Sunday, March 7, 2010

Jamaica!

Hello All! How are you? It has been WAY too long! Sorry for being MIA/shady this past week, Josh and I were on vacation in Jamaica! We had an ABSOLUTE blast, relaxing and enjoying lots of time together. I wanted to share some photos from our trip, I hope you enjoy them!

We were originally supposed to stay at Secrets new resort, but the resort did not finish construction in time. As a result, we were moved over to the Iberostar Grand at Rose Hall (luckily, Secrets is paying for us to come back to the resort we were originally booked at, at a later date (yippee)):


One of my favorite parts of this all-inclusive trip was the beautiful buffet salad bars. Josh and I ate tons of fresh fruit and vegetables all week:

Views around the hotel:


We stayed on the top floor of this building:

The Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee was OUT of this world!
The hotel had a fabulous gym and I really enjoyed getting in some running time! They also had a huge fruit display on the way out of the gym. I usually grabbed an apple or papaya for my post workout breakfast treat (mmmm):
The gym was right next to the spa and this giant hot tub:
which also had heated chairs .....
But the best part of the WHOLE trip, was just hanging out with this guy:
....walking on the beach:

and enjoying the views....


We also had some fabulous meals. Capresse Salad at the Italian restaurant:
Josh's calamari:

Ravioli with pumpkin seeds:

Josh's favorite meal of the trip, surf and turf:
And we did indulge in one frosty mudslide:

Such a blast! We got home Saturday night and spent today catching back up on laundry and things around the house. We also got to pick up Frank (missed him so so much!). How was your weekend??? Where is your favorite vacation spot?

62 comments:

Jessica @ How Sweet said...

WOW! You lucky gal! You guys make such a gorgeous couple, and the trip looks amazing. I'd love to go away right now!!

Sarah said...

What an amazing vacation, it looks like you had a wonderful time. Will you share more photos? Jamaica looks gorgeous (of course). LOL and I love the post-workout photo. We are a lot alike, we have a few goofy pictures of me pre-workout on vacation. I love hitting the gym in the morning while on vacation, feels so good.

We had an amazing time on our honeymoon in Bermuda, but I think my favorite trip with Ray is our summer vacation in August 2008 to Cabo San Lucas. Four days of relaxing in the sun, happy hour, amazing food, beautiful resort. We're 75% going there again this summer for a few days.

I hope your transition back to regular life isn't too rocky.

Nutritious is Delicious said...

Jamaica!! Wooo! I need a vacation right about now. Glad you had alot of fun! :D Yummy eats too! ;)

Holly said...

Wow - what an amazing vacation!! Looks like you had a blast. I'm glad you had a wonderful trip - huge hot tub? Heated CHAIRS? Oh, man...that sounds like heaven!!

Molly said...

I loooove Jamaica! Looks like you had a blast - so jealous of that hot tub!!!

teresa said...

oh my goodness erica, AMAZING TRIP! i've been telling glenn that jamaica is defitely on my list, it looks absolutely beatiful! i'm so glad you had such a good time!

Maria said...

That is where you were. HOW FUN! I am jealous:) Looks like a great vacation spot! And you get to go back, even better! I love all of the fruits and veggies. We should double on a trip sometime:)

Our weekend was good-Body Pump, baby shower, dinner with friends, and now watching the Oscars!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! And how fabulous to know another Jamaica trip is in your future. :)

I went to St. Pete Beach last weekend and absolutely love it there! I just find it so relaxing and peaceful.

Britt said...

Looks like a fabulous time!! I LOVE vacations, they rock! Too bad the resort wasn't ready but that is great that they are making it up to you!

We just did a mini trip this past weekend to go skiing.... finally! It was gorgeous!

laura dishes said...

I don't know how you managed to keep the Secret such a secret! :)

I love Jamaica- I've only ever been to Ocho Rios, but I would love to go back! Glad you guys had such a good time!

Stephanie @cookinfanatic said...

Hey girl! Ahhhhh I am so excited that you had such a fabulous trip?!?! Everything looks amazing and you look SO beautiful :) So glad you are back, I've missed you my dear! Have a fabulous Sunday.

Julie said...

welcome back!!!!

jamaica looks amazing! and i seriously can't belieeeeeeeeeeve you get to go back AGAIN. listen if josh can't get off from work or something i'm definitely free..

did you guys do anything like snorkling or parasailing?? my bestie is going on her honeymoon to jamaica and we were talking the other night about fun things her and her future hubs can do there


btw i totally love josh's boat shoes haha they're one of my fav things a dude could wear. weird, i know.

Andrea @ CanYouStayForDinner.com said...

