I just returned from an anniversary trip to Cancun. Since I have always focused on cruises and island getaways, this was an opportunity to get to know a new destination. We have been to Mexico a few times on cruise stops, but a little stomach trouble in Merida a few years ago has kept me from returning to experience the great all-inclusive resorts here. We were both quite nervous about getting sick and brought every over the counter medication known in the US with us. What a waste! We ate like pigs and never needed any of them. After a day or so, we stopped being so meticulous about bottled water and ice etc. and just ate and drank everything in sight. In hindsight, I did eat at a restaurant in Merida way off the beaten path in an area not frequented by American tourists knowing I have a sensitive stomach so I should have known better.
We both wish we had come here a long time ago and will definitely be back! I have decided to take some continuing ed courses to learn even more about the accomodations and activites offered in Cancun. There is something in Cancun and the Riviera Maya area for everyone. The long-standing reputation as party central for spring breakers and Girls Gone Wild is an image the area is actively seeking to shed. There are so many hotel options for families, singles and those seeking quiet retreats that the trouble won’t be finding a great resort, but choosing which one to start with! The airport is modern with so many direct flights from popular gateways it’s an easy weekend getaway. Airtran just introduced direct flights from Atlanta, joining Delta and Spirit.
We started with a resort in the hotel zone expecting to take full advantage of our first childless vacation in 3 years and party in the clubs till dawn. Guess what, we didn’t make it to one! We just used the public bus to sightsee, go to the flea market and shopping areas in the daytime. The bus runs all night is only 6.5 pesos. So, if you do make to the dozens of clubs there is easy reliable transportation back to your hotel. Cancun reminds me of a clean Miami. There are plenty of timeshare hawkers and people hustling you at every turn in the main club area, but I never felt unsafe. Just make sure you head straight out the doors of the airport when you land to ground transportation if you don’t intend to attend a timeshare presentation. They have desks there that pretend to be shuttles to get you to listen to the spiel. Some people enjoy going to those things, I do not.
We then went to the Excellence Playa Mujeres to end the trip with some R&R. When I tell you this place blew our minds, it doesn’t even come close to describing how great this experience was. From the moment you arrive at the resort gates you are pampered. The food was excellent at each of the restaurants we tried, every bartender was top-notch and the rooms were immaculate each day. This is one of the few properties that I have seen where the brochures accurately reflect the resort with no ‘creative photography’.
My husband was very skeptical about trying an all-inclusive resort. We went back and forth for a while about this, but I have had such a great experience at Sandals previously that I thought he would love the experience as well. I was prepared for everything to be compared to the cruise, however. Well, let me tell you that once we arrived here he never mentioned the word cruise again! One distinct advantage of Excellence above some other all-inclusives is the consistency of luxury and service across all room categories. All suites have an enormous furnished balcony with a great view, spacious sitting area and an indoor/outdoor Jacuzzi.
Even with, spotless suites, delicious food and a great beach; a resort is still only as good as it’s staff. Excellence did not disappoint here either. I am not exaggerating when I say these were some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Now, that is one area I can be very picky about. I don’t care if I’m at Motel 6 if the front desk is nice and the room is clean. I would rather stay at Days Inn that a Ritz-Carlton if the staff is snooty and unresponsive. (The other resort we went to in Cancun is supposedly a 4 Diamond leading hotel, but I would not even send my mother-in-law there if it was free.)
There is just enough activity here to keep you as busy as you want. The shows were enjoyable each night. My husband does not drink and still talks about how much variety there was at the bars. There is a fresh smoothie and juice bar, a coffee bar and each bartender knew quite a few things to keep him busy other than the ubiquitous pina colada. I of course can attest to the quality of everything else at the bar =) Overall if you’re looking for a relaxing, romantic resort that is not too far away from Cancun this is the perfect place. Excellence also has resorts in the Dominican Republic and another just south of Cancun and is also building a resort in Jamaica. I don’t know what I’ll do when I have to choose between Sandals and Excellence.
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