04 May 2008

Goodbye paradise, hello reality…

It’s Sunday and I’m very reluctant to return to work tomorrow after spending a blissful week in Margaritaville.

Mexico was amazing and so much more than I expected. Sadly we didn’t get out to see any of the huge ruins or pyramids because neither of us relished the idea of going on an 8-hour bus tour; our main goal was to unplug and relax without having to adhere to someone else’s schedule. Luckily, however, we did manage to see plenty in and around the resort and Playa Del Carmen. One of the huge benefits about our resort was that it is attached to the Xcaret Park and we were given free one-day admission and tickets to the Mexico Espectacular evening show. The park is an interesting mix of nature reserve, adventure centre and cultural/historic site. We enjoyed the park so much that we decided to return a second time; it’s difficult to take in the full slate of attractions in only one day. I could go on forever about what we did, but that would be ruining the surprise. It’s definitely something to see and discover for yourself if you’re ever in the region.

Aside from Xcaret Park and a shopping trip in Playa, we spent the bulk of our time at the resort. We stayed at the Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret and it far exceeded my expectations. The resort was huge, yet we never had the feeling of being crowded. Rather than the typical beach strip with huge concrete buildings and apartment towers in Cancun, this resort felt very secluded, almost as if it simply grew out of the jungle. If you are looking for a huge stretch of white sand beach and a crazy nightlife of partying adolescent behaviour, this is not the place for you. If you’re looking for a relaxing resort that is original, immaculate, lush and tropical, then book for tickets now! I cannot even attempt to adequately describe how beautiful the grounds are. The main lobby and atrium are unlike anything I had ever seen, all open concept with a river running through it…almost like a little slice of Venice placed right in the heart of the jungle.

Perhaps the best way to summarize my vacation in Mexico is through photos. While my pictures cannot serve the place full justice, they hopefully capture some small amount of the spirit, beauty and fun of our time there. Enjoy!




















Main atrium looking down river



















Palm thatched roof of our casa



















River at the resort; it runs directly into Xcaret Park



















A romantic dinner at El Pescador..best Snapper ever!



















Getting into the spirit































Having fun with the staff of Senior Frogs, Playa



















La playa































A Ginger, trying to get some colour...





Guacamaya Roja...my favourite birds!



















Hanging with the Mayans



























Hubby sporting the "real" mexican sombrero



















Colourful Mexican cemetery



















Honouring the deceased


































Bird lady. The green macaw seriously enjoyed being rocked like a baby.























Hola!



















Mayan "Hip Ball" court




















Iguanas everywhere!




















Snorkling area at Xcaret




















Climbing ruins

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