Jennifer Aniston turned a photo shoot at the One&Only Palmilla Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, into a much-needed five-day getaway. “She was such a trooper,” an eyewitness tells Life & Style at the Sept. 12 shoot. “It was almost 100 degrees, and she never complained. But she kept saying she wanted to go swimming!”

The star, 39, took a crack at the waves the next day, hitting the private beach in a pink bikini. “She looked at peace in the water,” says the witness. And serenity may have been what Jen needed after her breakup with John Mayer in August, her packed schedule at the Toronto International Film Festival and then her trip to NYC for Fashion Week. “She was emotionally and physically exhausted,” says an insider. “Jen needed an escape.”

Apparently, she needed a break from her diet, too. She enjoyed margaritas, enchiladas and even some of a friend’s chocolate cake at Las Ventanas restaurant. “I’m shocked,” says a second insider. “Indulging for her is usually a celery stalk with cream cheese.”

Life & Style, Thanks Giselle!