Couples Retreat – La Mer Spa, Marriott Grand Cayman

Posted on January 18, 2014 by lesleycarter

Our wedding anniversary was a few weeks ago but with everything going on, travel, work, selling the house, the holidays, daily life, we didn’t stop to breathe, let alone celebrate. Besides, we had bigger fish in our sights – our trip to Marriott Grand Cayman. We’re more about celebrating life rather than specific days anyway. We opted for a more romantic vacation than our typical go, go, go adventures and planned an entire relaxing day together. We booked a couples massage at La Mer Spa followed by a Jacuzzi bath and we learned that sometimes, even if life as close to perfect as you can imagine, you just need to breathe.

We arrived at La Mer Spa at 1 pm to a soothing room with low lighting and relaxing music. The beds, side-by-side, allowed us to enjoy the pleasures of a massage at the same time. It was a unique experience, to be massaged with someone else in the room, but it was oddly calming at the same time. There was something about being fully engaged in an activity together that helped us reconnect. It was like skydiving together. Although we don’t actually jump out of the plane together, knowing that we’re both having this amazing experience at relatively the same time was invigorating.

Near the end of the massage, the masseuse started to fill the Jacuzzi. It was the perfect temperature by the time we got in and the candles and champagne made it look like the set from a movie. I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, minus the whole prostitute part.

We relaxed in the bubbling Jacuzzi for twenty minus, sometimes chatting and other times just enjoying the moment together. The hour and a half time period did more to help us share, connect, and feel “in love” than all of the time in the last month combined.

Life is busy and relationships are hard. Darren and I have very little time together during a regular week and it usually involves cooking meals, running errands, playing with Athena (not that that is a negative), and maintaining a household. The only time we spend alone together is in bed and between 8-10 pm when Athena has gone to sleep. That’s not enough. Our time at Marriott Grand Cayman has allowed us to reconnect in a way not possible at home. I often hear, “How can you afford to travel so often?” But I think the question really is, “Can you afford not to travel?”

32 thoughts on “Couples Retreat – La Mer Spa, Marriott Grand Cayman”

Piper's Run on January 18, 2014 at 2:07 pm said:

It’s hard to find time to be together when you have kids. My husband is away often so when he’s home we always try to have a night just for us; no tv, no computer, no phone….just us. We started playing board games and talking more about “life”.

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- lesleycarter on January 20, 2014 at 7:28 pm said:
  
  it sounds like you have a great relationship. I hope he’s home with you right now 🙂
  
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colonialist on January 18, 2014 at 2:45 pm said:

I’m not too sure about the ‘hands-on’ experience 🙂 (never had a massage, and the thought doesn’t appeal) but the rest seems great!

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sueslaght on January 18, 2014 at 2:45 pm said:

Lesley you are discovering the ‘musts’ for a happy marriage. Spending special time together is a battery recharge for the relationship whether that be a special trip or a picnic in the living room between 8-10. Enjoy the moments!

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- lesleycarter on January 20, 2014 at 7:29 pm said:
  
  Thanks 🙂
  
  We’re far from perfect but I do enjoy moments alone together whenever we can find them.
  
  I wish you a lifetime of happy relationships 🙂
  
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John on January 18, 2014 at 2:49 pm said:

Ahhhh! Nice. Take me away

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firstwds on January 18, 2014 at 3:15 pm said:

Happy belated Anniversary!

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- lesleycarter on January 20, 2014 at 7:30 pm said:
  
  Thank you! This was a great way to celebrate. 🙂
  
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Andrew Conlon on January 18, 2014 at 3:31 pm said:

Need a getaway like this. Thanks for sharing. Will put this one on lists of possible places. 🙂

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Cimmorene on January 18, 2014 at 4:18 pm said:

I’m glad you and your husband had a good time at this spa. At one point, jak and I actually had enough money so that jak told me to go take a spa day. Loved it, but it wasn’t as nice as the one you visited.

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- lesleycarter on January 20, 2014 at 7:33 pm said:
  
  What treatments did you have done during your spa visit? I enjoy a facial more than a massage but it’s all a treat. 🙂
  
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  - Cimmorene on January 21, 2014 at 7:05 pm said:
    
    I had a massage and then a facial.
    
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MikeW on January 18, 2014 at 5:00 pm said:

Looks incredible. Must forward.

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honeydidyouseethat? on January 18, 2014 at 5:17 pm said:

Looks amazing. Too bad John hates massages. Something about having his feet touched. 🙂

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mtetar on January 18, 2014 at 5:41 pm said:

Happy Anniversary and continue to Be a Blessing because you’re Blessed. Making time for you, families, and friends is very important. Blessings Always, Mtetar

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pride and polka dots on January 18, 2014 at 8:09 pm said:

Looks like a beautiful time together and I couldn’t agree more about the traveling! Good for you guys 🙂

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reinventionofmama on January 18, 2014 at 8:53 pm said:

I think it’s lovely that couples take the time to travel and connect. Not taking the time to do so leads to weird, uncomfortable situations like the ones I find myself in. 11 years in and wondering where it all went haywire. Good for you guys.

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The Passion Hunt on January 18, 2014 at 9:12 pm said:

I love that you took the time to do a relaxing vacation! We usually do Go Go GO vacations too so it is always nice to take a quiet relaxing one too!!

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nandito silaen on January 18, 2014 at 11:09 pm said:

Cool

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Nia Simone on January 19, 2014 at 1:20 am said:

You’re so right! And I laughed at the “minus the whole prostitute part.”

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Die Trying on January 19, 2014 at 1:28 am said:

I like the opting for a more romantic vacation rather than the adventurous ones:) Well deserved I am sure xx

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Let's CUT the Crap! on January 19, 2014 at 8:32 am said:

Sooooooooooooo romantic. Good for Y–O–U both.

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George Hardwick on January 19, 2014 at 1:08 pm said:

This looks awesome! It would be nice to get a little pampered on a backpacking trip.

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chelsealouhaden on January 19, 2014 at 3:35 pm said:

WOW this looks wonderful and I’m booking myself in for a massage pronto. Although not in such luxury surroundings. It looks like you had an amazing time. I’m not married nor do I have children but I know how life can get in the way of life and it’s so important to take that time out. Glad that you enjoyed. 🙂

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kellisamson on January 20, 2014 at 9:15 am said:

My husband HATED the time we had a couple’s massage! He was totally weirded out, which cracked me up. Glad it worked out better for you two!

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clementineandlace on January 21, 2014 at 7:44 am said:

Happy Anniversary! Such a nice place! xx

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cafechillin on January 21, 2014 at 8:13 am said:

Belated congrats on your anniversary! Looks as if you had a wonderful, relaxing day. Beautiful!

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heatherwells86 on January 23, 2014 at 11:20 pm said:

Sounds amazing :)) the marriot is absolutely amazing, I love staying there! Traveling is a huge passion of mine also, it enlightens something within me… I need to keep the marriot grand cayman at the top of my list! Thank you for sharing this 🙂

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curvyroads on January 24, 2014 at 2:55 pm said:

Well done! You definitely have to mix in the romantic vacations with all your adventure! Looks heavenly!

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Sueyq on January 25, 2014 at 4:54 pm said:

Happy anniversary and great trip idea and it is so wonderful that your husband was able to enjoy the time spent with you ,even if it was a massage . I like massages and it’s nice that he did to . You have a great guy there who sees how important it is to share openly. Congratulation.

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