Another All-Inclusive Optional–The Fives Oceanfront

Here’s a newcomer to the Puerto Morelos hotel market–The Fives Oceanfront is an all-inclusive optional, family-friendly luxury boutique hotel located on the outskirts of Puerto Morelos in the Riviera Maya.  There are several “The Fives” resorts, so be careful if you decide to book since you may wind up staying at the wrong hotel/resort.  It became kind of confusing when Karisma removed their name brand from Azul Fives Resort a couple of years ago (that resort is now rebranded as a “The Fives” resort), but that’s a different blog post.

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New Video of Catalonia Costa Mujeres

If you’re interested in how CCM looks these days now that it’s been open for a bit, take a look at the video below.  Meanwhile, here’s a few facts about this resort: Continue reading

Interested in Catalonia Royal Tulum?

I’ve decided my next solo trip will include a stay at Catalonia Royal Tulum which is located an hour drive south of the Cancun airport.  It is a bit south of Barcelo Maya Grand resort, if readers know where that mega-resort is located in the Riviera Maya. CRT is a smaller adults-only all-inclusive with a great beach which was the deciding factor for me and my next Mexico vacation.  I may do Planet Hollywood Cancun later on in the year, but am still on the fence about that resort since I think it would be a much better resort experience without COVID affecting amenity limits/closures.

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Grotto Bar and Lazy River at the New Planet Hollywood Cancun

I thought this was an unusual amenity, so I decided to post a quick video I found which highlights both the Grotto Bar and the Lazy River at the brand new Planet Hollywood Cancun.  I’ve only run across one other resort grotto bar and that was at Dreams Playa Mujeres.  This one looks like you can float right up to the bar in your lazy river flotation device!  That will come in handy during Cancun’s hot summer months where you literally want to live in the water while on vacation.

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Another New Secrets Addition…

Repeat guests to Breathless Riviera Cancun will notice that some parts of the resort are no longer available to them…what used to be the more quiet Xhale section on the south end of Breathless has now become the new Secrets Riviera Cancun with 164 suites, one private restaurant, Rosewater, which serves “Gourmet International Cuisine”, and a private pool and beach section.  Secrets guests have unrestricted use of the entire property, while Breathless guests cannot cross over to the Secrets section.  There are now two separate check-in areas given the new property setup.  I do appreciate the fact that one can now directly book all oceanfront swim-up suites throughout this resort; before the Secrets addition it was not clear how to do so in certain resort sections.

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What’s Your Impression of Catalonia Royal Tulum?

Has anyone stayed at this resort?  If my Kauai vacation doesn’t work out for May I am thinking of booking Catalonia Royal Tulum for a larger group of individuals.  Seems pretty low key but in a great jungle setting with a beautiful beach (Xpu-Ha).  Just down the road from Barcelo Riviera Maya mega-resort with nearby cenotes.  Anyone been to Coba ruins leaving from this area of the Riviera Maya?  I’ve been to Chichen Itza and want to climb a pyramid this time.  Juan (my new go-to private driver for vacation excursions from FriendsTravelCancun) tells me he can take my party anywhere in Cancun and the Riviera Maya so I will be using him for transport as needed.

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A Look at Bahia Principe Grand Tulum–Post Renovations

Bahia Principe Grand Tulum recently reopened following a months-long closure for extensive renovations.  The Tulum section is family-friendly and part of the mega-resort, Bahia Principe Riviera Maya.  There are videos now being posted on social media of actual guest stays showing the new renovations. Here’s a quick review of the property with views of various places on-site.

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Dreams Riviera Cancun Governor’s Suite Video

I recently stayed at Dreams Riviera Cancun resort located just outside of Puerto Morelos in the Riviera Maya (resort review yet to follow).  There’s not much out there  showing the actual suite’s amenities, so I made a video of the room for those interested in this room category.

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Video of Dreams Natura Spa Tour

While I’m not exactly a spa-type person, I do appreciate a beautifully designed, serene space.  The spa at Dreams Natura is just such a space.  It is innovative in that this spa includes several areas and amenities that are not typically included in your all-inclusive resort spa experience. Here is how it’s different and worth experiencing for yourself: Continue reading

PC Jr. Suite OV at Dreams Natura–It’s Video Time!

Interested in what the rooms are like at the relatively new Dreams Natura?  Here’s a video I made of an upgraded Jr. Suite with an ocean view.  Balcony Jacuzzis at this resort signal a room upgrade.

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