How the Breathless Brand Is Bringing More ‘Color’ to Resort Experiences

Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa – Photo credit: Alex Temblador

When I stayed at the Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico, last week, it offered everything I expected of an all-inclusive sophisticated resort like a wide range of dining options, an upbeat atmosphere with a great staff, a comfortable bed, and a beachfront location.

There were a few things that surprised me, too, including a silent disco, a fantastic hydrotherapy circuit in the spa, sensual glass showers and an amazing wine cellar dinner in Spumante. Perhaps the biggest surprise—and the most delightful—however, was the sneaker customization workshop through the resort’s Live in Full Color pop-up series.

Over the course of October, five different Breathless Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic will be hosting creative pop-ups under the Live in Color activation series. The series features artists of various backgrounds providing immersive and interactive creative experiences for guests.

My sneaker customization class was led by celebrity sneaker artist and owner of Sneaker Mechanic, Ben Johnson. From October 2-5, the resort featured a pop-up gallery of Johnson’s customized sneakers. Guests admired his stunning past work and watched as the artist designed a pair of one-of-a-kind sneakers over the course of four days.

On the morning of October 5, I joined a number of lucky guests on the beach for the workshop. Johnson instructed us in how we might best design a pair of white Converse sneakers we’d been provided, gave us palettes of paint, and we got to work in creating our own masterpieces. As we worked, just 20 feet from the sea, resort attendees brought us bloody marys and mimosas.

Photo credit: Alex Temblador

I marveled at the creativity of the other guests and their sneakers throughout the process and was ecstatic with how mine turned out (they mimic the cover of my latest book!). The workshop was one of the most stimulating experiences I’ve ever had during a resort stay, and it resulted in a truly memorable travel souvenir.

Breathless wants travelers at their various properties to have the same experience I had so they’re offering four more chances this month. Breathless Cancun Soul is inviting artist Marco Santini to the resort October 14-16 for live painting sessions where guests will have a chance to contribute to the art piece. In the Dominican Republic, music artist and producer Justin Vibes will perform a vibraphonist performance of pop songs on October 16th for guests to enjoy and dance to.

Food lovers might want to consider traveling to Breathless Cabo San Lucas to meet famed Chef Laurent Dagenais during a fireside chat and Q&A on October 19th. A lucky number of foodies can even join him for an exclusive dinner. Lastly, Breathless Montego Bay is hosting Rennae Johnson and Wouter Tjeertes of the Jamaican chocolate company, Pure Chocolate.

They’ll provide an immersive chocolate and rum experience on National Chocolate Day (October 28th). Those staying at the resort will also get a Pure Chocolate sweet during turndown service, too! Although all guests will enjoy elements of these activations, if a private Live In Color experience is offered (like the private dinner with Chef Laurent Dagenais), sign up for that package during booking.

Photo credit: Alex Temblador

If you can’t make these dates, don’t worry. Breathless Resorts & Spas is offering a Live in Full Color Package for travelers who book now through October 31, 2024, for travel to a Breathless resort before April 19. 2025. For only $129, you get a 25-minute massage, private mixology and yoga classes, and a welcome amenity (perhaps a bottle of locally produced spirits!).

The Live in Color pop-ups and packages will not last forever, but I’m glad to report that Breathless Resorts & Spas is never at a loss for unique offerings and entertainment for guests. While staying at the Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa I saw guests gathering together for tequila tastings and spoke to staff about events they host throughout the year like fashion shows, visits from upbeat DJs, food and drink activations and more.

Take away the amazing activations, and you still have a phenomenal resort to experience.

I had one of the best massages at the Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa and enjoyed lounging on the beach in the mornings and exploring the different atmospheres of the two pools throughout the day. Belly dancers provided shows at dinner and talented violinists played popular songs in open plazas.

Photo credit: Alex Temblador

Karaoke and dancing brought guests together for late-night fun at the After Dark club. And when I needed some rest and respite, I raided my mini bar and soaked in the jetted tub on my balcony that overlooked the ocean.

Now every time I wear my sneakers that I designed at Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, I’ll remember those colorful moments of my vacation and it will leave me breathless from joy.

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.