First time South
Our first trip to Mexico was in March of 2007. Our friends had gone to Mexico the year before and had purchased a timeshare near Playa del Carmen. We were so fortunate that they asked us to go with them on their first time at their new place. After figuring out the passports, money requirements, what to pack and all, we were on our way! Furthest South I'd ever been was Lubbock, Texas, so this was a huge adventure for me! My sister and her husband had honeymooned in Playa del Carmen, as well as spent their first anniversary there, so after hearing all the stories, we were really looking forward to going.
We flew into Cancun and it was such a culture shock! Once getting into the airport to go through customs, it was a huge line after a huge line. Our flight ended up being delayed by three hours, because the Cancun airport was delaying flights into Mexico due to the high air traffic. After that intial three hour hold, it was another four hours to get through the lines. That first year, was the only time we've ever checked a bag going into Mexico. Since then, we've learned to pack much, much lighter. And really, we spend most of the time in our swimsuits, anyway!
The four of us took a private shuttle by Thomas More Travel (www.thomasmoretravel.com/) from Cancun to the Royal Haciendas (pictured), so that we wouldn't have to get packed onto a bus and stop at every resort on the way. It's 45 minutes, versus several hours. It's worth the extra money! The driver was awesome and spoke English, Spanish and Maya. He brought a bucket of beer and answered all of our questions the whole way down the coast.
When we finally arrived, it was so late we just threw our bags into the condo and went to eat. The food at the restaurant was amazing! They'd only been open a few months by then, and there was a lot of construction going on, but we had the most wonderful, colourful, restful eight days. Everyone at the Royal Haciendas was attentive, informative and fun. We learned so much from them in that little time and couldn't wait to go back!
We flew into Cancun and it was such a culture shock! Once getting into the airport to go through customs, it was a huge line after a huge line. Our flight ended up being delayed by three hours, because the Cancun airport was delaying flights into Mexico due to the high air traffic. After that intial three hour hold, it was another four hours to get through the lines. That first year, was the only time we've ever checked a bag going into Mexico. Since then, we've learned to pack much, much lighter. And really, we spend most of the time in our swimsuits, anyway!
The four of us took a private shuttle by Thomas More Travel (www.thomasmoretravel.com/) from Cancun to the Royal Haciendas (pictured), so that we wouldn't have to get packed onto a bus and stop at every resort on the way. It's 45 minutes, versus several hours. It's worth the extra money! The driver was awesome and spoke English, Spanish and Maya. He brought a bucket of beer and answered all of our questions the whole way down the coast.
When we finally arrived, it was so late we just threw our bags into the condo and went to eat. The food at the restaurant was amazing! They'd only been open a few months by then, and there was a lot of construction going on, but we had the most wonderful, colourful, restful eight days. Everyone at the Royal Haciendas was attentive, informative and fun. We learned so much from them in that little time and couldn't wait to go back!
Surprise visit back
Our wonderful friends had invited some of their family members to accompany them back to Play del Carmen the next year. Then, they invited other family members. In February, they asked if we would be interested in going back with them. Umm, yeah! After a little financial finagling, we were able to snap up some tickets on Frontier that weren't too bad a price and we were on our way back!
We saw such transformation from 2007 to 2008. All the condos in the first "horseshoe" were finished and they'd started on the second. The beach had a spa now and we discovered an amazing drink called a Happy Monkey (pictured). The parties and children's activities were in full swing and they'd put up pergolas with comfortable hammocks for people to laze the days away. The people who work at the Royal Haciendas welcomed us back "home", which was nice and they really go out of their way to make sure that the people who come are happy.
We spent more time getting to know the area - bus tour to Tulum, night life in Playa, parasailing in Puerto Morelos and more. We were sad to learn that La Palapa Hemmingway had closed. We loved finding a couple of amazing street vendors off 5th Avenue and had dinner in a cave! The city of Playa del Carmen was growing, too. It had started out with around 30k full time citizens and had doubled, according to one cabbie. We took the ferry to the island of Cozumel and had fun shopping, eating and seeing the sites. After our apprehension before our first visit, Mexico was now starting to feel more and more like home. The weather is gorgeous, the food is so fresh and we all feel amazingly healthy when we're South of the border.
