['We had planned a beach vacation this year, but it was not meant to be I guess.']
Oh no, I know that is so disappointing first hand.  The same thing has happened to me for the last three years.  Is everything going well, though?
We had planned on a beach vacation this year, but it was not to be.  Unfortunately the condo we rented had a fire and burned to the ground and we didn't have time to find another place.