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!

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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I travel A LOT. I own two bags currently from LO & SONS and they are the best! They fit so much in them and they really help to keep you organized while traveling abroad.

I just noticed that they’re having a sale (up to 50% off) a lot of their bags.

Here are the ones that I would recommend:

THE OG 2 LARGE

I have this one in black with the gold hardware. Originally 333 - 338 and on sale for 233.10 - 236.60.

The O.G. 2 Large: Lightweight Overnight Tr...

The Lo & Sons O.G. 2 is a lightweight yet super functional overnight travel bag designe... [More]

Price: $236.60

Buy Now

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THE CATALINA DELUXE

I have the onyx. Originally 153 - 158 and on sale for 107.10 - 110.60.

The Catalina Deluxe Large: Women's Weekend...

The Catalina Deluxe weekender is available in 13 different colors: dove grey, thistle, ... [More]

Price: $158.00

Buy Now

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THE WAVERLY 2

I just bought this one. I have been on the hunt for a small cross-body/belt-bag for when I travel. I bought the black with gold hardware (sensing a trend haha) in the saffiano leather. I got the saffiano over the nappa leather since the saffiano is specially treated to be scratch and weather-resistant so it doesn’t show as much wear.

The Waverley 2 Large - Convertible Leather...

The Lo & Sons Waverley 2 was designed with an adjustable strap which allows to convert ... [More]

Price: $175.00

Buy Now

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If you buy one, let me know what your thoughts are! :)

** will continue to update this while all the sales are coming out so stay tunned! **

PLEASANT HOLIDAYS DEALS:

• ASIA | THAILAND

  • Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok | Stay 4/Pay 3. Valid for travel through 10/01/2020.

• CARIBBEAN | DOMINICAN REBUBLIC

  • Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana | Up to 50% Off room rate and room upgrade* In select room categories PLUS Limitless Resort Credit! Book 11/25/19 - 12/3/19 for travel 11/25/19 - 12/20/20. *Room upgrade valid for travel through 12/21/19.

  • Majestic Mirage Punta Cana | Up to 55% Off! Book by 11/30/19 for travel 12/24/19 - 12/23/20.

• CARIBBEAN | JAMAICA

  • Couples Negril | 7th Night FREE PLUS $250 Resort Credid. Book 11/26/19 - 12/2/19 for travel 4/16/20 - 12/24/20.

• COSTA RICA | GUANACASTE

  • Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Costa Rica | Kids stay FREE! Book by 12/9/19 for select travel through 12/23/20.

  • The Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal | Up to 43% Off! Bookings made by 11/30/19 for travel 1/2/20 - 4/30/20.

• EUROPE | PARIS

  • Hotel Napoleon Champs Elysees Paris | 20% Off. Valid for travel through 3/29/19.

• EUROPE | FLORENCE, ITALY

  • Hotel Brunelleschi | Stay 3/Pay 2. Valid for travel 1/10/20-2/29/20

• HAWAII | MAUI

  • Grand Wailea | Up to 50% Off, and receive a $15 resort credit per person per day (based on double occupancy) and 15% Off spa services. Valid for ravel through 12/24/20.

• HAWAII | OAHU

  • Moana Surfridger, A Westin Resort & Spa | Up to 50% Off, and receive daily Beach Club access for two and 15% Off spa services. Valid for travel through 1/2/21.

• MEXICO | CANCUN

  • Paradisus Cancun | Up to 45% Off and receive up to $1500 in resort coupons PLUS kids 12 & younger stay FREE*. Book 11/25/19-12/4/19 for travel 11/25/19 - 12/22/20. *Kids FREE promotion does not apply to travel 12/22/19 - 12/31/19 and 1/1//20 - 4/17/20; resort credit does not apply to travel 12/23/19 - 1/2/20.

• MEXICO | RIVIERA MAYA

  • The Fives Beach Resort & Residences | Up to 60% Off! Book by 12/5/19 for travel through 12/20/20.