We saw such transformation from 2007 to 2008. All the condos in the first "horseshoe" were finished and they'd started on the second. The beach had a spa now and we discovered an amazing drink called a Happy Monkey (pictured). The parties and children's activities were in full swing and they'd put up pergolas with comfortable hammocks for people to laze the days away. The people who work at the Royal Haciendas welcomed us back "home", which was nice and they really go out of their way to make sure that the people who come are happy.
We spent more time getting to know the area - bus tour to Tulum, night life in Playa, parasailing in Puerto Morelos and more. We were sad to learn that La Palapa Hemmingway had closed. We loved finding a couple of amazing street vendors off 5th Avenue and had dinner in a cave! The city of Playa del Carmen was growing, too. It had started out with around 30k full time citizens and had doubled, according to one cabbie. We took the ferry to the island of Cozumel and had fun shopping, eating and seeing the sites. After our apprehension before our first visit, Mexico was now starting to feel more and more like home. The weather is gorgeous, the food is so fresh and we all feel amazingly healthy when we're South of the border.
Skipped a year
We skipped going to Mexico in 2009 because our son-in-law was having a graduation at Ft Lewis in Washington State. We, of course, had to go! And we made a vacation out of it. Never having been to the Northwest, I was amazed at all the lush greenery - the trees, the grass, the huge open sky. Seattle was massive and sprawling and beautiful! We, along with our daughter and grandson, flew into SeaTac and found a nice, inexpensive hotel for the night. Since we weren't sure of the time we would arrive, we didn't make reservations for that night. However, we did get on Hotwire and found really nice accomodations for way cheap! We bought a Seattle city pass and went to the top of the needle, saw the Sci-Fi museum, went to the fish market and so much more. It's not anyplace I'd want to live - way too crowded and busy - but, the people were nice, friendly and helpful and all the food we got at local eateries was amazing, and we loved going for a visit!
Back to Mexico
It's now 2010 and this was the year our friends brought their new daughter! They had just adopted her the summer before and it was so much fun to share our vacation with a little one! The Royal Haciendas really roll out the red carpet for children! Since we hadn't been back there in two years, it was amazing to see the transformation from little, cozy home-away-from-home to lovely, sprawling, fun resort! There is now so much to do and see there. Locals come and sell their handmade jewelry, there are pottery and painting classes, pirate games and tug-of-war, an activities centre packed full of entertaining and informative classes. And the kids all have parties to themselves, with Spiderman, pinatas and lots of games and toys.
We also had in our party our friend's little brother, and another brother and family. There were 9 of us that year and the more the merrier! The guys all decided to take Scuba classes and do a dive off the reef. I wish I could have joined them, but they don't let people with asthma or any other breathing issue take the class. Bummer! But, I do love snorkeling, so I consoled myself with floating in the ocean and watching the sealife from above. We love that they video the divers, though, and we got to have a DVD when it was all done.
My friend and I went to the Little Mexican Cooking School (pictured) in Puerto Morelos. It was a half-day class learning all about local drinks and cuisine. The classes are small, and fill up fast, and sometimes they have celebrity guest chefs in the house. The tequila class was interesting and the food was so fresh and yummy! We loved learning new recipes and how to make masa tortillas. Afterward, we all sat around the beautiful table for great food, amazing drinks and fun, lively conversation. Puerto Morelos was so much fun, we went back a couple of days later to walk the soft as a cloud sand beach, shop the fun local stores and eat! It's just over a 15min cab ride from the Haciendas - about 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen, and well worth the side-trip. According to local legend, Jimmy Buffet wrote Margaritaville as a tribute to their little town.
We went back to Cozumel that year, too, and rented a couple of Jeeps at a local agency. After touring the island a bit, we found a restaurant on the far South side that was tucked into the side of a hill, in between a jungle and the beach. They had no electricity, only cold running water, and cooked over coals and flames. They cooked only what they caught from the sea that morning and when it was gone, it was gone. My gosh! That was the BEST seafood EVER! I don't know the name of the place, or even IF they had a name, but the food was exquisite and the atmosphere was so laid-back and fun! We hope to go back someday!
We also had in our party our friend's little brother, and another brother and family. There were 9 of us that year and the more the merrier! The guys all decided to take Scuba classes and do a dive off the reef. I wish I could have joined them, but they don't let people with asthma or any other breathing issue take the class. Bummer! But, I do love snorkeling, so I consoled myself with floating in the ocean and watching the sealife from above. We love that they video the divers, though, and we got to have a DVD when it was all done.