Aaahh what an amazing vacation with your love!!! I'm so happy for you, sounds like you really soaked up every enjoyable minute! Good for you!
My favorite vacation spot is probably Capri, Italy. Not that I go there frequently, but when I studied abroad I went there for a break and fell in love with it!
Have a wonderful start to your week back!!

Mom on the Run said...

Erica- It is awesome that you got away! Looks like you two had a great time. Never been to Jamaica but would love too someday!

Anonymous said...

Sweet. Looks like you had a lot of fun! I've never been to Jamaica.

allijag said...

YAY!!!!! So glad you guys had fun! :) And really - that sounds like it TOTALLY worked out in your favor that the resort wasn't open yet! :)

Kristen @ Change of Pace said...

Oh my gosh aren't we all SO jealous! You seem to really be taking everything in and appreciating your man :)

Anonymous said...

wow! that looks like such an amazing trip!! heated chairs, salad bars, beautiful views!! wowwwwwwie! I have always wanted to go to Jamaica- hopefully someday!!!

happy Monday Erica!! :D

Krista said...

What a GREAT vacation! So many people are going away right now. I'm jealous. Hehe! So glad you guys had a good time and it looks like the weather held up nice, too.

homecookedem said...

So jealous!!!!!! But so HAPPY for you!! What an amazing trip!! I also love going to the gym first thing in the morning on vacation. It gets it out of the way so the rest of the day is free for whatever. I need to get a heated chair for my backyard. That would be awesome!! Anyway, looks like yall had some lovely food too!! That ravioli with pumpkin seeds looks divine!! :) Yall are so adorable in all of the pics!!!!!

Bridget said...

Awww sounds like you guys had an amazing trip!! I'm so jealous!! I want warm weather + beach! That resort looks and sounds fantastic. I'll have to remember it for any impending tropical trips in my future (hmm maybe next year...). Glad your back :)

Lauren @ Eater not a runner said...

Looks like such a blast, so jealous!

Tiffany said...

aww you guys are SO cute! i'm glad you had a blast in jamaica. i'm so jealous! your pictures look amazing! must have been great to just get away for a nice vacation. :)

fittingbackin said...

Fun!! Looks like such a great trip! We honeymooned in Jamaica and loved it so much - i'd go back in a heartbeat and that's AWESOME that you get to go back - for free - woo!! Welcome back!

Averie @ Averie Cooks said...

Am i guilty of really bad blog skimming or did i just totally miss that you guys were going to jamaica? or was it a secret?

wow!!!

i went to negril about 10 yrs ago. It was great, flew into Montego Bay, drove to Negril, saw the island, stayed at a quaint hotel (couldnt afford the all inclusives back then it was sandals or bust) and we had a great time!

I am so happy for you guys...what a great trip!!!

Anonymous said...

How awesome---glad to hear y'all had a great and relaxing time and found somewhere to stay :)

Um, I totally want to go in that giant hot tub-it looks so relaxing. I've been to Jamaica once but want to go back, it's the favorite of my islands yet!

Esi said...

Sounds like a super awesome vacation. Glad you had a great time!

whatkateate said...

glad you guys had fun! heated spa & chairs? sounds wonderful

Anonymous said...

Wow! Looks amazing- lucky gal! :D Muchos deserved... Jamaica looks like such a great place to visit!

Fave place for my vacations- NYC, of course!

tam said...

Wow looks fabulous, I wish the warm weather was already here, England is freezing! x x

Naomi(Onefitfoodie) said...

you kept your little Jamaica trip a secret haah!! it looks SO much fun! I love iberostar, i have stayed there before in mexico and they do a great job, I just have to say 5 days of that all you can eat food does get a bit much BUT its def good! I love the heated chairs ! you two look so happy and healthy!...wedding bells soon??
haha just kidding love you girl! glad you had a great time!

K from ksgoodeats said...

You little sneak!! I had no idea you were off to Jamaica! They're paying you to come back at a later date? How Housewives of you ;)

Everything looks gorg!! What a fun getaway! That hot tub reminds me of LOST, haha! You black and pink outfit is cute!! Glad you guys were able to get away and enjoy yourselves!

Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete said...

That is so funny that you stayed there! I actually went to a destination wedding at the Iberostar in Jamaica 2 1/2 years ago when it first opened. We were supposed to stay at the Rosehall, but it was still under construction too. It is beautiful there, isn't it? Did you go kayaking or scuba diving? That was definitely my favorite part of my trip!

RhodeyGirl said...

Your vacation sounds incredible!!!! The fruit looks amazing- I am jealous!!!

Pam said...

Jamaica BABY! and with two HOTTIES...how cute! What a fun time you had girlie! My b*tt....I knew you were up to something...telling us you were MIA....lol!!