• TAHITI | BORA BORA

  • Le Meridien Bora Bora | Up to 40% Off and receive dialy breakfast with a min 3-night stay. Book by 11/30/19 for travel 12/1/19 - 2/29/20.

• TAHITI | TAHAA

  • Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa | Up to 30% Off and receive daily breakfast and dinner with min 3-night stay. Valid for travel through 12/19/19 and 1/6/20 - 4/30/20.

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Check back in the next few days for Black Friday Sales and Cyber Monday deals!

Written by Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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When I was in Prague back in March, we went to one of the most interesting bars that I have ever been. While Prague has some very intriguing bars all around, I found that the Shrink’s Office was thought-provoking to say the least.

C/O Shrink’s Office

The Shrink’s Office has more of a speakeasy feel than a bar scene. When you enter from the street, you walk into a small bar area and then you walk straight back to the wall where there is a cage and a demon image on the wall. A little disturbing, but it was fine. We rang the doorbell and the wall opens. You are then led down a narrow staircase to a bar/lounge area that is almost pitch black.

Interestingly, the menus are Rorschach tests (Ink Blot Tests). They have no information on them and you order your drink based on the photo that you are most drawn to. (Don’t worry, if you are having trouble the server will definitely help!)

Of course, I would pick the most brightly colored one where the center resembles a pineapple. Ha! Once the drinks came out, they were all so different from what you would expect! Mine was the martini looking one, Wendi’s was the banana pudding looking one, Lauren’s was the spaceship, and Neena’s was the most normal of all of them resembling an Old Fashion.

If you’re heading to Prague anytime soon, then I highly recommend checking this place out!

C/O Shrink’s Office

AnonymouS Shrink's Office

Cocktail Therapy

Phone: +420 608 911 884 Booking

Location: Jungmannova 11, Prague 1

Website: AnonymouS Shrink’s Office

Here are some of the things that I packed in my suitcase during my fall trip to Spain this past October. Temperatures were in the high 60/70s during the day and as cold as the 40s at night. It definitely made for an interesting packing situation!

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A GUIDE TO VISITING CAMINITO DEL REY IN SPAIN

Written by Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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COMPREHENSIVE CAMINITO DEL REY GUIDE:
ABOUT
WHEN TO VISIT
WHERE TO STAY
HOW TO GET TO CAMINITO DEL REY
GETTING TO THE START OF THE TRAIL
CAMINITO DEL REY HIKE
CATCHING THE BUS
FINAL TIPS

El Caminito del Rey is a walkway, pinned along the steep walls of a narrow gorge in El Chorro, near Ardales in the province of Málaga, Spain. The name derives from the original name of Camino del Rey, abbreviated locally to el caminito. The walkway had fallen into disrepair and was partially closed for over a decade. It was previously known as “the world’s most dangerous hike” following five deaths between 1999 and 2000. The hike reopened in 2015 with a new walkway. [The Rough Guide to Andalucia, 1995]

While doing tons of research on my husband and I’s Spain trip, I came across this hike and knew that we had to do it!

WHEN TO VISIT

The path is closed every Monday, and January 1st, December 24th, 25th and 31st December.

The hike is doable year round. The opening hours differ depending on the season: in the winter season (November–March) 10 am to 2 pm; in summer season (April–October) the walkway is open from 10 am to 5 pm. One can enter every 15 to 30 minutes.

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WHERE TO STAY NEAR CAMINITO DEL REY

Ronda

This beautiful white-washed city is home to the famous Puente Neuvo. Located on a hill-top overlooking a deep gorge, this is one of the most famous of Andalucia's pueblo blancos (white towns). You will not be disappointed in the impressive views if you decide to make this your base camp for the night. I would recommend a stay at Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera which is a converted olive mill with amazing views or for a more luxury property, Hotel Montelirio.

