Gabbi Fresh

I spent 5 days in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and it was definitely not long enough. I should probably break this up into three blog posts (I wanted to do a separate post just reviewing the hotel), but since I’m so behind, I’m going to try to cram it all into one–sorry it’s going to be long.

After the stress and craziness of creating and launching my swimwear collection, I decided to reward myself with a tropical vacation with my boyfriend. I was browsing Groupon and found a trip to Puerto Vallarta and the photos of the hotel looked insane. The groupon was for a travel agency, and  I decided to look them up on Yelp only to find horrible reviews. But since I had fallen in love with the photos of the hotel, I decided to book my own trip and it ended up being the same cost We stayed at Hotel Mousai, which is a brand new luxury tower that is technically part of Garza Blanca Resort (you have access to the Garza Blanca restaurants, pools, etc)–it’s literally only been open a few months. It’s super luxurious and adults only, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciated the lack of screaming kids running around the pool. The suites are huge, and each one comes with its own wrap around balcony that includes a private hot tub and hammock. The lighting, music and curtains in the room are controlled by an iPad, I felt like I was living in the future.  The rooftop infinity pool overlooking the ocean is gorgeous and the food and drinks are great (both at the rooftop bar and the sushi restaurant! The Garza Blanca restaurants are delicious too, especially Bocados). I seriously have no complaints. The only issue we had was getting a cab in a timely manner because Mousai is up on a mountain, but it’s totally worth it because you have a view of both the beach and the gorgeous jungle. Oh, and just know like many other places, they will offer you discounts on certain things if you sit through their sales pitch to buy their version of a timeshare. They aren’t as pushy as some other places, but I’d still avoid it unless you really need to do it.

Because I purposely wanted to make a point to relax on this vacay (and because we were paying for all inclusive) we spent a lot of our time in our hotel. But we did manage to explore a bit; we walked around downtown and the boardwalk (Malecon), hiked, went ziplining, and went out to dinner a few times.  We spent Valentine’s Day eating breakfast in bed, lounging on the beach, getting a couples massage in the hotel spa, and going on a little dinner cruise. I have so much more I want to share but my schedule lately has been insane. I’m super grateful for everything that’s happening though, and spending time at Hotel Mousai was such an amazing experience that I had to pinch myself a few times–I grew up staying in motels and the occasional Holiday Inn. I’m in no way able to stay at luxury hotels every time I travel, but it was a really nice treat for myself and I hope to do a trip like this every so often! #treatyoself

I mean! Insane.

I wanted to do the Beyonce Partition dance SO BADLY, that thing is so perfect.

First night getting ready to go in the jacuzzi! Wearing a one piece from swimsuitsforall and a kimono from ASOS.

Yum.

Exploring downtown, wearing Mara Hoffman harem jumpsuit and espadrilles. (No she doesn’t make plus, I just can tell when things will fit because they’re oversized and stretchy jersey)

SWAK convertible dress

DELICIOUS sushi from Hiroshi! Their ginger/green tea frozen drink is the best thing ever. Can’t remember what it was called.

Late night swim, bikini from my collection

Rooftop, wearing bikini from my collection with Mara Hoffman sarong

Zip lining! The views were breathtaking. For anyone wondering, the weight limit is 250 lbs, but they say it’s less about weight and more about body size because as long as you can fit into the harness it’s fine.

Post ziplining swim! Bikini from my collection.

Headed to dinner, channeling Frida. Dress from SWAK, flower crown from Forever21.

Night out on the town, wearing Forever21 dress and Old Navy shoes

V-Day breakfast in bed

Mara Hoffman towel and shoes

Baywatch moment in a bodysuit from Boohoo

Couples massage at the spa in my Glossier mask.

Last few hours soaking in the sun before heading to the airport

A quick selfie before heading out. Wearing swimsuitsforall bikini and ASOS kimono.

Take me back!!!