in Puerto Morelos. We rented a house so we weren't at any of the resorts, but I loved it. The Desire Resort was just south of us, so we walked by it many times, and it looked spectacular.
I believe the hotel was built in 2018 and as such featured very impressive grounds and amenities. It's an upscale all-inclusive resort tailored to families and couples, much different than the typical Spring Break Cancun experience. We really enjoyed it.
To Bubba's point, its somewhat similar to Disney in that there are a handful (5-7?) of theme/nature parks owned by the Xcaret group, of which hotel guests are granted free admission and transportation service to each. It adds more of an adventurous angle to an otherwise luxurious vacation.
Was an amazing trip. I was on a bachelor party with some friends. We stayed at Papaya Playa Project. Very cool bohemian vibes. Totally in the elements.
There is still a big seaweed problem. I did not even go into the ocean once.
Party scene was great and tons of stuff to do for families too. It was a little too hot/humid for me but other than that I have nothing but positive things to say.
I went to Cancun/Tulum/Playa del Carmen in November.
I didn't like Cancun. Extreme overweight boomer energy. Beaches are nice and there are a few nice things to do. But blah.
Tulum was great. The cenotes, Chichen Itza, the ruins. All great.
Playa del Carmen was nice but blah. I'd rather spend more time in Tulum. There's a great restaurant called Alux with bats in it that you should go to if you do go.
We enjoyed our stay, went snorkeling and boating and made it t a couple of the market places. I wanted to go back, but read that the crime lately has gotten out of control so we haven't gone back.
As I stated earlier we go at least once a year. The crime issue is overstated. Sure there is gang activity but it is rarely inside the city limits. Granted my wife and I are a little older and do not do the night time club scene. The major resorts and their excursions are extremely safe. In addition to their own security the feds regularly patrol the beaches. Like any city in the world, US included, just got to use common sense when traveling.
I’ve been to all of those: Cancun, Akumal, and Playa del Carmen. All good but I’m not a Cancun guy. Too spring breaky. The others are good. Go to Xcaret or Xel-ha, fun places.
But for the most relaxing, check out Isla de Mujeres. Island a short ferry away. We stayed at Hotel Mia Reef. It’s like on its own private mini-island on the island. It was nice, food good, beautiful beaches. Was there in ‘19. There’s a nice town you can walk to, go fishing, diving, etc.
The water was pretty much unswimable when I went down there a couple of years ago
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Xcaret is fun. It is a nature park. Has animal exhibits, swim with dolphins, dinner show etc.
We found the ruins at Chichen Itza to be more historic than Tulum's. But Tulum is a nice town to visit or stay as well.
To Bubba's point, its somewhat similar to Disney in that there are a handful (5-7?) of theme/nature parks owned by the Xcaret group, of which hotel guests are granted free admission and transportation service to each. It adds more of an adventurous angle to an otherwise luxurious vacation.
There is still a big seaweed problem. I did not even go into the ocean once.
Party scene was great and tons of stuff to do for families too. It was a little too hot/humid for me but other than that I have nothing but positive things to say.
I didn't like Cancun. Extreme overweight boomer energy. Beaches are nice and there are a few nice things to do. But blah.
Tulum was great. The cenotes, Chichen Itza, the ruins. All great.
Playa del Carmen was nice but blah. I'd rather spend more time in Tulum. There's a great restaurant called Alux with bats in it that you should go to if you do go.
But for the most relaxing, check out Isla de Mujeres. Island a short ferry away. We stayed at Hotel Mia Reef. It’s like on its own private mini-island on the island. It was nice, food good, beautiful beaches. Was there in ‘19. There’s a nice town you can walk to, go fishing, diving, etc.