May 13, 2025 marked the end of Steve’s 29th season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Our tradition is to book a vacation to celebrate the end of the season. This year, we had very high expectations, so I paused on any trip planning. Unfortunately, the season ended several weeks earlier than we had hoped.
As a result, I booked this trip to OMR five days prior to departure. That’s the benefit of having that special place in your back pocket that requires zero planning.
Ocean Maya Royale is the place we go for an easy, cheap and relaxing getaway. There is no planning needed and we always have a nice time. OMR is a small, adults-only, budget hotel and we know exactly what to expect.
We've visit OMR 25x since 2013 and I've written a blog post for all 25 visits! So, if you want all the details, then read one of my previous posts.
As I've said before, when we visit OMR we have our daily routine. We love to relax, have fun and literally do nothing but spend time together.
This time, I wanted to switch it up and had a little fun writing about "A Day in Our Life at OMR!"
An early departure out of Cleveland with no checked bags and our trusty USA Transfers means we arrived at OMR by 10 am! Our room was ready at exactly 3:00 pm (not 2:58!) We always have our pool essentials (swimsuit, sun screen, float) within easy access. We quickly changed and had plenty of pool time before our room was ready.
Since we booked our trip with 5 days notice, there weren't any Privilege rooms available. This was the FIRST TIME in 26 visits we were without Privilege...and I can honestly say, we didn't miss it much. With the exception of the a la carte breakfast and top shelf liquor, we found no difference. Trust me, we missed the liquor, but the standard tequila and vodka suited us just fine for this 5 night stay.
Now, let's move on to our trip...
The staff is the #1 reason we return to this resort. Our day ALWAYS starts with 1 or 2 or 3 :) bloody Maria's from Tiger at the lobby bar.
No one makes them better than Tiger!
Next, we eat a quick breakfast at the buffet at La Hacienda. We enjoy making our own small sandwiches...either meat, cheese and veggies or bacon, egg and cheese.
After lathering up with sunscreen, we head straight to the pool! The chair game was in full force and it was difficult to find anything after 8 am. We never let this bother us, but typically try to find one chair for our towels.
This May 2025, we had quite a bit of sargassum (but we've seen worse). It is what it is. They work hard to take it away every day...all day.
It was also incredibly hot. We visit the south Caribbean very regularly and rarely burn with lots and lots of sunscreen. This visit was something else...zero cloud cover and lots and lots of sun!
First and foremost, we grab a paloma from Eber, Johnny or Miguel. I always bring my raft and we spend the next several hours relaxing, talking and people watching. Kendell is awesome and always gets the crowd involved with Aqua Gym.
Sometimes, we take a break for lunch. There is an a la carte menu for lunch at El Charro and is located directly next to the quiet pool. We highly recommend the Baja shrimp tacos.
There is a grill outside of El Charro that serves pizza on most days.
After lunch, it's time for ice cream!
Chocolate and coconut are our favorites.
Mid-afternoon is typically when we get out of the sun and take a siesta. The buildings are set-up as 8 room villas (4 first floor/4 second floor).
After our nap, we shower and get ready for a night out...date night every night!
First, vodka martinis and espresso martinis in the courtyard with Yovonetti.
I guess you can say we are creatures of habit! :)
We also enjoy the occasional lemon drop martini from Jorge.
EVERY NIGHT before dinner, we enjoy wings at the Sports Bar (wings are only available from 6-11 pm). It's one of the staples at the resort.
If you're reading this and know ANYTHING about me and Steve, or even read any of my other travel posts, then you know we are foodies. I will emphasize that we do not visit OMR for the food...we visit for all of the other reasons I've already mentioned!
We have dined at every restaurant so many times over the years. We know what we like and we know what we don't like. I wish they changed the menus more often.For dinner, our #1 choice is always La Dolce Vita with excellent service from Jorge, Alberto and Jose.
We love the atmosphere and it's our happy place. We go every night it's open (this time it was closed twice) and enjoy the Chicken Valdostana (OMR's version of chicken Parmesan).
When La Dolce is closed, our #2 option is Blue Moon. It's nice for a quiet and romantic dinner with excellent service from Javier, Emilio and Daniel.
During our visit in July 2018, Carolina took a picture of us with Darcy, Tanya, Ron and Jean. She printed the picture, framed it, and hung it up on the "Wall of Fame" at Blue Moon. As of this visit...we're still on the wall!
It's a tradition to take our picture with the picture during each visit.
After dinner, we head back to the courtyard for a cocktail and whatever entertainment is going on that evening.
...and then off to bed so we can get ready for another day of fun in the sun!
Well, there you have it. Another fabulous trip is in the books! Spending time together is priceless. Being treated like family is why we continue to return over and over again.
Thank you to our second family for your kindness and generosity. Vacation is what you choose to make of it and we choose happiness.
Cheers!
Next on the SMS travel docket is 2 separate trips to Bonaire in July and August...our secret Caribbean haven.
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