Every morning while at Hard Rock Vallarta, we had a hearty buffet breakfast of international cuisine at The Market. The food was scrumptious with choices of breads, meats, eggs, crepes, fresh fruit, juices, tea and coffee, and pretty much everything else you can dream up for breakfast.

While the choices were endless and the food was a treat for all the senses, it was the staff that continued to impress us. During our first visit, we met Angela and her way with us and Athena left us talking about breakfast long after it ended. She greeted us at the door and was so kindhearted with Athena that there was an instant connection. Before our meal ended, Angela had shown Athena around the restaurant, introduced her to the entire staff (who also cooed over her like she was a princess), and gave her a balloon. I honestly believe that children are the best judge of character and Athena loves Angela.

The rest of the staff were equally welcoming and doting. At one point, I dropped my fork and a member of the staff picked it up almost before it hit the floor. Another staff member asked if we would like anything special for Athena. When I asked for whole milk, he didn’t have it in the restaurant but he immediately went to another part of the hotel to get it. He then asked if I’d like a liter of milk sent to the room as well so Athena would have it at her disposal. Everyone that walked by stopped to talk to us and make sure we were completely happy. The entire staff took pride in their work and wanted to make sure we had everything we could possible need.

Most all-inclusive resort offer similar amenities and activities, but when the staff are an exceptional step above, it makes all the difference. With a dining staff, and the staff in general, like this, it’s easy to see why people keep returning to Hard Rock Vallarta.

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The XShot Camera Extender attaches to any compact digital camera and features a built-in tripod adapter at the bottom to attach a mini tripod. I used it on both the GoPro and the ATC Chameleon while boogie boarding, zipping down the water slide, snorkeling, and underwater photos. While I was boogie boarding, it took a few tries to position it properly but I was able to get both photos and videos. On the water slide, it was simple. I just held the XShot out and I was in every shot with a great view of the background as well. It was the underwater and snorkeling shots that I was most impressed with while using the XShot. I was able to get closer to marine life without having to hold my breath or dive deeper. For someone a little nervous of snorkeling, or more specifically what’s around me while snorkeling, it’s the perfect solution.

The XShot is the ideal attachment for me as an adventurous traveler on the go. I don’t always have someone around to take a photo for me and I hate asking even when someone is around. Now, even if I’m on my own, I can get the picture.

This armoire came from craigslist. Originally, it was dinged up and outdated, but with a few coats of primer and paint, it’s now the centerpiece in our living room.

Our table and chairs were a similar find. The 80′s wood stain is a thing of the past. The new colors tie the breakfast area and the living room together and add color to our lives. Our side table makes me proud of Darren’s creativity. We found a used piece of wood in the dumpster across the street; add a few nails and left over paint and we have a spectacular place to put our wedding photos.

The most recent addition to our personally created furniture is a bench for the laundry room. We’re still trying to decide on colors but we’re thinking about staying in the beach color palette.

What to do next? Paint the walls? Buy more art? Work on the office? Finish the bedrooms? The list seems endless, but when you’re having this much fun it really doesn’t matter. We’re making a home for our family.

To see more of our current projects, check out Bucket List Publications on Facebook!

I love the ocean. I grew up swimming and playing in the waves with my family. Boogie boarding filled my childhood and adult life with fond memories and it will always bring me to a happy place. Most resorts offer a few non-motorized water sports but it’s rare to see a boogie board, which is funny because it’s a cheap investment. When I realized that the Hard Rock offered boogie boards, I knew how I’d be spending my afternoon.

Darren and I took turns playing on the beach with Athena while the other played in the water on the board. The waves weren’t huge but certainly large enough to ride into the beach. It’s funny how calming it is to have the waves rushing behind me when I’m just ahead of them on a boogie board. Sometimes I’m nervous of the marine life around me when I’m just floating in the water, but it’s the last thing on my mind when I’m riding the waves. If I’m not in the ocean, I still like to be in the water. Can you see the joy on my face?

The pool options at the hotel incorporate all aspects of fun into one massive play area for adults, children, and the ones like Darren and I who can’t decide. The swim up bar can be dangerous… in a good way. The choices are endless. We were delighted to test out a number of options before choosing a strawberry, banana pina colada as our go-to drink. With Athena comfortably situated in her water float, we could push her around the pool and enjoy a refreshing drink on the side. We made sure to drink and swim responsibly so we had separate Athena time and drink time.

On the other side of the pool, after swimming under a beautiful waterfall, is a water slide. I’m not sure if you caught my embarrassing video, but it’s easy to see that I’m still a big kid at heart. At least you can see that Darren married someone with his own maturity level when you watch his video. I don’t know who’s the bigger kid. Athena is in for a lot of embarrassing moments throughout her life.

Since Athena’s bedtime is between 7 and 7:30 pm, we spent most evenings in the hotel room but with a balcony, an ocean and pool view, and unlimited, all-inclusive room service, the evenings were just as fun as the days. We watched the sunset from our balcony and had a drink while Athena slept in room. We quietly shared our favorite moments from the day and rather than watching tv, we looked at photos and videos from our trip. It never seemed like we were stuck in a hotel room because the scenery and company were the best entertainment.

It didn’t take us long to look into room service. Hard Rock might not have invented room service, but they definitely perfected it. Their three page menu offered everything from snacks to main entrees to desserts. The first night we ordered mixed fajitas served with guacamole and tortillas. We didn’t need to order drinks because our room was equipped with a stocked fridge and a Hard Rock liquor dispenser. It was all at our disposal and restocked daily. Since then, we’ve ordered breakfast, appetizers, and desserts; it always showed up in style and within twenty minutes. That’s what I call perfected room-service. Heck, just five minutes ago someone showed up with chocolate covered strawberries and we didn’t even ask for them.

