Before I get started on my review, don’t forget that I am a preferred partner with Four Seasons! What does this mean for you? Extra perks for no extra charge!

Preferred Partner Perks when you book with That Blonde Travels:

Daily Breakfast for 2
Resort Credit
Early check-in/late check-out *based on availability
Upgrade on arrival *based on availability

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From the moment you step foot on the pristine shores of Four Seasons Resort Anguilla, it’s clear this is no ordinary vacation destination—it's an oasis of tranquility, sophistication, and natural beauty. My stay at this stunning resort was nothing short of extraordinary, and I can’t wait to share my experience.

Location & Setting: Situated on a breathtaking stretch of Anguilla’s coastline, the resort boasts two immaculate beaches, each with soft, powdery sand and crystal-clear waters. The sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea are simply mesmerizing, and the resort's design does a wonderful job of blending into the natural landscape, creating an atmosphere of relaxed luxury.

Whether you’re lounging by the infinity pools, enjoying water sports, or exploring the nearby beaches, the resort’s setting immediately transports you to paradise.

Service & Hospitality: The hallmark of Four Seasons properties is their impeccable service, and Anguilla is no exception. Every staff member I encountered was friendly, attentive, and genuinely eager to make my stay unforgettable. From the personalized welcome to the farewell, I felt like a VIP throughout my time there. Special shout-out to the concierge team and Chavez, who helped arrange everything from private boat trips to dinner reservations at the island’s exceptional restaurants. Chavez also helped me create a route on google maps for the day that we rented a Moke! Above and beyond! Also, a special shout-out to the pool servers, Yella and Del, who helped make our days perfect!

Accommodations: My one bedroom ocean-view suite was spacious and elegantly appointed, with a private terrace, featuring a plunge pool, offering stunning views of the turquoise sea. The attention to detail was evident in every corner, from the luxurious linens to the state-of-the-art amenities. I particularly appreciated the large bathroom with a deep soaking tub—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Dining: Food at Four Seasons Anguilla is a true highlight. The resort offers a range of dining options, from casual beachside meals to refined, fine-dining experiences. I dined at Salt, where the steak and fresh seafood was outstanding.

For breakfast, the buffet also at Salt was perfect—offering everything from fresh tropical fruits to made-to-order omelets and pastries. I also loved the beach bar, where I could sip on a refreshing cocktail while watching the sun set. Don’t skip the Mojitos!

Activities & Amenities: Beyond lounging and relaxing, Four Seasons Anguilla offers a host of activities for those looking for adventure. We particularly enjoyed renting a Moke for the day and driving around to see the island! There’s also a world-class spa that offers indulgent treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind, and a fitness center that’s well-equipped for those who like to stay active.

Final Thoughts: Four Seasons Resort Anguilla is the epitome of modern resort luxury. It’s a perfect destination for anyone seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and top-notch service in one of the Caribbean’s most stunning locations. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach, savor world-class dining, or explore the island, this resort delivers it all. My time at Four Seasons Anguilla was truly unforgettable, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking for a slice of paradise.

Preferred Partner Perks when you book with That Blonde Travels:

Daily Breakfast for 2
Resort Credit
Early check-in/late check-out *based on availability
Upgrade on arrival *based on availability

You can send me an email for a quote at Lauren@ThatBlondeTravels.com or use my VIP Booking Link (Send me a quick email to get the password).

Back in May, my husband and I went to check out the brand new Impressions Isla Mujeres! This hotel was just voted “Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World” and boy did it deliver!

It’s hard to look anywhere without having a picturesque setting or view. We loved the ambience of this property and it’s small boutique feel.

This resort is located in Isla Mujeres, about a 40 minute boat ride over from the Cancun dock. Take an easy flight into Cancun, grab your airport transfer, and then head to the resorts dock to get on the included ride over to Isla Mujeres.

An all-inclusive, adults only resort that makes you question wether it actually is all inclusive due to the quality of food and drinks.

