We took a mini vacay to The Resort at Pelican Hill for our "2nd annual pre-4th of July celebration." The resort sits on over 500 acres by the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach. Its relaxed style takes inspiration from the Mediterranean, which suits the Southern Californian grounds perfectly. We found the resort to be very family friendly.

The bungalows and villas are spread out along scenic pathways. Our favorite style -- no tall buildings filled with hallways and elevators -- just an airy, comfortable feel. The rooms are the largest we've stayed in, every room feels like a suite. And the service is impeccable.

We spent most of our time at the pool. Their Coliseum Pool is a perfect circle measuring 136 feet in diameter. It's stunning and the kids loved it.

An upper level cabana.

Camp Pelican is for ages 4-12, so we're not there yet, but we can still enjoy the splash pad.

Post-swim nuzzle, followed by a bubble bath.

Future Olympian on the bocce ball court.

We had breakfast and lunches at the Coliseum Grill. It just feels so vacay to eat outside, gazing at the pool.

Morning latte.

Pre-lunch popcorn.

Tuscan Caesar.

Blackened Fish Tacos.

For dinner, we headed over to the Pelican Grill.

Filet Mignon.

Cioppino.

Gluten-free penne with bolognese.

We brought our own sparklers to get us into a festive mood. Hope you all had a great 4th of July!

Mexico, take me away! Summer has unofficially begun and I don't know about you, but I'm dreaming of a relaxing beach vacation. Here's our roundup of the top luxury resorts on beautiful Mexican beaches.

Maybe I've been stalking Tori Hendrix a bit too much on Instagram, but I've become obsessed with Sayulita. If you're more JAP than boho when it comes to your vacay accommodations, there's always the nearby Four Seasons Punta Mita.

If you're feeling like being surrounded by emerald jungle AND white sand beach, then there's the stunning Rosewood Mayakoba on the Riviera Maya.

Los Cabos is just a 2+ hour flight from Los Angeles, and Las Ventanas al Paraíso is a serenely beautiful property.

Jashita Hotel in Tulum. Photo courtesy of Lemon Stripes.

Getting romantic at La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatanejo.

Being seduced by this scene at the St. Regis Punta Mita.

One & Only Palmilla holds a special place in our hearts. Twink honeymooned there and then I got married there. What an incredible place. Can't wait to get back.