PUNTA MITA MEXICO TRAVEL VLOG: AN EAT, STAY, PLAY GUIDE

Punta De Mita - Things to do in Punta Mita Mexico - Places to stay in Punta Mita, Vacation home rentals

My girlfriend Joja joined me on my trip to Punta Mita as my ‘babymoon’ companion! What a great friend!

A Punta Mita, Nayarit Eat, Stay, Play Travel Guide

It may not have been the babymoon I had pictured but my recent trip to Punta Mita, Mexico ended up just being just what I needed.

If you are new to my Youtube channel or blog, my husband Adam and I have been slowly renovation our Toronto Victorian home for the past 18 months and after a year of renovations we finally moved back into our house this past May, got married in Italy this September and found out I was pregnant the same week we got back from our honeymoon in Croatia. This past year has been nothing if not momentous and knowing the next phase of our renovation was just on the horizon, I knew if I didn’t go visit my parents at their new condo in Punta Mita now, I probably wouldn’t get another opportunity for at least 10 months. So off I went!

Unfortunately for me, the timing did not work for my husband who was swamped at work so instead of being the babymoon I had pictured, I invited a friend to join me as my pregnancy companion to enjoy some warm weather and sunshine while I can.

It had been a quite some time since my last trip to Punta Mita 9 years ago and so much had changed. Previously, Adam and I had gone there with my parents and stayed at a family friends’ place but this time around, my girlfriend and I would be staying at their newly built condo and could visit the new Punta Mita beach clubs that had opened since and dine at all the best restaurants.

If you have never been to Punta Mita Mexico before, it’s a luxurious 1,500-acre private residential community located on a spear-shaped peninsula that features two luxury hotel properties (the Four Seasons Punta Mita and St. Regis Punta Mita) and numerous world-class amenities including two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses.

Where is Punta Mita?

Situated 45 km (28 miles) from Puerto Vallarta International Airport, it takes about 45-50 minutes to get to Punta Mita by car, but once there you are surrounded on three sides by nine and a half miles of beaches. Outside the gates of Punta Mita you will find Punta de Mita, a small artisan, merchant and fishing village with restaurants, stores, markets and cafes to explore. Access into Punta Mita is only available to guests staying at the hotel or property owners and their invited guests making it a very private and exclusive destination that attracts celebrities and international elite visitors alike.

Punta De Mita - Things to do in Punta Mita Mexico - view from la pescadora restaurant in punta de mita

The view from our table at Pescadora Restaurant in Punta de Mita

To help you make the most of your time in Punta Mita and the surrounding Nayarit areas here is an Eat, Stay, Play guide to one of Mexico’s best playgrounds.

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Bump Style! Outfits I wore while on vacation in Punta Mita!

Where to Stay and Luxury Punta Mita Hotels

Rental Properties in Punta Mita - Coming with a large group or want to plan an extended stay? There are a wide range of properties available for short and long term rentals in Punta Mita that would appeal to a variety of tastes and preferences. From the charm of traditional Mexican-style villas to sleek, modern and chic condos, Punta Mita’s rental properties always feature high-end amenities, top-of-the-line appliances, state-of-the-art electronics, and high-speed internet. They also come with access to all the beach clubs (and spas that are associated with them), hotels, concierge service, housekeeping, golf club access and so much more. There are minimum night stay requirements when renting a vacation property in Punta Mita but it varies depending on the season so it’s always best to double check.

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The St. Regist Punta Mita Resort

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort - A fantastic place to relax and be pampered, the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is a luxury haven settled on 22 lush acres featuring expansive beachfront villas. With 120 exquisite guest rooms and suites with luxury amenities like golf and the rejuvenating and pampering treatments available at the The St. Regis Spa, the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort offers upscale luxury amid a private intimate hideaway that is perfect for those in need of some rest and recharging.

Four Seasons Punta Mita - For those who can’t sit still for long, The Four Seasons Punta Mita not only offers the luxury hospitality offerings they are known for, but numerous activities and experiences to keep you entertained. From private cooking classes to private yacht charters, horseback riding, ATV tours, fitness and yoga classes, tennis club access, and spa treatments, not to mention access to two Jack Nicklaus designed courses, there is no such thing as a dull moment when staying at The Four Seasons Punta Mita.

Map of Punta Mita

Map of Punta Mita Nayarit Mexico

Map taken from the Punta Mita website. A more interactive version of this map is available on their site - CLICK HERE TO VIEW


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Kupuri Beach Club! One of four beach clubs in Punta Mita that are open to residents and vacation property renters.

Things To Do in Punta Mita

Relax at the numerous Punta Mita Beach clubs - As a resident or vacation property renter you gain access to the numbers Punta Mita beach clubs including Kupuri beach club which features the Navi Spa and Coritas Kids Club (an air conditioned clubhouse that accommodates toddlers to teenagers with a roster of activities including wading pools and video games), Sufi Ocean Club, Sea Breeze Beach Club, and Pacifico Beach club. Each beach club features their own array of ocean sport activities, a variety of swimming pools as well as culinary offerings.

Get Active - There are so many ways to stay active in Punta Mita. With close to 6.5 km (4 miles) of recreation trails to the Tennis and Fitness Centre, and water sports (paddle boarding, boogie boarding, sailing, wind sports and snorkelling equipment are all available for rent or can be paired with lessons), there are so many ways to stay active. Of course, for those interested in golf, The Four Seasons Golf Course features two Jack Nicklaus-designed courses that offer views of the Sierra Madre Mountains, Bahía de Banderas and the Pacific. It also features the world renowned “Tail of the Whale” – the world’s only natural island green (can only be played at low tide). Adam and I played the course 9 years ago when we were last in Punta Mita and although Adam is a much more of an experienced golfer, it is a beautiful course that is well worth planning ahead for.

Blend your own Tequila! - Had I been able to drink or had Adam been with me, I would have done this experience in a heartbeat!. Offered through the Four Seasons, you can pay to participate in a two hour guided tasting where you explore different versions of tequila and then blend a unique tequila that reflects your own tastes and preferences. My mom did this experience and vouched for how great it was not to mention makes a great souvenir to take home at the end of your trip!

Go Shopping - There isn’t much shopping to do in Punta Mita itself (unless you need a new golf shirt in which case head to the club house) but as soon as you leave the gates and cross the street into Punta De Mita you will find numerous little boutiques to explore. Two of my favourite included a home decor store called Un Pueblo, and a clothing/accessory store called Belem del Mar where I found the cutest pair of father - son matching bathing suits I had to buy for Adam and his soon-to-be mini.

Spend the day at the spa - As a resident or vacation property renter, not only do you have access to the Navi Spa at Kupuri Beach Club but you can also access the spa at both the Four Seasons Punta Mita and the St. Regis Punta Mita, which leaves only one question, which do you try first?

Book a medical treatment - Not something you may typically think about when planning a vacation but worth keeping in mind is that Punta Mita does have an outstanding private hospital with spectacular medical team that uses state-of-the-art technology. Looking for a quick MRI, suffer from a heart condition, or want to talk to someone about infertility treatments, Punta Mita Hospital offers an array of services and specialties to help you. Not to mention, Punta Mita makes for an ideal destination to relax by the sea while going through recovery.

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My girlfriend Joja picked the best table for dinner at Pescadora in Punta de Mita. I mean, just look at that ocean front view!

