Not that I want to torture anyone with beautiful views of the Riviera Maya, but here are some beautiful views of the Riviera Maya just made to torture us at a time we cannot travel…..But seriously, I miss this place!
Secrets Maroma has been a favorite adults-only resort in the Riviera Maya since it opened in 2008. Popular with honeymooners and those celebrating anniversaries, the resort is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (voted as “Worlds Best Beach” for four consecutive years by the Travel Channel). The beach is exquisite with its white sand and azur-colored ocean water, calm waves for swimming, and underdeveloped surrounding area–there are only a handful of resorts (some are not all-inclusive) gracing lovely Punta Maroma.
Experiencing COVID-19 has certainly been an eye opener in many respects. Some issues have been expected but in a more concerted form, some issues are new. With the virus effecting most individual’s travel plans, it brings about the question which gained more exposure in 2016-2017–can individuals be addicted to travel?
Ocean Riviera Paradise resort has a lot to offer families–four main pools, three swim-up bars, 10 restaurants, 12 total bars, separate coffee and ice cream shop, sports bar, theater, disco, bowling alley, casino, spa, gym, and a children’s water park. It’s situated north of Playa del Carmen, so it’s an easy cab ride into town for some additional fun and shopping opportunities.
I was experiencing some nostalgia about Cancun and the beautiful beaches there and knew I couldn’t be alone in that, so I thought I’d post something to remind people of what’s to come!!
This particular Royalton resort has been open since 2015 and has gained the reputation as a great family-friendly place to vacation with a party-like atmosphere (the beach can be less than spectacular, but that is common in the Puerto Morelos area). Within lies a “resort within a resort” which is the adults-only section called the Hideaway . Both sections offer rooms that can be further upgraded which is referred to as the Diamond Club–Diamond Club offers butler service, upgraded in-room amenities, better room locations, etc. (check out the link above).
This adults-only resort is located in the Playa Mujeres area north of downtown Cancun. It’s within easy walking distance to its family-friendly sister resort, Dreams Playa Mujeres. One great aspect about this Secrets resort is that all guests have access to the adjacent Dreams resort–only upgraded Preferred Club guests have access to Dreams’ lazy river, however. Otherwise, Secrets’ guests can use all other Dreams’ facilities including the pools, bars, restaurants, even the water slides. (The easiest way to get over to the Dreams resort located to the south of Secrets is to take the beachfront path).
Here’s a look at the brand new Catalonia Costa Mujeres. While the video primarily features drone shots of the property, there are some pics of restaurants and guest rooms. The video also offers a brief side shot of what I believe to be the new Planet Hollywood which is still being built.
If anyone has a future booking through Bookit.com, please be aware that they have suspended all operations and laid off most of their employees because of the multitude of trip cancellations due to COVID-19. No mention is made whether they will ever be back in business. The 411 is that Bookit has not sent money over to resorts which clients have paid Bookit for the trip in question. As a result, the resort will not let you leave without paying–AGAIN. So, please contact the resort where your booking is at (if you have used this company) and ask them if they have received the money from Bookit. If they have not, you have to make your decision about what you want to do–cancel the reservation in question, cancel and re-book making another deposit directly with the resort, or cancel and use another source to make another reservation. Don’t forget to call your credit card company and dispute the charge if the resort has not received your money.
The Reef 28 is a relatively new adults-only all-inclusive OPTIONAL hotel and spa right in the heart of busy Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya (the hotel opened in 2018). It’s basically a block away from famous 5th Avenue and a long block from the beach with access to Mamita’s Beach Club. This boutique hotel only offers 120 guest rooms, all of which are suites with only two room categories–Jr. and Master Suites with plenty of space (for a Playa del Carmen guest room), but not necessarily the best room views. But that’s the price tag attached if one wants to stay in the midst of the very busy city of Playa del Carmen.