About to walk down the aisle and wrap your arms around that your soulmate for the rest of your life? Well by this point, with the wedding date set, you probably think you know every single thing about your fiancé, and vice versa. Things like their favorite dinner dish, the color they like to wear that brings out their eyes, how they secretly roll their eyes at their boss when he’s not looking. You may know every pet peeve they have, hobby they hope to tackle and take on in the near future, and childhood secret that they kept close to them and haven’t told anybody else in the world.

But one thing you may not have shared with one another are the dirty details about past relationships. How many exes each of you had, how those love connections ended and, of course, why they ended. You may even want to see a photo of your significant other’s former significant other, or try to find out their last name so you can do a quick, and quite extensive, Google and social media search.

So is this something you two need to share before entering a life together of happy matrimony? Well, if you’ve made it this far without knowing those details, you may want to steer clear of unleashing unnecessary pre-martial jealously or upset. It’s okay to sit down and give each other a vague timeline of previous failed relationships, but names and photos don’t really need to be shared.

Ask each other if both of you want to walk down this road of sharing together, or if it’s better that the past is just the past. Either way, don’t feel the need to disclose all the info info in order to get an official green light to walk down the aisle and tie the knot. Just make sure you stress the fact (to both your fiancé AND yourself) that the ex is out of your life and you’ll never invite them back in — because what’s done, is done.

See More:The Case of the Ex: Is It Weird to Invite a Former Boyfriend’s Family to Your Wedding?

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

Congratulations are in order for Dancing with the Stars pros Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy! After a month of swirling pregnancy rumors, the reports are finally confirmed — this engaged twosome is expecting their first child together!

Murgatroyd, 29, and Chmerkovskiy, 36, got engaged in December and are thrilled to already be expanding their family, People reports. “I can’t wait to provide this baby with the tools to become a beautiful, kind person,” Chmerkovskiy says in the current issue of the magazine, also revealing that the duo learned they were expecting just a few weeks into season 22 of Dancing with the Stars. “I was so sick,” Murgatroyd said of her first months of pregnancy.

“I’m looking forward to nurturing something and just having the baby be the center of our world,” Murgatroyd said. “I’m looking forward to putting all our energy into this beautiful soul.”

Just last week, the mom-to-be shared a fitspo Instagram showing off her tiny, ab-clad baby bump with a little exercise tip for her fans and followers. “Fit Tip: If you’re one of those people who has trouble keeping focused throughout your cardio workout (yes, running on a treadmill is somewhat mundane), try and incorporate weights throughout your cardio. Break it up and do 15 mins cardio and 15 mins weights, REPEAT until you are officially dead!”

The couple still doesn’t know whether they’re having a boy or girl, but “we’ll be in trouble with a little me running around,” Chmerkovskiy joked. “So hopefully they’ll be a lot like Peta.”

The engaged twosome, who is planning a wedding for summer 2017, admits that they weren’t envisioning starting a family until after they tie the knot — but they’re still happy as can be.

“The timing is perfect, actually,” Murgatroyd said. “I’ll have the baby in January and then I’ll still have about six months to prepare for the wedding.”

“The baby will make a wonderful addition to the wedding party,” Chmerkovskiy added. “A wonderful, tiny addition.”

The couple has been open about their desire for children. “I would like to start [having kids pretty soon. A little boy, and then a little girl,” Murgatroyd said right after their whirlwind engagement.

The road to married life (and now parenthood) wasn’t always an easy one; Murgatroyd’s first thoughts on her fiancé were less-than-stellar at first. “I thought he was arrogant. I learned to like him because I found out he wasn’t that arrogant. He was really generous to the entire cast, and our friendship grew and grew,” she admitted. The dancing duo worked together as friends for a long time — including when Chmerkovskiy was engaged to DWTS pro Karina Smirnoff and Murgaroyd was dating DWTS cast mate Damien Whitewood.

