After several months of worsening mental health and life-balance, unable to handle it any longer, I decided it was time to getaway, change my environment, and figure things out in my life. I knew this meant it was time for my next All-Inclusive Resort trip: this time, no phone. No computer. No distractions. The type of Resort I needed was somewhere nice, beachfront, more remote, safe, known for superior service and kind people, and, most importantly, small/quiet with minimal people. After what seemed like endless searching, the night I went to book something, The Fives Oceanfront Resort just kind of appeared and, strangely enough, I had never come across it. With tons of reading to follow, it seemed to be exactly what I had been unable to find. One call to their team later and I was set to leave a week later with the hopes that it would be exactly what I needed.

Now that I am back, I can honestly say that I am relaxed and had the most impactful trip of my life. The Fives Oceanfront Resort was more than what I expected and truly part of making this happen for me. It was much more than the luxury, small size, location, and exceptional food – it was the people who cared for me to a degree that was more genuine and meaningful than ever before. In fact, I do not think I ever cried so much the night before I left: not because it was time to return to the real world, but when I had to say goodbye to all my new buddies that spent the week making me laugh, making me smile, and going above-and-beyond to meet my every (annoying) need or want. I could write for hours about the whole experience, but I will stick to the highlights that I loved most about the Fives Oceanfront Resort.

Let’s start with the property itself and amenities. The description you may see on their site could not be a better summary. “Rest and recharge in this soothing private refuge. Discover the true meaning of relaxation in your residence, the infinity pool, or the private beaches along the second-largest coral reef in the world.”

With the tucked away location in the small fishing town of Puerto Morelos, it is remote enough to escape the party scene, completely safe, and nestled right on the beachfront. From your balcony, you can look to the left and see jungle, then look to right and see ocean. Every night, I enjoyed laying out on my own balcony, reading, and listening to the waves crash calmly. This same sound soothed me each morning when I woke up from such a restful sleep. Each day, I loved waking up without a plan or the feeling of having to do and see so much to make sure I was able to take advantage of the countless amenities that many All-Inclusive Resorts offer – this always adds to my stress and lack of rest. I could take a walk on the private beach (not overrun with tourists and people: fantastic), swim in the rooftop infinity pool or the small beachfront pool, go to the gym, visit the spa (I did get a wonderful massage and it was such a blissful experience), walk about 15 minutes to the little downtown where I would be greeted by smiling faces and amazing food, have a few handcrafted, fresh cocktails, sit for hours at the Romarley Beach House (more on this soon) enjoying fresh Mexican Caribbean cuisine, or just lay out on the beach on one of the Bali Beds.

One of my favorite things to do was lay on the rooftop by the pool while sipping a fruit-juice of my choice or an innovative cocktail prepared by the team of kind, expert bartenders and take a dip in the pool at my leisure. I also loved sitting on the Patio at the Romarley Beach House eating the best yogurt & granola parfait that the chef would specially prepare for me each day while taking in the breathe-taking sights surrounding me: beach. ocean. palm trees. You have to be there yourself to truly imagine this feeling and view.

As for the food, during my visit, only the main restaurant, the Romarley Beach House, was open daily for all meals. From Thursday to Sunday, the Italian restaurant, Al Mare, was open, and on Friday night, the rooftop had a weekly Mayan Sunset experience/show, live music, and a special Mayan menu for dinner (which was phenomenal). Everything I dined on was divine: carefully prepared, creative, flavorful, and prepared to order. There was no question as to the quality, local ingredients, and fresh taste. With everything I ate, I felt clean, healthy, and nourished. It really seemed like the team was growing or raising all of the ingredients right in their own backyard: probably because they are with the location! Looking back, I don’t think I ate anything other than a variety of seafood all week… which is surprising for me! Being home now, all I have been wanting is seafood of that quality. Separate articles on the most memorable meals to follow- so stay tuned!

Last but not least, a little more on the service & my room I already boasted about. When I arrived to check-in, there was no “front desk” or queue. I was instantly greeted by a calm, smiling team member and welcomed with a sparkling wine. A few papers signed later, I was swept away to my home for the week. When I first opened the door to my room, I was speechless (and super touched by the large bowl of glistening fruit and welcome note on my table!). The one-bedroom suite had a large living room, kitchen, separate bedroom, and large oceanfront-view balcony equipped with loungers and a jacuzzi tub. This haven for the week was unbelievable: from the design, the quality, and ready to meet my every need (including room service!). It was the best room I have ever stayed in throughout my travels, and could not have made me even more relaxed. A big fluffy plush bed to get lost in, bathrobes & slippers, a spacious bathroom with rainfall shower, 2 TVs, a fully stocked mini-bar, coffee machine, and more space than anyone could need… What more could I ask for? Not to mention that anything I could possibly need or want was a phone call to the lobby away. Most importantly, however, is how many ways this team went above-and-beyond to provide for me. Everything from making me special meals or drinks, talking with me when I was lonely, having fun with me at my solo-dinners when I wanted, and even making SURE I did not oversleep for my flight home. I truly cannot speak highly enough of this team and how much they meant to me.

When it came time to say goodbye to my picturesque paradise and little haven, I was sad, but ready and refreshed to return to reality, with the absolute intention of returning.

To learn more about room types, the Fives concept, menus, and book your own stay, visit their website here.

And a very special shoutout to just a few of the best of the best who really meant a lot to me (just to name a few)… david, daniel, erika, jorge, erik, gabriel, enrique, antonio, vidiya, diego, erika kitchen, silverado, carlos, jaime…..THANK YOU!