Tomorrow our stay at Hard Rock Vallarta will come to an end but the memories we’ve created here will remind us to return soon. The quote on our wall says, “are you going to be in my dreams tonight?” – The Beatles. The ocean, the pool, the fun, the room… Hard Rock Vallarta will be in my dreams regularly until I return.

Who do you think rocked it better?

Watch it tonight because I may have one of those, “What was I thinking” moments tomorrow and take it down. As for now, I’m having the time of my life with my family. Enjoy!

Music credit: Twist and Shout – The Beatles

Follow my Hard Rock Vallarta trip at #RockVallarta

Welcome to our room.

Designed for comfort with a king size bed and a double Jacuzzi, our Deluxe Platinum room pulls out all the stops. It features a LCD satellite television, wireless internet, 24-hour room service, turndown service, a stocked mini-fridge, and the Hard Rock liquor dispenser stocked with the best brands. They definitely don’t let anyone go without in the deluxe rooms.

The pools are equally beautiful and endless. The swim-up bar is heaven with every kind of drink you can imagine and we didn’t even play on the water slide yet; we’re saving that adventure for tomorrow.

Just on the other side of this waterfall is a water slide that looks like fun for the whole family. We might even be adventurous enough to take Athena down with us; we’ll see what tomorrow brings. Regardless, I’ll be taking a few turns alone. I’ll bring the video camera along for proof of my adventures.

While the pools are always where we spend most of our time, Athena doesn’t love big waves just yet, the ocean is worth a visit.

Today I heard that a turtle sanctuary is just a short walk up the beach from our resort. There’s never time to be bored here anyway, especially with the options at the activity center next to the pool. These friendly guys will help you find something to fit your idea of a good time.

Inside the hotel, the true rock star comes out of everyone. Even I rocked out on the drums for a little while this afternoon. It may or my not have been after several drinks in the pool. I’ll leave that for you to decide.

Did you see enough? I didn’t think so…. You’ll have to come and check it out for yourself.

If you’d like to see up-to-the-minute photos and comments, follow the hashtag #RockVallarta on twitter. I’ll post regularly.

We enjoyed a crisp, freshly baked pizza for lunch at Pizzeto’s restaurant when we arrived at the hotel. We each ordered our own, personal toppings and ate next to the pool. It was just a pizza, but we instantly felt the all-inclusive resort lifestyle melt away any stress. How could you feel worried about anything when sitting by the pool in the warm, Mexican sun with a drink in one hand and a slice of pizza in the other?

As soon as we finished our lunch, it was time to jump in the pool. Athena had been saying “pool” over and over again all day. She knew what was in store.

The pool is Athena’s happy place. She’s always smiling and happy but it seems to show just a little bit more when we’re playing in the pool.

It was only after hours of swimming that Athena was ready to explore the beach. We changed into dry clothes and strolled along the ocean together. Darren and I haven’t had a lot of time together lately since I’d be out of the country more than I was in it so it was the perfect time to stroll hand-in-hand and share a quiet moment together. Athena was winding down from the excitement of the day; she was happy to join in our relaxing walk as a family.

It was almost 7 pm before we knew it; the day had flown by. Rather than tiring ourselves out the first day, we decided to head back to the room for room service. With 7 main entree choices available from 11 am to 10:30 pm, we didn’t feel restricted at all. I ordered mixed fajitas served with guacamole and tortillas and Darren ordered enchiladas filled with chicken, covered in green sauce, and served with fried beans. It was enough to share and feed Athena too.

Since Athena went to bed, I only had one worry… how was I going to get the six pina coladas that I ordered up to the room?

Can I order them for room service? I’ll let you know tomorrow. As for tonight, I’ll make do with my 6 that I managed to get up here.

The instructors were phenomenal and gave each of us individual practice time before letting us try on our own. After a quick, land briefing, we headed into the water for some one-on-one instruction. The sail was smaller than I used before, making it easier to get it out of the water and position it in my hands. I felt extremely comfortable from the minute I entered the water because it was waist deep and perfectly flat. I wasn’t worried about going too far or being in over my head, literally. There were easily noticeable buoy markers to let us know when we were getting a little too far out, but they were such a far distance from the shore that I never reached them anyway.

I actually stayed on the board during my first attempt and successfully maneuvered the sail to complete a 180 degree turn. I felt triumphant; I know the instructor was there to guide me but I did it on my own! It was an amazing feeling.

I spent the next two hours learning the ropes of windsurfing. I wasn’t without a few tumbles into the water or a couple dings to the knees and elbows, but it was a rewarding adventure. Figuring out how to turn and how to get more power/speed were the most difficult to master. To make a turn, I needed to lower the sail toward the back of the board, reposition my hands, and move to the other side of the board. There was a lot happening all at once and I had to ask for help again before fully understanding all of the steps. While I was getting more instruction on turning, I also asked how to sail faster. I realized that I wasn’t angling the sail far enough ahead to get the best speed. Once I figured out those two aspects, I was really proud of my accomplishments.

I did manage to snap a few photos but I was more focused on enjoying the experience than taking pictures.

When we finished, we swapped stories about what we found difficult or enjoyable and how we did overall. Everyone in the group was excited about their own accomplishments and the instructors made sure we all managed to get on the board and make a few moves before the end of the lesson.

I love being physically active on vacation; combine that with any water sport, and I’m guaranteed to have a great day!