But her fiancé doesn’t agree with her first impression sentiments, retorting, “Okay, that’s a defense mechanism. I think she was in love with me at first sight and just doesn’t want to admit it.” And it seems Murgatroyd’s change of heart was the real deal, because she has been totally smitten ever since — even when Chmerovskiy tried to break things off after less than a year of dating! “My heart was broken. But when we were driving to the airport after the breakup talk, he literally asked me why I was taking all my bags and clothes back. I was like, ‘We just broke up. Why would I leave anything behind?’ That’s when I knew it wasn’t really over for forever.”

I am so proud of you. Your opening night blew me away baby and all throughout was so overwhelmingly joyous. The stage was on fire, the cast comradery was infectious….I love you and everything that you are @maksimc

A photo posted by Peta Murgatroyd (@petamurgatroyd) on Jun 15, 2016 at 7:31pm PDT

Luckily for the two, who met when they were cast in the Broadway production Burn the Floor, the breakup lasted less than three months, and the stars aligned (no pun intended). In December, while on the dance floor during DWTS (because, where else?), Chmerovskiy proposed with a gorgeous engagement ring in front of their fellow costars and the shocked viewers around the world on live television. The life-changing moment was caught on tape, luck for us.

“I wanted it to be kind of like a surprise for everybody,” the professional dancer shared. “Everybody had an amazing moment that was very unforgettable and things like this need to be unforgettable. It needs to be special.”

See More: 12 of Our Favorite Celebrity Proposal Stories

While some wedding items are totally worth the splurge, from hiring that photographer you really love to upgrading your furniture rentals, not every detail is a “must have” — or worth that extra money. When it comes to figuring out what to skip, there are no better experts than planners themselves! After all, their job is to help you best use your budget to create the wedding of your dreams. We turned to top planners from around the country to get the low-down on which wedding items simply aren’t worth that extra cash.

Over-The-Top Invitations
“Don’t blow your budget on intricate invitations unless money is no object,” says Carolee Higashino, president and founder of White Orchid Wedding. “A box full of rose petals, tied with silk ribbon and finished with hand-painted calligraphy is stunning, but once you add on shipping… ca-ching! There are so many beautiful hand-written fonts available, and amazing designers and technology that can help you create this feeling at a fraction of the cost.”

RSVP Cards
Thought these were a necessity? Think again! Alicia Falango, founder of Alicia K Designs explains: “Being in San Francisco, many of our clients want to incorporate as much technology as they can. In lieu of an RSVP card, we do online responses. There are a number of great sites that will help streamline the process, and you’ll save on both printing and postage. Plus, it makes the process so much easier!”

Favors
“Don’t feel pressured to spend money on wedding favors if the items are arbitrary or are products branded with your names and wedding date (which will likely go unused),” says Kristin Banta, founder of Kristin Banta Events. “If you really want to invest in a takeaway, choose something that’s relevant to the two of you, like a jar of the jam you can’t go a morning without, a bag of your signature coffee blend, or something poignant like a baseball signed by the two of you if you met playing on your company’s co-ed team.”

Gift and Card Tables
“It’s one more table and linen to rent, and isn’t a must-have,” says Banta. “Instead, enlist servers at the venue or your event production team to take gifts from arriving guests and store them somewhere safe until they can be transported to your hotel room.”

Couture Wedding Dresses
Hear us out on this one! If your wedding budget is tight, your wedding dress might be one area where you can save. “The most important aspect of a wedding gown is a phenomenal fit, not whether every bead was applied by hand,” says Higashino. “Couture gowns can often be the thing that breaks the budget, so before you hand over your credit card, shop around a bit. There are so many more affordable sources, like BHLDN and J.Crew, that aren’t sacrificing an ounce of style.” Find an amazing seamstress to make your dress fit like a glove, add some fab accessories, and no one will know whether you spent $1,000 or $10,000. The same goes for bridesmaids dresses! Hit up your favorite ready-to-wear shops and seek out a dress you love at a lower price.

Champagne
“Unless you’re huge champagne fans, you can easily forgo the bubbly altogether,” Banta advises. “You could offer half pours just for toasts, or completely skip it and have your guests toast with whatever drink they have in hand. They’ll likely have already selected their preferred beverage, and won’t be inclined to switch — meaning even that sip or two of champagne won’t be consumed.” Adds Allison Aronne, wedding producer with Fête New York, “If you really want bubbly, opt for a smaller, lesser-known champagne house instead of a brand name, or swap it out with prosecco or another sparkling wine.”

