Feel Like Royalty at Mayan Palace

The giant swimming pool of 8,000 square meters is truly awesome, but you feel like Cleopatra, lounging on a double bed shaded by a palapa, complete with clean linens, pillows, and a bolster under your knees. The two swim-up bars offer two for one happy-hour drinks several times a day while whirlpools, waterfalls, and fountains of warm water help massage tired muscles.

When we wanted to sightsee, the concierge was available to arrange tours to Chichen Itza Mayan ruins, Xcaret ecopark, nightclub tours, and other popular destinations in the area.

Quick Tips:

Although we generally like to do our own thing, we thought the guided tour to Chicken Itza was well worth the cost because of the information, historical background, etc. that made the visit so much more meaningful. Our guide was not only knowledgable, but also very funny.

The food at the resort was a bit pricey, as were groceries. We were glad that we brought some basics such as cereal, coffee, peanut butter, and easy to prepare packaged side dishes. After a full day of climbing pyramids we enjoyed a simple meal in our unit rather than going out to eat.

Best Way To Get Around:

With more than two people, it would be advantagous to rent a car. The shuttle from the airport cost per person one way. The very comfortable bus service along Hwy 307 to Cancun and Playa del Carmen was about . Everyone was glad to accept US dollars, so we never even changed our currency. If going to Tulum, Xcaret, or Chichen Itza, a car would eliminate the need for paying for a tour bus, and give more flexibility. In addition it would be easier to stop at a large supermarket for groceries. Otherwise you will do a lot of walking (not that there is anything wrong with that).

The unit was luxurious, spacious, well-decorated with marble floors, tropical colors, and comfortable furniture. The TV had CNN and programs in English. The balcony was too small to sit on and had no ocean views, only on-going construction at this time. The pool area was amazing. Rocky beaches.

The Del Lago open-air restaurant was under a giant palapa (thached roof) and offered a different buffet every night: Italian, Caribbean, Mexican etc. We went on our first night at the resort for the surf and turf. The buffet had a nice variety of salads, the lobsters were overpowered by the smoked flavor of the grill, the beef was fine, but the desserts were fabulous! A Julio Iglesias-type vocalist entertained but each evening had different shows.

The next day we went to the breakfast buffet which had a very large variety and even made-to-order omelets, French toast and waffles. A much better value for the cost than the dinner.

Lunch or early dinner could be enjoyed at the fabulous poolside under the shade of an umbrella. The Balche Snack Bar and Grill offered a variety of sandwiches, fajitas and salads. The portions were generous and priced modestly. The service was prompt and courteous.

For indoor dining, the Tumtah Restaurant also served a variety of foods from pizza to seafood specialties at reasonable prices.

This is a full-day activity. Arrive early and leave late. Take time to relax along the way. There is lots to see and do. Sea turtles, manatee, an aquarium, Mayan culture tours, voladores, a museum with Mayan city models, a Mayan Village with pre-Columbian dances, and lots of photo opportunities abound.

You can check it out on the internet at . There is a nice restaurant and snack bars available. We got a boxed hamburger and chips at the beach. Cold beer is available everywhere. Don't miss the evening show.