Celebrating a milestone
For Kyle’s 40th birthday…
Travel & First Surprise
For Kyle’s 40th birthday, we decided Mexico was the perfect spot to celebrate with friends—it’s such a quick and easy flight from Austin. We had an early start at the airport, hoping to maximize our time at the resort. Traveling in January can be unpredictable, but this time the Austin airport was the busiest we’ve ever seen. After over an hour in the security line, we finally made it to our gate.
I had planned a few surprises for Kyle, and the first one kicked off at the airport: custom matching shirts for the group. Everyone wore jackets to hide them, and when Kyle stepped away to grab waters, we all pulled off our layers. He came back to find us all wearing the shirts and was completely shocked. We handed him his own and made him change before the flight. They were such a hit—other travelers laughed, wished him a happy birthday, and the shirts got just as much attention throughout the resort.
Arrival at Haven
We arrived at Haven around 11am and went straight to Flavors Marketplace, the resort’s buffet. The variety was great, making it easy for everyone to find something they liked. After lunch, we checked in and enjoyed a few cocktails while waiting for our rooms.
We had booked the Serenity Club, which came with access to a private pool and two exclusive restaurants. The group was split between two nearby buildings but could easily meet up at the pool in the middle. Once settled, I had another surprise waiting: goody bags for each couple, filled with a hangover kit, candy, hats, and koozies. Our butler coordinated with the others to sneak the bags into each room while we were at dinner, which made for a fun reveal later.
First Day Celebrations
That first afternoon, we lounged by the pool with margaritas before heading to dinner at Agua Bendita, the on-site steakhouse. Between the wine, delicious food, and company, it was the perfect evening. Afterward, we stopped by the Serenity Club’s private bar and ended the night at the resort’s show.
Daily Routine
Each morning had a relaxed rhythm—some couples slept in, others grabbed coffee at Mocaccino, hit the gym, or explored the resort. We rotated between the Haven Pool and the Signature Pool, meeting up whenever people were ready. One morning, we had breakfast at Vistas, which overlooks the pool with gorgeous views, making for a perfect start to the day.
Keeping the Festivities Going
Haven made the birthday feel special with nightly surprises, and we added our own touches too. At one point, we gave the guys matching swim trunks and shirts, which kept the celebration lighthearted. They’ve even worn them again since the trip, which says a lot about how much they liked them.
Dining Highlights
Evenings had their own traditions—we’d meet for pre-dinner drinks at Limes bar, then usually end the night at Moons nightclub. Dining highlights included Satsu and Vora Mar, but the standout was Olios.
We hadn’t originally planned to go, but Kyle asked our butler about availability and we scored the Chef’s Table. It turned out to be one of the best experiences of the trip—unique Mediterranean dishes, creative presentations, and perfectly paired cocktails and wine. The staff even surprised us at the end with hotdogs and bottled Coca-Cola after we joked about craving American food. That extra thoughtfulness made the evening unforgettable.
Final Thoughts on Haven
All in all, Haven was an excellent choice for celebrating a milestone birthday—affordable, close to Austin, and perfect for a group trip. The property was beautiful, the staff attentive, and while the food was overall enjoyable (though typical of an all-inclusive), Olios was the true culinary highlight.
Our only real complaint was that there was no poolside food service at the Serenity Club pool—I would have loved chips and guacamole right by the water, but instead you had to dine at the restaurant near the pool. Still, the overall experience was wonderful, and the resort was an ideal setting to celebrate Kyle’s big 4-0.
Travel Tips for Groups
Plan Together, Decide Together – Set expectations early about budgets, activities, and accommodations.
Assign Roles – Share responsibilities like booking transportation, finding restaurants, or managing the itinerary.
Book Early – Secure accommodations and excursions in advance to ensure availability for everyone.
Stay Flexible – Not everyone will want to do the same activity; plan some solo or small-group time.
Pack Smart – Bring essentials like chargers, snacks, and first-aid items, and coordinate shared items (sunscreen, beach gear).
Communicate Openly – Keep everyone in the loop with group chats or shared calendars.
Budget Wisely – Discuss shared costs upfront and consider apps to track expenses.
Celebrate Together – Plan at least one special group activity, like a dinner or excursion, to make memories.
Celebrating 10 Years in St. Lucia
For our 10-year anniverary, we wanted to….
Choosing the Perfect Destination
For our 10-year anniversary, we wanted to celebrate somewhere new. After hours of researching and narrowing down dream destinations, we landed on St. Lucia—and it was the perfect choice. The hardest part was picking a resort since the island is home to so many stunning properties. We ultimately chose the adults-only section of Coconut Bay Beach Resort, called Serenity. This all-inclusive, boutique-style retreat felt private and exclusive, which was exactly what we were looking for.
Travel Day & Arrival
Our travel day began in Austin, with a connection through Miami before landing at Hewanorra International Airport. Customs was quick and painless, and within minutes, we were on our way. One of Serenity’s biggest perks is its close proximity to the airport. At first, we worried the location might be noisy, but we never heard a single plane during our stay, which was a pleasant surprise.
