Double the fun in the sun with Jessi Cruickshank
Jessi Cruickshank has certainly come a long way from her time as a co-host on MTV Live in Toronto. From hosting reality series Canada’s Smartest Person and The Goods to acting as the Los Angeles correspondent for entertainment show etalk, Jessi’s career has taken her from coast to coast.
Shortly after welcoming her twin boys Rio and Diego in 2017, Jessi went back to work as host of The Goods and started developing her hilarious new Facebook Watch show, New Mom, Who Dis? Between her many work projects and raising her now-one-year-old twins with her husband Evan, her schedule hasn’t slowed down!
Jessi and her family recently took their very first vacation as a family of four to Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf and Spa Resort in Los Cabos with Sunwing. We managed to catch up with Jessi after her getaway to chat about her new show and her first ever vacation with her twins.
Tell us about your new Facebook Watch show, New Mom, Who Dis? and where the idea came from.
I was asked to create a comedy series for Facebook Watch. As I was getting ready for the big pitch meeting in Los Angeles, I was pumping breast milk while changing a baby and trying to apply eyeliner – all while another baby pulled at my leg. I thought, this is it! This is the comedy series. There is nothing funnier than raising kids. I pitched them a funny, real-life series about figuring out life as a new mom of twins – and nine months later we birthed it!
You recently travelled to Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf and Spa Resort in Los Cabos with Sunwing – how was that?
It was unreal! The resort was spectacular, the service was incredible, the beach was beautiful, the pools were awesome, the food was delicious, the weather was perfect… by the end of the week, when we would return to our room for the evening, my twins would say “Home! Home!” They definitely thought the resort was our new home and, honestly, I wish it was!
What was your favourite part of your getaway?
This was our first vacation with the kids so we were a little nervous about bringing them along. To my delight, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach had the perfect combination of being a family-friendly resort while still being beautiful and serene. It had a couple of great kids pools, tons of food options and my boys loved the flamingos and exotic birds on-site! The resort was stunning and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming everywhere we went – even with one-year-old twins.
What’s your vacation style – do you prefer to relax poolside or explore your destination?
My life is pretty hectic with a new show and new babies, so I love any chance to relax poolside. On this vacation, we were able to do a bit of both. We never got tired of exploring the pools, the beach and the resort grounds. We were also able to take a shuttle over to sister resort Pueblo Bonito Rose Resort and Spa, where we could enjoy the beach, swim in the ocean and explore the local vendors and shops.
How has your travel style changed since becoming a mom?
Ha! It’s changed a lot. I generally pack light with a small carry-on when it’s just me travelling. With twins, we literally have seven carry-ons and ten pieces of checked luggage – two cribs, two high chairs, two car seats, a double stroller… not to mention the two squirming toddlers on our laps. On this vacation, we actually lightened our load. The resort provided two cribs and two high chairs in our room, so packing for this trip and travelling felt like a breeze!
Were you nervous to set off on your first vacation with the kids?
Very! We have our routine at home and I was worried that the boys would be a little thrown off in a new atmosphere. It was quite the opposite – they thrived! I honestly think they learned and grew more as little people in that one week than they have in their whole one year of life. They got to experience so many new things, people, animals, foods, languages… they learned words like “flamingo” and “beach” and impressed the staff every time they would shout “HOLA!”
Is there anything that caught you by surprise about travelling with the kids?
Like so many families, we’re so busy in our day-to-day lives that we don’t often take the time to be fully present as a family. It took going on vacation together to really disconnect from our jobs and reconnect with our family. Having that time together, in such a beautiful place, is something we will treasure forever.
What are some of your top travel tips?
Take and post a lot of photos, but also take some time to unplug and put your phone away. Use your vacation as an opportunity to step away from your daily life and just be present. Live in the moment and take it all in.
What are some things you always make sure to pack on vacation?
I always pack more than enough sunscreen – I don’t tan, I just freckle or get a third-degree burn! I also always bring a little container of laundry detergent. Our resort had a fantastic laundry service, but just being able to throw a few things in the sink every night meant we could pack a little lighter.
What’s the first thing you like to do when you arrive at a resort?
I love to drop off my bags, throw on my shorts and explore. I like to get the lay of the land before I really settle in. Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf and Spa Resort was like a gorgeous little town perched on a hill. With so many pools, restaurants and beaches, it took a few days before we really felt like we had seen it all.
What are some of the things you look for when choosing your next vacation destination?
We will definitely look for a resort that is family-friendly while still having all the amenities we appreciate as adults. We will also look for somewhere with easy access to the beach, lots of dining options and gorgeous views.
What are some other tropical destinations on your vacation bucket list?
Cuba! I went when I was a teenager but I have been eager to go back for the beaches and the culture. Costa Rica and The Bahamas are also on my list. Can I just start taking monthly vacations?!
Do you have any upcoming vacation plans for the rest of the year?
Well now that I know how much my kids loved their first vacation, I better start planning some more… you know, for them…