Best Restaurants in Punta Mita

Asai Japanese - If you love Japanese food you have to visit Kupuri Beach Club’s Japanese restaurant serving delicious Asian Cuisine By Chef Yasuo! Using a mix of traditional methods and flavors with creative innovations you can choose from all the traditional sushi dishes you love like rolls, sushi, nigiri, dim sum, noodle soups, and bowls while also indulging in new creations featuring a clear influence steaming from Mexican cuisine. Seafood doesn’t get any fresher when in Mexico so why not indulge in some delicious Japanese food while there. Just be sure to save room for dessert because the ‘crispy ice cream sandwich with roasted hazelnuts, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate ganache was also out of this world.

Restaurant Sufi - Located inside Sufi Ocean Club, Restaurant Sufi combines the flavors of Mexico and the Mediterranean to create a cuisine dubbed “Mexiterranean." This was one of the first places we ate at for lunch while in Punta Mita and not only are the ocean front views amazing but so is the food! Definitelyy one of the best restaurants in Punta Mita to enjoy lunch if you ask me!

Majagua Pop Up at St Regis - Serving delicious Mexican favourites like tacos, ceviche and cochinita, The St. Regis pop up restaurant on the beach is definitely worth a visit while it lasts. We ended up going here twice actually because not only do they have a great selection of tacos (something I seem to always be craving while pregnant) but their menu featured this Zucchini in green sauce with cojita cheese that was just out of this world! I need to figure out how to make it because it looked so easy and was just that good.

Highly recommend grabbing a seat on the beachfront patio at Tuna Blanca in Punta De Mita. We got to enjoy the most spectacular sunset during our meal!

Tuna Blanca by Thierry Blouet - An upscale (well as upscale as it gets in Punta De Mita) seafood restaurant with a large air-conditioned indoor dining room as well as a beachfront patio for those who like to enjoy their meals al fresco. We started off our meal at Tuna Blanca with a table side prepared Caesar salad, followed by roasted artichokes, tuna tostada, and ended with a plate of steamed mussels in a white wine and creme sauce! Yum!

ParrotFish Punta Mita - This Asian/Latin fusion restaurant is also located in the town of Punta De Mita and uses locally sourced high quality ingredients in all their dishes. My parents visit this restaurant weekly and absolutely love their shrimp tempura as well as their creative sushi rolls and “A La Piedra” Tuna slices marinated in a citrus ponzu. This is probably the best restaurant in Punta de Mita for dinner if you want to try something outside the luxury hotels.

Punta De Mita - Things to do in Punta Mita Mexico - best restaurants in punta mita - la pescadora

The roasted beet salad from La Pescadora in Punta de Mita

La Pescadora - This open-air barbecue and seafood restaurant located right on the beach in Punta de Mita offers great sunset views set in a causal atmosphere. We had dinner here on one of our first nights in Punta Mita and it was an obvious hangout for people looking to watch the game under a large Palapa while drinking margaritas. Honourable menu mentions include the shrimp fettuccine, roasted beet salad, and their catch of the day grilled and sautéed in lemons juice, capers, and a touch of butter.

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Bump Style! Vacation pregnancy outfits I wore in Punta Mita. Love showing off my growing bump!

Casa Teresa Punta Mita - Who would have thought you could find a traditional Italian style Trattoria in the middle of Mexico?? Not I! But here we are! The menu at Casa Teresa features many traditional Italian dishes including numerous pasta dishes. Highlights of this menu include the Buratta and roasted beet appetizer, the Caprese with roasted Gala Apple Salad, and the Italian Lemon Octopus. I also loved the chocolate brownie they offered for dessert and my girlfriend said her Carbonara was delicious.

Boca Deli - A little cafe and coffee shop in Punta de Mita that serves sandwiches, salads, smoothies, Boca Deli is a fun little place to visit for breakfast or lunch. My girlfriend and I grabbed some ice coffees here while wandering around the shops of Punta de Mita after lunch and found it to be a cute little spot right beside the food and vegetable market that was worth even a short visit.

While in Mexico, my mom’s housekeeper/cook also taught me how to make authentic Baja fish tacos using the Mahi Mahi fish and shrimp we got at the market in La Cruz. If you are interested in the recipe, check out my Baja Fish Taco Recipe blog post! Here’s a little preview below!


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One of my favourite things to do is go shopping in Sayulita as there are so many cool boutiques to check out!

Quick Road Trip And Places To Explore Around Punta Mita

Sayulita, Nayarit and San Francisco (aka San Pancho) - Located about 30 minutes up the coast from Punta Mita you will discover two fun and vibrant Mexican towns with their own unique charm and appeal. Sayulita, Mexico is full of expats and locals alike and features numerous cafes, restaurants, hotels hostels and bars to hang out at along with a busy beach where you can swim and admire the surfers. San Francisco on the other hand is much quieter than Sayulita with less booming music, but still offers the same charm you would expect from a small Mexican town. We spent a day in Sayulita and San Francisco during this recent trip to Punta Mita and my girlfriend loved it. For those travelling alone or those interested in more of a party scene, Sayulita would definitely be your vibe where as if you wanted something more authentic and relaxed, San Pancho is for you as the streets and beach are noticeably less busy.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle - Another great place to explore if you are staying in Punta Mita long term is La Cruz. Located 30 minutes down the coast towards Puerto Vallarta is a small, developing Mexican fishing village with a large marina and of course a fish market (Mercado del Mar). You don’t need more than a morning to explore the whole town but there is definitely a few restaurants worth trying, a small knick·knack market to explore, and of course a large beach. Deep sea fishing is one of the main water activities of La Cruz, thanks to the abundance of fish species such as tuna, marlin and mahi-mahi, so if you are interested in a chartered day trips you will find plenty of businesses offering just that out of the marina in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. My mom and I did a little road trip to La Cruz to have lunch with her friends and purchase fresh fish from the local fisherman for that night’s dinner and even though I was there for only a short amount of time, I found it to be quiet charming. My mom also told me that on Sundays they have a great market set up on the pier with around 170 vendors to explore.

Thank you so much for checking out my Eat, Stay, Play, guide to Punta Mita, Mexico. If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comment section below, otherwise don’t forget to subscribe as I’ll be back with more travel content soon. Hsta Pronto!

- Soheila


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THE PERFECT BELIZE VACATION: SNORKELLING AT THE BLUE HOLE, FISHING & SCUBA DIVING IN BELIZE

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Belize - Resort: Walking along the beach at Belize Dive Haven

The water sparkled like Aquamarine and Apatite gem stones as we glided along the surface in the hotel’s speed boat. The inviting heat of the early afternoon sun had already begun to warm my mood and relax my body as the salty ocean air cleansed my spirit. It had been a few years since I had returned to my father’s island resort in Belize and I was excited to see the progress that had been made since my last visit almost three years ago.

It had become a dream of his to open an island resort in Belize’s Turneffe Atoll after he stumbled across a mile of eco-rich reef during a scuba diving trip. Acting as a natural protective barrier, the reef formed a calm cove that stood at the threshold to a large island no more than 150 meters away. It was the perfect place for a secluded island resort unlike any other in Belize. So he got to work.

Now, 10 years in the making his dream has finally come to fruition and our hour long boat ride from the mainland seemed to take forever. I held onto the boats railing and stared straight ahead awaited with anticipation to catch a glimpse of the island resort on the horizon.

This time my fiancé Adam came along for the ride and I was excited to share this experience with him. It was his first time to Belize and so I had gone ahead and organized a few fun activities for us to do including going fishing, taking ‘Intro to Scuba Diving’ lessons, a day long tour to The Great Blue Hole Belize and neighbouring Lighthouse Reef Atoll, and plenty of amazing snorkelling. In total we spent 10 amazing days in Belize and when we weren’t seeking out adventure we drank Pina Coladas on the beach, read by the pool, and enjoyed the view from our balcony - while eating fresh fruit and playing my Ukulele of course! It was hands down the best trip I’ve ever had to Belize, packed with so many new activities and adventures that I’ve already started to plan my return to the island again soon.


