28 – April 5, 2025
March 28 – Travel Day: Work, Food Court Dining, and Stinky Flights
I worked a full day (would not recommend), then Crystal picked up Mu and we were off to the airport. Our flight out of OGG was at 2000, boarding at 1915. Dinner was at Sammy’s by the food court. It wasn’t bad, considering. We had a broken plastic cup the first try and tried to spill coke on Jen’s white sweater–that would have been a wonderful start!
Once on the plane were seated apart, both on aisle seats though. Jen got the soundtrack of crying kids while I was locked in a battle with recurring waves of unidentified bathroom fun without the bathroom. Still, flight was uneventful. Win?
March 29 – Arrival in Denver and Settling In
We landed around 0600 and grabbed a basic breakfast at Elway’s in the airport–basic breakfast fare. A bit of walking, grabbed an anniversary card for Sandra and Matt, then made our way to the gate.
Day 0: Dinner at Hadar (food court), an evening walk to orient ourselves, and a casual round of Taco Cat. A solid kickoff to vacation mode.
March 30 – Poolside Vibes and Sushi Night
Sandra and Jen did yoga while the rest of us took it slow. We cleaned up and grabbed breakfast, then spent the bulk of the day at the cabana near our room. Met Jesus, our concierge, who set the tone for excellent service.
Dinner was at Tokimeku—a sushi spot that was surprisingly solid.
March 31 – More Pool Time, More Food, More Full
Jen and I did a quick Melia plan refresher at 0930, the easiest one yet, then spent the day out at the pool and cabana. Lunch and plenty drinks was served out there by Elvis (cabana MVP).
Dinner was at our usual Teppanyaki hibachi spot for which we were all loaded. No regrets.
April 1 – Cenote Tour and Seafood Feast
We were up early for a cenote tour. Breakfast at Hadar and out of the resort by 0730. The tour included an open cenote for cliff jumping and ziplining, and a closed cave cenote swim that got pitch black without a light—bats above, crawfish below. Wild. Not shabby for a resort-included excursion.
We were back by 1130. Lunch by the pool, then some main pool chill time. We had the included ‘professional’ photos taken around 1700.
Dinner was at Lemon Fish. We each did the Circle red included Lobster, crab, and shrimp—It was excellent. All in, the meal took over two hours but was worth it.
April 2 – Spa Day and Dinner on the Beach
Breakfast at Sante (Wendy took care of us). Spa day followed—hot stone massage, then facials for Jen and Sandra.
We chilled with room service and pool time, then viewed our photos at 1600. The tried cost of photos, for all the digital, was $1200! They wanted $20 per each digital photo. It’s highway robbery. We got 5 free as Circle Red, but still got me a bit frustrated.
Dinner was a romantic setup on the beach. A bit windy, but Grisel worked hard to keep everything smooth.
April 3 – Jen’s Birthday and Full Xcaret Experience
Up at 0600 to make the 0700 bus for Xcaret. After hitting other resorts, we made it by 0830. Highlights included:
- Jungle cruise-style boat ride
- 45-minute river swim through the park
- Animals: deer, iguanas, manatees, bats (again), sea turtles, croc
- Butterfly Sanctuary and Aviary
- Stained glass, Mayan shopping zone, cemetery, Catholic chapel
- Buffet lunch at Oaxaca specialty restaurant
- Aquarium with jellyfish, coral, small fish, nurse sharks
We ended with shopping—J bought me a shirt, and Sandra & Matt picked up a doll for Riley.
Back at the resort, we got in a quick swim before cleaning up for dinner at Cielo (Mexican spot—decent, not stellar). Wrapped the night with drinks and Ninja Cat + Taco Cat games.
April 4 – Poolside All Day and Tenderloin dinner at Sal
Morning walk, then breakfast at Sante again—David was our waiter. Spent the whole day by the pool with plenty of drinks and lunch there too.
Dinner at Sal at 1900. Everyone went in on the tenderloins with sides and apps. Knocked back two bottles of Moscato (Italian style this time). Humberto was great as our main server.
Only downside: Matt tweaked his knee before dinner. Still, we managed a couple slow rounds of Monopoly Deal afterward.
April 5 – Departure Day and Airport Tips
Jen and I were up at 0330 to say goodbye to Matt and Sandra, then back to sleep for a few hours. At a normal time, we did a walk, breakfast (again at Sante with David), then packed up and checked out by 1130.
Airport Notes (Terminal 3 – United):
- Kiosk for bag tag first (yes, Jen grumbled)
- Quick stop with security who asked about stay, then bag drop
- Walk across back to far left and up escalator for security
- Security was quick and painless
- Duty free is centralized, but don’t expect deals
- Restaurants include Margaritaville, Bubba Gump, and others—decent for killing time. Also–Johnny Rockets!
🧳 Packing Notes – Keep It Light
For a trip like this, overpacking is pointless. You’ll be in the pool or at dinner, little in between. Ideal setup:
- 2 dinner outfits
- 2 swim trunks
- 2–3 long sleeve or water shirts
- A couple regular tees and/or sleeveless
- 2 pairs of shorts
Travel light, relax hard.
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