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We set off on a new adventure yesterday!
After waking up at 3am, we caught an early flight from San Diego to Dallas, and then to Cancun. When we landed, it was just about sunset, and it had started to rain. Everyone apologized for the weather and yet we were so happy. The rain only added to that happiness. Coming from drought-stricken California, we celebrate the rain, and we all agreed this was a sign that this was going to be an awesome vacation!
The Cancun airport is one of the easiest airports we have been to. Everything is well labeled (in English too) and there are people there to help you every step of the way. Our wait in the immigration line was the longest part of the experience, and that only took about 15 minutes. Not bad at all!
As soon as we walked outside to the ground transportation area, we were immediately greeted by our travel partner Olympus Tours. They had a sign with Ashley’s name on it (which she thought was awesome) and then we were walked over to our waiting van. It was spotless, air-conditioned, and the driver was knowledgeable in everything Cancun!
During the short ride to our host hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, I asked the driver as many questions as I could fit in about the local cuisine, weather, culture, and everything else I could think of. He made a great ambassador to the area, and made us all even more excited to be there. Transportation was something that I was concerned about since we would be arriving later into the afternoon/evening, and I like to always have it set up way in advance. I was so happy when Olympus Tours contacted us to provide the transportation. Meeting them on the ground reinforced to us that we made the right decision going with them. They were professional, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience!
It was completely dark outside and the rain was coming down pretty hard as we drove up to the gates at the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. That didn’t stop us all from seeing what an impressive entrance they have!
As soon as our driver pulled up to the front, we were immediately greeted and whisked into the VIP area for registration.
While Pete and I signed a couple pieces of paper to register and got all of our wristbands, the girls enjoyed some tropical drinks, desserts, and snacks in the VIP lounge.
This is my Bob Marley. Isn’t it the coolest colored drink?!
As if this wasn’t enough, the Hard Rock Hotel had a surprise for Emmy. Angelina Ballerina stopped by for a meet and greet to personally welcome her to the resort!
She has loved Angelina for years, so this was a very special moment!
We headed up to our room shortly after, and found even more surprises! This was the coolest welcome!
Even though we had all just had snacks moments before, we were happy to have more. The desserts here all have that homemade taste and such unique flavors. Delicious doesn’t even come close to describing how great they are. Oh, and the coffee too. Pete and I both love it. More about that later…
We normally would show off the beautiful accommodations at this point in the story, but since it was dark, we decided to take the pictures tomorrow when we had more light. We are staying in a family deluxe suite, which is two adjoining rooms overlooking the lagoon. The rooms are very nice!
Here is the night view from our balcony. Can you see the guitar shape below? There are a lot of touches like this throughout the resort.
There is a Dios De Los Muertos celebration planned for today, so last night they had these sweets for us all to enjoy.
We were starving even after all these treats and eats. I blame the day of travel… but, we were quickly full after having dinner at Zen, the Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant on site that is included as part of your all-inclusive experience. 
This restaurant is great because the food is really good, and it is more like an experience to enjoy since the chef cooks right in front of you!
The resort is very vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friendly. We just asked for assistance as we ordered, and they were able to suggest options and also alter the standing menu to address our dietary concerns. Maddie and I were completely stuffed with the vegan options. Pete, Ash and Emmy loved their vegetarian food. There were even special vegetarian rolls available on the menu without having to make any changes. I would recommend making reservations at this restaurant as it does fill up. There are other options available without reservations too!
Here is a sampling of our dinner:
After dinner, we partied like rock stars…
At least Pete and the older girls did. Emmy and I crashed in the super comfy beds!
Tomorrow we have even more planned! From DJ school, to kid’s club, and a whole lot of pool time! We can’t wait!
Oh my gosh, that’s so amazing! I can’t wait to read more about the trip. It already looks fantastic!
That sure was an early start. Cancun looks like a great place to visit. I will add it to my bucket list.
We love visiting Cancun. It is probably our favorite family travel destination.
Wow what a great experience! Looks like you guys had a blast on your first day! We also love asian tappenyaki! So good!
I have never been to Cancun but I’ve always wanted to go! It looks like you guys have had a good day already even if you got there as the sun was setting! Cannot wait to read more about this.
That looks really fabulous. I would love to stay at a Hard Rock hotel someday. That’s my dream. Well, that’s one of my many dreams.
What an amazing trip to take the kids one!! I have never stayed at a Hard Rock hotel before, can’t wait to see what you guys do there!!
