haycoco: travel

July 6, 2015

Our Honeymoon!

Early Monday morning, Ryan and I left for our honeymoon. I've been dying to stay in an over the water bungalow somewhere exotic for a while now and we figured what better time to do this than our honeymoon. We decided to go to The Maldives and I couldn't have loved it more. Neither of us had been to The UAE before and the flights worked out well so that we could have a two day layover in Dubai before heading to The Maldives. It was Ramadan in Dubai during our visit, which as a Canadian was an interesting experience. It was 45 degrees out and you weren't allowed to drink water in public as you may tempt those who are fasting. I have a new found admiration for those who are so dedicated to their faith, that they're able to resist a basic necessity such as water. We stayed at The Fairmont Palm in Dubai and loved it.

In The Maldives, we stayed at the Constance Halaveli...it was the best hotel experience I've ever had. The staff could not have been more kind and helpful if they tried. We learned that there are 300 staff members to 200 guests. Even if the service was bad, the facilities and property would have made up for it. We were in the farthest bungalow from the shore because Ryan wanted to be closer to the coral reefs. It was so secluded and private. I find resort food can be hit or miss, but their food was excellent! Ryan loves activities and we did a lot of them. I went scuba diving which i've only done once before. The waters are very protected in The Maldives which I was so happy about. It made scuba diving that much more interesting...we saw three types of sharks! I was terrified at first, but quickly learned that they're harmless and don't really want anything to do with scuba divers. We also went on an excursion to hopefully snorkel with a whale shark. We were lucky and saw one and got to snorkel with it. I touched it, which I know it a big no-no, but it was just so cute! Our guide was not impressed and I learned my lesson! I don't think we'll ever make it back to The Maldives, but I wouldn't mind if we did!

May 27, 2015

A Wedding in Barbados!

Barbados now feels like a home away from home for me and I know most of that if not all of that has to do with my Bajan friend Corey who just married one of my best friends at the most perfect wedding in Barbados. I was in the wedding party and it was so nice to be included (Jaclyn is in my upcoming wedding in June).

The guests stayed at Royal Westmoreland, a small community on the West coast of the island. It was a perfect place to stay. It was so nice having all of my friends as neighbours for the week.

The bride and groom did such a great job planning activities for all their out of town guests...there was never a dull moment. People who had never been to Barbados really got a chance to see most of the island. On our two nights off, my Mom, Ryan and I went for dinner at Daphne's and The Tides. Both favourites of mine!

We were only there for 6 days so I wanted to make the most of our time. Ryan, who is such an activities guy did so much and I think I've sold him on Barbados as a future (frequent) vacation destination. He went surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving (twice), paddle boarding and golfing (twice). The poor guy also had to do some work while we were there, but that's life! My Mom was such a good sport and came for the surfing lesson as well. She was really good and got up many times...all of her yoga is paying off! If you're in Barbados and feel like surfing, I recommend Boosy's Surf School. He's the best!