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Belize - Resort: Walking around the private island resort, Belize Dive Haven

Every time I go to Belize I often get asked questions like, ‘Where is Belize located? What are some fun things to do in Belize? Where is the island located? Is there wifi? Have you ever been to the Great Blue Hole Belize? How far is the resort from the Belize airport? What’s it like to travel there? Is it safe?’

The thing about Belize is that it is unlike other Caribbean destinations because it is still very much wild and undeveloped. I believe this has helped preserve its natural beauty instead of overdevelop them, and continue to have its own unique charm. In an effort to not sound like a broken record though, I have decided to answer some popular questions about Belize and my father’s resort here in this blog post so you can learn more about this amazing destination too!

Map Of The Caribbean

Belize is on the left side of the map above Honduras and below Mexico!

Wheres Belize?

The first questions I always get asked when talking to people about Belize is ‘wheres Belize located?’ Even when my dad first told me about it 10 years ago I had to Google ‘where’s Belize’ because I had never really heard of it as a popular vacation destination.

Belize is located on the Caribbean Sea and is considered a Caribbean destination (it is a member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization) even though the country is not an island. In fact, Belize is sandwiched between two countries, Mexico to the south and Guatemala to the north and west. It shares the same longitude as Jamaica and Antigua and boasts similar seasonal climates.

Anywhere you go in Belize will take USD. In Belize, USD has a 2:1 fixed rate with the Belizean dollar so everyone likes getting US currency, but it’s much harder to get USD dollars in return. Usually change will be given back in Belizean dollars.

Belize Flag

The Belize Flag

Languages In Belize

There are three main languages spoken in Belize. English is very common and is a language spoken by virtually all. Spanish also has a strong influence given its geographical proximity to Mexico and neighbouring Spanish speaking countries. A Belizean version of Creole is also spoken, which is similar to Jamaican Creole with a few variations. I was told by both our fishing and scuba diving guide that they can understand other Caribbean Creole but Belize has it’s own dialect and unique expressions.

What are some fun things to do in Belize?

Belize Map with Illustration of Attractions - Credit to Belize Adventures

Although often overlooked for being a small country, Belize was once the centre of the ancient Maya Civilization and the country has many Maya temples and ceremonial caves to explore. It is also known for its impeccable scuba diving, fishing and snorkelling as well as its beautiful cayes and atolls. On the main land, 40 percent of Belize’s jungle is actually a protected reserve so wild life tours are big on the mainland as well as bird watching, hiking, and horseback riding. When venturing out to the cayes, and atolls, activities like sailing, kayaking, snorkelling, fishing and scuba diving are popular along with tours to Belize’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Great Blue Hole Belize!

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Fresh fruit and vegetables are part of the Belizean lifestyle! They are also incredibly delicious! I highly recommend visiting a local fruit stand and picking some up!

One thing I always like to do before heading to the island resort is stop at the fruit stand just outside Ladyville to get some fresh fruit! The fresh fruits and vegetables you can get in Belize are exceptional and I always like to go to my favourite spot to grab a few pineapples, bananas and watermelons to take to the island with me and store in my in-room fridge. *I have placed a marker for my favourite fruit stand in the Google map below if you are interested in knowing where it is. It’s maybe a 10 minute drive from the Belize Dive Haven Marina in Ladyville.

How do you get to Belize?

Although most people travel to Belize by cruise ship, one of the best ways to get to Belize is to fly into the Belize Philip Goldson International Airport. The airport is located in Ladyville which is just minutes away from Belize City.

I know from Canada, WestJet offers seasonal (October to May) direct flights from Toronto and from the US, Delta, American Airlines, United and Alaska Air, all offer flights to Belize from various US destinations.

Belize’s local carrier, Tropic Air offers direct flights to Belize from neighbouring countries while Copa Airlines Offers direct flights from Panama.

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Hanging out by the pool at Belize Dive Haven

Belize Entry Requirements

Currently, because of COVID, there are a few new requirements to enter Belize including a negative Antigen (Rapid Test) or PCR test. If you don’t have one you have to wait in a long queue once you land and pay to have one done at the airport so I recommend getting one 24 hours prior to departure to Belize so you can avoid long delays upon arrival.


Additionally, because of COVID, you also now have to buy local travel insurance when visiting Belize, which cost us around $18 USD per person for 21 days of coverage. The insurance is supposed to help with any medical expenses you incur due to COVID while travelling in Belize. Again, if you don’t buy the insurance ahead of time (it’s super easy and took me less then 10 minutes) you will have to purchase it at the airport upon arrival which means you’ll have to wait in another long queue.

*Scroll down for Belize Departure Requirements

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Belize Dive Haven - A Private Island Resort in Belize

Belize - Resort

The name of my father’s private island resort is Belize Dive Haven. It is located in the Turneffe Atoll which is 45 minutes to an hour by boat from the mainland. Typically when guests book a stay at the hotel they are greeted at the airport by the hotel driver and escorted to the marina 10 minutes away. A boat will be waiting there to transport them to the island.

The resort has 96 ocean view rooms, all equipped with TV, WiFi, air conditioning, an in room refrigerator, and a safe. On the property you will find hammocks on the beach, the largest pool in the hemisphere with two jacuzzi tubs, kayaks, row boats, day beds and over-the-water swings.

For those interested in diving, the resort also has a dive centre that offers a wide range of PADI scuba training courses, from introductory and refresher programs, all the way to advanced certifications. Adam and I took an ‘Intro to Scuba’ class which entails a short on land lesson followed by a questionnaire, some in pool training and a shallow (30 feet) open water dive. We loved out PADI certified instructor Marcella who really took her time and made us feel comfortable every step of the way.

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Adam completing an in pool portion of an ‘Intro to Scuba’ Lesson

Often experienced divers who come to the island like to bring their own gear, but for newbies like us without any, the resort does offer equipment rentals. A great alternative if you don’t want to pay to transport all your gear either. Additionally, they also offer Nitrox at the dive shop which is an enriched air for your tank that allows you to enjoy longer dives.


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Great Blue Hole Belize - Belize Blue Hole Diving

Drone shots from our Belize Dive Haven Scuba Diving Tour to the Great Blue Hole Belize!

Diving In Belize

With sites like Lighthouse Barrier Reef, the Belize Blue Hole, and ‘The Aquarium’, Belize attracts divers from all over the world. It is not uncommon for groups of divers to travel there together, transporting their gear and equipment with them just so they can experience the incredible scuba diving in Belize.

Prior to this trip neither Adam or I had scuba dived before but were curious to learn how. The resort’s dive shop is a one stop shop for equipment rentals and the meeting spot for our Intro to Scuba Diving lessons from our wonderful PADI certified instructor Marcella! We spent 15 minutes watching a video and filling out a questionnaire before heading over to the pool to get acquainted with our equipment. After we got strapped up and learned about all the equipment, we got in the pool and completed a few exercises. I thought I would have more anxiety about being able to breathing under water but I surprisingly relaxed right into it. After about 30 minutes in the pool we got on the dive boat and went out to the reef for our first open water dive. While there we repeated the exercises from the pool, took pictures, swam around and got comfortable with the equipment.

After that Adam dived a few more times with Marcella at Half Moon Caye Wall while I droned to capture footage for my Vlog. Next time I go back to Belize I’ll definitely be doing more diving and explore of Belize’s underwater gardens.

