Paradise by
definition is a place of extreme beauty, delight or happiness. Puerto Escondido
just might be added to that definition one of these days.
I just
recently returned home from a trip of a life time. It was a dream
vacation in so many ways, living up to each and every expectation I had.
At the end of every ski season, my goal first and foremost is to find a
beach. A beautiful beach where I can swim and play without a wetsuit, “bronze”
beside crashing waves, relax and drink and eat as much and of whatever I want.
A place of calm. A place of rejuvenation. A place just like Casa Rubia.
It has
been a dream of mine to bring together my closest friends and family to
rekindle friendships, relax on calm soil, reminisce about fond memories and good
times, and to simply be surrounded by people that I love who love me back.
I have always said that my career was never a solo adventure; there were
many people who gave me the tools, the support and the inspiration to keep
trying and keep achieving. Now was my time to thank them for all that
they have done.
So off to
Casa Rubia it was. Casa Rubia is a gem
hidden on the beautiful pacific coast in southern Mexico. It is a quintessential beach getaway. It’s a place that you only ever see in
pictures and a place that I was so happy to call home. A place where friendships we made tighter,
new ones where made and lifelong bonds were established.
Casa Rubia
welcomed us with open doors, a wonderful staff and an awe inspiring onyx table
that sits 12. One of the highlights of
my trip was the night that we filled 11 of those seats. I have never eaten so well on a holiday and
knowing that the food was fresh each and every day from the market made you
really savour the taste and the appreciate luxury of it all. I arrived late at night so on the first night
it was a nice dinner, a couple beers and then off to bed. The sound of the waves crashing on the beach
only meters away was impressive but like the train that rolls through Fernie on
a regular basis, the sound became calming and soothing. I slept with my doors
open and the fan above my bed made the sleeping conditions ideal. I didn’t have
to worry about a lonely bear coming to say hi. I didn’t have to worry that I might
get cold in the middle of the night. I
placed my head on the pillow that night and fell into a deep “Zenfull” sleep.
The next 2
weeks were nothing short of amazing.
Almost every day someone was either coming or going, like the tide of
the ocean. Adventures were a daily
ritual and open to whoever, whatever, whenever. Surfing was definitely the
activity of choice as we were in one of the surf mecca’s of the world but deep
sea fishing, beach volleyball, wakeboarding and hiking were also on the list.
I will
honestly admit that surfing will never be in my cards as I have yet to figure
out the art of patience but it sure was a blast giving it a whirl. I can credit my ski crashes to helping me
crash as gracefully and ably as possible in the waves but having said that I
did manage to leave a piece of my front tooth on the beautiful ocean floor. The
wakeboarding in the lagoon was an experience never to be forgotten. The calm waters, the mangroves and the bathtub
like temperatures made for an amazing experience. Once again, my competitive and I am invincible
train of thought led me to some spectacular crashes and a mild case of
whiplash; one day I will learn that there are other gears apart from 5th!
The deep sea fishing was a first for me and I am happy to announce that I did
not catch a thing. Yes you read it right.
I was happy to not have to deal with the “catch a fish and kill” idea so
the sea safari was a great option. We
saw dolphins, dancing stingray (they get serious vertical out of the water with
hilarious flapping “wings”), and many turtles.
We even manage to pet a turtle….not too sure if that it was you would
call it, rather patting might be the better verb. Back on shore we saw a turtle making her nest
and laying her eggs which was such a special moment; real life “planet earth”. The sunset boogie boarding, the pool
volleyball and the soccer game with the local builders from next door were also
up there on great moments. The girls
bought me a piñata on my “birthday” night which brought back many memories from
my young and reckless years; those who saw, know!!! The nights were often calm though, as we had
wasted most of our energy on our day’s activities and by the time the “party”
happens in Puerto we were all gazing at the back of our eyelids.
So here I am
home safe and sound, feeding off the memories that this amazing vacation
created. Cary Mullen opened his house to
me (Casa Rubia) and I will forever be indebted to him for it. He has a vision for Puerto Escondido and for
people who want Mexico to be part of their lives. This vision is called VivoResorts. Vivo
offers great service and lifestyle in the best weather beachfront place that he
could find. It is place that will
forever bring families and friends together. It is place to retreat to and get
away from our busy lives at home. It is place that wants to showcase authentic
Mexico while supporting and maintaining authentic Mexico. It is a place I hope
to return to many times in my life.
To my besties
(Mommy, Diana, Krista, Michelle, Gen, Jenny, Anna, Anne-Marie, Shona, Larisa and
Kristin) – Thank you from the bottom of
my heart for coming together on this unique and memorable vacation. I love you
all.
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