We stayed in the Paramount Suite Ocean Front. This room was HUGE and beautiful. It had a separate living space with a full bar and a separate bathroom. We also loved that the room had a ceiling fan, a rare find at resorts in Mexico.

Another perk of this resort is the ability to make restaurant reservations prior to your stay. One of my biggest pet peeves is arriving to a resort and them only allowing reservations once on site, or not at all.

For my clients, my VIP amenities are as follows:

Upgrade on arrival (based on availability)
Early check-in/late check-out (based on availability)

I would love to book this fabulous property for you today! Send me an email at lauren@thatblondetravels.com or fill out my contact form to get started!

This resort is definitely on par with some of the other amazing 5* all inclusive resorts in the Mexican Riviera Maya!

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C/O O&O Mandarina

I just returned from our annual exchange with my host agency, Departure Lounge, where we spent 4 nights at the Conrad Punta Mita and then ended our trip with an AMAZING stay at the fairly new One&Only Mandarina right outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

What is a host agency you might ask? Think of me like a realtor. Realtors work with a broker for their clients that help with relations and licensing. This is what Departure Lounge is to me. They are one of the best know host agencies in the business and are amazing for supplier relations. What does this mean to you? It means that because we have such great relationships with our suppliers they want to make sure our guests are the happiest. I love working with Departure Lounge as well as all of our VIP partners to make sure that my guests and clients have amazing vacations that they deserve!

Anyways, back to One&Only Mandarina!

This resort opened in 2021 in a new complex called Mandarina, right outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It is a quick 45 minute drive from the Puerto Vallarta airport so that you are in paradise before you know it! This property felt more like Costa Rica to me than Mexico and I loved it. A beautiful mix of jungle that meets the sea!

We stayed in the Ocean View Cliff Villa during our stay. The great thing about this property are that all rooms are villa/suite type accommodations so even the entry level rooms are a great size and still perfect for a family. Kids under 12 years of age are not allowed to stay in the treehouse suites due to safety reasons. That being said, I think this is a fabulous resort for kids! The kids club is so cool with a treehouse and a butterfly garden as well as an indoor area for arts and crafts and fun play. They also have several pools around the property with the Jetty Beach Club being the best for children in my opinion. If you are wanting a more adult only vibe, there is an adult only pool that is much quieter with no kiddos in site!

There is a Rosewood that is planned to open in 2025 that will also be apart of the Mandarina complex similar to the Mayakoba complex in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area. It will connect to the Mandarina beach club and you will be able to “dine around”. I can’t wait to go back and check out this property when it opens.

For my clients, my VIP amenities are as follows:

Daily breakfast for 2
$100 resort credit
Upgrade on arrival (based on availability)
Early check-in/late check-out (based on availability)

I would love to book this fabulous property for you and your family today! Send me an email at lauren@thatblondetravels.com or fill out my contact form to get started!

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Traveling with an infant requires a ton of preparation and planning. We have taken two trips with our infant now to Mexico. Here are the things that we used most while at the beach and I would say are essential to enjoying your vacation!

Disclaimer: This Beach Baby Packing List contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees but support me to keep this site running!

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ESSENTIALS TO BUY IF YOU DON’T ALREADY OWN THEM

• Guava Lotus Travel Crib

• Doona

• Mambobaby Float

• Uppababy Minu Travel Stroller

• Beach pop-up tent

ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST

• Formula/ Breast Pump + Storage Bags

• Baby food - oatmeal, purees, etc

• Bottles

• Bottle Travel Rack

• Disposable bibs and burp clothes

• Umbrella Stroller

• Car Seat - this one is only 7 lbs!

• Sound machine and charger

• Portable bottle warmer

• Sleep sack or swaddle

• Frida baby nose sucker or nose picker

• PJs

• Diapers

• Wipes

• Butt Paste

• Swim Diapers

• Sunscreen

• Swimsuits - I love these because of the snaps!

• Portable Fans

• Portable Tent

• Toys

• Baby bath stuff

• Lotion

• Nail clippers

• Medicines: Tylenol, Gas medicine, Benadryl, prescriptions

• Mosquito repellent

• Outfits - I like to have two per day

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Download your free checklist here!

