If you’ve decided to stay at an all-inclusive resort, the next decision to be made for booking purposes concerns whether or not to upgrade your resort experience. Many all-inclusive resorts offer upgrades these days–the terms “Premium”, “Preferred Club”, “Privilege Club”, “Elegance Club”, “Excellence Club”, etc., typically connote the opportunity to purchase more amenities and services. The question is, is it worth it?
When Hyatt took over Secrets Silversands, they not only renovated the resort but they also added a water park. The water park is comprised of two sections–one for little ones with smaller waterslides, and the other section with lengthier waterslides for both kids and adults. The water park is located on the south side of the resort.
Xavage Park was one of the Riviera Maya’s last parks to open in 2021 (it opened in 2019, but COVID shut all parks/ruins for awhile due to COVID). If you haven’t gone yet (like myself), it’s supposed to be an adventure park with various rides and experiences for vacation fun and getting exercise while having fun. If the word “exercise” hasn’t yet put you off, read on…
I ran across this Tulum documentary and thought it was eye opening in several respects. I did not know that some reportedly “eco-friendly” hotels in Tulum have diesel-run generators in the back of the hotel, but I did become aware of reef-safe sunscreen a while ago and now take some along on vacation to this area in small, TSA approved containers. While Tulum itself does not have many all-inclusive resorts (I think there is one in Tulum proper), there are plenty of “day-trippers” who may want to know how to take it easy on the environment while visiting.
For those of you curious about the new Hilton Cancun’s pool and beach areas, here are two very short videos highlighting what to expect if you decide to book this resort.
While Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun officially opened to guests in Sept. 2021, there were some amenities and services that were not yet available to vacationers. Christine Turner, a Canadian travel agent, made her second trip to the resort and has posted a short video updating resort information.
Tired of Ultramar ferries? Looking for an additional ferry company operating between Cancun’s Hotel Zone and Isla Mujeres? Grupo Xcaret announced that starting Dec. 27, 2021 two new ferry ships will be taking passengers from Km. 4.6 in Cancun’s Hotel Zone (by Oasis Palm resort and Cancun’s Scenic Tower) over to nearby Isla Mujeres. The cost for tourists will be $18 USD o/w and $25 USD round trip p/person. The price includes free admission to the nearby Scenic Tower. Ferries leave Cancun every hour from 9 a.m. with the last ferry leaving Cancun to the island at 7 p.m.
The latest Xcaret attraction, Xibalba Nature Reserve, was originally scheduled to open Dec. 2020 but got delayed due to COVID. Its latest opening date is supposed to be sometime in June 2022 with a capacity reported to be 2,000 visitors. Xibalba is located by the city of Valladolid in the central part of the Yucatan Peninsula fairly close to the Chichen Itza ruins. In fact, many Chichen Itza tours include a stop at Valladolid either before or after visiting the ruins. Count on tours or private drives to take a couple of hours from Playa del Carmen to reach this destination.
Here’s a quick video of an example of the beautiful suites at the brand new La Casa de la Playa in the Riviera Maya. This boutique resort has only 63 suites and is located next to Hotel Xcaret Arte which just opened several months ago. While the resort’s website still states that the opening date for La Casa de la Playa occurred on Dec. 13, 2021, I’m still not positive that its doors are currently open for business. I will do more checking to find out and post another resort video tomorrow.
Want a very quick review of Hotel Xcaret Arte? The video below is one of the best short videos (and in English) that I’ve seen of this adults-only (age 16+) resort. Arte is so similar to its sister resort, Hotel Xcaret Mexico, a resort which I absolutely loved, I would expect this new one to be every bit as exquisite.