Embracing Adventure and Empowerment: Reflecting on the Women’s Travel Fest at Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen
In the heart of the stunning coastal paradise of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, I attended the inspirational Women’s Travel Fest being held this year at the Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen. It was my distinct honor to take the stage at this incredible event, sharing my journey and memoir, “Brave-ish,” with fellow women travelers from around the globe. As I reflect on my time there, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude to my friend and owner of the conference, Alexandra Jimenez who I met in 2012 when she started Travel Fashion Girl.
The Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen offers an array of experiences that cater to the soulful adventurer within each of us. From the moment you step foot onto the property, you are greeted by a fusion of modern luxury and ancient Mayan-inspired architecture. The entrance, reminiscent of a majestic Mayan temple, sets the stage for an unforgettable journey.
One cannot help but be captivated by the abundance of art scattered throughout the property, with over 200 pieces adorning the walls and open spaces. Notably, the renowned artist César López Negrete, known for his captivating works that blend traditional Mexican motifs with contemporary flair, has contributed to the vibrant tapestry of the resort. From life-size whale sharks on the wall by the infinity to the giant snake bench at the entrance, each piece tells a story and adds to the rich cultural experience of the resort.
One of the highlights of my stay was the opportunity to indulge in the rejuvenating treatments offered at the Cenote Spa. Nestled amidst the mangroves, the spa provides a sanctuary for relaxation and reflection. The magic massage, inspired by the mystical cenotes of the region, left me feeling renewed and invigorated.
For those seeking adventure, the Grand Hyatt offers an array of exhilarating activities. I loved my time ocean kayaking and watched as others did outside sunrise soul cycle starting their day with intention and vitality. I found my favorite dose of serenity at the lap pool in the spa which offers a tranquil almost secret retreat.
Watching the way the infinity pools reflected the clouds at sunset looked like a painting, it provided an awe-inspiring backdrop for relaxation after I gave my talk.
Of course, no visit to the Grand Hyatt would be complete without indulging in the culinary delights offered at the resort’s restaurants. With all dining options boasting ocean views, guests are treated to a feast for the senses as they savor the flavors of Mexico and beyond. For those with dietary restrictions, The Grill stands out as the only kosher restaurant in the area, offering a delectable selection of dishes to suit every palate.
But perhaps what makes the Grand Hyatt Playa Del Carmen truly special is its unwavering commitment to celebrating and honoring Mexican culture. From the vibrant paseo through the property to the cenote inspired spa and the incredible art, every aspect of the resort pays homage to the rich heritage of the region.
As I look back on my time at the Women’s Travel Fest, I am filled with a sense of awe and gratitude for the experiences shared and the connections made. It was a reminder of the power of travel to not only broaden our horizons but also to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. I eagerly await the opportunity to return to the enchanting shores of Playa Del Carmen and the warmth of the Grand Hyatt.
NewsNation host Batya Ungar-Sargon talks about her new book, “The Jews and The Left,” her rift with Megyn Kelly and why antisemitism has spread like wildfire in America.
The entire toy industry in America was largely Jewish, from the company founders and executives to the designers and factory workers, from the wholesale distributors and the army of salesmen, to the retail outlets and the large department stores that sold them.
The Museum of the City of New York welcomed “The Roastmaster General” along with Katz’s Deli owner Jake Dell for a meaty talk on the Jewish deli’s legacy.
Alongside cultural outreach, the Ministry is also focusing on investors and infrastructure. Itzhakov said Israel is actively encouraging tourism-related investment through targeted meetings and investor conferences.
NewsNation host Batya Ungar-Sargon talks about her new book, “The Jews and The Left,” her rift with Megyn Kelly and why antisemitism has spread like wildfire in America.
The expanded campus will include multiple pavilions where visitors can explore the full arc of Holocaust history: the world that existed before, the horrors that unfolded during and the lasting consequences that continue to shape the present.
Historically, Jews have been accused of controlling politics, the banks and the media. I haven’t read yet that they control the weather, but that wouldn’t be any more bizarre than the other charges.
Once a society begins treating Jewish fear and/or pain as inherently dishonest, Jewish trauma as inherently political, or Jewish victimhood as uniquely undeserving of empathy, it creates a moral exception around Jews.
When we fall short — as individuals, as a people, whether everyday Jews or the Prime Minister himself — we must have the courage to face it honestly, call it what it is, and do better.
