Description: We rolled the dice and went to this timeshare during hurricane season and got lucky with the weather. There was usually a shower in the morning or afternoon - but only had to change our plans once due to the weather.
Our vacation goals were to relax and hang out, spend some time at the pool and at the beach, and do some snorkeling.
The staff was excellent - kind and hardworking. Our rooms were visited by housekeeping twice a day (!!), poolside staff was attentive but not intrusive. You can tell from Google Earth that the pool is huge. Because it was off-season we had no trouble getting the beds that they have positioned near the pool - fresh sheets and shade. Add a good book and it was heaven.
We had dinner at the poolside restaurant once and it was crazy good. Should have made a meal out of the tamales that were our apps. Mostly we ate in the room - smallish fridge - minimal cooking gear - did have a blender and a coffee-maker. But pretty typical for timeshares - nothing more. As long as you stuck with the 2 for 1 drink specials (happy hour and one drink on special each day) - poolside drinks were reasonable. Mattresses were as firm as you could imagine - actually pretty hard - only criticism of the room.
Grounds were well-kept... almost too well-kept. No bugs - lots of bug spray and insecticide. Not eco-friendly by any stretch- but we didn't see one mosquito. Also no trash, nice walks, scrubbed pools..
The beach was beautiful, clean, groomed- and if you are looking for a view this was perfect. Unfortunately, the beach was rocky and the red flag flew every day (no swimming). So if you like to be able to take a dip in the ocean - you are going to have to have a car - about 20 minutes to the nearest public beaches.
The snorkel trip from the dive facility at the resort would be good for beginners - as they make you keep on a life-vest and stick with the group. If you are an experienced snorkeler - this is just annoying. I'd skip it. On the up side - there were plenty of fish, nice coral, etc.. at the site they visit.
Our favorite restaurant was in Playa del Carmen - La Cueva del Chango - we had the attention of about five waiters, the food was excellent with fresh, local ingredients. The location was in a clever little part of Playa del Carmen. Highly recommend it! http://www.lacuevadelchango.com/
We rented a car and it was really worth it - mostly because we ate in the room. The little grocery store at the resort was super expensive - beer almost twice what you'd pay at the Playa del Carmen Grocery store (again, typical for a resort). Also got you to local beach. But also to get to nearby beaches. Important to see the Turtles in Puerto Morelos at public beach - rent a locker at the dive shop and you can use their facilities. We drove to the ruins at Tulum early in the morning and were able to beat the bus crowds. Once the throngs unload - you don't want to be there.
We'd go back!
JMo
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