Snorkelling In Belize

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Adam snorkelling at the ‘Little Aquarium’

Hands down my personal favourite activity to do while in Belize is snorkelling! The reefs and flats around the island offer so much to see and explore. A shallow spot on the flats that we like to call the ‘Starfish Motel’ is home to hundreds of starfish. The water is 5 feet deep and crystal clear making it super easy to interact with the starfish. During our snorkel a dolphin swam up to say hello and I managed to catch a couple of glimpses of it for my YouTube video.

Another one of my favourite snorkelling sites is less than a 5 minute boat ride from the island. We call it the ‘Little Aquarium’ because it’s full of schools of fish, lobster, turtles, stingrays and the most colourful coral you have ever seen! At one point I looked around and there were hundred of fish, large schools, moving together, the light reflecting off their scales in unison, it felt magical.

Belize Fishing

Adam with the prized snapper he caught while reef fishing in Belize!

A huge highlight from our trip was definitely fishing in Belize! Belize is a popular destination for fly fishing, reef fishing and deep sea fishing. The reason for this being, the flats attract tarpon and bone fish, perfect for fly fishing. The reef’s are full of snappers, jacks, and barracuda making reef fishing exciting and fun. Deep sea fishing can have you reeling in some big game too with waters home to Wahoo, Dorado, blue marlin, black fin tuna, king mackerel and grouper.

We fished a few times during this past trip but none was more memorable than our second trip out. We had packed a large cooler full of beer, juice and soda water with plans to be out for the afternoon, and within 5 minutes we had dropped our lines in the water and were reef fishing. I caught two large Barracuda but Adam caught the prized snapper - plump in size and weighing a good 15-20 lbs. We were all so excited that Adam, our fishing guide, and I all started screaming and jumping around in the boat. We couldn’t believe how incredible of a catch it was and still to this day bask in the memory of this experience. We also tried bottom fishing on the reefs which actually had us catching more fish but they were much smaller types of fish. Bottom fishing on the reef is a great activity that I would highly recommend to families travelling to the island or people with young children.

Lighthouse Reef Great Blue Hole Diving and Snorkeling Tours

The Belize Dive Haven ‘Tuna’ Tour Boat at the Great Blue Hole Belize

Belize - Resort Tours to The Blue Hole & Half Moon Caye

Belize Dive Haven does offer a list of adventure tours to their guest. In addition to spending a day out fishing with our guide Derone, Adam and I did a day-long tour to the Great Blue Hole Belize, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Half Moon Caye, and ‘The Aquarium’. One thing to keep in mind about this particular tour is that in addition to the cost of the tour there is an $80BZ ($40 USD) park fee to visit the Blue Hole and Half Moon Caye. The fee can be paid at the tourism office located at Half Moon Caye where we like to take hotel guest for a bbq lunch.

Diving at The Great Blue Hole Belize is a once in a lifetime experience but because it is so deep, you do have to be open water certified to dive there. Since Adam and I were not we snorkelled around the rim which was still very magical. The coral is so dense, vibrant and full of fish making it super visually stimulating and fun to explore.

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Views of Half Moon Caye at Lighthouse Reef Atoll

While lunch is being prepared for you at Half Moon Caye, I recommend talking a walk around the island and check out the bird tower! Half Moon Caye is an island that has been turned into a nature reserve on the southeast corner of Lighthouse Reef Atoll. It is also home to a colony of Red-footed Booby birds making it a popular spot for exotic bird watching, and a million hermit crabs. The south eastern part of the island also serves as a sea turtle nesting ground. Annually, from May to November the loggerhead, hawksbill, and green turtles, all endangered species, come ashore to create a nest! Depending on when you go, you may just see one! When we pulled up to the island I saw a baby shark swim by the boat and under the dock as well as a little stingray! It’s quite a lovely place to spend a few hours!

Belize Exit Requirements

Exit requirements for Belize have changed over the years. You may have read that you do have to pay a $35 USD per person airport fee upon departure but now that cost is baked into your plane ticket. I remember this used to be such a pain in the ass because I’d have to set that cash aside or try and find a machine so I’m happy that is no longer a thing I have to think about.

Some countries like Canada do require you to get a PCR test or Antigen Test prior to re-entry so the Belize Dive Haven concierge arranged for a nurse from the Belize Diagnostic Center to meet us at the marina restaurant a few hours prior to our departing flight to perform the test. We paid $75 USD for an Antigen test and got the results in 15 minutes. I believe PCR test can cost upwards of $175-200 USD and may require longer to get the results. Additionally, I was also able to charge the test to my room at the time of booking and pay by credit card upon checkout which was great because I had more cash to give to my guides as tips. For more up to date information and accurate pricing ask the hotel concierge!

Canada now also requires you to have the ArriveCAN app and forms filled out prior to re-entry into the country, which of course we totally forgot about. Thankfully, it’s definitely not something you have to stress about and can do ahead of time after you get your negative departure test. The forms aren’t overwhelming either but I thought I’d share a friendly reminder anyways so you’re not scrambling last minute at the airport like we were.

The Belize Philip Goldson International Airport is really small and getting through customs and security is USUALLY super quick. We arrived only an hour before our flight with an Italian wood oven pizza from the Shipyard Bar and Grill - the marina’s restaurant and were sitting down at our gate eating it in 20 minutes without any issues. Obviously you are not allowed to bring liquids past security but pizza is 100% allowed and a move I highly recommend taking. We ordered two pizzas prior to getting our test done and they was ready by the time we got the results and were ready to leave for the airport!

More Pictures From Our Trip


If you are thinking of travelling to Belize, I 100% recommend going. It has a very chill and welcoming vibe, full of natural beauty. I hope I was able to answer the majority of your questions like wheres Belize? What is Belize fishing like? What are some fun things to do in Belize? and What’s it like to dive at the Great Blue Hold Belize. If you have any recommendations to share with me for my next trip, feel free to leave them below in the comment section. I’m already looking for an excuse to go back!

Until next time, safe travels!

A big thank you to Belize Dive Haven for hosting Adam and I and partnering with me on this post. As always, all opinions remain my own!


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MISSION TOFINO: RESTAURANTS IN TOFINO, THINGS TO DO & MORE

With love from Tofino - A fun afternoon at Cox Bay Beach

Want to hear a crazy story?

The day my friends and I travelled from Victoria to Tofino, British Columbia, the highway flooded! At the time, Vancouver Island and the lower mainland were experiencing an ‘Atmospheric River’ which was causing it to rain like crazy (AND I mean non-stop for the previous 4 days). Although rain is not uncommon for BC in November, the amount of rainfall Vancouver Island and the lower mainland received due to the Atmospheric River was record breaking, causing river levels to increase dramatically and localized flooding to occur.

Driving Route from Victoria to Tofino British Columbia

How people typically drive from Victoria to Tofino BC

Unfortunately for us, this all came to light while sitting in standstill traffic on the highway just 25 minutes outside of Victoria. We had planned to get up early, have breakfast and leave Victoria at 11AM which gave us an estimated arrival time of 3:30-4PM. However, just before 11AM the Malahat flooded and we were stuck. We sat there for 5 hours barley moving. Eventually, we learned they had to shut down the highway and had to make a pivotal choice, roll the dice and attempt another route or turn back defeated.

alternative route from Victoria to Tofino British Columbia

How we ended up having to drive from Victoria to Tofino BC

Normally, the drive from Victoria to Tofino BC will be around 4.5-5 hours long and take you up the east side of the island through Duncan, Nanaimo, and Port Albernie. But since the Malahat (the 25 km stretch of highway in the Cowichan Valley between Victoria and Duncan) was closed due to flooding we had to take the long way around. In total, we were in the car for over 13 hours. It was madness! The alternative route we ‘rolled the dice’ on took us up the west side of the island before cutting back across to Duncan, and continuing up through Nanaimo and Port Albernie to Tofino British Columbia. This route added an additional 2.5 hours to our journey and since we didn’t start moving again until 4PM, the sun had set and we had to do the whole drive in the dark! I’m talking dark, foreign, winding, one lane roads in the rain!

