Break For The Border ~ Down Mexico Way

We made a run for the border and didn't stop until we hit the coast.

One of the truly fantastic things about living in Arizona is being so close to the beautiful Mexican resort town of Puerto Penasco.
From Phoenix it's an easy 2 1/2 hour drive to the border followed by an hour to the coast.

I hadn't been to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) in years, and now I can't remember why I ever stopped going? This fishing-village-turned-resort-town is just fabulous.

The drive from the border to Sandy Beach is a straight shot on a perfectly maintained highway. Almost every car you see on the highway has either Arizona or California license plates. I was actually surprised at how many California plates we saw! Anyone who drives from Arizona to Southern California with any regularity will appreciate how bad the condition of the highway is once you cross into California, so I couldn't help but wonder if the Californians noticed how pristine the Mexican highway is?

We have always stayed in an area called Sandy Beach, on a kid friendly stretch of the coast that is populated with gated resorts.

Sandy Beach, Rocky Point, Mexico

The resorts are comprised of privately owned condos, all of which have balconies facing the ocean. We normally stay at the Sonoran Sun, with it's array of pools and swim up bar just steps from the beach, but this time we stayed next door at the beautiful and luxurious Bella Sirena.

Our condo was absolutely gorgeous. It was 1400 square feet, with 2 bedrooms (each of which has an ocean view) and 2 bathrooms, a huge kitchen with an open plan dining and living area. 

the master bedroom 

room with a view

the living room looked out over the ocean

the ceiling lit up at night

Beautifully decorated and fully appointed with everything you could possibly need, and with a huge patio from which the views were just breathtaking. 

breakfast view from our patio

We ate every meal on the patio, also the loveliest spot to enjoy morning coffee and to take in the sunset with a glass of wine. 

the sun sets over the Sea of Cortez while we watch from our balcony

Nights in Phoenix are now paralyzingly hot, so the balmy, ocean breeze filled evenings spent on the patio felt heaven sent.

It was 113 degrees in Phoenix...

The Bella Sirena property itself is beautiful. 

The gardens and foliage lined walkways are lovely.

There are multiple swimming pools including one with a swim up bar, 

hammocks to stretch out on, grassy areas and of course, it's own stretch of beach.

The Bella Sirena offers the choice of different sized condos as well as villas with roof patios for rent.

Villa at Bella Sirena

beach villa at Bella Sirena

Normally I like to rent a condo on one of the higher floors for the unimpeded view. This time we were only on the 2nd floor but still had a glorious view.

Our mini vacation was made possible by Home and Away
Rent the condo we stayed in here

All images are from my iPhone and may not be used without my written permission.

Let The Ocean Heal You

I am a huge believer in the healing power of the ocean.

Puerto Penasco, Mexico

In life, when it all gets too tough, and you are separated from your tribe half a world away, the best thing you can do is make a run to the coast.

Puerto Penasco

When the lines get blurred and you grasp for clarity, there is nothing better than diving into the blue, fighting the sea as you knife your way across the powerful current, then turn toward the horizon and swim as hard and as fast and as far as you can. Somewhere beyond the boundaries of where you have a right to be, when your lungs are on fire and your heart pounds so hard you think it will explode, your body just stops and won't let you swim any more.

You flip onto your back, look up at the sky and tell yourself you are floating on top of her, but then you understand that's not quite true. The ocean is holding you up, rocking you in her swell. 
As clarity sets in you begin to know your backbone is straight because you choose to hold it that way. 
You realize just how powerful your thighs are, you appreciate the breadth and strength of your shoulders. 
For a half hour you tread water, far far out in the deep, just because you can. 

Then with life's contemplation complete for today at least, you take the easy route and let her guide you back to shore, floating more than swimming. 

And you emerge back onto the beach knowing "I got this".

Sometimes you just have to find your wave and ride it.