A Warm Welcome
Serenity has its own private entrance, so check-in is seamless. We were greeted by our butler, McGregor, who led us straight to the pool bar while our luggage was delivered to the room. Cocktail in hand, we were officially in vacation mode.
Our Grande Suite Experience
For such a special occasion, we splurged on the Grande Plunge Pool Butler Suite, and it was worth every penny. At 1,900 square feet, the suite offered a private entrance and was tucked behind lush greenery and a privacy wall, making it feel like our own little world. With just 36 suites total, the resort never felt crowded, and oftentimes it felt like we had it all to ourselves.
Inside, we had a king bed, sitting area, and jacuzzi, while outside was our own oasis: a covered wet bar, plunge pool with waterfall, hammock for two, and plenty of space to lounge. Each night, turndown service awaited us with chocolates and towel creations.
Serenity vs. Coconut Bay
Guests of Serenity can access the main Coconut Bay resort, which offers additional shops and restaurants, and allows children. While we ventured over a couple of times, the dining at Serenity was so outstanding that we rarely left. The only drawback of Serenity is its location off the ocean. The beach is just a short walk away, but Serenity itself is tucked into the jungle. We spent quiet mornings enjoying coffee by the beach, but it wasn’t the turquoise Caribbean water you find on the island’s western side. Still, the atmosphere more than made up for it.
Poolside Bliss & Activities
The Serenity pool was another highlight. Spacious and never crowded, it was the perfect place to unwind. Staff surprised us daily with creative cocktails or even healthy juice shots. They also offered a fun lineup of activities—rum tastings, painting classes, and one night, a DJ and fire dancer show that was such a memorable experience.
Dining Highlights
Though Serenity has only one restaurant, it truly doesn’t need another. Every dish we tried was incredible, and the small size of the resort made dining feel personal. The staff quickly learned our names, and the chef kept things exciting with nightly specials, amuse-bouche, and creative cocktails. Hands down, some of the best resort dining we’ve ever had. After a day on the water, we brought our mahi-mahi back to the resort, and the chef surprised us by preparing it three different ways. It turned out to be one of the most memorable and delicious meals of our trip.
Exploring Beyond the Resort
Of course, no trip to St. Lucia is complete without experiencing the Pitons. One morning, we went deep-sea fishing and were amazed at how quickly the water became so deep just offshore. We caught several mahi-mahi while surrounded by breathtaking scenery—navy waters and lush mountains rising dramatically in the background. It was a highlight of our trip.
McGregor also recommended visiting the Pitons, waterfalls, and Sulphur Springs for the famous mud baths. We had it on our schedule, but when the day came, we opted to relax at the resort instead. It’s worth noting that Serenity is located on the southeastern side of the island, while most of the landmarks and excursions are further north and west. The drive is long and winding, so next time we visit, we may try a resort on the western side for easier access to those iconic sights.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Serenity exceeded our expectations. If we could change one thing, it would be relocating this incredible adults-only resort to the west side of the island for those postcard-perfect Caribbean waters. Still, everything from the service to the suites to the dining was absolutely unforgettable. It was a truly special way to celebrate our 10th anniversary.
TRAVEL TIPS
Currency & Payments
The Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) is the official currency, but USD is widely accepted.
Carry small bills for taxis, tips, and local vendors.
Transportation
Island roads are narrow and winding—especially if you’re heading to the Pitons.
Consider hiring a driver or booking tours instead of renting a car unless you’re comfortable with left-side driving.
Excursions
Don’t miss the Pitons, Sulphur Springs mud baths, and a catamaran cruise.
Book excursions through your resort or trusted operators for safety and ease.
Packing Essentials
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, water shoes for waterfalls, and light, breathable clothing.
Timing
Visit December–April for dry, sunny weather.
May–June offers fewer crowds and good deals.
Dining
Try local Creole dishes like saltfish and green figs.
Stop at a beachside shack for fresh grilled fish.
Relax & Recharge
Build in downtime at your resort—St. Lucia is about balancing adventure with relaxation.
Friends’ trip to Cancun at Secrets Moxché
In the fall of 2023, we were…
In the fall of 2023, we were thrilled to take a trip to Cancun with friends. It had been years since our last visit, and when our neighbors, who go annually, invited us along, we couldn’t resist. We traveled during the last week of September, flying direct from Austin. With Cancun only a two-hour flight away, it’s an incredibly easy and convenient getaway, even for a long weekend.
We left on an early Thursday flight and landed by 10 a.m. Customs was quick and stress-free, and since we had arranged private transportation beforehand, we were soon greeted by our driver. Cold beers in hand, we settled in for the 40-minute drive. Before long, the modern gates of Secrets Moxché came into view. After confirming our reservation, we were welcomed with warm smiles, taken to a private check-in lounge, and offered refreshing welcome drinks—a perfect start to our stay.
