A Mexico Honeymoon...

...Well, not our honeymoon, but it was someone's honeymoon. On this trip, I was able to knock out two 30 Before 30 tasks: Drink tequila in Mexico and Visit a country I've never been to. Although this was just a vacation and not really our honeymoon, it had the beauty, relaxation and romance that I hope for as we plan ours. I had planned on only sharing the photos on my 30 Before 30, but our trip to Puerto Vallarta was so incredible that I couldn't resist. Also, I've seen this 5-Star Resort pinned so many times that I felt it was my duty to review it and report that it's surprisingly cost-effective! Maybe this post will help someone's honeymoon planning.
30 Before 30 items -- travel to a country I've never been to and drink tequila in

The Hotel: Garza Blanca Resort & Spa

From the moment your chauffered car arrives at the gated entrance of Garza Blanca Resort & Spa, you are treated like royalty. Upon walking into the open-air lobby, your bags are taken by a friendly bell-hop, you're handed a cucumber frozen margarita and you look to your left into blue skies, a crystal infinity pool and miles of ocean. But word to the wise, don't let the bliss and tranquility overwhelm you too much, keep your head, bypass the eager lobby greeters, move on to the reception and let them know you are there only to check in and that you have no interest in a timeshare breakfast meeting. This will save you a lot of time and will get you right to your room. Then you can enjoy a week of non-stop pampering. The hotel offers European-style or All-Inclusive options. The closest restaurant, other than one of three resort dining options, is a 15-minute ($15 one way) taxi ride into the downtown area, so chances are you may opt to eat most of your meals at the resort. This resort is about seclusion, relaxation and convenience; I wouldn't suggest this for people looking for an adventurous vacation or who want to dive into the Mexican culture. However, if you need a break from schedules and your commute, if you long to be catered to or if you desire some quality time with your partner, this is your haven.

The Room

We stayed in the Oceanview Junior Panorama Suite. Looking for something more cost effective, no worries, every room at Garza Blanca has an ocean or bayview! The Jr. Suite includes a large balcony with a seated area for room service breakfast and a hammock built for two. The large, freestanding tub looks through the floor-to-ceiling glass window out to the blue ocean. If you really are on your honeymoon, the resort offers a gorgeous, oceanfront corner suite on the bottom level with a wrap around porch, hammock and private hot tub. How do I know this? Because we crashed someone's honeymoon...just kidding...but seriously, we crashed someone's honeymoon.

The Spa

We had every intention of siteseeing in downtown Puerto Vallarta on our first night, but after a long day of travel, and reading about the Hamara Spa at Garza Blanca, we opted for a 1-hr Couples Massage. The spa offers several options for couple massages: Indoors at the Spa, Outdoors on the Spa balcony and in-suite. As tempted as we were to listen to crashing waves on the spa's balcony, we're happy we chose the indoor massage for it's dimly-lit relaxation. Upon entering the spa, you're provided with a locker key, cozy robe and slippers. There's tea and cucumber water as you wait in the relaxation room. After an hour of bliss, your masseuse serves you a cup of tea and escorts you to another room, where you think you will be paying your bill or possibly returning to your locker. Instead, you and your partner are taken to a private room where a sauna, steam room, shower, cold lavendar towels, fruit and tea await. Another surprise awaits for you around the corner as you find that the room is actually a large balcony with a jacuzzi with a view.

The Pool & Beach

Clearly, we didn't spend our stay indoors! Garza Blanca Resort boasts two infinity pools overlooking the ocean, as well as a private beach. Leave your snacks in your room because both pools offer a waitstaff who deliver poolside palomas, margaritas and incredible ceviche. They'll even swing by with complimentary fruit, just to keep you refreshed.

The Food

Rusty and I usually love to dive into the local flavor while on vacation, and while we made sure to get some authentic Mexican food, we also enjoyed the convenience of having a few incredible restaurants available at the resort. On our first night in Mexico, we dined on steak, carpaccio, gazpacho and tuna tartare, and shared a bottle of wine which came with a Sommelier, who aerated our Tempranillo table-side. The meal wasn't over, as our friendly waiter brought us a complimentary dessert sampler, which we gladly took off of his hands. 

I highly recommend this resort to anyone who is looking for a cost-effective honeymoon or romantic vacation without compromising service, seclusion and quality. The 5-Star Garza Blanca Resort & Spa offers unbelievable prices for the incomparable quality, services and breathtaking views it boasts.