Glad you could get away for a nice vacation...you deserve it sweetie!

xoxo

Jessica said...

It looks like a fabulous trip! Very envious! I have 2 favorite holidays, Prague was spectacular, and Thailand - I have no words to explain our experiences there. Just awesome.
It's been 2 years since I've been overseas and I am ITCHING!

Susan said...

That looks like such a fun and relaxing trip! Delicious eats, heated chairs, time with your fella, and a milkshake; what more could a girl want?

Glad you are back though and thanks for sharing the pics!

Lauren said...

Awww, so happy you guys were enjoying a well deserved vacation in paradise. Sounds/looks amazing! :)

Can't wait to hear more about it.

Glad you are home safe darling.

Anonymous said...

My weekend was great!! It looks like you two had such a fantastic time!

Diana said...

Ooooh seksi times in Jamaica mon! Sounds pretty good right now. Welcome back and glad you had such a fab time!

vanillasugarblog said...

heated poolside chairs? oh heavens yes please! it's obvious you two hotties had a good time. was the weather good the whole time?

Katie said...

Wow, what a fabulous vacation! GOOD FOR YOU TWO! I've always wanted to go to Jamaica... sunshine, great food, what's not to like?

My favorite vacation spot is Guadeloupe, in the French West Indies.

Christina said...

nice vacation!! your bathing suit is so cute. glad you got a chance to relax!

Anonymous said...

I'm super jealous! I've never been to Jamaica.

Veggies, Cake & Cocktails said...

I want to jump into your pictures and escape this dreary Chicago weather. Wow, looks like an amazing trip.

My husband and I went to St. Maarten in January and that was a great trip. We were able to relax which was nice.

Therese said...

THAT HOTEL IS BEAUTIFUL! I can't imagine what the other one looked like!

A friend of ours is actually from Jamaica (a white guy lol) and offered to put us up with his family whenever we want to head down. I need to get a passport so I can see this beautiful place!

lauren said...

lucky you! what a great trip...all of the food looks absolutely amazing...and the hotel is gorgeous.

Ana said...

Awesome vacation!! I have never been to Jamaica but it sure looks beautiful :) With such great food, view, weather, and of course the company it all looks like you had a fantastic time!

Fitnessista said...

looks like such a blast! so glad you had a wonderful vacay :D you two are such a good looking couple ;)
hope all is well <3
xoxo

Caitlin at Healthy Tipping Point said...

i want your vacatioooooooooooooon.

tasteofbeirut said...

Jamaica looks like fun from your perspective! I like all these dishes especially the ravioli with pumpkin seeds!

Pining for Pinterest said...

You look awesome! I will have to check out that resort because are slated to do a vacation in July with our friends. Glad to hear you had a great time :-)

Jessie (Vegan-minded) said...

Looks like you guys had a great time! I have never been to Jamaica, but I definitely want to go. One of my favorite vacation spots is Sanibel Island, FL. Even though I live in Miami, going to Sanibel feels like another world! It is SO peaceful and only a 2 hour drive from my house. :)

Lori said...

I thought your trip was probably coming up. I know what you mean about posting that you are traveling. Sometimes I don't until I get back as well.

So glad you liked Jamaica and had a great trip! Everything looks awesome and what a deal that you get to go back. Isn't Blue Mountain coffee the best?! And I go for mudslides too. :)

We just booked our trip back last week. We will be headed back down in December. Jamaica is one of my fave places in the world!

Jocelyn said...

oh wow! That resort looks beautiful (and super healthy too!) I should look into that :) So glad you had a good time!

I loved st.lucia and Antigua :) Both very nice places to explore and relax!

Kerstin said...

I'm glad you had such an amazing vacation! Such great pics :)

BroccoliHut said...

Looks like you had a blast in Jamaica--so jealous of your tropical eats:)

CaSaundraLeigh said...

Oo you lucky bum! I have never been to Jamaica, but actually just bought tickets for next February; my cousin is getting married then--I can't wait! Looks like you and Josh had a wonderful time together :-)

The Purple Carrot said...

How fun, Erica!! : ) It looks like you guys had an awesome time. I'm glad you got to go on a fun vacataion!

Aggie said...

Aaaaah...Jamaica! I've never been but so want to go. You guys look great in your pictures!! That hot tub looks amazing!

I love anywhere on the beach...laid back beach vacations are my favorite, I don't like crowded beaches, I like to enjoy the more natural beaches...Oh, I can't wait for beach weather now! :) Have a great Sunday!

R3 Method Show said...

You both look radiant. That is what sun and good food can do!

Heather @ Get Healthy With Heather said...

Wow I missed this post easlier, looks like you two had an amazing time and the resort looks gorgeous! Glad you got to enjoy the sun shine there!