By the time we finally arrived to our hotel in Tofino, my friend and I had felt like we had gone through battle together. We were exhausted, relieved and elated, and the rest of our trip definitely had an underlying sense of gratitude to it. Our trip to Tofino ended up being totally worth the additional hecticness and over the next few days we took full advantage of our time there, getting up early to do some hikes, exploring beaches, checking out restaurants and discovering everything the area had to offer.

If you are planning a trip to Tofino, British Columbia make sure to check out my list of recommendations below so you too can make the most of your time in this easy going and playful Vancouver Island town.


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Accomodations In Tofino - Tofino Resort and Marina.jpg

Tofino Resort and Marina offers guest safe harbor to enjoy Tofino’s purifying coastal air, abundant wild life and never ending adventure opportunities.

TOFINO RESORT AND MARINA

Our refuge after the grueling drive and stomping ground during our three night stay was none other than Tofino Resort and Marina. I first heard about this newly opened resort (opened in the summer of 2017) over a year ago. Rumor has it that the place used to be pretty run down and their restaurant was actually the dive bar in town. But looking at it now you wouldn’t know it as the 63 room hotel and marina has been completely renovated and the resort outfitted with a new designated Adventure Centre, a state-of-the-art gym, full service marina, and two new restaurants - 1909 Kitchen and The Hatch Waterfront Pub.

If you are looking to explore Tofino beyond the beaches, Tofino Resort and Marina’s Adventure Centre has you covered with an incredible selection of activities and courses like guided fishing, whale watching, wildlife tours, paddle boarding tours, and Maquinna Marine Provincial Park Tofino Hot Springs Cove tours*!

*During COVID the Tofino Hot Springs (Hot Spring Cove) closed but will be reinstated so check back for future updates!
- Good news! The Tofino Hot Springs (Hot Spring Cove) is now open to the public again! (updated Oct 5 2022)

Since opening, 1909 Kitchen and The Hatch Waterfront Pub have become local favourites. While exploring the many shops in town, several people we spoke with recommended we eat there and commented on how great their brunch was, and how beautiful their waterfront patio and dining room is with views of the mountains. I particularly loved their fresh seafood offerings, use of local seasonal forged ingredients, and well rounded menu selection. Highlights from our meal included the Outlandish Raw Oysters, Kale Salad and Wagyu Flank!

Three additional things I loved about this place were 1) it was clean, 2) my bed was so comfy and, 3) you could walk to town in 5 minutes, which meant you were close to so many of the best restaurants in Tofino including cafe’s, boutiques and more! We were also right on the water so if you wanted to come by boat (I would love to sail up the west coast one day) or gather your best mates for the ultimate pacific salmon fishing trip, it’s the perfect spot to refuel and recharge.

Room at Tofino Resort and Marina, Tofino BC

Suite with King Bed at Tofino Resort and Marina, Tofino BC


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TOFINO RESTAURANTS

Dinner at Shelter Restaurant in Tofino BC

Located just down the street from Tofino Resort and Marina, Shelter Restaurant uses an array of fresh and local ingredients to create dishes that embody the essence of Tofino. My friends and I grabbed dinner at Shelter on our first night and were blown away by how delicious the food was at this Tofino restaurant. Highlights of our meal included the Crispy Brussel Sprouts (unlike any other I have ever tasted), the Farmhouse Chicken Burger, and Steak Frites with Chimichurri.

Hot Tip: This Tofino restaurant does get packed so make sure to call ahead and make a reservation or go early and put your name down before walking around town so you don’t have to sit outside and wait.

Restaurants In Tofino - Tocofino

The little food truck that started it all! Tacofino’s first location at the back of Live to Surf Parking Lot In Tofino BC

The little food truck that started it all, Tacofino’s first location at the back of the Live To Surf Parking Lot still continues to draw a crowd and is definitely a must when in Tofino. Serving delicious tacos (vegan and vegetarian options available), burritos and gringas, this legendary orange food truck has been a favourite for locals and visitors since 2009. The Tuna Ta Taco and Fish Taco are menu favourites as well as the Krispy Chicken Taco, but you really can’t go wrong when ordering anything on their menu.

Dinner at 1909 Kitchen in Tofino British Columbia

Even if you don’t stay at Tofino Resort and Marina, a visit to 1909 Kitchen should still be on your itinerary. Not only are the views amazing, but their cocktail and food menus are too. If you’re in Tofino in the summer they also have a great waterfront patio with views of the mountains. Many people we met also recommended this Tofino restaurant for brunch, but the dinner we enjoyed there was definitely one of the best meals we had.

Restaurants In Tofino - Quest Artisan Patisserie

We found a tiny French patisserie called Ouest Artisan Patisserie while exploring Tofino BC

We stumbled upon Ouest Artisan Patisserie one morning while exploring town and had to stop and check it out. Located in a tiny shipping container at the end of Campbell Street (220 Campbell Street) this traditional French patisserie offers freshly made croissants, breads, sandwiches, and pastries daily as well as beautiful custom wedding cakes, macarons and artisan chocolates. My friend ordered one of their croissant breakfast sandwiches to enjoy while we walked around checking out the other container vendors/stores and the amount of noise he made to show his enjoyment while eating was enough to get my own stomach growling.

Restaurants In Tofino - Rhino Cofffee

Erica and I grabbed two Americano’s from Rhino Coffee House every morning while in Tofino, British Columbia

Every morning in Tofino we would stop in at Rhino Coffee House to grab coffee and treats. Known for their fresh daily donuts and roasting their own beans, Rhino Coffee House quickly became our go to morning spot while in Tofino. Their Americanos were just the caffeine fix I needed to get the day started and I wasn’t alone. This place was always busy and you could tell that many locals like to gather outside chatting over coffee with their neighbours while walking the dog. It was cute and totally encapsulated the ‘Tofino lifestyle’.

TOFINO BEACHES & THINGS TO DO IN TOFINO

If you are looking for fun things to do in Tofino there is definitely no shortage. Known for it’s incredible surfing, visiting one of Tofino’s gorgeous beaches is definitely part of the draw. Even if you have no intention of surfing, spending the afternoon walking along the beach and watching the surfers or sunbathing is must. There are also some great local, family friendly hikes and adventures to do in the area, a few of which I did myself and am happy to recommend below!

Things To Do In Tofino - Visit Long Beach

Captured a surfer heading out for a rip at sunset on Long Beach in Tofino British Columbia

Probably the most famous beach in all of Tofino is Long Beach, where you will see lots of local surfers doing their thing. This 16km stretch of beach represents the longest beach on Vancouver Island and has a vibrant, storied, surf history. Known for being a great place to watch a dramatic winter storm or spot a gray and humpback whale during their migration, Long Beach has been attracting visitors to Tofino for decades. While in Tofino BC, the gang and I took the drive to Long Beach hoping to watch an amazing sunset and we were not disappointed. We ended up arriving 45 minutes prior to sunset and spending a lot of time walking around taking photos. The lighting was so beautiful at this time of day that I ended up taking some amazing shots of wildlife and surf. If there is one beach you can’t miss, it’s this one.

Friendly Reminder: Since Long Beach is located in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve remember that droning is not allowed and parking is strictly monitored so don’t forget to pay the fee!

