Shocker–Does Anyone Else Not Know That Conrad Tulum Is Currently An All-Inclusive Optional Resort???

I literally was shocked the other day when I discovered that the infamous resort name brand “Conrad” currently has an all-inclusive optional meal plan in place until the end of 2026 at Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya (some past reports claim it ends by Nov. 1, 2026, while other sources state that it ends by Jan. 1, 2027).  Conrad Hotels (and now Resorts) has always been synonymous with luxury details and accommodations, great food, and upscale everything.  There are still vacationers who would never expect Conrad to offer an all-inclusive plan because they still associate all-inclusive resorts to have bad food, weak drinks, “less than” everything in comparison.  Some of that may be true at select resorts, but the last several years there definitely has been an upswing in select all-inclusive resorts offering Michelin star chefs, luxury stays, and the most updated amenities for their guests.  My guess is the Conrad is doing a test run to see how financially successful they are with the temporary addition of the meal plan and decide from there whether they are going to extend it further, perhaps make it a permanent addition, or cancel it and go back to making it a totally European meal plan like before.

Continue reading

Thinking Of Doing A Last Cancun Trip For 2025…

I’ve been seriously contemplating doing a solo Cancun trip for 2025–I stayed at Riu Caribe and SLS Playa Mujeres in January, then did another trip in July staying at the Iberostar megaresort complex in the Riviera Maya, now I’m thinking of a late fall trip to some cheaper resorts since my travel budget for the year is almost in the red.  It’s been a difficult year emotionally for me and it looks like it won’t get any better and Mexico calls when I need a recalibration and reset.  (Actually, Mexico always calls to me no matter my mindset, lol).

Continue reading

An Unusual Resort Amenity For Foodies And Lovers of Seafood…

Does the thought of dining on fresh fish cooked to order over open flames appeal to you?  It certainly does to me, and nothing better to eat while on vacation. I can remember dining this way while staying in the Greek islands many years ago and jump at the chance to relive the deliciousness of this type of dish when vacationing elsewhere–like in Mexico while staying at an all-inclusive resort, of course.

Continue reading

Family Of Five+ Friendly Resorts–Villa del Palmar Cancun

Here’s another idea for larger families who want to stay together in basically the same space while vacationing.  Check out Villa del Palmar Cancun, an all-inclusive OPTIONAL resort (so be careful when booking or you may wind up with a European meal plan and have to pay a lot extra when checking in…).  This beautiful resort has 415 rooms, suites, and residences from which to choose, 5 pools, 5 restaurants, 6 bars, a garden spa on-site, plus a children’s water park which actually consists of inflatables located within the ocean.  This resort is also located close to the ferry pier to Isla Mujeres, so that is another plus for staying here.

Continue reading

Villa del Palmar Cancun Finishes $25 Million Renovation…

For those of you not familiar with Villa del Palmar, it is an all-inclusive optional resort in the Playa Mujeres area north of downtown Cancun.  Tafer Resorts has three adjacent properties right in this location–Villa del Palmar, Garza Blanca Cancun, and the brand new Hotel Mousai Cancun.

Continue reading

Garza Blanca Who???

Now here’s a family-friendly luxury all-inclusive optional resort you don’t see advertised that much–at least, I don’t.  Garza Blanca Cancun is located at the beginning of the Playa Mujeres area north of downtown Cancun; it’s right next to Villa del Palmar, another all-inclusive optional resort, and guests of Garca Blanca Cancun have access to Villa del Palmar so you have a stay at one play at two resort experience.

Continue reading

Looking To Find A (Mostly) Sargassum-Free Resort This Summer?

It’s that time again, when you have to worry about how much sargassum will wind up on your resort’s beach for your summer vacation.  If you want an opportunity to reduce your chances of having your beach experience ruined by summer sargassum, read on…

Continue reading

Fairmont Mayakoba Offers An All-Inclusive Optional Meal Plan…

For those who do not already know, the luxury Mayakoba complex in the Riviera Maya consists of several well-regarded resorts–the Andaz, Banyan Tree, Rosewood, and the Fairmont.  While Rosewood and the Banyan do not offer all-inclusive packages, both the Andaz and the Fairmont DO offer all-inclusive packages.  Well, they are sort of all-inclusive packages, but read on to determine whether or not they are all-inclusive enough to be worthwhile for a stay.

Continue reading

Kore Tulum–A Boutique Resort Often Overlooked

While Kore Tulum Retreat And Spa Resort has undergone an “identity crisis” within the past 5-10 years, it looks like it’s finally on the right path as an adults-only all-inclusive optional boutique resort.  With only 91 guest rooms and suites, this resort is actually located within the Tulum area making it incredibly easy to explore the art museums, stores, and beach clubs which have made this town a “must see” when visiting the Riviera Maya area.  Kore Tulum provides complimentary bicycle use as well as bicycle tours of various nearby attractions, including downtown Tulum, which takes out all of the guess work or advance research guests may choose to do in order to maximize their time away from the resort.

Continue reading

All-Inclusive Resorts With Easy Access to Tulum and Playa Del Carmen

As i promised with my last post on deciding whether to visit Tulum or Playa del Carmen, here are the all-inclusive resort options with the easiest access to these very popular Riviera Maya towns.

Continue reading