Accommodations – The Impressions Section
We had booked the upgraded Impressions section, which turned out to be absolutely worth it. This exclusive upgrade included butler service, private bars, daily snacks, and access to a rooftop infinity pool with its own restaurant. Our room was stunning, with warm modern décor, a spacious bathroom with dual sinks, a cozy sitting area, and an outdoor hot tub on the balcony. The thoughtful touch of complimentary bottles of our favorite liquor made it feel even more personal.
After unpacking, we slipped into swimsuits and headed straight to the rooftop pool. The cabanas, sleek design, and infinity edge overlooking the resort felt magical. Most days, we had the pool nearly to ourselves, creating a private, tranquil vibe. Lunch at the rooftop restaurant, Cielo, offers fresh ceviche, flavorful tacos, and margaritas that hit just right under the sun.
Pools & Relaxation
One of the things we loved most about Secrets Moxché was the variety of pools—seven in total. Some were lively, with music and swim-up bars, while others were quiet and perfect for unwinding. We spent mornings by the main pool enjoying the atmosphere, then retreated to the rooftop pool in the afternoons for a more serene experience. Seasoul, the beachfront restaurant, was our go-to for lunch, serving some of the freshest ceviche we’ve had in Mexico.
Dining & Nightlife
Evenings brought us a variety of dining experiences. Our first night we kept it simple with dinner at Ember followed by a relaxed drink at Dark Horse Sports Bar. Over the next few nights, we tried:
Allora – an Italian restaurant so delicious we returned twice. Their pasta dishes and wine selection were a standout.
Dos Almas – serving elevated Mexican cuisine with modern twists. We tried bone marrow for the first time, which was an experience we won’t soon forget.
Bamboo – an Asian fusion restaurant where we sat at the bar and watched the chefs prepare meals. The fried rice bowl was unexpectedly one of the best dishes of our trip.
Entertainment was another highlight. One night, we watched a cultural performance showcasing Mexico’s history, complete with dancers in vibrant traditional dresses. Afterwards, we discovered one of the resort’s best-kept secrets: The Pharmacy. With a daily password, guests enter through a hidden door into the Gypsy Club, where the energy completely transforms—low lights, thumping music, and a lively dance floor. We stayed out until 1 a.m., dancing to popular hits with just the right-sized crowd. It was one of the most memorable nights of the trip.
Spa & A Stormy Surprise
On our second-to-last day, we treated ourselves to the Secrets Spa. Between the sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pools, and reflexology features, it was a rejuvenating experience that gave us the perfect reset. After our massages, we felt completely refreshed. Later that afternoon, while relaxing at the rooftop pool, a sudden storm rolled in. Cushions were flying, the wind picked up, and everyone scrambled for cover. Instead of letting it ruin the day, we made the best of it—sharing laughs with our bartender, sipping Mexican Candy shots, and turning it into one of the most unexpectedly fun afternoons of the trip.
Final Thoughts
From beginning to end, our stay at Secrets Moxché was everything we hoped for and more. The Impressions upgrade elevated the experience with extra perks and privacy, while the resort itself delivered a perfect balance of relaxation, great dining, entertainment, and warm hospitality. Every staff member we met was kind and attentive, making us feel truly at home.
This trip reminded us why Cancun remains such a beloved destination—it’s easy to get to, filled with beauty, and always delivers unforgettable memories. We left already dreaming about our next visit.
Travel Tips
Visiting Cancun
Book Private Transfers – Arrange transportation before you land for a stress-free ride from the airport (and maybe a cold beer in hand).
Arrive Early – Morning flights mean less waiting at customs and more time to enjoy your first day.
Keep Small Bills Handy – Tips are customary for drivers, bartenders, and housekeeping.
Pack for the Elements – Sunscreen, hats, bug spray, and even a light rain jacket go a long way.
Stay Hydrated – The mix of sun and cocktails makes water a must.
Staying at Secrets Moxché
Upgrade to Impressions if You Can – The rooftop pool, private restaurant, butler service, and lounge access are worth the splurge.
Rooftop Pool = Hidden Gem – Often quieter than the main pools, with incredible views. Go in the afternoon for shade and a peaceful vibe.
Try the Hidden Nightclub – Ask your bartender for the nightly password to enter The Pharmacy and discover the Gypsy Club after the evening shows.
Spa Day is a Must – Book the hydrotherapy circuit before your massage. It’s an experience on its own.
Explore All the Pools – With seven options, you’ll find both social spots with swim-up bars and secluded areas for relaxation.
Plan Dining Ahead – Some restaurants (like Bamboo’s teppanyaki tables) require reservations. Others, like Allora, are worth visiting twice.
Pack Resort Casual Outfits – Most dining spots are relaxed, but bring a couple of nicer outfits for Ember or Dos Almas.
Talk to the Bartenders – They’ll happily make off-menu cocktails (the Mexican Candy shots were a highlight!).
Enjoy the Evenings – Between live entertainment, themed dinners, and hidden nightlife, there’s something fun happening every night.