Isolation Vacation Mode: Activated

2020, what a time to be alive- am I right? Most of us started the year with big goals and dreams, at least I know I did after a very rough 2019. One of my goals was to take on as much training and learning opportunities about the travel industry as possible. I had some lofty goals as far as knowledge and sales go. Luckily, I was able to take the opportunity to cruise with Royal Caribbean and experience firsthand all of the wonderful things they have to offer both on their ships and on their private island, Coco Cay (more about that in another post!). But, shortly after that the world was hit with an awful pandemic.

My second opportunity for training was to happen at the end of March in Cancun, Mexico at the Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun. Palace Resorts are all top notch, and Le Blanc is no exception. Honestly, I’m not sure what I was looking forward to the most- the in-room whirlpool tub, the stunning views of the ocean, sampling food from any of their diverse restaurants, or the personal Butler service (all included!!)

Unfortunately, two weeks before the trip the pandemic halted my plans. Rather than let it bring me down, I decided to have a little beach vacation anyway… sans the actual beach, of course. I was fairly certain that everyone would think I had lost my marbles, but luckily my sister was right there with me and decided to join me.

To prep for my “beach getaway” in the middle of the winter… in the middle of my living room… in the middle of New Jersey… I had to set the scene. This included a space heater to make it nice and toasty, my energy sunlamp to make it nice and bright, a YouTube video complete with island winds and waves crashing, a Polynesian candle from Walter and Rosie Candle Co., and of course some Jimmy Buffett tunes.

I brought all of my favorite beach accessories too. I laid out my Disney towel with the Fab 5, put on my Lilo sweatpants (similar here) and the cutest wide brim hat from Rita Lane Vintage, my favorite Mickey sunnies from Aldo, and Bob Iger’s book “The Ride of a Lifetime” (which I have since finished and highly recommend!)

To really make it feel like I was on a getaway far, far away from New Jersey I decided to make myself a cocktail from my favorite place ever- Epcot. At the beginning of quarantine, La Cava Del Tequila had their Mixologist, Gustavo, go live on Instagram to help followers recreate some of their delicious margaritas at home. One of my favorites, the Maelstrom Margarita, was featured and I jumped on the opportunity to give it a try during this very extended staycation. Although I did not make it exactly like La Cava did (my attempt to be resourceful and use what I had), it ended up being a very tasty drink! If I closed my eyes and tried really hard, I could almost hear the sounds of the Mexico Pavilion… almost.

Although my living room retreat was not quite a stay at Le Blanc Cancun, it certainly helped keep me feeling relaxed, creative, and entertained during the long months of quarantine. But, I cannot wait until travel resumes and I can head to the resort. Le Blanc also has their own in house mixologist and I hear they have an amazing coconut margarita as well as some other fun drink concoctions including my favorite ingredient- fresh basil. And don’t get me started on the menus. The first thing I will be ordering when I step foot on property is some ceviche from Yama- their Japanese restaurant. Yum!

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