Few weeks back, we returned from Cozumel. We were soon planning a Scuba 'budget' trip for January with a dozen plus folks rolling in, 1/2 whom will be in the water.
Mama is getting the itch to go back already. Hell I am as well. So she starts looking at some dirt cheap options ... AIs and AirBNB. But, I've been busting my ass all year and told her we should cut loose and do some celebrating. It's only going to be the two of us, so we don't have to run the options by anyone. We both soon realize this is the FIRST trip we've taken to Mexico, ever by ourselves. So, I do some searching on Trip Advisor and another SECRETS Resort pops up that looks promising. VERY promising. We go over it all, and decide to jump in with both feet and give it a shot. We wouldn't be disappointed.
Up to this point, we've been mainly visiting Iberostar, Barcelo, Riu and Secrets properties over the last 13 years. "We're creatures of habit" is true to some degree. Main difference over the last few years is we've focused more on All Adult options, which tend to be higher priced but one doesn't have to deal with the BS of folk's kids making a ruckus and their associated noise and BS. Sounds bad but hey .. I raised mine already. This time, I've zeroed in on another Secrets property. It's true top of the line. Right up there with a few others The Iberostar Grand in Playa Carmen is one of my fav's. The Barcelo Palace is right up there, but it's a lil further south than the rest and it's not all adult. The Secrets Aura in Cozumel has become a top of the line fav' on the Island. But, Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun has just become one of our top fav's ever. The ONLY negative I can find.. and it's true of a few others .. they try to sell members on their VIP services; basically a variation on Time Shares. If you do the tour, you get a lot of freebies. I should do the tour, but never have. It's a waste of time and money ... thing that sucked this trip was .. they kept using the room located right above us to show off the resort so we had to listen to their BS echoing off the balcony .... often. Shame on us for getting one of the best rooms in the best location of the resort?
Well... .it's game day. Head to the airport, grab the HOV/Express lanes to shoot past/through the Dallas rush hour traffic. Pull up to Terminal D and grab some Handicapped parking (Lucy's doing) up front. Parking will be zero cost due to the SUV's military medal plates. It's a no-stress morning! We've checked in on-line so we just walk up to security, we're both TSA approved and into the terminal in minutes in search of some breakfast and drinks! Only negative here is the Admirals club is gong through renovations so we opt for our fav' Irish Bar/Restaurant. Less than two hours later we're boarding up and sitting in the 'front row'. No hoping for an upgrade; we did it out the gate. Starting this trip off right!
About 2.5 hours later, we've landed and the humidity and warmth have us smiling! This is why we are here! We're carry-on only and quickly through customs and out of the terminal connecting up with Amstar for our transportation. We'd opted for private transportation this trip and it's paying off. As soon as we walk up , we're whisked away heading South toward Playa del Carmen. With high dollar, but large and potent margaritas in our hands, it all feels real now! Only twist for us is, darkness is now up on us. This is the first trip we've ever landed late in the late afternoon/early evening and .. feels weird. But about 25 minutes later, we're at the resort.
As soon as we pull up, Daniel is there to meet up, grab our bags and we're rolling to the Preferred Club for a discrete check-in! This has become a standard for us. We've always opted for this and it's beni's. High end liquor, better room locations, top of the line service; we've become spoiled. Soon we're checking in, everyone 'knows us' by name. I'm sure it's because it's around 7ish and it's obvious whom we are , but hey .. feels good none the less! Once we're checked in, it's back onto the cart with Daniel and he whisks up to our new beachfront home for the week. This resort has 27 buildings for guest rooms and we're in #27. The other Beach front building is #1. Basically 27 buildings in a U shape circle to the hotel front entrance, with a large pool in the center, rolling up to the beach that is the entire frontage of the property. Most every building has a private pool for the use of the guests on the first floor.
"private" area for bottom rooms
I'm digging this room. Lucy's champagne is over on the table, it's a gorgeous full size room, large patio that leads to a private pool (4 rooms access the pool). On the other size of the zero edge, is the beach and .. the ocean. I can't see it in the dark, but I can hear it. Every night this will be my routing. Pour a glass of scotch, take a seat and let the sound put me into dreamland. I could get used to this. Well.. I do.. woke up several times on that chaise lounger to make my way to the bedroom. Leanne let me enjoy it every night. Thanks to the evening temps, felt like I could have slept out there every night! And... almost did?
Most of the AI's we visit have rooms service, but I rarely utilize it to the fullest extent. This trip, we were determined to do just that! So, once we both had our eyes open, I'd grab the phone and order us each something, pot of coffee and a fruit plate. Thirty minutes later, they'd set it up on the back porch area and we'd start the day off. Yep.. I was hooked
"private view"
First day .. .. well, first 3 days .. we found ourselves on the back porch enjoying the view and the sun. I quickly figured out to get the attention of the servers bringing drinks to the beach goers that we were needing a few. Few tips later, it was game on. EVERY single trip the guy made back to the bar, he brought us a drink. We eventually had to beg for mercy and have him give us a break, but a nice problem to incur! Day one we had room service for lunch, but follow on days we have the beach servers bringing it to us. This was becoming an addictio! But, I was starting to feel like we were missing out so we finally switched location and headed to the 'big pool'!