See more: 5 Last-Minute Ways to Save Money On Your Wedding

A Full Open Bar
“Reexamining the bar is one of the easiest ways to save a few dollars,” says Higashino. “Forgo the full bar and instead offer two signature cocktails along with beer and wine. Avoid opening the bar too early (before the ceremony, for example) to save on staffing and the amount that is consumed, as well as limit the possibility of overconsumption.” You can also take steps to serve a little less (and your guests will barely notice): “Request that your bartending staff do lighter pours. And skip the shots! These can dramatically increase your consumption fees, since a single shot is much smaller than a full mixed drink.”

The Dessert Course
Serving wedding cake and dessert as part of your dinner menu can cause costs to add up. Explains Banta, “Instead of a plated dessert, offer tray-passed selections — including slices of your wedding cake. Guests will love being able to get up and move, and grab dessert whenever the need for sweets strikes. You’ll also save on food since you won’t be wasting those servings that would be offered to people who don’t love sweets, and passed desserts that can be eaten with your fingers instead of a fork will save you on china and silverware rentals.”

The Band
While an amazing band will transform your party if it fits into your budget, an equally talented DJ will ring in at a significantly lower cost. “I know it sounds insane, but there are a few benefits to picking the DJ,” says Teissia Treynet, founder of Firefly Events. “DJs don’t need breaks the same way a band does, and they’ll play your favorite songs exactly how you want to hear them. Sure, there are some cheesy DJs out there (and cheesy bands, too!), but there are also some great ones!”

If words like ball gown, sweetheart, empire, and halter have recently entered your vocabulary, then chances are you’re a bride in search of her perfect wedding dress. And if you live in Dallas or close to it, you’re in luck — Dallas has plenty of bridal shops to choose from no matter what style you’re looking for. Also, be sure to make an appointment for the fastest and best experience wherever you decide to shop.

Patsy’s Bridal Boutique (Above)
For over 25 years Patsy’s Bridal Boutique has been helping Dallas brides find that one dress they can’t live without. Consultants will work with you one-on-one to make your big-day vision come to life. Beyond just finding a new dress, they can also redesign vintage gowns — so if your “Something Old” is Grandma’s wedding dress, they can update it enough to be modern (while still preserving the wonderful memories it holds). Read real brides’ reviews here!

Terry Costa
Terry Costa, popular for their envy-worthy prom and homecoming dresses, also caters to brides to be, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride. Shop for your bridal gown, reception dress, and rehearsal dress all in one stop. The giant “Terry Costa” letters welcome you into what could be an overwhelming store for some, but soon, an assigned bridal coordinator will guide you effortlessly through the process. All the way in the back are private fitting rooms and a grand central area with plenty of mirrors — so you’ll be able to see how the gown looks from every angle. While you’re there, pick up any bridal accessories you or your bridesmaids may need — matching earrings, shoes, and necklaces are some of the bonus items the Dallas salon carries, just to name a few. Read real brides’ reviews here!

A Curvy Bride
If you’re a plus-size bride, the hunt for the right fit in a wedding dress can be even more challenging. Located in historic uptown Dallas, A Curvy Bride, is a one-stop shop for any bride looking for her dream dress. Their philosophy is rooted in making sure every bride has a wonderful experience shopping — no matter what size, height, or unique body shape she may have. Many sample sizes at other bridal shops aren’t carried in larger sizes, so it can be difficult to know how a particular style may look. Luckily for you, A Curvy Bride carries sample sizes from 16 and up — and their expert stylists are on-hand to help the entire time. Read real brides’ reviews here!

See More: You Have the Dream Dress, Now It’s Time to Accessorize! Browse Local Wedding Jewelry Shops Here

Stardust Celebrations
Stardust Celebrations carries hundreds of wedding dresses for every type of Dallas bride. The bridal department is by appointment only, so make sure you align your calendar based on when you’ll need the dress — and include time for alterations. Your stylist will first evaluate your particular requests and pull dresses they feel match your unique style. Bring your bridesmaids too, as they can help find bridesmaid dresses that will flatter each of your girls. Even better? Once you’ve selected your color palette, they’ll make suggestions for complementary colors so the wedding will be aesthetically pleasing in every sense of the word. Read real brides’ reviews here!

