My last blog post was about the spider monkeys at Sandos Caracol, so I decided to do a suite review of the resort as well. Sandos Caracol is a well-regarded eco-resort located just north of Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya. It has close to 1,000 guest rooms and is very spread out, so be prepared to walk. The good thing about its size is that guests get to experience nature since only 30% of the resort property has been developed–this factor results in frequent spider monkey sightings since parts of the resort are situated in the middle of the surrounding jungle and mangrove sections. Animals also seen on the grounds include agoutis, the ever popular coatis (watch it, they will steal your food if you’re not careful), and let’s not forget the local cats (strays here have access to food, water, shelter, and veterinary care since Sandos works with Coco’s Animal Welfare). The resort has a Mini-Farm (a small on-site petting zoo) with donkeys, chickens, and rabbits, but personally I’d much rather seek out the chance encounter with monkeys.
Sandos Caracol is privileged to have an on-site cenote which is accessible to guests; swimming and snorkeling is permitted, so technically you don’t have to search for a cenote outside your resort to get this genuine Riviera Maya experience. In addition, the resort offers guided tours around the resort–guided walks and guided kayak tours through the mangrove forest, for example, as well as activities that guests can do on their own. Those who want to have some water fun besides swimming in the cenote can enjoy Sandos Caracol’s very large water park with slides for both kids and adults.
Beach lovers may or may not have a good beach experience while visiting; the beach itself tends to be rocky, but if there hasn’t been excessive erosion and the sargassum problem is negligent, you should be able to thoroughly enjoy the beach area.
Guest rooms at this resort are divided into three basic areas–the Family Section, Select Club Adults-Only, and Royal Elite areas. Family Section rooms are snaked all over the property, while the Adults-Only section is located in the heart of the resort closer to the lobby and the cenote. Royal Elite guests have their rooms closer to the beach. Each upgraded section has their own specific amenities including private pools, beach sections, room amenities, even restaurants in some cases, but if you want something a bit special in room amenities, check out the Penthouse Suite in the Select Club Adults-Only upgrade. Here are its amenities:
- balcony Jacuzzi
- Penthouse Suites are on upper floors so you get a better view
- separate bedroom with king bed and sliding door for privacy
- suite category can sleep three
- 24-hr. room service
- large bathroom and shower
- additional resort amenities include private check-in/out, private pool, private beach section with Bali beds, access to the oceanfront clubhouse, and access to La Jungla restaurant.
Check out this video of the Select Club Penthouse–what do you think? Would you stay here?