Málaga

Málaga is known to many as the gateway to the Costa del Sol. Having not been here myself, I cannot really recommend it personally, but given the chance, I would definitely love to visit. I would recommend staying at Palacio Solecio, which is a luxury hotel in Málaga.

Antequera

Antequera is a city most known for its ancient burial mounds. Hotel options here include: Finca Eslava and Hotel Convento La Magdalena.

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HOW TO GET TO CAMINITO DEL REY

C/O CAMINITO DEL REY

BY ROAD:

If you travel by road from Málaga through Ardales or Álora:

If you start your trip in Málaga City, take the A–357 motorway and go towards the MA-5403, through the Towns of Cártama, Pizarra, Carratraca, and Ardales. This route is 59.1 km long, and it takes a bit more than 50 minutes by car. In Pizarra, you can also go to Álora by road, and then along the A-343 to El Chorro Train Station. This route is a little bit longer – 60 km, and you will take a little more than one hour to get to your destination. The road is narrower and curvier than the previous one.

Coming from Antequera:

From most points of Andalusia, placed to the north of the El Caminito del Rey, the best way to the trail is coming from Antequera (which is usually accessed by the A-92 motorway). At Antequera, you can choose one of the following two ways:
a) The first one is towards Camplillos (the A-384 motorway), which leads to the reservoirs of El Chorro (A-357 and MA-451) in Ardales. This route is 55 km long and takes about 54 minutes.
b) The other one is from Antequera to Abdalajís Valley (A-343), and then to El Chorro Train Station (MA-4401). This route roads are much narrower, have more curves and their surface is worse. Nevertheless, the way is shorter (34 km long, and you take 45 minutes).

Coming from Ronda:

Finally, you can also arrive at the trail coming from Ronda, along the motorway that stretches from Cadiz (A-367) and goes to Ardales. There you can take the above MA-5403. This route is 60 km long and takes one hour to be crossed.

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BY TRAIN:

On 1st February RENFE short-distance trains are starting to run again, offering tickets which include journeys by Train and Bus, and the entrance to El Caminito del Rey

These trains connect Málaga and Seville, but use the road between the stations in Pedrera and Osasuna and the opposite. The rest of the route is along the railway).
• Direction Sevilla-Málaga:
1. Train MD 13900 (34950), which stops at El Chorro station at 10:15 a.m.and  leaves it at 10:24 a.m.
2. Train MD 13904 (33904), which stops at El Chorro stationat 3:49 p.m. and leaves the station at 3:50 p.m.

• Direction Málaga-Sevilla:
1. Train MD 13907, which stops at El Chorro at 4:51 p.m. and leaves the station at 4:52 p.m.

The train that goes from Málaga to Ronda and back keeps using the road and has no station El Chorro-Caminito del Rey.

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The above information can be found in detail on Caminito del Rey’s official website - Please check there for any updates to roadways or parking situations.

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GETTING TO THE START OF THE TRAIL

There are two paths if you come from the surroundings of the Conde de Guadalhorce (the Count of Guadalhorce) Reservoir in Ardales. The first one is shorter and it takes from 20 to 25 minutes. It goes through the smaller lit tunnel, which is placed some 200 m before El Kiosko restaurant, to the control cabin at the Gaitanejo Hydroelectric Power Station. The second path is longer, and it starts at the Chair of Alfonso XIII (this is a signposted downhill path). These 2.7 km can be covered in 50 minutes.

1. It is 10 minutes distance from the control point to the access to the boardwalks.

2. Total length of the inland route takes 150 minutes to be crossed: The controlled area: boardwalk – Hoyo Valley – boardwalk.

3. From the boardwalk exit at El Chorro (Álora) to the control cabin: 15 minutes.

4. From the control cabin (Álora) to the train station: 15 minutes (the distance from point 4 to 5 is 2.1 km).

When you come to the end of the path, you can take the train or go to your car if you parked it at El Chorro. If not, you should go back to the northern access by shuttle bus or on foot (as mentioned before, this way is rather long and goes along a narrow local road with no hard shoulder at some points).