Want even more choices? Head to our Dallas Dresses page to find other local wedding gown shops in the area!

Let’s face it: Getting out of your home in the morning is hard. Even the most savvy morning person has to strategize in order to effectively use their time in the early hours of the day. If you’re trying to work out before heading to the office, you don’t need any obstacles standing in the way of you getting out that door. You already have a gym bag packed and your outfit picked out, but what else can you do to make sure to get to class on time?

Here’s a list of smart strategies to shave some time off your morning routine.

Use dry shampoo the night before
Dry shampoo is the ultimate time-saver after your favorite yoga class, but using a little extra the night before can help you get to that yoga class with time to spare. Spray hair with dry shampoo before bed, and then style hair into a braid or bun that is comfortable enough to sleep in. When you wake up in the morning you’ll be ready for class without having to do any hairstyling. After your workout, spray a little more dry shampoo, brush or shake the braid out with your fingers, and be prepared to have the most perfect waves for the rest of the day.

Multitask in the shower
It would be lovely if we had all the time in the world to relax in our morning shower. Truth? Most of us are out in 10 minutes or less, especially if you have a line of people behind you at the studio. The good news? You can make your shower work for you with all the great new moisturizers that are specifically made for wet skin. Now there’s no need to wait until you’re dry to moisturize your skin.

Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer

There’s an in-shower moisturizer perfect for any skin type, whether you’re dry or acne-prone. Skin feels moisturized, not sticky, afterward so there’s no need to rinse after use. Just pat dry and go.
Buy it now: Ulta, $8

St. Tropez In-Shower Gradual Tan

Gradually fake a summer glow with this in-shower solution. This formula is also moisturizing, so there’s no need to buy a separate tanner and moisturizer to use in the shower.
Buy it now: Sephora, $25

Decrease hair drying time
If you shower after a workout, one of the only things standing in the way of getting you from workout to work quickly is hair drying time. Fortunately, there are a few items you can toss in your workout bag made for precisely that issue.

Goody Quikstyle Paddle Brush

This brush has microfiber bristles that absorb water from your hair, helping with drying time. It also has side vents to allow air flow from the blow dryer while the microfiber helps soak up the water. The microfiber is antimicrobial, so just toss it in your gym bag without worrying about germs.
Buy it now: Target, $12

Luxe hair towel

Dry hair fast without the friction of cotton towels you’ll find in most locker rooms. This ultra-absorbent hair towel is super gentle and speeds up your drying time, making your hair healthier in the long run.
Buy it now: Aquis, $30

Take your greens on the go
Grab-and-go food can be a lifesaver if you’re trying to get out the door in the morning. Try keeping fruits like bananas on hand, which you can grab as you’re running out and are great for workout recovery. Not everyone has time to make a nutrient-rich smoothie in the blender before they leave, but anybody has time to mix powder in a water bottle. If protein powders aren$t your thing, try some of the new green juice solutions in powder form.

Hum Nutrition Raw Beauty Powder

This probiotic-packed powder tastes great when mixed with water or your favorite almond milk. It’s perfect for an energy boost before or after your workout, and the chocolate mint flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Buy it now: Hum Nutrition, $39

8 Greens

If Alka-Seltzer and green juice had a baby, this would be it. Drop the effervescent tablet into your water bottle and watch it dissolve into refreshing green juice in seconds. The eight greens it’s named after are kale, spirulina, spinach, blue green algae, chlorella, wheatgrass, barley grass and aloe vera, yet it is a shockingly light and tasty beverage to start your morning with.
Buy it now: 8 Greens, $12.50 for 10 tablets

Create an early morning support group
Making pals in your early morning classes creates accountability. You definitely don’t want to be the person who ditches Pilates in the morning when you have people on your side who want to see you there. Just one more reason to exchange numbers with the other regulars you see in class.

