Hi, I’m Kim, I’m 30, and I almost never go on vacation. Blame it on my workaholism or inability to adequately plan ahead for fun things, but I’m always that one person on payroll with 17 PTO days left by the end of the year and no intention of leaving my desk. Cue: the biggest sigh. So, thank gosh the Garza Blanca resort in Cancún offered to host me and a guest, because who knows when would’ve been the next time I felt the sun’s rays. (Hint: The answer is probably never).
I brought my boyfriend, Jon, because when you’re planning a trip to an all-inclusive luxury resort and spa (it’s in the name!), you just do. By this point in the pandemic (and our careers), we were pretty starved of romance, leisure, and vitamin D. And let me just say, Garza Blanca definitely delivered, with Jon even adding that the resort was—how you say?—fire (thanks, m’luv). Let me walk you through our experience.
(Full transparency: The writer and her boyfriend received comped accommodations, meals, and experiences during this getaway.)
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But first, here's my packing list
Monos Hybrid Carry-On
Blackbough Swim Kaila Bandeau Top
Charles & Keith Lana Curved Shoulder Bag
TKEES Gemma Slides
Kosas Revealer Concealer
STAY:
Apologies for the cringe but if you quite literally like piña coladas (okay, I'’l stop), contemporary glam interior design, and just generally turning your brain off to lounge by the pool, drink in hand, then you’ll love staying at this luxury hotel. Owned by TAFER Hotels & Resorts, the Garza Blanca Cancún resort is located in the Costa Mujeres neighborhood, a calm and tranquil area that’s just a boat ride away from the enchanting island of Isla Mujeres (y’know, in case you’re interested in a lil side quest while on your getaway).
We were welcomed by the most lavishly designed lobby, complete with a full-service bar, grand piano, and light-up marble check-in counters—just NBD details. Garza Blanca spoiled us with an ocean-view suite that had a private terrace, a living room area in case I wanted to “catch up on some work,” and a stunning marble bathroom that made me suddenly want to become a beauty influencer who films “get ready with me” videos in impossibly luxurious locales.
There are plenty of other types of suites and packages (including a “swim-up” suite that has a—you guessed it—private swim-up pool outside your room’s sliding door and 3 to 4 bedroom penthouses that would be perfect for an extra bougie family vacay or bach party).
Take it from me (or Simon Biles or Lili Reinhart who have had recent stays), Garza Blanca is the place to book if you want to be floored by complete and utter opulence. I mean, all my dreams of finally turning my S.O. into a skillful Instagram boyfriend were squashed thanks to the resort being so GD gorgeous that I was just 100 percent fully in the moment (hardly a con, I know).
PLAY:
- So! Many! Pools!: Dude, this place has so many pools. The official website states that there are four different types of pools, but I can say from firsthand experience, that there are many, many more if you count them individually. You can really pick and choose what kind of pool vibe you’re into for the hour. There’s the main infinity pool with a swim-up bar, an Insta-worthy pool with an acrylic wall in case your feed is lacking in enviable content, a rooftop adults-only pool (sorry, kiddos), and a shallow hammock pool if you just want water to be more of a vibe vs. the main activity.
- The gym: For those who are disciplined enough to not break their fitness streak while on vacation (lol, not I), there’s a “wellness zone” fully stocked with cardio machines, free weights, and even filtered and chlorophyll water.
- Spa Imagine: This is the bougie place to bouge out in if you’re looking for the ultimate luxe spa experience. Saunas and steam rooms, massaging whirlpools, and even a pressure massage shower are all available. And yes, they will even bring you a lil snack while you unwind and forget about Slack in one of those hydrotherapy pools. Oh, and not to mention, you can book an array of services, from massages to facials to beauty treatments (including waxes and mani-pedis).
- Recreational activities galore: Yoga and dance classes, water sports (including a run or two on one of those huge inflatable water parks I’d only ever seen on those obstacle course gameshows), snorkeling, and more. If just chilling on the beach or by the pool isn’t your thing, you can book any of these activities with the front desk or concierge.
EAT:
- All-inclusive dining: Throughout the entire trip, I had just one urgent task on my list: order three different types of pasta to enjoy poolside. And I did just that. With any of Garza Blanca’s all-inclusive packages, you’ll get access to each of the resort’s gourmet restaurants and 24-hour room service plus unlimited beverages and food at any poolside bar. Here’s how a typical day at GB went for us: wake up, enjoy room service breakfast out on our terrace, get ready for the pool, scarf down three different pasta dishes (plus ceviche) with the mans, dinner at a nice restaurant, bathe, sleep, repeat. Oh, and ceviche. Can’t forget the ceviche.
- Blanca Blue Restaurant: Go here if you’re in the mood for Mexican cuisine (either contemporary or traditional specialties).
- DAO: Go here if you’re in the mood for contemporary Chinese cuisine. Visit at sunset to take advantage of the rooftop view.
- Bocados Steak House: Go here if you’re in the mood for a fancy-schmancy steak (and yep! There are even vegetarian-, vegan-, and gluten-free-friendly options so you can bring the whole group chat).
- Hiroshi: Go here if you’re in the mood for Japanese fusion slash fancy-AF sushi. Special shout-out to the 7-course Robata bar experience. I miss you.
- The Food Truck: Go here if you’re in the mood for a casual, beachside seafood and cocktail experience.
- The Gourmet Hall: Go here if you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for. This food hall features five kitchens offering an array of cuisines, spanning from Asian street food to Mexican specialties to Italian dishes to even American cuisine (in case you’re really craving a burger).
Kim Duong is the senior shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing shopping coverage online for all things fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and sex. When she's not musing about which products are actually worth your hard-earned cash, she's also writing (sometimes slightly unhinged) fashion content in print. You can find her previous writing in Refinery29, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram for bottomless cute dog content and did-that-really-happen-to-me story times in her highlights.
