Ah, does anything say summer like a cocktail sipped poolside under a big umbrella?
{Recipe at the end of the post.}
When the resort in your town asks if you'd like to stay for the weekend as a family staycation, you first contemplate letting them know you can stay ALL SUMMER, then you decide that you don't want to scare them off, and just answer with a, "yes, please."
The Woodlands Resort...I've been to wedding receptions here, school fundraisers here, Thanksgiving dinner here, but I've never actually stayed here. Now that the resort has undergone a 60-million dollar renovation, it seemed like the perfect time.
With multiple pools, waterslides, and a (brand new!) lazy river, it's easy to forget that you're in the suburbs of Houston...it feels like you're someplace tropical. (The heat helps, too.)
The golf course looks beautiful, too, although we didn't play. I took golf in college and it ended up to be my lowest grade from all 4 years. Ugh. Just thinking about it makes me shudder. I would love to go out and WALK the course, though. OK...enough about golf.
My favorite moments from our stay:
- a welcome as soon as we checked in: big chocolate chip cookie, ice cold milk, and Texas beers delivered to our room,
- getting up and out to the pool early. It's quiet and peaceful, and a great time to take in the beautiful grounds,
- eating breakfast and lunch poolside...we were really impressed by the food from the poolside Cool Water Cafe,
- a massage at the Spa. Probably the best massage I've ever had,
- watching kiddo and a friend go down the waterslide,
- late night spins around the lazy river with the boys,
- totally "getting away from it all," but still being close to home.
Where are the photos of us in our bathing suits? Well, if you must see...
(F J Mortimer/Getty Images)
I also fell in love with a cocktail while there. I knew at first sip, I'd have to try to recreate this at home. Join me for a Pineapple Coconut Mojito, won't you? I think it's a fitting way to cheers a happy summer!
Pineapple Coconut Mojito
{makes 1}flaked, sweetened coconut
fresh mint leaves
1 lime slice
1/4 cup coconut rum
3/4 cup coconut-pineapple juice (or regular pineapple juice if you can't find it)
splash sparkling water or club soda
In a small pan, toast up the coconut until lightly browned. Pour onto a cutting board and let cool. Chop into smaller pieces and set aside.
Place 2 mint leaves and the slice of lime in the bottom of a pint glass. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to twist the leaves and lime a few times until the mint is fragrant. Don't mash it to bits.
Top the muddled mint/lime with ice about 2/3 up the glass. Spoon 1 TBSP of the chopped, toasted coconut on top of the ice.
Pour the rum and juice into the glass and stir. Top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda. Garnish with mint, pineapple chunks, tiny umbrellas, and a straw...or not. Cheers!
If you're staying in the Houston area, or live here already, check out the The Woodlands Resort. Love pools, spas, golf, cocktails? I think you'll like it!
{Disclosure: My family and I were treated to a weekend at The Woodlands Resort free of charge. All opinions are my own.}