Another great and popular beach to visit is Cox Bay Beach. Surrounded on one side by cliffs, a lot of people who visit Cox Bay Beach will also do the unmarked hike to Cox Bay Lookout, a 2.6 kilometer trail that under normal conditions would be considered moderate. Unfortunately for us, the recent rains had made the trail quite muddy and since the trail is not maintained, I highly recommend you wear hiking boots. The reward of course is a beautiful view of Cox Bay Beach and of the open ocean but take care getting up and down as it can get very slippery, especially going down.

Things To Do In Tofino BC - Tonquin Beach

Erica at Tonquin Beach, the first of three beachs we came across while on the Tonquin Trail.

On our first morning in Tofino, British Columbia, my friend Erica took me to do the Tonquin Trail. This short, 2 mile trail seemed to be a popular trail for locals with dogs (almost everyone we saw had one). Perhaps that’s because it’s so conveniently located close to town or maybe because the trail itself is super easy and quite beautiful. Erica and I were able to do the entire loop in about an hour and a half (we stopped a lot to take photos) and found the trail takes you along the Pacific coastline through rainforests and along rugged cliffs and boardwalks that led to get vantages points. Additionally it also connects three beaches together Tonquin Beach, Third Beach and Middle Beach, so it’s an easy way to see all three with one short walk/easy hike.

South Beach, one of the two beaches you can explore while on the Nuu-Chah-Nulth and South Beach Trail

A great family friendly trail that Erica took me on was the Nuu-Chah-Nulth and South Beach Trail. Apparently as a child Erica did this trail with her dad and to this day still has very fond memories of her experience. The 6.4 km trail is very easy with elevated boardwalks that take you through old growth forests with lush vegetation to two well know beaches, South Beach and Wikaninnish Beach. Known for its large rock formations, South Beach is a pebbled beach with rolling foamy waves. If you’re visiting during storm watching season, be careful of powerful waves and ocean spray!

My favourite beach of all the Tofino beaches was definite Mackenzie Beach. This beach is a little more sheltered than the rest thanks to its large tidal rocks. As a result, the water is calmer than the others with gentle waves suitable for skim boarding, stand up paddle boarding or small children. It also happens to be one of the only beaches we visited that was not in the National Park so I was finally able to take out my drone and ended up capturing some great footage. Beach access is available to everyone, even if you are not staying at one of the properties that line the beach. Everyone is welcome, just parking might be hard.

Unfortunately, when I was in Tofino the Tofino Hot Springs were closed and I was unable to do the tour offered through Tofino Resort and Marina’s Adventure Centre. However, the Adventure Center did mention that they are planning to reinstate the Tofino Hot Springs tour once the Ahousaht First Nation and the Hesquiaht First Nation grant access to Hot Spring Cove again (access was restricted due to concerns regarding the spread of COVID-19 to the Hesquiaht First Nation village in Hot Springs Cove). This was definitely something I was looking forward to doing while in Tofino BC but alas, I understand the reasons why. Regardless, I recommend checking back for updates on whether it’s been reopened because it’s something I totally plan on doing the next time I’m in Tofino, British Columbia.


TOFINO MAP

Check out this Tofino map which shows where all the above recommendations are in relation to the Tofino Resort and Marina!


GETTING FROM VICTORIA TO TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Victoria to Tofino - Driving

Image credit to TourimsTofino.com

The easiest way to get around the island is definitely to drive and under normal conditions the 317.3 km drive from Victoria to Tofino British Columbia should take you under 5 hours to complete if you don’t stop.

Alternatively, there is a ferry that you can take part way from Victoria to Swarts Bay terminal, but it doesn’t save you time or get you far enough to make a substantial dent so it’s not really a good option.

If you don’t have a car you can also take the Tofino Bus offered by the Tofino Bus Company that services both north bound and south bound daily. Fare for adults start at $102.83 whereas youths between 12-17 are $72 and Children 2-11 are $52. The bus does pick up from various points around Victoria including the Victoria main bus depot (departure is at 9:45AM) so check their website to see what the closest pick up point to you is. There are also four main drop off locations in Tofino so be sure to pick the one closest to where you are staying.


GETTING FROM VANCOUVER TO TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Getting from Vancouver to Tofino isn’t hard, it just takes some preparation. There are flights offered by Pacific Coastal Airlines and Harbour Air Sea Planes that can take you right from Vancouver to Tofino in 45 minutes. Additionally you can do a ‘drive and fly’ combo by flying from Vancouver to Victoria, Nanaimo or Comox and drive the rest of the way.

Image credit to TourimsTofino.com

If you don’t feel like flying, BC Ferries also offers numerous ferries from Vancouver to Vancouver Island. Your three options for taking the ferry include:

  1. Horseshoe Bay to Departure Bay: Horseshoe Bay terminal is located just north of Vancouver and arrives to Nanaimo’s Departure Bay in just under 2 hours.

  2. Tsawwassen to Duke Point:  Located just south of Vancouver close to the USA border, the Tsawwassen terminal ferry takes you to Duke Point terminal, about 15 minutes south of Nanaimo, in approximately 2.5 hours.

  3. Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay:  Leaving from the same mainland terminal as above, the Swartz Bay terminal ferry takes approximately 2 hours and drops you off 30 minutes north of Victoria.

For more information visit https://www.bcferries.com

Further, if you don’t have a car and don’t want to fly from Vancouver to Tofino, you can also take the ferry to Vancouver Island and then jump on the Tofino Bus. I would just do the extra research to make sure you line up the timing correctly so you don’t get stuck mid transit.


Well there you have it! Another great trip in the books for me and another slew of recommendations for you! If you are heading to Tofino soon I hope you have a great trip and feel free to come back and share your recommendations with me too! I’m always looking for an excuse to go back! Until then, safe travels!

A big thank you to Tofino Resort and Marina for hosting us and partnering with me on this post. As always, all opinions remain my own!


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4 DAYS IN THE ALGARVE: OUR ITINERARY

Adam and I at Praia da Marinha in Algarve, Portugal

I stood waist-deep in water, a glass of rose in hand, allowing the waves to gently rock me back and forth as I looked around taking it all in. The day prior, Adam and I had caught a bus from Lisbon to Faro and now, on our first day at our first beach, I was a little stunned by how surreal and beautiful the Algarve really was. It was sweltering hot too, 37 degrees and the beach was full of locals despite it being early September. Luckily, Adam and I had the foresight to pack two wine glasses before leaving our hotel that morning and I was happily putting them to good use polishing off the bottle of wine I had ordered with lunch but hadn’t finished. Little did I know, this moment would only be the beginning of four extraordinary days exploring the Algarve.


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For those interested in tracing Adam and I’s footsteps, here is our 4-day trip itinerary which highlights all the amazing beaches, hotels and activities we would recommend to anyone heading to the Algarve.

Day 1 - Destination: Vila Monte Farm House

Adam and I knew we would need a car while in the Algarve. Both the cities and beaches we were interested in checking out were far apart and Uber-ing from one place to another was kind of out of the question. After researching our options (and hearing about how big of a nightmare it was to rent a car from the Lisbon airport), Adam and I decided the easiest and cheapest way to get to the Algarve was to catch a 2.5 hour express bus (€20 per person one way) from the central bus station in Lisbon. By the time we arrived in Faro it was just after noon and it wasn’t long thereafter that we found ourselves in an Uber driving up the beautiful winding drive to our hotel and being completely stunned by the landscape.

