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 a milestone