Embracing Adventure and Empowerment in Playa Del Carmen
Lisa Ellen Niver
Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.
Editor's Picks
Israel and the Internet Wars – A Professional Social Media Review
The Invisible Student: A Tale of Homelessness at UCLA and USC
What Ever Happened to the LA Times?
Who Are the Jews On Joe Biden’s Cabinet?
You’re Not a Bad Jewish Mom If Your Kid Wants Santa Claus to Come to Your House
No Labels: The Group Fighting for the Political Center
Latest Articles
Rabbis of LA | Rabbi Bookstein’s Polish Education
Rabbis of LA | How Rabbi Bookstein Discovered His Life’s Work
Rabbis of LA | A Deep Dive into Sound Baths with Rabbi Aaron
Faith in the Foxhole
Jerusalem: A City that Defies Description
Sing Songs, Raise Spirits – A poem for Parsha Beh’alotcha
A Bisl Torah — The Angel Above You
An angel doesn’t only encourage a blade of grass to rise.
Preposthumous Non-Sobriety
A Moment in Time: “The Gift of Being Squished”
The Haredi World’s One-Track Education Problem
Not every young man is destined to become a great Torah scholar. And pretending otherwise harms both the individual and the community.
Print Issue: Batya’s Moment | June 5, 2026
NewsNation host Batya Ungar-Sargon talks about her new book, “The Jews and The Left,” her rift with Megyn Kelly and why antisemitism has spread like wildfire in America.
‘Playmakers’: A Jewish Toyland
The entire toy industry in America was largely Jewish, from the company founders and executives to the designers and factory workers, from the wholesale distributors and the army of salesmen, to the retail outlets and the large department stores that sold them.
Comedian Jeff Ross Talks Pastrami in the Big Apple
The Museum of the City of New York welcomed “The Roastmaster General” along with Katz’s Deli owner Jake Dell for a meaty talk on the Jewish deli’s legacy.
AFHU Western Region Names President, Jewish American Heritage Month Exhibit, Moishe House Shabbat
Notable people and events in the Jewish LA community.
Tourism Chief Says Israel Remains Open, Safe, and Ready for You
Alongside cultural outreach, the Ministry is also focusing on investors and infrastructure. Itzhakov said Israel is actively encouraging tourism-related investment through targeted meetings and investor conferences.
Former Hostage Bar Kupershtein Finds Moments of Joy in Los Angeles
He said he hopes to raise awareness of what Israel is facing, and to share what he endured during two years of captivity.
A Diploma and A Fava Bean Spring Pasta Dish
This creamy, saucy pasta is a perfect way to showcase the delicate green vegetables of spring — fresh asparagus, green peas and fava beans.
Celebrate Spice Day on June 10
It’s a reminder to embrace the joy of herbs and spices, while exploring and creating new recipes.
Table for Five: Behaalotecha
Sacred Celebration
Batya’s Moment
NewsNation host Batya Ungar-Sargon talks about her new book, “The Jews and The Left,” her rift with Megyn Kelly and why antisemitism has spread like wildfire in America.
Holocaust Museum LA Unveils Major Expansion for Future Generations
The expanded campus will include multiple pavilions where visitors can explore the full arc of Holocaust history: the world that existed before, the horrors that unfolded during and the lasting consequences that continue to shape the present.
Jewish Power and Other Myths
Historically, Jews have been accused of controlling politics, the banks and the media. I haven’t read yet that they control the weather, but that wouldn’t be any more bizarre than the other charges.
The New Antisemitism Doesn’t Deny Jewish Suffering, It Weaponizes It
Once a society begins treating Jewish fear and/or pain as inherently dishonest, Jewish trauma as inherently political, or Jewish victimhood as uniquely undeserving of empathy, it creates a moral exception around Jews.
To Love Israel Is to Demand More of It
When we fall short — as individuals, as a people, whether everyday Jews or the Prime Minister himself — we must have the courage to face it honestly, call it what it is, and do better.
Prayer in Times of Illness
How should we approach prayer for an end-stage dying patient, for whom medical professionals predict no chance of recovery?
Jewish and Christian Zionists Must Stand Together
As America’s 250th birthday approaches, the history of Christian Zionism in early America highlights the importance of today’s ecumenical allyship.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.