WhatIWore: Last week Adam and I returned from what was easily the most relaxing and restful vacation of my life! We went to a private island off the coast of Belize and spent our days swimming, fishing, napping and reading. It was incredible. Adam surprised me with this trip as a gift for our fifth wedding anniversary. It was a treasure hunt which lead me to a safety deposit box at the bank and inside was the reservation. Two tickets to paradise! A key to enjoy the fantasy suite as a couple! We haven’t had a midwinter beach trip in years and this time Felix was able to stay home with his grandparents, which was also the first time we’d had a night away from him… ever! It all worked out great though! (I have two posts - one on weaning and another on transitioning from co-sleeping to a crib coming up this week or next). 

Back to our trip! We flew into Belize City and stayed one night in a chain hotel, which was really meh compared to the amazing Royal Island Resort via AirBnB (get a $20 off your first stay here) which was about 15 minutes by boat from the coast. The island has five two bedroom beach cottages and we were only one of three occupied cabins on any given night. Most of the time the soft white sand beach was completely empty (!!!) as other guests were off doing their own thing. We opted to stay put and just soak up the sun (although day trips can be arranged). In the water we went kayaking (even to an uninhabited island next door, hello LOST! duh dun), saw giant eagle rays swimming beneath our paddle boards, went fishing and floated/swam around the gorgeous turquoise waters. On dry land we napped, read books (first time I’ve finished a book in 16 plus months, let alone two!), played dozens of games of Gin Rummy, drank 4 bottles of rum and slept 10-11 hours a night. HELL YES says the mom of a toddler. 

Also, the food. Let’s talk about that. The “restaurant” is set up as so, but is really just a kitchen serving a single option per meal. No menus! On our first day we requested to eat Belizean style cuisine, so that’s what we got. Fry Jacks, rice and beans, fried plantains, etc. The food was really great and I managed to lose four pounds, and who the hell does that on vacation? We weren’t restricting ourselves (see above rum consumption), but it was actually pretty paleo friendly. Also: Banana Daiquiris.

Finally - the staff. They were incredible. It felt like we were staying with really helpful friends who didn’t hover. When we needed something, it felt like they were there, but for the most part, we felt like we were completely alone, in a good way. Sherlyn and Bernard checked in on us daily and organized things like my massage and our transportation to and from the airport. Hiro was our boat captain and helped us find the best fishing spot. (Caught 5, first time fishing since I was 10). Roddy was our waiter at the restaurant and we loved him! And the chef, who will remain nameless was incredible. The food was right our our alley. Not too fancy, not too fried, just wholesome and local and delicious.

We were tempted to not share the name of this place, because we wanted it to be our little secret, but it’ll probably be a couple years until we can go back, so we want you to know about it too. It’s incredible. I will never under estimate the power of a restorative beach week ever again. Not only just I have a chance to just be, but I got to spend precious time with Adam and not think about work or being parents or chores or cooking or where to check in on what day. Our decisions were made for us with food, we just had to know what time to show up. We slept like babies. We read and zoned out and eventually wanted to go home. We face timed Felix who was having a blast with his grandparents. It was the perfect vacation. 

So now… photos! But before that, the swimsuits, which was the only thing I wore while I was there (plus a cover up and two rotating dresses). Pink reversible one piece, Mara Hoffman, Black and Blue reversible one piece, Mara Hoffman, Coverup - also Mara Hoffman, Sunnies, Karen Walker and Hat - self made (I can make you the same one via Stars and Field)