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PIN FOR LATER!

Disclaimer: This post contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees, but support me to keep this site running!

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AMResorts® recently announced the grand opening date of December 14th for two new Secrets® branded properties, Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen and Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen.

These two adults-only properties are luxurious, adjoined, all-suite resorts located on the white sandy beaches in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

Courtesy of AMresorts

Together, these gorgeous, romantic resorts will offer various upscale amenities including:

• Gourmet cuisine by world-renowned chefs

• Three man-made cenotes

• Seven heated pools

• One interior, beach-inspired pool designed for intimate social gatherings

• Nearby snorkeling and diving excursions, as well as the famous 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, a 5-mile pedestrian-only walkway dedicated to tourists

• Breathtaking rooftop sky wedding gazebo that overlooks the Caribbean Sea

• Amphitheater-style indoor theater for entertainment and corporate events with top-tier sound system and digital technology as well as state of the art meeting rooms

• Contemporary sports bar

• Expansive Spa focusing on wellness using innovated and traditional treatments in a natural environment that is conducive to self-healing and recovery from daily stress

Courtesy of AMresorts

Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen will feature 485 uniquely upscale rooms with chic amenities that will come with the following Preferred Club and signature Unlimited-Luxury® concept guests know and expect:

• Contemporary ambience to experience a wide variety of spaces for gatherings of all kinds, from large meetings to intimate moments

• Stunning suites with relaxing rain showers, Nespresso machines and large terraces that feature attractive architecture and the finest comforts that pair perfectly for private celebrations, cocktails, events and tranquility

• Nine unique dining experiences that each provide endless options for every appetite, including seven a la carte restaurants, one buffet, a wine cellar, Barefoot Grill, and Coco Café

Courtesy of AMresorts

You can’t miss the upgraded offerings in addition to the accessible Unlimited-Luxury® offerings for Preferred Club guests at this resort, such as:

• Enhanced suites, including extravagant and upscale Paramount Suites that offer an unparalleled, luxurious experience

• Rooftop terrace that offers captivating Cozumel views with a private lounge, bar, infinity swimming pool and exclusive restaurant

• Upgraded mini bar

• Special access to Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen’s author’s signature restaurant (for an additional cost)

Secrets Impression Moxché Playa del Carmen will feature 198 stunning suites with contemporary, rustic-chic designs that introduces Impression’s concept of exquisite exclusiveness to the Secrets brand. The new Impression concept gives a brand-new meaning to Unlimited-Luxury® vacations with spectacular suites and villas with ocean views in addition to a more private, personalized experience for the most discerning travelers.

Courtesy of AMresorts

All guests staying at this resort will be granted the same free flow access to Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen and its Preferred Club areas listed above, as well as:

• Oversized suites that begin at 947 square feet with furnished large balconies with marble soaking tubs, a full marble bathroom with the soothing rain shower, Nespresso machines and more

• Elevated concierge and butler service when reserving a Master Suite, Ocean-Front Panoramic Suite, Two-Story Penthouse Suite or Presidential Villa

• Three exclusive Impression restaurants in addition to the nine options mentioned previously that include the rooftop Impression restaurant, complimentary access to the author’s signature restaurant with a daily rotating menu with wine pairings, and a beachfront restaurant

• Complimentary access to exclusive, on-site dining experiences like the Omakase experience – a 12-seat sushi bar located within the Japanese restaurant and a taco tasting, Mezcal & Tequila bar located within the Mexican restaurant

• Access to the premier dedicated beach area with exclusive wait service

In addition, these elevated resorts have a plan to follow green practices to do their part working towards zero emissions using solar panels, wind energy, and sound water processing.

Courtesy of AMresorts

Contact me to book your stay at one of these exclusive properties today!

Back in July, we took a short trip to Gulf Shores, AL. The beaches here are beautiful! We were originally planning on going to Mexico during these dates but my work instituted a 14 day quarantine for anyone returning from an international trip. I then planned a road trip to California and also thought about Florida, but these were also meet with the 14 day quarantine requirements.