Main Pool
I lucked out to be honest. I picked a spot to park it but didn't realize this would be literally, next to the volleyball setup, at net center. Not only would it work perfect for the volleyball game, but for when the 'foam party' craziness ensued! Gotta admit, I haven't had this much in awhile. I tend to be injury prone lately, but water volleyball is pretty low impact. We kicked butt all afternoon on my team, then disbanded for the next phase . An hour or so later, they were setting up for the foam party. I've seen these before, but never have I been involved from the beginning. I had a few margaritas in me and when they started blasting that music they do... well, it was game on. By the time this was done you couldn't hardly see where you were, and we had a pseudo volleyball game gong on with two huge beachballs. This lasted for well over an hour.. finally ... the party .. petered out. I was beat!
This whole week would be a different pace for us. No having to rush to meet anyone. No dinner reservations. Just a slow paced, good time. The next day would be spent on the bench in the sand, with a view of the different hues of blue in the water that one can never seem to tire of. And, we'd have servers at our beck and call. I needed a week of this , but only got a few days of it. I'm sometimes amazed when I talk to folks and they go on vaca' for 8 ... 10 days.. 2 weeks. Hard to wrap my head around that, but I could have easily done that this time. Nothing beckoning me back to Texas, and knowing the weather has been less than favorable. No bike trips planned. No major holiday plans. Mexico was looking good and I was wishing my trip was a lil longer.
Hanging with Marco and Stephanie
Final day before traveling we got word that some good friends of ours were down in Playa del Carmen. They had a rental car so shot over to pick us up and we headed out for dinner. I'd always heard of the 'cave restaurant' but had never been there. It's a notch off the beaten path and you've never believe what was behind the wall if you'd never heard the rumors . But, as you come off the street and enter the gated wall, you find yourself going down the steps into a rocky cavern. Once inside, you'd better watch one's head or you might end up bloodied! Soon, we're talking corners and in a full blown restaurant tens of feet below the surface. It's a notch humid so they've got fans set up, but what a treat. In an addition, they have a pretty high end menu to choose from; lil' uppity for my tastes but the food was good! After a lil tour of the cave and it's wine room, we're back to the surface and headed back to the resort. On the way to the car, we're passing small, open to the street restaurants. I could venture around this city for months soaking up the local flavors. But tonight, we're rolling back to the resort. This is our last night in the country.
Market Restaurant
Thursday and we're moving slow. Neither want to get out of bed. Neither want to pack and leave. But, it's off to get some breakfast while mama is still sleeping. Their buffets always have a crazy amount of choices, some which I find odd. But they cater to Europeans, Americans and 'locals' as well, so you see it all. Still, I always seem to find myself over by the lady making omelettes. You dish up your options, and they cook 'em up for you. Always a win. Up to the coffee shop upon departure, grab us some high end coffees to go, and back to the room. It'll be a lazy morning for us... we opt to pack .. slowly ... taking our time. Even though we have a late checkout option, we decide to throw in the towel early.... and head to the Preferred Club for one last time. We've met some really nice people this trip and we luck out, seeing a few of them at the club. Time's flying by ... Champagne and Margaritas are flowing .. and ... it's time. WTF? I'm NOT ready to leave! I could have easily extended a day or two.. but. .. sooner or later, you've got to throw in the towel and head home.
Few hours later, we back in Texas. Our puppy is as ecstatic to see us as we are him. But, we're missing that humidity. That warmth. The awesome people of that country who have always treated us well.
Well... .it's game day. Head to the airport, grab the HOV/Express lanes to shoot past/through the Dallas rush hour traffic. Pull up to Terminal D and grab some Handicapped parking (Lucy's doing) up front. Parking will be zero cost due to the SUV's military medal plates. It's a no-stress morning! We've checked in on-line so we just walk up to security, we're both TSA approved and into the terminal in minutes in search of some breakfast and drinks! Only negative here is the Admirals club is gong through renovations so we opt for our fav' Irish Bar/Restaurant. Less than two hours later we're boarding up and sitting in the 'front row'. No hoping for an upgrade; we did it out the gate. Starting this trip off right!
About 2.5 hours later, we've landed and the humidity and warmth have us smiling! This is why we are here! We're carry-on only and quickly through customs and out of the terminal connecting up with Amstar for our transportation. We'd opted for private transportation this trip and it's paying off. As soon as we walk up , we're whisked away heading South toward Playa del Carmen. With high dollar, but large and potent margaritas in our hands, it all feels real now! Only twist for us is, darkness is now up on us. This is the first trip we've ever landed late in the late afternoon/early evening and .. feels weird. But about 25 minutes later, we're at the resort.
