The only Predictable thing about Mother Earth, is that she’s Unpredictable.
COVID COVID COVID. Have you heard enough about Covid yet? Yes, me too.
Because of Covid, Karisma Hotels & Resorts was unable to host their annual GIVC Awards. Those of you unfamiliar with what the GIVC Awards are, allow me to explain. It’s basically a big party and awards ceremony down in Mexico for top accounts with Karisma.
Though they did not have the full blown event, Karisma did invite a select few of their top accounts to come down on what they called the “Seaside Palms Retreat.”
This was a nice gesture to show how much they appreciate their accounts and agents. They had an awesome Mexican themed welcome dinner for us, and they had other events planned for us. However, Mother Earth didn’t receive an invitation, so she decided to just show up and force her way in.
She did this in the form of Hurricane Zeta.
After having a lovely evening filled with tequila, tacos, and churros, a new day was upon us. This day, which was supposed to be meeting/open discussion day with site inspections and free time, was cut short, for now, they had confirmed that we were in the path of hurricane Zeta – she was to stop at nothing to rain on our parade (no pun intended…well, yes, actually pun fully intended)
I seem to remember it being about 12:30pm, I had just left the meeting hall, the sky was already squeezing out any evidence of a warm Mexican sunshine, and the winds were just barely making their presence known.
We were told that dinner reservation for the evening would be moved up because the restaurants would be closing at 7:00pm. “I hadn’t made any reservations yet.” I remember thinking to myself. Continuing my journey from the meeting hall to my room I stopped at the concierge to make reservations. To my surprise, in the ten minutes it took me to walk to my destination, they had yet again altered dinner plans and I was now being told that “all dinners were a first come first serve.” – no reservations. (essentially every man for himself.)
By 5:00pm the sky was gray and the winds were at sustainable gusts. At this moment I received a message on Facebook. It was my Lomas buddy Jorge. “Hola amigo, restaurants will close at 5:00pm…the hotel will provide box lunches in the rooms and room service available til 7:00pm.” Wonderful, it was past five.
“Let’s make the situation more difficult.”
Now is as good a time as any to add a key factor to this story. I’m doing 75 Hard. It’s not a diet or a challenge fad. It’s a test of mental toughness. Google it. All you need to know is when you’re doing it there are 5 rules you must follow each day for 75 days.
1. Two 45 minute workouts.
2. One gallon of water.
3. Read ten pages of non-fiction.
4. Follow a meal plan.
5. No alcohol or cheat meals.
At 7:00pm we were to be in our rooms for the night until further instructed that we could leave them. The rain had already been falling and most places were shutting down. I was in my room well before 7:00pm. Not being able to eat or drink anything out of the mini-bar, I opted to order what ever I was “allowed” to have from room service. “One chicken caesar salad, one spinach salad, one crispy beef burrito, and one grilled chicken and veggies.” I proudly declared over the phone knowing this was a lot for one person to order. “Mr. Kramer, at this moment we are only allowing two plates per room.” the voice on the other end muttered, absolutely crushing my dreams.
Only two plates. A salad, a small chicken breast and veggies to hold me over until sometime tomorrow. I was in for a long night.
The “box lunch” arrived. A ham sandwich (one single slice of ham) with an apple and a juice box. Served in a brown paper bag, this truly felt like something a lazy mother would pack for their 8th grader. “Ahh, lovely, a sandwich, can’t have that. An apple, might snack on that. A juice box…reads side of box which is in Spanish – azúcar: 48g, can’t drink that.” For someone not doing 75 Hard, I’m sure this would have been a good lunch, which was being served at dinner time.
Some time around 7:00pm my room service arrived. If this was just a little snack to enjoy in my room I wouldn’t have been so underwhelmed. But this was suppose to be my dinner, the substance that was to last me “until further notice.” The salad was tasty, but only comparable to a side salad. The ones most people throw away. The grilled chicken was cooked to perfection. However, it was too small and the veggie portions were so tiny it would’ve made a child jump for joy that this was all the vegetables he had to eat before being dismissed from the table. For a moment, after finishing every bite, I sat and pondered if this would be enough…”Would I survive this storm? Would my hunger drive me to leave my room before allowed, on a dangerous quest to find more food?” Only time will tell.
“Through the night and into the day.”