See full details on the website linked above.

CAMINITO DEL REY HIKE

All-in-all, the hike was not strenuous in any respect. The path is mostly flat with a few stairs. I am actually very afraid of heights - if this is you, then I would take a look at photos or watch some videos before attempting this hike. The path is literally suspended to the side of the canyon with a raging river running below you. The views are absolutely breathtaking!

The pathway recently reopened after being closed for several years. When you are walking through the canyon, you can see why! Much of the old path remains below the new one..there are no handrails, many broken boards, among other hazards - you can easily see why this was named as one of the most dangerous hikes to attempt. The Spanish government really did an excellent job repairing this hike and making it as safe as possible to enjoy!

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CATCHING THE BUS

After you have hike the 5 km, you will either need to walk back to your car (which I do NOT recommend - it is very far!) or catch the bus. The bus pickup is a hike in and of itself to be honest. There were several signs that stated “bus stop 300 m”. I feel like this was actually the longest part of the day. The bus ended up being almost a mile from the end of the hike so just keep going when you finish and eventually you will make it.

The bus picks you up and then will drop you off at either of the two restaurants at which point you can either grab a bite to eat or a cold beverage (the cider is wonderful!) and use the toilet before heading to your final destination for the night.

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FINAL TIPS

1. Buy your tickets ahead of time and do not miss your time slot! - We saw several people walk up to the control tower without realizing that they needed to purchase tickets in advance only to be turned away.

2. Take the shorter path to the start of the hike. If you go through a tunnel and you see a sign that states “Caminito del rey - 2.7 km”, then turn around! If you go out to the main road and walk a little ways down, then you will see another entrance that is a much shorter walk.

3. I do not think that you need a guide for this hike as the trail is very well marked and there are several employees that are interspersed throughout the trail. If you would like to have a guide, then you can book a guided hike here.

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If you’re heading to Spain, don’t miss my How to Plan Your Own Andalusia Spain Trip.

PIN ME FOR LATER

Written by: Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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With Halloween quickly approaching, I thought that I would deviate from my normal travel and foodie posts to bring you some spooky books to check out during the fall season. These would be great airplane or road trip reads as well! If you’ve read any of these books, let me know your favorite or your thoughts in the comment section below!

Also, if you have any other SPOOKY suggestions, then please add them in the comments below as well! I would love to check them out!

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THE LAST MRS PARRISH

Stay tuned until the end for an unexpected twist!

VERITY

A novel about a murder-mystery writer..what do you think the truth is?!

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Not going to lie, this one is very disturbing. I had to skip a section of the audio book.

GIRL ON THE TRAIN

I feel like this is a classic that you have to add to any spooky reading list.

THE ALICE NETWORK

Not necessarily a psychological thriller but this follows a story of a spy during WWI and can be quite scary at times!

THE SILENT PATIENT

You cannot have a spooky reading list and NOT include this book!

THE PERFECT COUPLE

Follows yet again another murder mystery writer and a weird murder. Who did it??

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ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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Disclaimer: This Spooky Books to Read this Halloween 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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MUST EATS IN PRAGUE: ESKA

Written by Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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Eska - an amazing restaurant located about 10 minutes from the heart of Prague - is part of the Ambiente group which owns many restaurants throughout Prague.

C/O ESKA

This was our second breakfast, the first being at Boho. We all were pretty full so we ordered light. Even though we didn’t eat a full course meal, everything we ate was absolutely delicious!

It was also really nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city to relax and hang out with a great cup of coffee.

Eska’s dishes have a Nordic flare with a focus on vegetables. We all ordered coffees. I ordered pancakes with fresh creme (OMG! so good!). Lauren ordered a yogurt parfait which was also equally delicious and Wendi ordered oatmeal. Everything was so fresh and tasty!

If you’re heading to Prague anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

Eska

Pernerova 49, Prague 8
Website
Phone: 731 140 884 - Email

See my review on Yelp!

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ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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