I went to Secrets Playa Esmeralda in Miches for the Advisors on the Rise Symposium, a conference for travel advisors that have reached certain business goals. I came home with wonderful new connections, fresh excitement for my business, and a much better understanding of why people book adults-only vacations.
Turns out, I get it.
I love traveling with my kids. Helping families experience the world together is a huge part of why I do this work. But this was my first stay at an adults-only all-inclusive, and I discovered something about myself: I miss my kids a lot less when I’m not constantly seeing other people’s kids.
There were fewer reminders of “Oh, they would love this!” and more opportunities to think, “Actually, I’m enjoying this.”
I assume they will eventually forgive me.
Why I Stayed at Secrets Playa Esmeralda in Miches
The reason for the trip was especially meaningful. Building a travel business takes a lot of work, much of it happening behind the scenes. Being recognized for that growth felt good, and I’m proud of what I’m building.
But one of the best parts was spending time with fellow travel advisors and suppliers. I made so many wonderful connections with people who share my excitement about travel and care about creating great experiences for their clients. I left with new ideas, new relationships, and plenty of enthusiasm for helping families plan even more amazing vacations.
It also helps when your professional development happens somewhere you’re very happy to spend a few days.
The Staff at Secrets Playa Esmeralda Made the Stay Special
The staff at Secrets Playa Esmeralda were incredibly kind, and those personal connections became some of my favorite memories of the trip.
Maria at Rosewater, the Preferred Club restaurant, was a particular highlight. Her English and my Spanish were roughly on equal footing, so we had a lot of fun practicing with each other. There were imperfect sentences, some creative attempts to get our points across, and plenty of laughter.
Neither of us was going to win an award for fluency, but we were having a lovely time.
Those interactions matter to me. Beautiful surroundings are wonderful, but the people who make you feel welcome are often who you remember when you get home. Maria was absolutely one of those people.
And then there was Awilda at the spa.
She gave me one of the best massages I’ve had in my life. As a spa owner, I am picky AF about massage, so please understand the weight of that statement.
It was that good.
I also loved the hydrotherapy. Between that and my massage, the spa was a definite highlight of the stay. I was there for professional growth, but apparently my shoulders also had some things they needed to work through.
The one downside? Our airport transfer took about two hours.
That’s a long ride after a flight, and it’s something I would absolutely talk through with clients before booking. Transfer time matters, especially when you’re deciding how you want to spend your vacation days.
For me, though, it was worth it. I loved the quieter, less developed beach and the warmth of the local staff. Once I was there, I was happy to have made the drive.
Would I Recommend an Adults-Only All-Inclusive?
I came home proud of the work that brought me to the symposium and excited about what comes next. Making connections with other advisors and suppliers, experiencing a destination firsthand, and noticing the details that make a stay special all help me do my job better.
And while family travel will always be a huge part of what I love, I now have a very personal appreciation for a trip where nobody needs me to find their goggles.
I can love taking my kids on vacation and thoroughly enjoy a vacation without them. Especially if Awilda has an opening.
Ready for Your Own Adults-Only Getaway?
And if you’re reading this thinking you could use a few days where nobody calls you Mommy or Daddy, I can help with that, too. A couples getaway, a trip with friends, or a solo recharge—let’s find you somewhere you can relax, eat your own food while it’s hot, and remember what you like to do when nobody needs a snack.