ClassPass is a monthly membership that connects you to more than 8,000 of the best fitness studios worldwide. Have you been thinking about trying it? Start now on the Base Plan and get five classes for your first month for only $19.

Hot mama! Blac Chyna took to the street’s of Los Angeles on Tuesday to flaunt her growing baby bump in a tight blue dress — and flash that 7-carat engagement ring. Even though Chyna has yet to reveal the sex of her baby with fiancé Rob Kardashian, we can’t help but wonder if the bride-to-be’s dress choice is any indication that these two might be having a boy… Maybe? Only time will tell!

The future Mrs. Angela Kardashian, who has been filming her upcoming E! reality series Rob & Chyna, donned a form-fitting, knee-length bright blue dress for her stroll around L.A., People reports, pairing the ensemble with flat T-strap sandals and a few blingy accessories — including that rock of an engagement ring.

Just the night before this outing, Chyna, 28, and Rob, 29, bonded with his sisters at Khloé Kardashian’s 32nd birthday and took ALL the selfies, natch. At the birthday party, the engaged parents-to-be were surrounded by Kim Kardashian West, Kourtney, Kylie Jenner, and mom Kris Jenner along with their closest family and friends.

“The girls have really come around since Rob and Chyna first got together,” a Kardashian source told People. “They’re trying to be as supportive as possible, especially now that she is pregnant.” Adding, “They’ve seen the transformation Rob has made,” the source said. “Just a year or two ago, none of them could get him to even leave the house, and now he’s happily celebrating Khloé’s birthday out in public.”

This striking blue outfit seems to be very much in-line with Chyna’s maternity style. The engaged mom-to-be hit the red carpet with her fiancé May 28 at the Sky Beach Club at the Tropicana Las Vegas wearing a white midi dress that showed off her growing baby bump. And, as always, that solitaire platinum engagement ring.

The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star proposed to Chyna in April — just 10 weeks after they took their relationship public — and in May, the couple announced they were expecting a baby. This is the first child for the sole Kardashian son and the second for Chyna, who shares 3-year old son King Cairo with Tyga, Kylie Jenner’s on-again boyfriend.

Dreaming of a designer-curated wedding? Your wish is our command! Kelly Wearstler, the ultrachic L.A. interior designer, has pulled together all of the elements of a seriously chic wedding for us to fawn over — and for you to steal! Consider yourselves lucky: She’s an elegance expert, after all, having decorated homes for celebs like Cameron Diaz and Gwen Stefani, designed the interiors of Viceroy resorts in Anguilla and Palm Springs, created invitations for Paperless Post, and seasonal collections of lighting, bedding, and rugs. (Phew!) Now she can add one more thing to her résumé with the launch of her new bridal registry at KellyWearstler.com, which features perfect product recommendations and curated style categories, easy access for your guests to shop your wishlist, and access to an ultra-exclusive one-on-one design consultation with Kelly herself. See? Told ya she’s an expert! Wearstler’s current wedding inspiration? Desert Glam — and we can already feel the heat…

The head of the global lifestyle brand gave us the exclusive deets on her foray into bridal registry and we couldn’t think of a more perfect match other than, well, you and your hubby! “We want to be a place where couples can find great-looking, quality pieces,” Wearstler told BRIDES. “An incredible dining table is so much more meaningful than the everyday stuff.” We couldn’t agree more! But before you and your soon-to-be spouse gather around that dining table, you can’t forget about your reception table. And with the help of Wearstler, it’s sure to be super stylish with this über-glamorous desert vibe.

“I love that juxtaposition of rawness and refinement,” muses Wearstler. To capture that beautifully barren atmosphere, start with an effortlessly elegant wedding invitation suite. “We selected a paper that was very raw in hand but then you have the refinement and the delicate nature of the graphics and the metallic,” Wearstler noted of this naturally luxe invite, a piece from her Paperless Post collection.

As for your day-of bridal style, a pair of unexpected lace-up ankle boots and an easy, breezy tulle gown as hot as a desert heatwave are both on our wish list. Don’t forget to grab a bushel of desert-inspired blooms for that walk down the aisle. Pop in a show-stopping King Protea and you’ll be the undisputed queen of the desert.