We decided to spend a short 5 days/ 4 nights at the Lodge at Gulf State Park. This hotel is in between Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, AL making it convenient to get to both places. When looking at hotels, we decided on the Lodge because it was brand new and in the state park so more isolated than the other hotels with crowded beaches.

Let me just say that this hotel was close to 500 per night and not worth it. The walls were super thin to were you could hear your neighbors having a normal conversation. The hotel was brand new and things were already broken and falling off the walls (more than likely, they were never installed correctly to begin with.) I really hate to write negative reviews, but I would not recommend this property (especially for the price!).

Although, aesthetically pleasing in photos, this was not the case in person. We didn’t let this ruin our trip, however. We really enjoyed eating at the restaurant in the state park that had tons of great food! It was called Woodside Restaurant and they had live music on the weekends with a ton of outside games. It was a really neat place. If you’re heading to Gulf Shores anytime soon, then you should definitely check it out!

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Excellence Riviera Cancun is located right outside of the hotel zone and only about 20 minutes from the airport. This hotel is relatively small compared to other all-inclusive resorts that are in the area. We just returned from a 5 day/4 night stay in one of their Jr Suite Rooms. This was our annual girl’s trip (7 of us went) and it was well..excellent (pun intended lol) This was my second time here and I will definitely be returning!

When we arrived, we were greeted with an ice cold glass of champagne by the bellman. They took our luggage and we proceeded to the check-in counter. We arrived very early so we were not able to check-in right away, which was fine, because we went and had lunch at the buffet and then headed to the pool.

Excellence Riviera Cancun has 7 different restaurants of which we tried all but the French. All of the food is phenomenal, my favorite is Basmati, the Indian restaurant. I know what you’re thinking, “Indian food in Mexico..”, but take my word, it was delicious! With there being 7 of us, it was at sometimes difficult for us to get a table at restaurants during peak times, but the hotel staff was very accommodating in getting us seated in a timely manner. If the wait was going to be awhile, we headed to The Flavor Market, Spanish tapas restaurant, for some yummy tapas and sangria.

The only restaurant that we thought we were not going to be able to eat at was the hibachi grill because they only take reservations the day of. One of the hotel concierges ended up helping us out on the last day since we had such a big group. The hibachi show is not to be missed! The chef on the grill was very entertaining and did some unique things that I have not seen at other hibachi restaurants so it was really fun!

On Friday night was the Mexican Fiesta. This was a blast! We ended up getting several tables to do shots with us and the seven of us finished off a bottle of Don Julio. Miguel and Edwin were so fun and Miguel was such a sport with dancing (It was hilarious!)

Last but definitely not least, the drink service at the beach was outstanding! Armando took such great care of us (all 7 of us!) and gave us the nicknames of Sirenas and Cowboys, haha! He was so fun! I can’t forget Ivan either who also served us at the beach and would anticipate our orders before we even asked for it!

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Image C/O Crystal

Image C/O Crystal

This was definitely a girl’s trip for the books! We had such a great time and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Excellence Riviera Cancun!

Contact me to book your stay at Excellence today!

VACATION PLANNING: SOME UPDATED OPTIONS

Written by Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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HELLO!

I am excited to announce that I have partnered with a travel wholesaler to specialize in luxury safaris and south pacific adventures! These will be custom bespoke itineraries that are tailored specifically to you!

I am working on some preliminary itineraries right now and will post some examples soon!

You can find information about custom African vacations here. These locations include: South Africa, Botswana, Kenya/Tanzania, Uganda/Rwanda, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles/Mozambique. You can find information about budget and how long you would need for a trip to that location.

You can find information about custom South Pacific vacations here. These locations include: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, and the Cook Islands.

I am also working on a South East Asia page as well and will update it here as soon as it is finished! These locations will include: Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Hong Kong, Japan, and China.

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For more information, please visit the pages linked below or send me an email at lauren@thatblondetravels.com.

Thank you!

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About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance.

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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