Viva Mexico!
I was very lucky to find myself on a familiarisation trip to this fantastic country and got to visit eleven hotels that are very popular with Irish holiday makers.
Our trip started at Gatwick airport where we boarded our flight with Virgin Atlantic to Cancun. The journey time was around 10 hours and taking into account the time difference we arrived into Cancun that afternoon. We were greeted with glorious sunshine and very hot temperatures which certainly put us all in a great mood!
I was in Mexico for seven nights and spent the first four nights at the Dreams Riviera Hotel and the last three nights at Secrets Maroma. There are many different Dreams and Secrets hotels located in Mexico and I was fortunate to visit all of them. I also visited the Now Sapphire and the Now Jade Hotel and the incredible Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Hotel which I shall explain about in detail later. Unless you are staying in downtown Cancun all of the hotels along the Riviera Maya are quite isolated and therefore have amazing on-site facilities. The quality of food at all of the hotels is second to none and the choice is incredible. As all of the hotels are sold on an all-inclusive basis I was especially impressed with the cuisine and choice. In some parts of the world all-inclusive standards are not especially high but in Mexico they are excellent.
All of the hotels have a different style to each other and will suit different people. For example the Dreams Riviera is a luxury traditional hotel with a modern twist that will suit both families and couples alike. The Secrets Silversands hotel is adults only but is extremely modern with clean lines and white furniture. Secrets Capri and Maroma are also both adults only but have a more traditional feel to them. The beach at Secrets Maroma is simply stunning and is recognised as having the worlds best beaches by the travel channel. I was surprised by how warm the sea water was, it was like stepping into a bath!
Zoetry Paraiso De La Bonita is a very special and unique hotel. It is a boutique property with 90 luxury suites which are all dotted throughout the grounds. Originally built by a prominent Mexican architect as a private residence this luxurious and intimate hotel has a very homely feel about it. All of the suites have a different theme and are named after a country that the owner has visited. They are lavishly decorated in different styles and some come with a private plunge pool with direct access to the beach. Many famous celebrities have stayed at this hotel as it is very private and exclusive. It is very quiet so perhaps not suitable for everyone.
Outside of the hotels and beaches there are many places to visit. These include the ancient Mayan ruins at Tulum, Xcaret ecological park, Chichen Itzia, various water parks, the vibrant town of Playa Del Carmen and of course should nightlife be your thing then a visit to Coco Bongos nightclub is a must.
My seven days in Mexico were amazing (and exhausting!) I got to visit so many different hotels and cultural sights which has certainly opened my eyes to everything that Cancun and the Riviera Maya have to offer. If you are planning a holiday to Mexico I would be delighted to hear from you and assist you in choosing your ideal hotel.
Mexico, I shall return!