In our attempts to “have it all” and the “perfect” life as promoted by the movies and the media, we often cause ourselves more stress in the process.  We try to juggle jobs, family drama, busy social lives, hobbies, traffic, to-do lists, and of course we’re online almost 24/7 so we can always be reached… It’s never-ending. As we struggle to find balance in our everyday lives it is so important that we try to minimize stress for the good of our bodies and minds. Stress can very quickly take a toll on our bodies, contributing to muscle tension, headaches, a weakened immune system, IBS, Insomnia, and even heart disease! So you can see that it’s key that you try to reduce stress where possible. Try these activities as a way to keep calm in the face of stress. Take regular vacations The best tip for stress relief is to make sure that you take regular breaks from your work. Even if it’s only a day or two where you don’t read your emails, switch …

Learn how to disappear into bliss at Villa del Palmar Cancun. At Villa del Palmar Cancun we consider ourselves experts in the art of providing the most blissful opportunities for you to relax and unwind. Take a look at all the ways you can “lose yourself” at Villa del Palmar Cancun. The Village Spa You first stop for pampering and relaxation at Villa del Palmar Cancun should most definitely be The Village Spa, a sanctuary of wellness. You might choose to spend an afternoon in the hydrotherapy wet areas, enjoying the steam room followed by the ice cold plunge lagoon, followed by the hot whirlpool, finishing off in the temperate Jacuzzi before chilling out on a lounger with some chlorophyll water.  Alternatively, you may choose from a range of spa services which include massages, body wraps, facials, manicures and pedicures, in addition to special ritual packages. All treatments include complimentary access to the wet areas prior to your session Book a Luxury Residence When you reserve your accommodation in one of the Luxury Residences, which …

One of the best things about taking a family vacation to Cancun is the amount of quality time you get to spend together creating special memories you can look back on fondly for years to come.  At Villa del Palmar Cancun, you will have access to an amazing selection of free activities that the whole family will love, so start planning your trip to Cancun now for the ultimate in family fun.   Balloon Shapes While balloon shapes will always hold a very special place in the hearts of children, every member of the family will have a blast learning about this amusing hobby.  This fun activity happens around the pool area, where you can take it all in from your lounge chair if you’d like!  You can take this opportunity to learn how to make a variety of shapes including animals, flowers and so much more.  Unleash your inner child in Cancun and make yourself a balloon hat! Caribbean Sandcastles While this is an activity for children led by the Kids Club leaders or …

While the thought of traveling with young children might send any parent into a state of panic, there are some helpful tips that can make the difference between a flight that becomes a nightmare and one that is relatively smooth and painless for everyone involved (especially anyone sitting near you).  If you have visions of pleading with your child to stop throwing a tantrum mid-flight, rest assured the following tips will definitely help you avoid a scene. Invest in Ride-on Luggage While you may find it hard to justify the purchase before your trip, once you are at the airport, you will thank yourself for thinking ahead.  Brands such as Trunki, Skoot Kids and Kiddee Cases have designed children’s carry-ons which allow little ones to wheel themselves around, keeping them entertained inside the airport and also include a strap so you can pull them when they complain they’re too tired to walk to the departure gate.   Take Plenty of Activities The attention span of most youngsters is limited to say the least, so be …

Modern golf is a game that is thought to have originated in 15th century Scotland although historians have debated its origins, with some believing that the game can actually be traced back to the early Roman era. For those unfamiliar with the sport, it involves using a variety of clubs to hit a small ball into a hole a far distance away.  Typically one round of golf is played over the course of 9 or 18 holes and with a number of different opponents. While the rules are pretty standard, the courses can vary greatly with some being relatively easy to play and others being geared towards the more seasoned professionals. Is Golf Exercise? While the game itself has been around for centuries, the debate of whether golf is really a sport or just a pastime continues. If you’re looking at the basics, the amount of calories burned during a round of golf, then you can’t argue the fact that golf is exercise. A study done at the Rose Center for Health and Sports Sciences …

Although some of the highlights of summer are bronzed skin, bathing suits, beach hair and enjoying the sunny weather, responsible sun exposure is essential to a healthy experience.  Sun exposure can lead to dreaded skin aging and even worse, the dangers of skin cancer, so be safe as you spend time outside in the sun by following some simple procedures which will ensure your skin is in great shape for the upcoming season.   Sun Smarts An astonishing 90% of wrinkles are caused by the sun, not to mention signs of aging including uneven pigmentation, freckles and sunspots (age spots).  We all know sunbathing and tanning are damaging to the skin, yet two-thirds of all sun damage happens while completing routine tasks such as walking the dog or driving.  As a result, sunscreen needs to be applied daily, no matter where you’re headed.  Seek out body lotions and moisturizers with SPF and always go for a higher SPF on your face.  Check out more ways to protect your skin: 20 minutes prior to sun exposure, …

Flying is very rarely an effortless, complication-free affair; the possibility of delays, cancellations and lost luggage as well as the bustle of the average airport can make it pretty stressful. All that can, of course, be compacted by jet lag (which is even worse if you’re already an insomniac). This nightmare of a condition is caused by the havoc that flying wreaks with our normal schedules and sleep patterns. Never fear, however, as we have some great suggestions which could help to alleviate the symptoms of jet lag. They might not solve all your problems, but they can’t possibly hurt! Get ahead of schedule Taking steps to adjust your pattern a little while before heading off to a new time-zone will help your body and mind to adjust to the change more efficiently. If you’re flying east try heading to bed a few hours earlier than usual for a few nights before you head out, and if you’re flying west stay up a few hours later each night. Keep in mind that this should be …

Arggh you looking for the most spectacular summer tour, including a pirate adventure on the Mexican Caribbean?  If so, a voyage at sea with the wildly entertaining crew of bandits, buccaneers and outlaws aboard the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship in Cancun is sure surpass your expectations as they create a fantastic experience that no passenger will soon forget.  This exciting family-friendly summer tour will keep kids of all ages on the edge of their seats and even includes the chance for youngsters to lead a search for lost treasure.   Best Summer Tours on an Authentic Pirate Ship Like taking a step back in time, the majestic Jolly Roger pirate ship is an exact replica of the Santa Maria, one of the ships Christopher Columbus sailed in the sixteenth century during his first passage to the Americas.  Climb aboard and allow an expert pirate waiter tend to your every need, with a voyage including bottomless refills on domestic drinks and a delectable selection of pre-ordered dinner choices.   Pirate Ship Antics Sail away for three …