Valentin Imperial Maya Review

Last week, my husband and I got away for a few days to Mexico, one of our favorite places to go. This was our first trip together JUST US in 5 years, so let me tell you....it was good! And so, so needed. Just to relax, have quiet, and reconnect with each other is worth all the effort it takes to get there. And not to mention, we celebrated 12 years of marriage while we were there! (I love you, baby!)

We picked somewhere new to go this time, and loved it! (we have been to another place a few times before, which is one of our very favorite places ever). We knew we wanted an all-inclusive, adults-only place, and we researched a ton of spots, but decided on this one: the Valentin Imperial Maya. It was beautiful and wonderful!

BTW: If you have considered doing an all-inclusive for a getaway or a honeymoon...I highly recommend it. It takes so much stress off by not feeling like you have to sign a check after every meal or every drink. Also...Mexico is an awesome spot. At least for us living in Oklahoma (and before in Texas), it is super close (not even 2.5 hours from DFW airport), and a lot cheaper to go to than other nice beach places. There are one million resorts to choose from, but maybe this will help you if you are considering the Valentin! Also, I forgot to mention, we booked our entire trip (flights too) through CheapCaribbean.com and it was a great experience! They also helped us arrange our snorkeling and zip-lining adventure day once we got there! (which was super fun, btw!)

Not only do they bring you a glass of champagne with a cherry in the bottom upon your arrival...but the main lobby, where you check in and check out, was totally stunning. Also it was the most air-conditioned place. My hubby and I called it the "cold room"! It was super sad to go to the cold room on our last day for check out.

The walkways and floors were beautiful. The papala-cover "roofs" were everywhere and I loved that feel. Also, we love ourselves some pretty wood flooring so we loved this.

This was our view from the hallway/door to our room. The pretty grounds and the ocean not too far away!

Speaking of rooms, we upgraded when we got there to the Golden Jr Suite, and felt like it was so worth it. More spacious, with a jacuzzi in the middle of the room. And, those suites were in a building right by the quieter, private pool. We felt like we had a secret pool (vs the "party pool") and loved that!

such a great spread in the main buffet restaurant...my hubby gave me a hard time all weekend because I'm pretty sure the words "can't stop, won't stop" came out of my mouth at one point. mmmmmm. strawberry mojitos and never ending yummy food? yes. please.

The whole place felt like a "compound", because it was so huge. That was new for us (our other favorite place isn't quite so large)...but the grounds were just gorgeous and so well-kept! You literally could go for a run or bike ride around the entire resort and not feel bored.

I am a sucker for pretty water-scapes (is that a word?). And so the fact there was beautiful water with stones and water fountains all over the place was really great.

Iguanas. All the time. I guess that's just part of visiting the beach in Mexico? They didn't bother us at all...I just kept taking pic of them because I knew my kids would love to see! (There was a ton of wildlife at this resort, which I thought was really neat. It felt like they cared about really preserving some natural habitat for the animals in that area).

Room-service breakfast on the balcony at 10:00 AM. Enough Said.

More of the pretty walkways. And yes, it was a walk to get anywhere (except for the private pool and bar we upgraded to be close to), but every walk was worth it because it was so nice.

Us. I love this man. SO happy we got to get away and celebrate our love together!

Gorgeous, detailed floors everywhere.

There was a main Plaza where they would have local market a few times a week (I scored some cute handmade purses there for my little girls), and also bands and entertainment. There is a bar in the plaza as well and was just a good place to sit and relax if you wanted to be more "part of the action".

Nice outdoor seating everywhere!

There was a sweet little chapel, that I think you can use for weddings, but I thought it was so beautiful that I found myself wandering in there a few times. It was surrounded by water and just so perfectly done.

ahhhh, the beach. what we came for!! The beach here was so pretty, the only problem was the seaweed, which I am told is a problem everywhere around these parts right now. The last time we went to Mexico, about 5 years ago, it was really bad then too. So, that was kindof a bummer, but it was still so nice. We got to go "swim" in it one of the days that it wasn't too windy.

Robes and slippers in the beautiful bathroom. Again, enough said.

....more buffet goodness. // and I didn't get a picture of any of them, but the restaurants were very good. (which is sometimes hard to find at an all-inclusive). Our favorites were the Italian and the French. Wonderful food and atmosphere. There is a dress code for all restaurants, so make sure you plan for that! // another tip for all-inclusive dining: go to two different restaurants in one night! When my husband and I realized we could totally do that...it was like our eyes were opened! haha! So yes, we ate twice one night (hey, we took a break for a few drinks in between!). Seriously though...WHY NOT.

Here was our more private pool right outside our building. There were usually no more than 10 other people there at one time. We floated on rafts with pina coladas in hand (sometimes in both hands :) ) pretty much every day.

Gorgeous ocean sky.

Remember I told you about the wildlife?

Walkway out to the private beach area near just a few of the buildings with suites. It was so pretty, but wasn't open every hour. (not sure why)

yes.

Best feeling ever, am I right?

Taking in the ocean waves.

This was a perfect time away to celebrate 12 years together. Away from the chaos, pressures, and noise of daily life. It's always hard to leave little ones behind, but it was worth it for our marriage and our individual souls. To rest and recharge like this was such a blessing. (I definitely came home a better wife and mother). So, if you are thinking about it...do what you can. Save money for a while, set up the childcare, take time off work...it's worth it.

I love the little "foot-baths" to wash the sand off. (I feel like I need this at my house to make my kids use before they enter from the backyard!)

I am pretty sure you can reserve these "beds". Not sure how, but I saw people's names on them. That would be a neat way to feel like the vacation is super personal and special!

The bigger pool (what we called the "party pool" in comparison to the private one we liked), was really nice. Just a lot more crowded and loud. There were a few swim up bars, as well as a little food buffet to grab lunch at.

We DID get some spa treatments, and they were SO good. (My hubby got a deep tissue, and I got the Valentin Special Full Body Massage). We got to be in a room together like a Couples Massage, which was so nice. Totally worth it!

The back of our resort building.

I have a thing for tropical rains...they are so pretty. It only rained once or twice for not very long, but it felt so refreshing!

such a beautiful, yet sad, sight...to be leaving.

Adios Amigos...til next time, Mexico!

I really don't have any negatives to say about this place (that don't sound completely spoiled), So overall, I would totally recommend the Valentin Imperial Maya for a vacation!

Just go, y'all., you won't regret it one bit! The beach is calling your name.