Was that Jen Aniston? Maybe – if her people are in the know. This place rocks. Beautiful clientele, superior staff and the most gorgeous views on the Riviera Maya. (But without the paparazzi.) Located in a stunning gated town south of Playa del Carmen, the Omni is the gem of Puerto Aventuras, and is steps away from the dolphin lagoon that flanks the marina. Yes – you can swim with the dolphins. Or just watch the free show every night. Be sure you feed the sea lions and manatees too (did you know they eat lettuce?).
Upon check-in to the Omni, you are greeted with a cool towel and royal welcome. Rooms sport outdoor bathtubs, natural stone finishes and pass-throughs for your breakfast which can be taken on your private patio. Linens are soft, the complimentary water is lovely (after a few margaritas) and the lobby is one of the most romantic places you could possibly be in the evening. Illuminated coconut shells hang from the bar as spa-like music wafts from the rafters.
For children, there are a few attractions that are guaranteed to excite. The kid’s pool is warm and shallow, and friends are in great supply. The beach boasts some of the softest, whitest sand imaginable, and canopied beds and large round sofa-chairs invite you to flop around the pool deck. Naptime made easy. BTW, you can hang at the pool bar with it’s grand staircase to the beach while you watch the kids play. The staff never neglect placing a hyacinth in the curtain tiebacks, and pineapples are placed on the hot tub bar tables – complete with funny faces made out of fruit.
The MG Gym & Spa is exceptional and overlooks the crescent beach and blue-green waters. If you hit the gym early, you beat the heat and stay in bikini shape. Make sure you ask for Tarzan as a trainer. (Yes. That is actually his name and he is the spitting image of Fabio. Honest.) Even if you’ve never seen the inside of a gym, he’ll run through the machines and tailor exercises to your body while entertaining you with his endless wit. You’ve actually done 12 reps already and didn’t even notice.
Dive Aventuras, the scuba shop, is located right on the premises and is more spa than dive outfit. Your tanks and snorkels are carried the short walk to the dive boat, and you have the opportunity to see incredible sea life and be back before the kids even miss you. The stunning reefs are so close that your spouse won’t be ticked off at how long you’ve been gone. Turtles, moray eels and tiger fish are easily found by the dive masters. The best news? Andreas is always very happy to oblige the little people who want to try on ‘tiny wetsuits’ and watch the pool divers practice.
Strolling around the Puerto Aventuras marina, there are many restaurants and great shops (corona bikini or wrestling mask anyone?). Residents favour golf carts as a means of transportation, and deep sea fishing charters leave the marina regularly. Both sights provide constant amusement for the kids. Sun, great food, white sand, dolphins, five-star hotel and an endless stream of amusement for children. The perfect Mexican vacation.
www.omnihotels.com
www.puertoaventuras.com
www.diveaventuras.com
When it gets that cold in the winter, there’s no excuse for laziness during the good weather. Toronto is Canada’s largest city, and has so many activities and special sights to offer for children. Kids in Toronto have lots to choose from. You can pick any corner of the city and education and experiences will abound. Here’s a fun list of stuff to do while you’re in the Big Smoke. 
I took my girls to the beach this weekend. It was a chance to reconnect and recharge from the insanity that goes along with selling your house. L needed a break from me hounding her about tidying her puzzle pieces and I needed a break from artfully staging dish soap and books.
Sleepy Sundays… It is mornings like these that I wish I were still a couch potato. It is Sunday morning and time for my regular training run. I look forward to running with my group. It is usually my most challenging run of the week but it seems painless when running with interesting people and doing one of my favorite things, talking.
Exercise is my drug of choice. My withdrawal symptoms include extreme crankiness, a short fuse and waves of resentment. When I get my fix I feel euphoric, confident and proud. I have never been one to consume caffeine. I drink decaf herbal teas and a lot of water. Peer pressure has always had an opposite effect on me. As a result I have never smoked….anything. Shopping serves its purpose but I prefer sewing presents over buying them. For years I have felt like a misfit for the lack of addiction in my life.
Make it work: You got an excuse? I have a solution! MAKE IT WORK