For most of the evening I found myself on my laptop, with Two and a Half Men (in Spanish) on the TV as background noise. The wind was now at a continuous howl. The palm trees were all bending in unison to the right. The thatched roofs were being tested for their strength. White-caps had started to form in my pool as if it were a small model of the ragging seas. Much of the night went on like this. Hangout on the bed. Hear a loud gust of wind. Get up, poke my head out my back door to see if I would witness a roof or tree or something being hurled through the air. I never got to witness this, and at some point, turned the lights off and let the sounds of the hurricane send me off to sleep.
The next morning I immediately went to my back patio to asses the damage. What I saw was not all that bad. Lots of palm fronds in the pool and all over the ground. A majority of the chairs in the area had made their way into the pool over night. Things were blown around, but no major structural damage.
Around 11:00am they released us from our luxury hurricane bunkers. I chose to walk around the property because I wanted to see how things held up and because I knew the chaos that was bound to be going on at the one open restaurant must be avoided at all costs. I eventually had lunch and was graced by a Mexican rock band playing Santana and the Eagles in hopes to lighten everyones spirits. It seemed to be working, or perhaps it was the long socially distanced line that lead up to the bar. Either way the sun was starting to peak through the clouds and things were getting better.
Only one pool was open, maybe one bar was open and the all-inclusive vibe was not there. The scene felt like the guests were trying to pretend as if nothing happened – drink their drinks and hang in the pool. Mostly it just felt like everyone was in the way of the staff, trying desperately to clean up the resort.
I was due to leave the next morning, and the highlight of my evening (post hurricane) was a non-alcoholic beverage I had at our farewell cocktail party which was taking place of our farewell dinner that was supposed to be at Margaritaville Island Reserve. The second highlight was being able to have dinner at my beloved Mexican restaurant, “La Carretta.”
“The only worthy adventure is adventure itself. “
All-in-all this was an interesting trip. I’m glad to have experienced a hurricane. Now I can tell clients how they will be handled in the event this happens to them. However, if you’re not doing 75 Hard and anything goes; here are some recommendations I would make in order to maximize your vacation fun during a hurricane.
If there is any talk that a hurricane will be making land fall, you need to stop what you’re doing and switch into preparation mode.
Something to note, in Mexico if there is a hurricane coming, it is law that alcohol stop being served at 3:00pm. What you want to do is get a twenty dollar bill and some empty bottles or mugs and head to the bar. Your mini-fridge should be stocked with decent mixers, so all you need to do is stock up on your spirit(s) of choice so you can continue the party after you’re in your room “until further notice.”
Food. At some point everything will be closed, even room service. If you’re okay with the super basic ham & cheese, you can skip this step. As soon as you know about the hurricane you need to order room service. Be sure to order things that you’re okay with eating cold. Make sure to order as many pizzas as they allow you to order. You can always heat a slice of pizza up on your iron that is found in your room. (just be kind and wash it off after it cools.)
Besides all of that alcohol you have stored in used bottles of sunscreen, you’ll need to make sure you have enough water. For one, it’s a necessity, but you’ll also want enough to make coffee the next morning. Odds are you won’t be able to leave your room for quite some time.
The power may go out. Most properties have back-up generators (the El Dorado brand has them) but it’s smart to keep your phone on the charger throughout the day just incase the power goes out.
Lastly, try to make the best of it. Hurricanes suck, and can put a dampener on any vacation. Following these steps above will ensure your survival. In most cases the hurricane will last one day or night. By the next morning things should be getting back to normal. Be proud about hunkering down at an all inclusive resort and riding the storm out. Though it takes away from some of your vacation, at least you’ll have a good story to tell.
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Miramar Beach is located in Destin Florida and is a beautiful white sand beach. The water is crystal clear making this a very popular tourist destination. The beach is lined with
hotels and condominiums for rent. Parasailing is very popular at this beach, and there are even dolphin tours where you can come face to face with dolphins. This is a good beach to
visit if you are looking for a more upscale hotel experience. The Henderson Beach Resort is the most popular hotel equipped with chic rooms, 5 restaurants, and high end spa
experiences.
South Beach
South Beach in Miami is probably the most famous beach in all of Florida, and one of the most recognized beaches in all of the world. South Beach is unique because of it's vibrant
culture and chaotic night life. This is definitely a more party-goer destination and isn't made for those trying to get away from noise and tourists. You'll wander off the beach and
onto the multicolored pastel art deco district. There you'll find museums, high end shopping, gourmet food. The last time I was in Miami Beach, I splurged and went to Nobu. Nobu is a
Japanese Peruvian fusion restaurant well known for being littered with celebs, and for having some of the most delicious sushi in the world. Needless to say, Miami beach is not only
a beautiful beach with gorgeous people, it is a full cultural experience.
