Mexico
Our trip began at Gatwick airport with an extremely quick and efficient check in via the BA self-service kiosks where I was able to print my boarding pass before proceeding to the baggage drop off desk. We were extremely privileged to be upgraded to BA world traveller (business class) for both legs of our journey. If you are able to upgrade I would recommend it, as flying business class definitely helped to ensure the time passed quickly! Overall BA was faultless and I would have no hesitation in recommending them.
Most of the hotels in Cancun are around a 20 to 40 minute transfer so you can be in your accommodation in no time at all. En route to our hotel we stopped to take a look at the beach and everyones’ reaction was WOW! The first thing that hit me was just how crystal clear the beautiful aqua sea was and how white the sand was on this well-kept beach. It was at this moment that I realised how lucky I was to be standing there taking a picture – it looked just like postcard!
We were greeted with a drink at the beachfront Fiesta Americana Condesa and quickly checked-in. The resort is all-inclusive and offers a wealth of amenities ranging from a spa, children’s club, and plentiful eateries including a Mexican restaurant. A lovely cake and coffee shop is also included in the all-inclusive. I can personally recommend after sampling the latte and cake from there. Fantastically, 24 hour room service is also included in the all-inclusive programme. The pool area was spacious with plenty of sunbeds.
During our time in Mexico we also stayed at two other hotels in Cancan. The second was the Fiesta Americana Coral Beach resort and Spa which was my favourite. It is an all-suite hotel and the rooms were stunning. We were greeted with a hand massage on arrival and cocktails. The hotel was immaculate and the service was second to none. We ate in the Al la carte restaurant in the evening and were treated to a lesson in the art of tequila tasting. This hotel is also centrally located in Cancun with amenities close by.
The third hotel we stayed at was the adults only Live Aqua hotel which again is very central and is opposite the Isla Mar Shopping centre. The rooms were all good sizes and there are several cabanas around the pool area.
On the second day of our trip we went to XEL HA in Riviera Maya. It is classed as one of Mexico’s natural wonders and is the world’s largest natural Aquarium. The natural water park is about an hour and a half drive from Cancan and has many beautiful inlets, lagoons and caves. If you want you can snorkel, swim with dolphins, experience the zip wire, have encounters with stingrays and even cliff jump. Alternatively you could just relax and sunbath in one of the hammocks around the lagoon or ride the lazy river on one of the many inflatables provided. There are over 400 species of plants and fish living in this area. The park is all inclusive and there is a choice of 2 restaurants. Towels are also provided for the day and there are full changing room facilities with showers to freshen up at the end of the day.
Our next stop was the natural park XCARET. It may appeal more to families with younger children as there is lots for them to do including a Butterfly Pavilion, Coral Reef Aquarium , Beach area ,Flamingos, Spider Monkey Island , Deer Shelter, Tropical Jungle trail, Manatee and stingrays Lagoon, and wildlife breeding farm. There is also the opportunity to swim with sharks. You can swim through the underground caves and rivers.
That evening I experienced the Xcaret Mexico Espectascular show. It’s acted out by 260 performers and portrays the traditions and history of Mexico through ages right up to modern times. Tickets can either be purchased for show only or can include a meal which would probably be the better of the two options as the show is quite lengthy.
I visited quite a few hotels during my stay including the Iberostar Cancun (formerly the Hilton), The Gran Oasis Cancun, the Sandos Caracol and the Iberostar in Riviera Maya . I will be happy to talk more at length about any hotels with you.
An excursion I would highly recommend was a day out on the Albatros Catamarans to Isla Mujeres which translated means woman Island. This is a beautiful idyllic Island which boasts crystal clear seas and pure white powdery sands. It is a hidden gem that has to be seen. We spent the whole day on the Catamaran. During the course of the day our group enjoyed being able to snorkel, power sail, and swim in the amazing clear warm blue sea which was fantastic. If activities aren’t for you, then just lying on deck and taking in the sun and the scenery is a fabulous day out in itself. Overall I could not recommend this trip more highly!
Another worthwhile trip is to Tulum which is the site archaeological ruins and is about an hour and a half by bus from Cancun. Tulum means wall or fence and it is in fact the old walled Mayan city. The entrance to the site is not quite what you would expect of ancient ruins as it has a subway, several tourist shops and a Hagen daz ice cream restaurant. Once we got to the entrance all hints of the modern day disappeared. Unfortunately it did rain. June – November is actually classed as the rainy season. However, this was the only bit of rain I had seen since arriving in Mexico having enjoyed glorious sunshine prior to this.
For reference the other seasons are:- September – October is hurricane season – although the last hurricane was over 8 years ago Peak season is classed as November - April I would not have any hesitation about going back to Mexico during the month of June as it was extremely hot and we only had a little rain on one day.
Another notable experience was Coco Bongos! This was an amazing experience! It is a show and disco in Cancun that starts at 11pm and goes through to the early hours. If you like loud music, a few drinks and some great entertainment then you’ll love it. There are acrobats who fly across your head, landing on your tables, several different themed shows and waiter service for the drinks (depending on your type of ticket). I loved it!
As you can see my Mexican experience was very varied. If you would like to hear more about my Mexican adventure I would love to have a chat and share some of my insights and experiences.
Mexico …. much more than just mojitos !