Vila Monte Farm House - a boutique hotel property in Algarve, Portugal just 20 minutes outside Faro

Vila Monte Farm House is a small boutique property located 20 minutes outside Faro and is, in my opinion, the perfect luxury Algarve escape. I had found the hotel while researching places to stay in the Algarve and instantly fell in love with the hotel’s aesthetic and grounds. Now, having arrived, it was even more beautiful than I ever could have imagined and just being there instantly put me into a state of tranquility. Excited, Adam and I quickly checking into our room before heading out to explore the property. Vila Monte has two restaurants, a gym, a tennis courts, two pools (one of which is an adult-only pool), a spa room, a fire pit, and an outdoor theatre where guests can enjoy a 'movie under the stars’ every evening (weather permitting).

Prior to our trip, Adam had found out that the front desk was not only able to organize a rental car for us but could also arrange to have it dropped off at the hotel later that day. Knowing we would be spending the next couple days getting up early and heading out to explore the Algarve, we decided to use the remainder of the day relaxing by the pool and transitioning into a state of serenity - an easy task when staying at Vila Monte.

Day 2 - Sagres

The following morning Adam and I got up just as the sun was rising and did the hour and a half drive to Sagres, a small town near the westernmost point of the Algarve that is known for its growing surfer community. While there Adam and I saw many expats living the ‘vanlife’, camping out by the beach and surfing all day.

El Faro de Cabo de São Vicente - a lighthouse outside Sagres in Algarve, Portugal

One of the reasons why we were going to Sagres is because Adam had heard about El Faro de Cabo de São Vicente, a lighthouse perched atop a cliff which actually marks the south western most point of Europe. Although the lighthouse itself doesn’t offer much (only a cafe that makes delicious cappuccinos) it was still a cool spot to take pictures and get some incredible drone shots!

After about a half-hour of wandering around the lighthouse and taking in the beautiful views, Adam and I started to feel hungry and decided it was time for lunch. In the mood for some fresh grilled seafood, a local business owner recommended we try Armazem, a family-owned Portuguese seafood restaurant tucked away in a small courtyard in town. Adam and I LOVED our lunch here. Together we ordered a large plate of freshly grilled sardines, an octopus appetizer, a tomato salad, a huge side of potatoes, and a bottle of wine to share. Anything we didn’t finish we knew would make for a great snack for later and since we had come prepared with wine glasses and cutlery from the hotel, we didn’t feel bad about over-ordering.

THE BEST ALGARVE BEACHES & MORE

After lunch, Adam and I made our way to Praia do Beliche, a beautiful beach not even 10 minutes down the road. One of the best surfing beaches in the Algarve, Praia do Beliche sits in a small bay surrounded by 130 foot cliffs. Accessible by a steep stone staircase, hauling stuff up and down can get quite grueling which is why I would recommend you only bring what you can easily carry. The beach itself is dazzling and although the waves can get a little rough and the beach itself quite busy, it was so large you never felt overwhelmed by the number of people on it (unlike other beaches we checked out). Adam and I stayed here for the remainder of the day, sipping rose in the water and eating our leftover sardines until the sun started to set. Feeling a little tired and sandy, Adam and I decided to head back to Vila Monte for dinner and get a good night’s rest.

Praia do Beliche in Sagres, Algarve, Portugal

Day 3 - Albufeira

If ever it is possible for Adam and I to go sailing while on vacation, we always do it. Both of us love being on the water and experiencing the coastline from a different angle. While still in Lisbon, Adam had found a catamaran cruise (for €60 per person) that included a 6-hour sail and a BBQ lunch (beer included), leaving from Albufeira (a town about 40 minutes from our hotel) and quickly booked us on it for our third day in the Algarve.

Knowing first hand how crazy the beaches get in the Algarve and determined to get some amazing empty beach shots, I had asked Adam if we could wake up even earlier and go to Praia da Marinha before meeting the boat in Albufeira.

Praia da Marinha just outside Albufeira in Algarve, Portugal

Ranked one of the best beaches in Europe, Praia da Marinha is one of the most iconic beaches in the Algarve and always draws a large crowd. In hopes of avoiding them, Adam and I left our hotel early and arrived at the beach just before 8 am. To my great delight, there was only a handful of people on the beach and the further you walked away from the entrance, the more alone you felt. The beach was beautiful and offered so many cool inlets to take pictures in and beautiful rock formations to fill the background. It was so picturesque and felt surreal to be there all alone. This was definitely one of my favorite mornings and the photos we walked away with were some of my favorites from the entire trip. If you can bite the bullet and get up early to do this, I definitely recommend it! Praia Da Marinha is a beautiful beach that is worth every ounce of effort to visit.

Gleefully, after taking an hours’ worth of photos and going for a quick dip in the water, Adam and I headed to Albufeira to catch our boat. The catamaran Adam had booked for us was with Algarve Charters and we spent the rest of the morning sailing up and down the coast, learning about the area before stopping at a beach only accessible by boat for lunch around 1 pm. While the crew prepared lunch, passengers had free time to walk the beach, cool off in the water and relax. After lunch, the crew packed everything up, got us all back on the boat, and took us to check out the Benagil Caves before heading back to the marina. By this time it was around 4 pm and Adam and I felt a little faded from being in the sun all day that we decided to head back to Vila Monte to enjoy our last evening on the property.

DOES ALGARVE HAVE GOOD NIGHTLIFE?

When it comes to staying somewhere in Algarve with a good nightlife scene I would definitely recommend staying in either the town of Albufeira or Lagos. The reason for this is because in the last few years Albufeira has seen a boom in condo developments which in turn has brought an influx of British tourist and the demand for big nightclubs. As a result, some of the best and biggest nightclubs in Portugal are in Albufeira and its not unusual to see people in the streets partying their asses off late into the night. Lagos on the other hand is a small, historical walled town with lots of lane ways full of boutiques, restaurants, and bars that stay open late. Although the bars or clubs may not be as big as the nightclubs in Albufeira, they still offer a great casual experience and quaint ambiance that we love from small Portuguese towns. Lagos is especially great if you are travelling with a multi-generational group that requires nightlife activities appropriate for a range of ages because parents can hang out with younger kids in the town square after dinner while their older teenagers can pop in and out of the local bars.

Day 4 - Lagos

The following day Adam and I took full advantage of our late check out at Vila Monte to sleep in and hit up their complimentary breakfast buffet. Although we were still planning to stay on in the Algarve for one more day, Adam and I wanted to spend our final night in Lagos. Even though I absolutely loved our time at Vila Monte, the hotel was a 20 minutes drive to the closest towns which meant we always had to drive place and therefore couldn’t really drink. Since Adam and I wanted to have an Algarve nightlife experience, we decided to spend our final night at an inexpensive bed and breakfast in Lagos. Located about a 10-minute walk from Lagos’ walled old town Uptown Lagos Bed and Breakfast was a simple, almost utilitarian hotel that for one night was all we really needed.

Since we started the day late and were still full from our large buffet breakfast, Adam and I decided to use our first hour in Lagos to explore old town and get our bearings. The streets inside the walled old town were small, winding, and lined with boutique stores and restaurants. The area was full of tourists and after about an hour we had seen the whole thing and decided to hit the beach.

Praia do Camilo in Lagos, Algarve, Portugal

When it comes to public beaches in Lagos none is more beautiful as Praia do Camilo. Accessible via wooden steps, this small sandy beach extends across three small coves that you can access through hand-dug tunnels and caves found in the rocks. By the time Adam and I were ready to hit the beach, it was 3 pm and although the sun was almost completely gone, the beach was still so tightly packed with people that Adam and I only ended up staying for half an hour. Thank god we did too because we ended up heading to the point where we had heard there was a walking path and while exploring the area we came across a secret beach. To get to the beach you had to slowly hike down a rocky narrow pathway using both your hands and your feet, bracing yourself the whole way. By the time we got to the bottom, we still had an hour left of sun and the beach had maybe 6 people on it - a complete 180 from our situation at Praia do Camilo 30 minutes earlier. Adam and I spent the remainder of the afternoon there until the last couple rays of sunlight left the beach. Sandy and wet, we hiked back up the cliff, returned to our bed and breakfast for a quick shower before heading back to old town for dinner and a night on the town.

