Here’s another in my series of budget all-inclusive resort suite reviews. This time I’m highlighting the family-friendly GR Solaris Cancun, a resort on the east side of the “7” in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. This resort is very popular with families looking for four star resort amenities at a very affordable price.
Photo courtesy somethingoffreedom.com
Here’s another budget, family-friendly all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya which offers great deals many times throughout the year. It’s called BlueBay Grand Esmeralda, and it’s located north of Playa del Carmen. While not classified as a mega-resort, BGE has 979 rooms and suites, three pools (no swim-up bar, however), two buffets and six a la carte restaurants, a sports bar (no A/C), six bars including a beach bar with swings, theater, tennis courts, jogging trail, spa and gym, motorized and non-motorized water sports, and kid’s club. Since the resort is large, it also offers golf cart service to take you around the resort if you wish.
Cenote Suytun, courtesy traveltomtom.net
This is another suite review for those on a budget looking to vacation in Cancun–this time it is an adults-only resort. Don’t let Golden Parnassus Cancun fool you; it may be a smaller and less well-known resort in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, but it has a devoted following. If you’re 30+, on a budget, and are looking for an adults-only resort with a party atmosphere, this may be the resort for you.
I’ve been on a cenote binge lately. Here’s a short video of one of the most famous cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula, Ik-Kil Cenote which is close to Chichen Itza. If you’re doing it independently, be sure to get there early because some Chichen Itza tours plan an afternoon stopover at Ik-Kil.
Cenote La Noria, courtesy Sandra Salvado and Boundlessroads.com
Looking for more affordable all-inclusive resorts in Cancun? Here’s a family-friendly all-inclusive optional resort just north of downtown Cancun on the way to Playa/Costa Mujeres beach areas. It’s the All Ritmo Cancun Resort and Waterpark (which used to be called Sea Adventure Resort and Waterpark); it changed its name two years ago, but most of what the resort has to offer has not differed in any significant manner.
I found a good article on how planning future travel plans or even thinking about travel can improve one’s mental health. The article sites research studies done to support its premise which is one reason why I found it to be interesting. Based on a 2014 Cornell University study, some major mental health benefits involved with planning future travel included the pleasure of anticipating an experience, the pleasure connected with discussing one’s travel plans with others (increased social interaction makes one feel better), and the pleasure involved in a more optimistic outlook on life (I have a future/something to look forward to). If you want to read more about the article and its associated links, click here.
I love drone videos, they give such a great overall picture of an entire resort or area. The video below highlights Tulum, a small but very popular town on the southern edge of the Riviera Maya. There are two all-inclusive resorts in/nearby Tulum–Kore Tulum is approximately three miles south of Tulum proper, while Dreams Tulum is a 10-minute drive north of the Tulum Ruins and the town. The location of these all-inclusives makes it easy for guests to take in both the ruins and enjoy what Tulum has to offer in an easy day trip.