My friend and I went to the Little Mexican Cooking School (pictured) in Puerto Morelos. It was a half-day class learning all about local drinks and cuisine. The classes are small, and fill up fast, and sometimes they have celebrity guest chefs in the house. The tequila class was interesting and the food was so fresh and yummy! We loved learning new recipes and how to make masa tortillas. Afterward, we all sat around the beautiful table for great food, amazing drinks and fun, lively conversation. Puerto Morelos was so much fun, we went back a couple of days later to walk the soft as a cloud sand beach, shop the fun local stores and eat! It's just over a 15min cab ride from the Haciendas - about 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen, and well worth the side-trip. According to local legend, Jimmy Buffet wrote Margaritaville as a tribute to their little town.
We went back to Cozumel that year, too, and rented a couple of Jeeps at a local agency. After touring the island a bit, we found a restaurant on the far South side that was tucked into the side of a hill, in between a jungle and the beach. They had no electricity, only cold running water, and cooked over coals and flames. They cooked only what they caught from the sea that morning and when it was gone, it was gone. My gosh! That was the BEST seafood EVER! I don't know the name of the place, or even IF they had a name, but the food was exquisite and the atmosphere was so laid-back and fun! We hope to go back someday!
2011 Trip South
We again brought others with us this year! In addition to the five of us, my girlfriend's brother and his friend came. I have never seen her brother so very relaxed! Also, we found our new favourite breakfast place downtown near the Mega market. We're hoping to find it again when we go back, as we were really just walking around, taking in the sights. It's a little place with only two walls and all sorts of mismatched furnishings, but the food was wonderful! We stopped in for breakfast - we know it's bad to shop groceries on an empty stomach - and were pleasantly surprised with the quality and quantity of the meals. Plates of homemade bread and watermelon slices were set before us with the menus and when the food came it was heaven on a plate! They had picked the fruit that morning and the chorizo, eggs, potatoes and sauces were as fresh and vibrant as could be! Wish us luck on finding it again this year!
The guys got to play golf at the Royal Haciendas course, which had 9 holes open when we went down. We went to Xcaret and spent the day there - well worth it just for the ambiance alone! It's an eco-archaeological park that has so many interesting and informative sights to see and things to do - way too much for one day alone! Snorkeling in the underground river was fun - yet slightly cold. We got used to it, though and had such a relaxing time, drifting around and weaving our way through the tunnels and caverns. There is a hammock island, where you can go to relax and nap. There's also swimming with the dolphins, which hubby and I got to do. We were able to get into the tank with the baby dolphins. Such a treat! That's something we'll remember forever. When our friends' daughter is older, we hope to be able to treat her to that - she's become such a water baby!
As I write this, it's only one month until we go back! I'm getting so impatient!!
The guys got to play golf at the Royal Haciendas course, which had 9 holes open when we went down. We went to Xcaret and spent the day there - well worth it just for the ambiance alone! It's an eco-archaeological park that has so many interesting and informative sights to see and things to do - way too much for one day alone! Snorkeling in the underground river was fun - yet slightly cold. We got used to it, though and had such a relaxing time, drifting around and weaving our way through the tunnels and caverns. There is a hammock island, where you can go to relax and nap. There's also swimming with the dolphins, which hubby and I got to do. We were able to get into the tank with the baby dolphins. Such a treat! That's something we'll remember forever. When our friends' daughter is older, we hope to be able to treat her to that - she's become such a water baby!
As I write this, it's only one month until we go back! I'm getting so impatient!!
2012 - Maybe our last!
This could very well be our last visit to the Royal Haciendas in Playa del Carmen, and no, I'm not refering to the End of the World prophecies. While a part of me is a bit sad about it, another part of me is looking forward to new adventures farther on South!! Let me tell you a little about this trip, though. Due to a "ticket malfunction" on our part, hubby and I ended up leaving the day before and staying the night in Charlotte, NC. Normally, we fly direct with our friends, however this year, they went to Belize first and we all met up in Mexico. We found a great hotel near the Airport, Comfort Suites, (pictured) which had a free shuttle to and from the airport. The check in went smoothly, the shuttle driver was great, the room was amazing and comfortable and the huge hot breakfast the next morning was a very pleasant surprise! We had to be at the airport at 7am to fly to Cozumel and were able to schedule a wake up call for it.