Cancun is such a gorgeous place. You guys look like you’re taking full advantage of the experience. I can’t wait to read more!
I can’t wait to see what Day 2 is like. Day 1 seems like you had a ball. I need to make a trip to Cancun.
I wouldn’t expect anything less than amazing from a Hard Rock Resort. I love all the little VIP touches for you and your family. And that Bob Marley drink looks so delicious.
I’m jealous. Of all of this. Looks amazing – can’t wait to read more about your trip!
It looks amazing! I can’t wait to hear all about your trip! Loved your pictures!
You guys certainly are being treated like royalty! Looks like an awesome place to stay and enjoy!
Traveling takes so much out of you, but I love that you all were full of smiles. We love Cancun and look forward to visiting again sometime soon!
I have never been to Cancun but I would love to go!
What a warm welcome you received! It looks like the trip is really off to a fantastic start! I can’t wait to see what else you have planned!
Cancun is an awesome place! Hope you enjoy it!
Sounds like an amazing start to your trip! I hope you enjoy Cancun!
Looks like a wonderful place to go! I would love to take my family there one day!
Looks like a good time with good company. I would love to visit Cancun.
Such an amazing place! What a great start of your trip. Can’t wait to see more to these travel. Enjoy!
Looks amazing! What a fun trip to take your family on!
That looks like a fun trip to go on with your family. I love Hard Rock Hotels, they’re so much fun!
Cancun is such a beautiful place and I really enjoyed seeing all your photos both upon arrival at the airport and at the hotel. We took our 4 kids there last winter and there was so much to do from snorkeling to going to Tulum we hated to come home. So nice to see other families are hooked on travel as much as we are.
I have always wanted to go to Cancun!! Your pics are gorgeous and I can’t wait to get there one day!!
We were looking for somewhere to go for the holidays and we love Cancun! I haven’t been to this resort though, so we will definitely be following to see what you think of the place!
Cancun is one place that is on my bucket list and hopefully I can get there some day. It looks like you all had a great time and I love the how you were all welcomed when you got to the hotel. The Hard Rock Hotel Cancun would be an awesome place to stay for sure. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Oh my gosh, this looks like the most amazing trip! After a really hard week I need to be whisked away to the VIP room for a few hours. I hope to bring my family to the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun one day very soon!
Wow, what an amazing welcome! Looks like you’re going to have an incredible trip. Enjoy!
You guys are amazing – you travel more than anyone else I know.
Your girls are going to have such a rich background come adulthood.
What a great start of a day to a beautiful place ” Cancun”! Your photos was so gorgeous and all of you looks so much had fun! Enjoy it!
How cool! This looks like a lot of fun!
WOW! You’re definitely off to a great start with this vacation. I can’t wait to see more of Cancun. I love the warm welcome from the hotel.
I’ve been wanting to go with the whole family to Mexico so this was a great read – can’t wait to read the rest of the days 😉
We may be going to Playa Del Carmen with our newborn in January. We’re super excited.
This makes me want to get away. I would love to get out of my own head about an upcoming surgery and enjoy some time!
WOW What a fun trip this looks like. Your girls also seem to be having a really great time. The food looks so yummy.
Oh, I love Cancun! And Olympus Tours looks like a spectacular company. What a fabulous beginning!
It sounds like you and the kids are having a blast. I am trying to enjoy the rain today but it is tough. The wet/damp weather makes my entire body hurt more. I would love to visit Cancun. I have been to Mexico before and it was beautiful there.
We love Cancun!!!its been a few years since we have been. We will have to check out the Hard Rock next time!
We have never been to Cancun as a family and I had no idea there were so many family amenities to experience at hard rock! Definitely need to add this to my bucket list of must have adventures with my kids!
This looks like such a beautiful vacation to spend with your family! It looks absolutely gorgeous there. Enjoy!!
Cancun looks amazing. It seems you all had a great time.
Cancun is awesome. Have a great family trip!
It looks like you guys had an amazing time and were really taken care of! I would love to take a trip like this with my family! And that Bob Marley drink looks awesome!
I love Cancun! I’ve only been there once by myself, but would love to go someday with my husband and my family. Sounds like you had an amazing time!
That looks like so much fun!! I have been wanting to go to Cancun so much !!
— DT
Cancun looks awesome! I am so glad your little girl got to meet Angelina Ballerina! What an awesome vacation!
This is the most fantastic trip ive ever seen!!! 😀 looks gorgeous and lovel;y
Cancun is definitely on my bucket list. I have always wanted to visit there. Looks like your family had an amazing time!