It’s been a few years since journalist Julie Halpert wrote an article entitled “Taking Mom on Vacation—and Actually Enjoying It” for the “Huffington Post.” Her tongue-in-cheek title morphed into a heartwarming appeal to all adult children: Mom’s not going to be around forever.
Despite your trepidation about being together 24/7 and falling into your old roles where she’s the boss and you’re not, there’s a way you can pull off this trip and turn it into the most fulfilling Mother’s Day you and your mom have ever experienced. Pick the right place. And up your communications skills.
It stands to reason that the place you choose can mean the difference between an awesome experience and a not-so-awesome one, so get off on the right foot by prioritizing Belize for your 2019 Mother’s Day visit. The month of May is shoulder season for tourism, so you show Mom some love and save a bundle, too.
Family therapists say it only takes a few ground rules to make sure your shared vacation with Mom is idyllic:
-Set some boundaries before you depart
-Give your mom space by accepting her quirks and letting go
-Keep your sense of humor on the front burner
-Keep mom busy!
How to keep Mom busy?
You’ve already solved that problem: Belize is the place laid-back and adventurous moms find plenty to do from morning to night. The right venue can make or break your Mother’s Day trip. Consider Cahal Pech for your stay, a resort that has received the seal of approval from mothers for years.
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Belize River Valley, Cahal Pech is situated amid lush tropical gardens and built atop ancient Mayan ruins. The combination of exotic scenery and proximity to the wonders of nature will impress Mom and she is sure to fall in love with the beautifully-appointed digs you chose that include tropical furnishings and every amenity under the sun.
There are three freshwater pools on premises. At the resort’s world-class outdoor eatery (The Ix’Tabai Restaurant), chefs trained at the Culinary Institute of America prepare dishes from just-picked produce, fresh fish and meats. Belize is the chocolate capital of the Caribbean, so encourage Mom to indulge her sweet tooth.
Mom may surprise you
Mom can stay as busy as she likes thanks to the array of activities available through the Cahal Pech concierge. Treat her to a jungle adventure, cave expedition, nature tour and visits to Mayan ruins. Don’t be surprised if she asks whether she can take the ziplining adventure over the jungle canopy that you hadn't added to her itinerary!
At day’s end, a massage at the resort will put her into such a great state of mind, she may refuse to stop thanking you for giving her such a marvelous Mother’s Day. It happens. But the biggest revelation of all may be what you two learn about each other during your stay that you never knew before you gave her this priceless gift.