Although short, Adam and I truly loved our time in the Algarve. Had we known how much we would enjoy ourselves we probably would have tacked on two or three more days just so we could take advantage of a slower pace, and enjoy our time at Vila Monte more. But alas, there is always next time.

ALGARVE MAP


ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM MY TIME IN THE ALGARVE


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INSTAGRAM WORTHY SPOTS IN NASSAU PARADISE ISLAND!

Taking in the gorgeous views from my balcony at the The Cove, Atlantis Paradise Island

Taking in the gorgeous views from my balcony at the The Cove, Atlantis Paradise Island

The water sparkled like blue zircon sapphires as I stood speechless, taking it all in. As a child, I have faint memories of sailing around the Bahamas with my dad, but now, seeing the intense and mesmerizing crystal clear blues of the water was enough to leave me breathless all over again. “Somebody pinch me,” I thought.

This trip to the Bahamas was going to be very different than any of my previous visits with my father. For one I was not with family, and secondly, I was finally going to have a chance to explore more of Nassau Paradise Island. My stay in Nassau Bahamas would be split between two of the largest and most popular paradise island resorts, Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas and The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar; and while in town I was also going to get the chance to explore many other smaller Nassau Bahamas hotel properties and talk to locals in hopes of finding out where the most Instagram-worthy spots on the island are! So, are you ready?

Views of Cabbage Beach from the porch of a three bedroom unit at Sunrise Clubs and Villas

Views of Cabbage Beach from the porch of a three bedroom unit at Sunrise Clubs and Villas

One of the smaller properties I visited was the Sunrise Beach Clubs and Villas, located on Cabbage Beach. It was here while standing on the back porch of one of their three-bedroom villas that I saw the water sparkle like blue zircon sapphires for the first time.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN NASSAU BAHAMAS

Cabbage Beach is known for being one of the most beautiful natural beaches in the Bahamas and spans approximately 8 km. Along the beach, you will find countless resorts, bars, and restaurants lining the shores. The beach itself has the most beautiful clean, white sand, and although the water is shallow and perfect for beach walks, swimming, and sunbathing, I have heard the rip currents can also be very strong. Since there are no lifeguards on duty I would suggest being mindful of this when going in the water. Cabbage beach starts at the Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas property and the further west you go the quieter the beach gets. By the time you hit Sunrise Beach Clubs and Villas or the famous Four Seasons Ocean Club (more on that later), the beach becomes less busy and in my personal opinion much more enjoyable. Since there are many restaurants and bars along the beach, beach chairs can easily be rented wherever you decide to settle down, making this the perfect place to post up, do a little ‘liming’, snap some Instagram worthy photos and enjoy a gorgeous beach day in Nassau Paradise Island.


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The gorgeous mosaic pool at Graycliff Hotel in Nassau

The gorgeous mosaic pool at Graycliff Hotel in Nassau

RESTAURANTS IN NASSAU BAHAMAS

The second place I recommend you check out while in Nassau Paradise Island Bahamas is the Graycliff Hotel and surrounding Graycliff Heritage Village. Not only does the hotel have great historical significance, but it also has an amazing fine dining restaurant – the first 5-star restaurant on the island and the best food I had while in Nassau – and an expansive wine cellar that boasts over 200,000 bottles of wine at an estimated value of $20 million! The hotel itself is located near downtown Nassau and was originally a mansion built in 1740 by Captain John Howard Graysmith, a famous pirate known for looting treasure ships along the Spanish Main (the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea). If you have a chance to visit the hotel I would recommend snapping some photos by their gorgeous mosaic pool in the back which is like a little tucked away oasis and unlike anything else, you will see in Nassau Bahamas. If you continue through the Heritage Village you will also find the Graycliff Cigar Company, Graycliff Chocolatier, and Bahama Barrels (Bahamas’s first winery) – all of which are great places to pick up some souvenirs.

NOTEWORTHY LUXURY RESORTS & HOTELS IN THE BAHAMAS

The Versailles-inspired tiered manicured lawns and gardens at the Four Season Ocean Club

The Versailles-inspired tiered manicured lawns and gardens at the Four Season Ocean Club

Anyone who loves James Bond movies would recognize the famous Four Seasons Ocean Club from the Daniel Craig-starring Casino Royal. Not only is the Ocean Club an extremely exclusive property but the grounds are absolutely stunning. On the property, you will find beautiful ocean views, tranquil spots in which to relax, a beautiful fine dining restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water, and a racket club. For me, what made this property so Instagram-worthy was the 35 acres of Versailles-inspired tiered manicured lawns and gardens. If you can snag a dinner (it’s definitely one of the most romantic restaurants in Nassau) or lunch reservation at the hotel restaurant (Dune Restaurant) make sure to take a walk around the property to find the gardens. You are guaranteed some beautiful, fairytale-like pictures here!

Kids having fun at Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island

Kids having fun at Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island

If you have kids or are just a big kid at heart, the waterpark at Atlantis Paradise Island is an amazing place to check out and snap photos while in Nassau Bahamas. Aquaventure, Atlantis’ waterpark, is a remarkable 141-acre with Atlantean-themed towers that house high-speed water slides. Numerous swimming pools, a water playground/fort, a mile-long not-so-lazy river with rolling rapids and wave surges, and twenty additional swimming areas can also be found scattered throughout the property. The good news is you don’t necessarily need to be staying at Atlantis to access the park as day passes can be purchased at The Atlantis Adventures Tour center located outside The Coral. Space is limited so best to arrive early and anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an Adult (18 years or older) to access the water park. While on Atlantis grounds, make sure to also check out the numerous aquariums on the property for a glimpse at majestic stingrays and schools of tropical fish.


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One of the pools at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

One of the pools at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

Last, but definitely not least, the Baha Mar Campus offers numerous amazing photo opportunities. The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, where I stayed, is the largest hotel on the Baha Mar campus and has 6 gorgeous pools to choose from – one of which even has a grotto! Colourful cabanas along with cute little Airstream trailer food trucks can also be found scattered throughout the property, both of which make incredibly cute backdrops for photos. Besides the beautiful casino (where you aren’t really allowed to take photos of/in) the Baha Mar campus is incredibly photogenic and all three hotels that make up the campus – Baha Mar SLS, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and Rosewood Baha Mar – offer unique experiences. The Baha Mar SLS (the party hotel) and the Rosewood Baha Mar (Nassau’s ultimate private, luxury hotel escape) provide guests with further exclusive access to parts of the property that Hyatt guests do not have including smaller, private pools (SLS has one and Rosewood has two) as well as a private beach (reserved for Rosewood Baha Mar guests only). No matter which hotel you end up staying at though, you are bound to get some great shots for your IG!

This is obviously just the tip of the iceberg for Instagram worthy spots in Nassau Paradise Island, let alone the Bahamas! One place that should for sure be on this list, but I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to really visit, is downtown Nassau. Known for its bright colourful buildings and Straw Market, downtown Nassau Bahamas is super close to the cruise ship port making it an easy place to visit if you are coming in via boat. Other than that, Nassau is a beautiful island with so much to offer and I am sure anyone who visits will find unique spots of their own to add to this list. If you know of or find a spot that you think I should add to this list, feel free to leave me a note in the comments below!

Until then safe travels and happy photo taking!

Chilling on my balcony at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau Bahamas Paradise Island

Chilling on my balcony at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Nassau Bahamas Paradise Island


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