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!
How to Avoid Being Scammed In Mexico–Some Tips
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?
New Xavage Park Opens
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 Cuts Several Isla Mujeres Crossings

Ultramar Ferry, courtesy visitroo.com
How to Navigate Xcaret Park
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.
New Security Measures for Isla Mujeres Ferry System
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.
AM Resorts To Re-Brand Several Oasis Hotels and Resorts
AM Resorts (re. Secrets, Now, Breathless, etc.) is going to take over two Oasis brand resorts–Grand Oasis Sens will become Now Emerald Cancun, while Grand Oasis Tulum will become Sunscape Akumal Beach Resort and Spa. Renovations will be done and the rebranding is supposed to take effect June 1, 2019.
New Adults-Only Section at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort
The plan is still on for the new adults-only section of the Barcelo Maya Grand resort to open either this Dec. 2019 or Jan. 2020. Those who visit the wonderfully informative site of Unofficial Barcelo Maya take note–there is a newer entry dated Dec. 2018 by Phil in Ottawa (look in the discussion section) that has recent pics of what the construction looks like. If you haven’t yet registered to post/respond in the discussion section, it is worthwhile to do so since you can then ask questions and get info from vacationers who have spent multiple trips going to this resort and are quite knowledgeable.
TRS Coral Hotel Loft Suite Video
I recently returned from the new TRS Coral Hotel in the Costa Mujeres area north of downtown Cancun. While I am writing up my resort review you can take a look at a video of the room category I stayed in–a beautiful Loft Suite. What do you think, would you stay in this suite?
TRS Coral Hotel Ticks Most Adults-Only Boxes
Adults looking for more luxurious, upscale allinclusive options in Cancun and the surrounding area should check out TRS Coral Hotel, part of the brand new Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres resort complex located north of downtown Cancun. TRS Coral is already a member of The Leading Hotels of the World which is quite rare for a new hotel. The resort is comprised of three sections including the general Grand Palladium section, Family Selections section, and the TRS Coral Hotel (adults-only). TRS guests can choose to spend their entire vacation in their adults-only section, or they can explore the entire Grand Palladium property. While TRS guests have access to the entire resort, adult guests staying at the Grand Palladium section cannot access the TRS section. Adults staying at the upgraded Family Selections section also have access to TRS Coral Hotel amenities including complimentary Chic shows. The current resort is just Phase 1 of construction, look for an even larger resort when it is fully completed.