Viva Mexico!

Cancun and the surrounding areas of Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Morelos and Tulum have always been a popular request, especially with honeymooners. After being fortunate to get an opportunity to explore the area, its attractions and a variety of its hotels I can now see why. When exploring Cancun and the very popular hotel zone, it is easy to see why this area has become so built up and many large hotels are located here. The beach is stunning with turquoise colours of the sea against the white sand. The great shopping and nightlife also attract many people each year.

After sampling a mixture of ten hotels within the AM resorts group, the biggest surprise I found in Mexico was the value for money within their ever popular all-inclusive resorts. The quality and standard of the accommodation, facilities, and in particular food and drink did exceed my expectations. I was not expecting a la carte menus, such a wide variety of restaurants, great wines and proper cocktails. The spa facilities were amazing and, in the resorts which cater to children, the facilities were exceptional. I cannot wait to bring my own children to experience the kids clubs and would highly recommend this part of Mexico to other families. The value you get in accommodation standard, kids clubs, food and drink is difficult to find in Europe.

Personally I absolutely loved the brand new “Secrets the Vine” which has recently opened as an adult only resort. It is very modern, contemporary and sleek. The hotel offers gourmet food, wine tastings, infinity pools and a state of the art gym to name a few features. All are set on a white powder beach. For me it would be the ultimate adults’ only getaway. However if being in a built up area is not your idea of a great adult getaway and you love the beach, my top suggestion would be to stay at the “Secrets Maroma Beach Resort”. This is by far one of the most popular honeymoon resorts, set on the world famous Maroma Beach. Facilities include swim out pool rooms which make this the perfect resort for a stunning honeymoon.

If swimming at the beach is not a priority for you then I would highly recommend the “Secrets Silversands” adults only property. Their beach is a little bit rocky in places but they more than make up for this in the atmosphere and standard of its facilities. I loved the contemporary feel of this hotel and its rooms were some of my favourites. For a completely different experience “Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita” is an intimate, luxury boutique experience. It gives the feel of staying at a very luxurious personal home and prides itself on personal attention to detail. It attracts celebrities and those who appreciate a more private, unique holiday experience.

On my next visit to Mexico I intend to bring the family to “Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort”. I loved the layout of this resort and the rooms were stunning. I know my kids would enjoy the fantastic kids club which operates from 9am till 10pm - giving my husband and me plenty of time to swim in pool, lie in the beach hammocks and have a drink on one of the unique beach bar swings.

I cannot spend an entire holiday by the pool or beach so this is one of the reasons Mexico suited me perfectly. There is a wide variety of activities and excursions. I would recommend the Mayan Ruins at Tulum, really interesting with a great beach you can swim at. Xcarat is an eco-archeological site providing over 53 activities to enjoy. The whole family could spend a couple of days here and I particularly enjoyed swimming in one of the natural underground rivers. My highlight of the trip was Coco Bongo’s, perfect for those who enjoy a good night out. Described as Mardis Gras, New Year’s Eve and Paddy’s Day all rolled into one, it’s not just a nightclub but an experience!

There is definitely an area and resort to suit most people’s summer holiday needs in the Cancun area so please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to find the right spot for you.