I can honestly say, I will never never never never fly into the Cozumel airport again. It was a horrid, upsetting, confusing, disjointed mess of an airport. No one knew where to go or what to do; lines were taking forever; people were rude and mean; there is NO way to get through it without going to baggage, even if you haven't checked any bags!
Due to the fact that two of the four of us are currently unemployed, we didn't really spend a lot of extra money this year. However, there really wasn't a reason to. We did go to Puerto Morelos on Tuesday for a snorkeling tour and had a wonderful time! They took really good care of us and the reef and its colourful, vibrant sealife is majestic. Just a real can't-miss type of thing. Our friends' daughter did amazing her first time snorkeling in the ocean. Afterward, we were taken to a private palapa just a few blocks from the beach where a chef and his small team made us a delicious lunch of chicken, fish, rice, refried black beans and butter noodles.
Wednesday was shopping day with my girlfriend! We love going through the little back alleys and finding booths and handicrafts that aren't on the main drag. And, of course, finding good deals in the Pharmacia! I love spending time with her, and just roaming around. We have such similar tastes and she's such a hoot to be with! Thursday was her and her hubby's date night. So my hubby and I picked up a couple of kiddie movies and ordered pizza delivery. Their pizza is really tasty there and is sent to your condo in no time! We had a great pizza-and-movie-night with our little niece and before her parents got home, she wanted to sleep in our bedroom. Since there are two double beds, we got one all cozy for her and put her to bed. When her parents got home, they had a story to tell! They'd picked up our ferry tickets for Saturday, then went shopping on the plaza, then to their favourite restaurant downtown. About halfway through their meal, they realized they'd spent all of their money on other things, and hadn't brought even a credit card with them as back up! The owner of the restaurant was so nice and so concerned, he told them they could drop the money by on Saturday on their way out of town. Seriously - how sweet is that?! So our friends ended up going back to the ferry dock, getting the money back for their tickets, which was the exact amount needed for the food and tip, leaving them no money for a taxi. The owner, again, stated he'd be happy to give them the taxi fare, as well. What an incredibly nice man! They ended up back at the condo just fine, with our friend running into his room while his wife waited patiently with the taxi driver. What a night!
I can honestly say, I will never never never never fly into the Cozumel airport again. It was a horrid, upsetting, confusing, disjointed mess of an airport. No one knew where to go or what to do; lines were taking forever; people were rude and mean; there is NO way to get through it without going to baggage, even if you haven't checked any bags!
Due to the fact that two of the four of us are currently unemployed, we didn't really spend a lot of extra money this year. However, there really wasn't a reason to. We did go to Puerto Morelos on Tuesday for a snorkeling tour and had a wonderful time! They took really good care of us and the reef and its colourful, vibrant sealife is majestic. Just a real can't-miss type of thing. Our friends' daughter did amazing her first time snorkeling in the ocean. Afterward, we were taken to a private palapa just a few blocks from the beach where a chef and his small team made us a delicious lunch of chicken, fish, rice, refried black beans and butter noodles.
Wednesday was shopping day with my girlfriend! We love going through the little back alleys and finding booths and handicrafts that aren't on the main drag. And, of course, finding good deals in the Pharmacia! I love spending time with her, and just roaming around. We have such similar tastes and she's such a hoot to be with! Thursday was her and her hubby's date night. So my hubby and I picked up a couple of kiddie movies and ordered pizza delivery. Their pizza is really tasty there and is sent to your condo in no time! We had a great pizza-and-movie-night with our little niece and before her parents got home, she wanted to sleep in our bedroom. Since there are two double beds, we got one all cozy for her and put her to bed. When her parents got home, they had a story to tell! They'd picked up our ferry tickets for Saturday, then went shopping on the plaza, then to their favourite restaurant downtown. About halfway through their meal, they realized they'd spent all of their money on other things, and hadn't brought even a credit card with them as back up! The owner of the restaurant was so nice and so concerned, he told them they could drop the money by on Saturday on their way out of town. Seriously - how sweet is that?! So our friends ended up going back to the ferry dock, getting the money back for their tickets, which was the exact amount needed for the food and tip, leaving them no money for a taxi. The owner, again, stated he'd be happy to give them the taxi fare, as well. What an incredibly nice man! They ended up back at the condo just fine, with our friend running into his room while his wife waited patiently with the taxi driver. What a night!