Club for a discrete check-in! This has become a standard for us. We've always opted for this and it's beni's. High end liquor, better room locations, top of the line service; we've become spoiled. Soon we're checking in, everyone 'knows us' by name. I'm sure it's because it's around 7ish and it's obvious whom we are , but hey .. feels good none the less! Once we're checked in, it's back onto the cart with Daniel and he whisks up to our new beachfront home for the week. This resort has 27 buildings for guest rooms and we're in #27. The other Beach front building is #1. Basically 27 buildings in a U shape circle to the hotel front entrance, with a large pool in the center, rolling up to the beach that is the entire frontage of the property. Most every building has a private pool for the use of the guests on the first floor. 
Most of the AI's we visit have rooms service, but I rarely utilize it to the fullest extent. This trip, we were determined to do just that! So, once we both had our eyes open, I'd grab the phone and order us each something, pot of coffee and a fruit plate. Thirty minutes later, they'd set it up on the back porch area and we'd start the day off. Yep.. I was hooked
I lucked out to be honest. I picked a spot to park it but didn't realize this would be literally, next to the volleyball setup, at net center. Not only would it work perfect for the volleyball game, but for when the 'foam party' craziness ensued! Gotta admit, I haven't had this much in awhile. I tend to be injury prone lately, but water volleyball is pretty low impact. We kicked butt all afternoon on my team, then disbanded for the next phase . An hour or so later, they were setting 
up for the foam party. I've seen these before, but never have I been involved from the beginning. I had a few margaritas in me and when they started blasting that music they do... well, it was game on. By the time this was done you couldn't hardly see where you were, and we had a pseudo volleyball game gong on with two huge beachballs. This lasted for well over an hour.. finally ... the party .. petered out. I was beat!
Well... .it's game day. Head to the airport, grab the HOV/Express lanes to shoot past/through the Dallas rush hour traffic. Pull up to Terminal D and grab some Handicapped parking (Lucy's doing) up front. Parking will be zero cost due to the SUV's military medal plates. It's a no-stress morning! We've checked in on-line so we just walk up to security, we're both TSA approved and into the terminal in minutes in search of some breakfast and drinks! Only negative here is the Admirals club is gong through renovations so we opt for our fav' Irish Bar/Restaurant. Less than two hours later we're boarding up and sitting in the 'front row'. No hoping for an upgrade; we did it out the gate. Starting this trip off right!
About 2.5 hours later, we've landed and the humidity and warmth have us smiling! This is why we are here! We're carry-on only and quickly through customs and out of the terminal connecting up with Amstar for our transportation. We'd opted for private transportation this trip and it's paying off. As soon as we walk up , we're whisked away heading South toward Playa del Carmen. With high dollar, but large and potent margaritas in our hands, it all feels real now! Only twist for us is, darkness is now up on us. This is the first trip we've ever landed late in the late afternoon/early evening and .. feels weird. But about 25 minutes later, we're at the resort.
Club for a discrete check-in! This has become a standard for us. We've always opted for this and it's beni's. High end liquor, better room locations, top of the line service; we've become spoiled. Soon we're checking in, everyone 'knows us' by name. I'm sure it's because it's around 7ish and it's obvious whom we are , but hey .. feels good none the less! Once we're checked in, it's back onto the cart with Daniel and he whisks up to our new beachfront home for the week. This resort has 27 buildings for guest rooms and we're in #27. The other Beach front building is #1. Basically 27 buildings in a U shape circle to the hotel front entrance, with a large pool in the center, rolling up to the beach that is the entire frontage of the property. Most every building has a private pool for the use of the guests on the first floor. 
Most of the AI's we visit have rooms service, but I rarely utilize it to the fullest extent. This trip, we were determined to do just that! So, once we both had our eyes open, I'd grab the phone and order us each something, pot of coffee and a fruit plate. Thirty minutes later, they'd set it up on the back porch area and we'd start the day off. Yep.. I was hooked
I lucked out to be honest. I picked a spot to park it but didn't realize this would be literally, next to the volleyball setup, at net center. Not only would it work perfect for the volleyball game, but for when the 'foam party' craziness ensued! Gotta admit, I haven't had this much in awhile. I tend to be injury prone lately, but water volleyball is pretty low impact. We kicked butt all afternoon on my team, then disbanded for the next phase . An hour or so later, they were setting 
up for the foam party. I've seen these before, but never have I been involved from the beginning. I had a few margaritas in me and when they started blasting that music they do... well, it was game on. By the time this was done you couldn't hardly see where you were, and we had a pseudo volleyball game gong on with two huge beachballs. This lasted for well over an hour.. finally ... the party .. petered out. I was beat!
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