After we got back from our trip to Italy last September we desperately wanted to go back and visit another part of Europe. After much talk and trying to get pregnant we decided it should wait. How could we top our trip to Italy anyway?
Michel jumped online and started looking into places to travel. Not really knowig if I would be pregnant or not we decided on an all-inclusive resort. We really wanted to go back to St. Lucia where we went on our honeymoon, but with the risk of Zika we decided that would have to wait.
We pulled up the Zika map on the CDC website and narrowed down our destinations. After about a week or so of research Michael came across an amazing deal for a 7-night stay in Nassau, Bahamas with airfare included. What more could we want!
Soon after booking our trip, we found out we were pregnant! The timing was honestly perfect and we couldn’t wait to spend 7 nights on a sunny island just the two of us!
Little did we know we would soon be building a house, selling a house, and moving in a day before leaving, but life happens! Going through all of that was made possible by the idea of a tropical getaway soon approaching!
When I say we moved in the day before leaving I’m not exaggerating! Our movers left the house and I called my favorite nail salon begging them to squeeze me in for a pedicure just before they closed! My feet were so swollen from moving for 11hrs. This mamma needed some TLC. I paid for an extra foot massage and was so glad I did. After that I met Michael over at the old house to help him clean it up and we finished up around 10:30pm.
We got to our new house with boxes everywehere, it was pitch black dark and I just sat in the shower and thought to myself this is crazy, but man are we so blessed!
The next morning, we locked up the house and jumped in the Uber beyond excited for a much-needed getaway!
We packed for our vacation before the move so everything was ready to go! I’m linking everything I packed below.
Where we Stayed
We stayed at the RIU Palace Paradise Island, which is located next door to the Atlantis.
We flew Delta non-stop into Nassau taking us 2.5hrs. Just enough time to watch Baby Mamma with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. If you haven’t seen it, rent it! We laughed so hard. We booked a transfer from the airport to our resort which took about 30 minutes.
We loved our time at the resort. It was an all inclusive with two pools and the most beautiful beach and water. We had a junior suite with a balcony and a pool and ocean view.
After spending everyday at the beach, we would freshen up and go back down to the beach to watch the sunset.
The resort had 5 dining rooms, 1 of which was buffet style. The other 4 required you to either wait in line at 6:30 PM or put your name down for a later time (usually around 8:00). Once we were ready we would go and put our name in and would receive a buzzer. Once the sun set over the ocean, our table was ready. It always worked out!
They have entertainment at night, but we only made it to the Michael Jackson cover show. Most nights we would just go back to our room and go to bed!
What we Did
If this is your first time visiting the Bahamas here is a list of excursions to check out! I had been before and we really just wanted to rest and relax and that’s exactly what we did!
What to Bring
A hat – I wore this beautiful Lisi Lerch hat every single day! I’m obsessed. Not only is it adorable, but it stays put and protects your face from the sun. I relaxed in a beach chair the whole time I was there with wet hair and the shape stayed beautifully. I can’t wait to take this hat on many more vacations! Thank you so much for the gift Lisi Lerch!
Shop all of my travel essentials!
Sunglasses – Ray-Bans are so timeless. I absolutely love these!
30oz Yeti – To keep your water cold.
20oz Yeti – For mixed drinks or beer. Hotel Riu would make your drink right in your Yeti cup, so you don’t have to worry about your drink getting warm or chasing little plastic cups blowing into the pool or beach.
Sunless Tanner – My absolute favorite one! I used this before I left as well.
SPF CC Cream – I’ve tried so many and this one is my favorite. It doesn’t come off in the pool or beach and gives you all day coverage so you don’t have to worry about getting burned.
Sunscreen – Load up before you go! I only bought two bottles thinking that would be plenty and we ran out on the third day. We bought some from the local market and absolutely fried!
A book – If you’re on your babymoon I highly recommend this one. Michael and I both read, Bringing up Bébé.
Bug spray – I brought this, but didn’t end up using it. I didn’t see one single bug the whole trip!
If you are planning a trip to the Bahamas for your babymoon or next vacation I’m happy to answer any questions you may have!
We also shared some BIG news on the last day of our trip. If you missed it, go and check out this Instagram post.
Inspired, Maryashley