Anna Maria Beach is just 10 minutes down the road from the Luxevo Vacation's office. I would say that this was the beach I grew up going to, and many native to the area would probably
agree. Anna Maria is the family vacation beach you've always imagined. There are classic little beach getaways equipped with pull out couches and tiny kitchens the whole family with
cram into. There are all of the mom and pop shops you could want: ice cream, pizza, and fried food galore. Like all the beaches in the area, the sand is white and powdery, and the
water is bright blue. In the summers, there is not a foot of sand that isn't covered in chairs, coolers, and umbrellas. This is a great beach to take your family and have a great
wholesome time.
St. Pete Beach
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St. Pete beach is another "spring breakers" beach. Known for being packed to the gills during the spring and summer months, it's no wonder St. Pete attracts the masses. There are
countless bars and pubs and restaurant. St. Pete has done quite the transformation into a self proclaimed art capital. One of the well known landmarks of the city, is the Salvadore
Dali museum full of his paintings, sculptures, and even a virtual reality tour where you can walk through his art. There is also the famous Chihuly glass museum. The city has attracted
many of Florida's young creatives. There are indie bands, art galleries, vintage stores, murals, and craft beer. St. Pete is also home to the Tampa Bay rays so the streets are also often
filled with sports fans too (it's just generally a popular place). St. Pete is one of my favorite cities in all of Florida if not the hippest place to be right now. This is a very
fun place to vacation with quite literally something for everyone.
I saved the best for last! Lido key beach is by far my favorite beach. Just 20 minutes down the road from Anna Maria, Lido is much quieter and secluded. The main part of the beach
is lined with private residences versus hotels which really minimizes the traffic. Of the course the beach still gets crowded during the summer, but none the less this beach
has everything I love in a beach. The sand is just a little softer, the water just a little bluer, the area just a tad more charming. The beach is right off of St. Armands Circle:
Here you'll find restaurants and local shops filled with clothes and knick Knacks. Live music fills the streets, and the smell of fudge from the local ice cream shop. My favorite
activity is walking around the circle and people watching all of the interesting characters from here and there. Often times, there are events held in the circle. Sometimes it is
local art, craft festivals, or even classic car events. This beach is the perfect combination of quaint and lively.
No matter what Florida beach you decide to visit next, don't forget to book it with Luxevo Vacations.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular destinations. By visiting the Canyon in Fall you'll avoid the high volume crowds of the summer, and enjoy
much more temperate weather for exploring. You can take advantage of multiple hiking trails in the area, and all of the gorgeous scenery without risking
heat stroke.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is located along the Blue Ridge Mountain making it a perfect location to witness the changing of seasons. Asheville is known for it's colorful art scene and rich
history. There are tons of gardens and museums to visit, as well as an abundance of trails to walk along. There is also a lot to offer for those who aren't keen on nature as
well. They have more breweries per capita than any other city in the world, and plenty of highly rated restaurants. Asheville is a super hip city with the perfect culmination
of nature and city life.
3. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is known for its rich history and charm. (It can also be extremely humid and hot!) Enjoy all of the charm and history the city has to offer and avoid the sticky
weather of summer. Take a horse drawn carriage through the cobblestone streets. Eat at some of the best restaurants the south has to offer: gastro pubs, hipster hideaways, and
gourmet dining alike. Enjoy classic fall activities like hay rides and pumpkin patches. There are many fall activities like festivals and foodie based events.
4. San Fransisco, California
San Francisco is a very popular destination with peak tourism in summer. San Fran has fairly constant weather typically sitting in the mid to low 60s. Avoid the crowds and enjoy
some of the fall festivals including film, food, and wine. Stroll through the streets without having to push through the crowds. Visit the famous golden gate bridge, and take the
ferry to visit Alcatraz. This is a fun place to be year round so why not now?
With the cold creeping in, consider going south of the border for your fall vacation. This is voted one of the best cities in Mexico with bustling market places, and countless
scenic excursions. The photo above is of the heirve agua, or the boiling water. It's natural hot springs with the most incredible view. Take a trip to the famous Chichen Itza ruins,
or get lost in the market place eating food and browsing homemade crafts. This is the perfect fall vacation for those who don't want summer to end.
No matter what vacation you choose this fall, make sure to book it with us at Luxevo Vacations. Our travel specialists can book any vacation you can imagine, and can even help you
come up with countless more vacation inspos. Or, if you are an experienced traveler with a passion for exploring, join our team as a travel specialist.
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