After the “I dos,” dine on dinnerware fit for Sahara royalty. The animalistic striping on these Kelly Wearstler plates are the definition of safari chic. And don’t forget to set the mood with lighting that glows with the setting desert sun. “Light, I think, is so critical and it can just make a space so beautiful,” says Wearstler. This metallic statement pendant everything.

After a slice of wedding cake (“Always chocolate,” according to Wearstler!), your guests will be ready to dance the night away — to Sting’s “Desert Rose,” of course!

Clockwise from far left: “Strada” round pendant, $1,575, Kelly Wearstler; “Allegro” invitation, $50 per 100 digital invitations, Kelly Wearstler for Paperless Post; Earrings, price upon request, Irene Neuwirth; “Savannah” lace-up leather ankle boots, $905, Malone Souliers available at StyleBop; “Bedford” dinner plate, $130, Kelly Wearstler

See More: Queue Up the Stevie Nicks for This ’70s Inspired, Bohemian Wedding Theme

Subscribe to BRIDES now for the best wedding dresses, advice, and big-day inspiration.

Looking for a simple-yet-striking way to decorate your wedding ceremony? Consider an oversize picture frame. Plain or ornate, a giant frame-turned-ceremony-backdrop is a clever way to create a focal point in your ceremony space — plus it ensures that your vow exchange is a total work of art (think of all the Instagrams!). Check out these six creative, beautiful ways to incorporate a frame into your wedding ceremony setting.

Modern and Minimal (above): This crisp-white frame serves as an eye-catching backdrop for this couple’s Texas wedding.

Ceremony Frame Half-Filled with Flowers: Decorate an oversize antique frame with elegantly draped linens and fresh flowers.

Flower-Filled Frame: Or, you could take it to the next level by filling an oversize frame entirely with flowers, like fluffy white hydrangeas and blush-pink roses.

Floating Horizontal Frame: When your wedding ceremony space is as lush and pretty as this couple’s, an unadorned floating-frame backdrop turns the setting into a work of art.

Floral Frame: Instead of a typical ceremony arch, this couple requested a unique flower-embellished frame as their wedding backdrop.

Framed Fabric Backdrop: Add a shot of color and whimsy to your ceremony setting by framing a piece of your favorite patterned fabric.

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Whether you’re the kind of person who loves to plan parties or someone who practically breaks out in hives when it comes to making any type of decision, when it comes to planning a wedding, there’s no doubt that having a team of people to turn to for advice and help will make the process a way more enjoyable and stress-free experience. That is, only if you know how to delegate. Between relying on your own mom for wedding planning help, and handing out tasks to your bridesmaids, your future mother-in-law might feel a little left out of the process. Our solution? Let her eagerness dissipate your stress. If you have a ready- and willing-to-help mother of the groom, here are eight simple ways you can include her in your wedding planning process.

1. Give Her Specific Tasks
Chances are the mother of the groom is going to text you, call you, stop by in person and ask how she can help out with any and all things relating to the wedding. Instead of having her take on some tasks you’d prefer to do yourself, give her a list of things she can take ownership of and make her own, so she doesn’t accidentally (or purposely) step on your toes.

2. Ask Her to Come Along With You
Heading to a cake tasting or dress fitting? Give the mother of the groom a ring and invite her to come along with you. Just including her in little things like this will be almost gigantic things for her.

3. Put Her in Charge
If you’re dealing with a very type-A mother of the groom, the best way to handle her is to put her in charge whenever you need a break from making decisions. Say you can’t decide between three different photographers, let her make the final choice. Giving her doses of power like this will help make her feel involved.

4. Let Her Know Your Non-Negotiables
Some mothers of the groom like to plan things and make wedding decisions for you, without you. If there are certain things you absolutely want control over, let her know what they are so she has a heads up that she shouldn’t step on your toes.

5. Pull in a Detail From Her Wedding
One of the nicest things you can do is include a detail, item, or tradition in your wedding from her own big day. Maybe you can use framed photos from her wedding or even serve the main dish that she had at her reception.

