
Jungala Luxury Waterpark

Jungala Luxury Waterpark
I thought I’d have some fun and post my top two Cancun/Riviera Maya allinclusive resort picks in the following categories: Best Overall, Best Adults-Only, Best Family-Friendly, Best Value, Best Spa, and Most Romantic. I would love your comments if you agree or disagree and your reasons why. There is a “Leave A Reply” section following this post; if you are new to responding to my blog there may be a wait time since I review all replies prior to posting. Here we go!!
I am back from a week-long mother-daughter trip, caught up on backlogged work projects, and ready to resume my blog writing!! I found some info concerning new resorts in practically everyone’s favorite Riviera Maya destination–Tulum. Tulum has always been known for its pristine beaches and laid-back Mexican vibe; however, while it has fabulous beaches, renowned beach parties and bars, and wonderful Mexican food, its primary accommodation offerings run the gamut from expensive boutique hotels to casual beach hotels that only offer the basics (some don’t even offer A/C). The nearest allinclusive resort is approximately five miles from Tulum proper (Dreams Tulum), and that resort was completed back in 2000.
I found a FB (Facebook) page which gives satellite information on the sargassum situation in Cancun/Riviera Maya. Given the satellite pics, there is a huge amount of brown algae headed into the Riviera Maya area in the next few days. If you want to keep track of this type of information, you will need access to Facebook. In the FB search box/bar, type in Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo Cancún. Hope this helps for those of you wanting into about the algae situation prior to your vacation.
Here’s a new map of the Barceló Maya Grand Resort with the addition of the new adults-only section (Barceló Maya Riviera) which is scheduled to open Dec. 2019. 850 rooms, four pools, five restaurants, five bars, a new convention center, plus access to the rest of the entire resort. I’m going late Feb. 2020 and staying in a swim-up suite–can’t wait to see it and the rest of this great resort. I have my favorite hangouts which I discovered on my trip here July 2018, and looking forward to adding more favorites to my list!
I found a very helpful blog, Two Expats Mexico, which is chock full of great info. Here’s a video they put out on how to avoid being scammed while visiting Mexico–I thought it gave some very necessary reminders. What do you think about the info Paul presented?
Grupo Xcaret officially opened its newest park, Xavage, April 15, 2019. It is located approximately 5-10 min. south of the Cancun airport and is intended for ages 5 and up. The park includes six major activities including kayaking (Crocodile), an intense ropes course (Howler Monkey), zipline (Hawk), fast jet boats with wild careening turns of up to 180 degrees (Dragonfly), white water rafting (Barracuda), and an SUV/large jeep traversing various obstacles (Puma).

Ultramar Ferry, courtesy visitroo.com
Xcaret Park is one of the most popular destinations in the Riviera Maya with approximately one-third of all vacationers to this area spending at least one day, if not more, visiting its vast 200 acre grounds. Xcaret Park is located just south of Playa del Carmen (a 45-50 min. ride south of the Cancun airport) and has great road signage–you cannot miss the exit off the main road if you are renting a car. I visited the park when I was a guest at Hotel Xcaret Mexico with the resort’s “All Fun Inclusive” plan; in translation, this means that I didn’t have to pay anything extra to enter the park since my hotel stay already included the price of admission. There is even a separate entrance to the park for Hotel Xcaret guests.
Be prepared for “red light/green light” security procedures prior to boarding the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. Starting April 1, 2019, passengers will be subject to a random search of their belongings using the antiquated system once very popular at the Cancun airport–push the button and get a red light, your belongings are searched prior to boarding. Get a green light you are good to go. Authorities are contemplating using the same procedure when taking the ferry from Isla Mujeres to Cancun.