Mexico Madness
The only issue was (unbeknown to us) we'd entered Mexico around the same time as half of America’s teenagers coming to Cancun for the legendary party that is spring break. Luckily for us we were visiting some of the best hotels in the region and thus off limits in the majority to young Americans wanting to get drunk, PHEW!
I'd been to Mexico before and backpacked around the region, but this was a lot more civilised and we got to enjoy the hospitality at some incredible "Dreams", "Secrets" and "Breathless" properties. They are all unique in their style and branding and offer something different for the groups they focus on.
Dreams would be considered as a 4*+ experience generally focused on families. Properties like the Dreams Playa Mujeres has its own lazy river, and flumes and a water park to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained. Larger rooms accommodate families better and the range of facilities to keep the kids entertained was superb, everything from basketball courts to indoor football and everything in between. If you wanted to leave the resort and explore, the beautiful island of Isla Mujeres (Island of Women) is visible from the resort and a short cruise can be booked locally to drift across to investigate another piece of paradise.
Breathless was more in keeping with our time coinciding with Spring Break. This place is all about having fun, and I'd recommend couples or groups of friends who like having a good time and enjoying themselves to visit. I was lucky enough to be here on my birthday and we had a big private cocktail reception with views over the ocean with our own DJ and private electric violinist as well. Its uber cool and really a place to be seen, DJs play by the pools all day and staff get involved with dancing around the pool. What I always advise my clients is to upgrade to the preferred club. This gives you loads of added benefits but the main one being access to the more serene and chilled preferred club pool. If you are a little tired of the party atmosphere at some of the other pools, you can get your own private cabana and fall asleep to some eclectic tunes before you get ready for another night of partying.
Secrets is 5* Luxury for sure, Secrets Akumal was my favourite and the facilities and beachside location oozed class and sophistication. The food at the resorts was great but was just something that bit more special here, with the Asian restaurant Himitsu being my personal favourite. With the Unlimited Luxury concept you can basically eat anywhere and as much as you like, so fancy 5 starters rather than a main, no worries at all, don't do that with the Sushi though, as you'll competing for a sumo competition with the portion sizes they generously hand out.
The pool and beach area are also lovely and for me a massive draw to this region is the powder white sand and gorgeously warm Ocean that laps up against these superb resorts.
The Secrets properties are really suited to couples or older families but I for one would return in a second given the quality service and incredible food on offer.
All in all, staying at any of these properties would make for a wonderful holiday but using a travel professional whose been means you can avoid going to a property which just doesn't suit you. Looking at the images of each of these properties and brands means they all look superb and they are, but if you are a bit more reserved for example Breathless would be a nightmare and wouldn't be a fun holiday at all, whereas Secrets would be perfect. If you take your family to Secrets, then you would have a lovely time, but Dreams would be better suited especially if you have active children who want to be entertained 24/7 like mine.
If you have ever fancied going to Mexico and the Riviera Maya we visited over 20 hotels with all their unique pros and cons so let me guide you to the one that will be perfect for you and yours.
Hasta Luego