6. Let Her Pick Out Her Dress
You may want to keep control over what your bridesmaids wear, but let the mother of the groom pick out her own dress. There’s nothing better than a supportive mother of the groom wearing a dress in which she feels ultra confident.

See More: What to Do If the Mother of the Groom Is Making Wedding Planning a Nightmare

Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

Tulum is the honeymoon you’ve always dreamt about—white sand, brilliant turquoise water (just cool enough to be refreshing but warm enough to not shock your system), and abundant perfect palm trees. It’s charmingly rustic, but still has mouthwateringly fantastic dining. And with such picturesque environs to explore, it’s a no-brainer for a romance filled island getaway!

Day one:
Afternoon: Once you land at the Cancun airport, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, it’s a one-and-a-half hour drive to Tulum. Check into a colorful seaside bungalow—complete with hammock—at Zamas and you can have the area’s very best margarita in your hand within minutes. You made it to Mexico, so relax on a lounge chair and just enjoy where you are. Or grab a beach cruiser and check out the strip. For a superluxe stay, try the popular all-suite Be Tulum, with its sand-side infinity pool and treetop yoga shala.

Evening: Since Tulum faces the Caribbean to the east, sunsets are not as easy to catch. The upstairs level of Mateo’s, home of the coco loco cocktail—a boozy coconut-y rum drink—is the place to watch the sky change colors. One of the best dinners in town can be had at Posada Margherita, where you can shop a well-curated boutique with a glass of wine while awaiting a table within reach of the beach. The menu is simple and small: a few homemade pastas, prawns and fish dishes. It’s impossible to go wrong, but make sure you don’t fill up on the bread crate of multiple fresh focaccias, chunks of parmesan and marinated cauliflower, which is hands-down incredible. Zamas has a guest-chef program and live music most nights, making it another excellent dinner choice.

Day two:
Morning: Start the day with a fresh coconut and avocado toast, or something equally fresh and tasty. You can’t visit the area without experiencing its cenotes—freshwater limestone caves in the jungle that were sacred to the Mayans and are unquestionably spectacular. It’s best to book a tour—snorkeling or, if you’re comfortable, scuba diving—in which a local guides you through the crystalline water, ducking under stalactites and swimming over stalagmites and past limestone columns. Dos Ojos is a nearby destination with two cenotes; Pet Cemetery is stunning and less busy.

Afternoon: Relax, take a walk down the beach or warm up in the sun (the water in the cenotes is quite icy). If you haven’t made a reservation in advance for dinner at Hartwood, go between 3 and 6 p.m. to lock in your table for the evening.

Evening: Hartwood is a must-have dinner experience for all Tulum travelers. It’s a 100 percent sustainable restaurant that cooks its locally spear-hunted fish, and produce from communal organic Mayan farms, over an open fire and in a wood-burning oven. The menu is ever-evolving based on what’s in season and available, but with such care put into the collection and preparation of the dishes you’re essentially guaranteed a magical night. Afterward continue on to the jungle-chic bar Gitano for well-crafted cocktails such as the sweet-and-spicy Kisses in the Car, featuring mezcal, passion fruit, tangerine and habanero.

Day three:
Morning: As much as the beach may beckon, the famous Mayan ruins with their pyramids, Coba and Chichen Itza, are also spectacular sights to experience. Because they’re such a huge draw for tourists, early morning visits are most peaceful.

Afternoon: Enjoy a lazy lunch of guacamole, bright bruschetta and grilled octopus at Hemingway Restaurant, part of a beachfront eco-resort. Colorful pillows and dishes, clear views of the rolling waves, and great margaritas make it a place you’ll want to spend hours. Soak in the enchanting atmosphere further during an opulent indigenous treatment at Coqui Coqui, a resort and spa that makes its own lush fragrances.

Evening: If it’s a Sunday night, head to La Zebra for salsa lessons and a night of close, sweaty dancing. Or, if you’re heading back to Cancun, make a stop inland on the way for a last bite: a few al pastor tacos at Taqueria el Carboncito, the hands-down best place for the savory pork and pineapple staple.

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