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.
Even if we really are victims, it doesn’t help us to come across as victims. The minute we do that, we look like losers, we make things worse, and the haters win.
Is this TV commercial, righteous, sentimental and well-intentioned though it might be, the right remedy for these times? Will it make a difference for the 66 percent of Jewish teenagers who claim to have been bullied by Jew-hating juveniles?
One by one, the Ten Commandments teach us how we bring God into our daily lives. Each additional commandment encourages us to climb further up the ladder of faith.
Maxim D. Shrayer’s new poetry collection “Zion Square” contains the pain and dreams of a Jew with his heart in Israel, roots in Europe, and branches in the Unites States.
No matter how hard we try and how many surveys we show, Americans will always have a hard time seeing Jews as powerless victims in need of ads on the Super Bowl.
Former Columbia Professor Shai Davidai became an unlikely Israel activist after Oct. 7, 2023. Now he has started “Here I Am” for Zionist activists who “choose action over outrage and substance over performance.”
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
Thou Shall Not Covet: A Mantra for Mental Health
A Satisfied Mind
In Praise of the Super Bowl Ad
A Call to Action
What Dog Trainers at Westminster Say Matters More Than Winning
Building Dreams to Cure One’s Soul
Lawrence Bender and Eran Riklis Honored at Opening Night of the 37th Israeli Film Festival
Nineteen visiting Israeli filmmakers and talent took to the stage in recognition of their films, which will be screened throughout the festival.
Outrage Is a Test
Are we moved to protect girls, or by the ease of condemning the correct villain?
University of Maryland’s SJP Chapter Introduces Fourth Anti-Israel Resolution of the Academic Year
SJP is urging UMD and the University System of Maryland Foundation to divest from and commit to not investing in arms-producing companies.
Who Cares About How Jews Look?
Even if we really are victims, it doesn’t help us to come across as victims. The minute we do that, we look like losers, we make things worse, and the haters win.
Did Bad Bunny’s Music Overcome His Politics?
I didn’t understand any of Bad Bunny’s words; I just saw on a large screen this explosion of Latin joy and around me lots of white people dancing.
Mystery, Love Story, Historical Drama: Review of ‘The Anatomy of Exile’ by Zeeva Bukai
In her debut book, Zeeva Bukai delves into the trauma of exile with elegance, passion, insight and sheer suspense.
A Jewish Goal Line Stand
Is this TV commercial, righteous, sentimental and well-intentioned though it might be, the right remedy for these times? Will it make a difference for the 66 percent of Jewish teenagers who claim to have been bullied by Jew-hating juveniles?
Bret Stephens on Building a Jewish Future: What He Nailed, What He Missed
Jew hatred or no Jew hatred, building a thriving Jewish future in America is the essential fight we must keep alive for the rest of this century.
Rabbis of LA | Rabbi Joshua Ratner: Leading Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center Out of the Ashes
First of two parts
Giant Yellow Hostage Ribbon Removed, Ziegler Student Goes to Church, TIOH Names Rabbi
Notable people and events in the Jewish LA community.
What Does Faith Have to Do with Ethics?
One by one, the Ten Commandments teach us how we bring God into our daily lives. Each additional commandment encourages us to climb further up the ladder of faith.
Visions of Past and Future: A Review of “Zion Square”
Maxim D. Shrayer’s new poetry collection “Zion Square” contains the pain and dreams of a Jew with his heart in Israel, roots in Europe, and branches in the Unites States.
On Sunday, America Will Be Asked to Stand Up to Jewish Hate. Will They?
No matter how hard we try and how many surveys we show, Americans will always have a hard time seeing Jews as powerless victims in need of ads on the Super Bowl.
We All Need a Jethro – A poem for Parsha Yitro
Appoint yourself a wise person to advise you on how to do the things you do…
Trees Try to Celebrate the Jewish New Year
A Bisl Torah — The Second Soul
We cannot ignore the extra soul God offers each week.
Craving Kitsch
Everywhere I turned was another kiosk selling either sticky sweet things or tourist trinkets. I was in tacky heaven and, somehow, it felt great.
Nourishing Our Neshamas ft. Tav Hariri
Print Issue: Here He Is | February 6, 2026
Former Columbia Professor Shai Davidai became an unlikely Israel activist after Oct. 7, 2023. Now he has started “Here I Am” for Zionist activists who “choose action over outrage and substance over performance.”
Bringing Jewish Life to the Last Frontier: The Wolfs Open Chabad in Fairbanks
Before the Wolfs’ arrival 18 months ago, Fairbanks had never had a Chabad rabbi.
More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.