Get Reconnected and Recharged

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I just returned from an unbelievable one-week vacation in the Riviera Maya. My fiancé and I were really looking forward to a chance to spend some quality time together. Our hectic (and completely opposite) work schedules make it almost impossible for us to see each other throughout the week. We figured the only way to catch-up was to hop on a plane and head somewhere warm. Not a bad plan, if you ask me.

We knew we wanted Mexico. We knew we wanted an amazing beach with everything included, and though we look forward to having a family in the future, we knew we wanted an Adults Only resort.

Lucky for us, all signs pointed to Secrets Maroma Beach.

We wanted to make this a special trip so we couldn’t skip out on the necessary extras. We started the vacation off right with Preferred Perks. We had incredibly convenient and comfortable seats in the second row with more seating room – is a must for my 6’4” amigo. Being among the first off of the plane, we zipped through customs and by the time we reached the baggage carousel our luggage was already waiting for us. We grabbed it and headed outside to our private transfers. If you have never used private transfers before, you must do it. If you don’t believe me – try it, just once, and you will see the incredible difference it makes in your trip. We made it to beautiful Maroma Beach is about 30-minutes. To be fair, I purposely left my watch at home, so give or take a few minutes.

Ok, I have to be completely honest here. We have been to a few adults only resorts in the past, usually for short stays and we have always had a great time; but I was wondering “can we really just gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes for an entire week?” Rest assured there’s no other face in this world I would love to stare at more, but for an entire week? Speaking in hushed voices, tied at the hip and using pet names for eight days straight is just not our style. We want the romance but we like to have fun too, and I was nervous that there wouldn’t be enough options for us. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

The resort was incredibly elegant, romantic, and the service was unbelievable. It managed to be all these things and yet still comfortable. From the moment we arrived we were able to really relax, have fun and most importantly, spend time together. Our week was spent so many different ways. We laid on the beach and soaked up the sun, met new friends at the beach bar, dined at amazing and intimate restaurants, even watched the Eagles game at the outdoor Sports Bar (which in retrospect, we probably could have skipped that week). We even participated in activities hosted by the Entertainment Staff – a bit out of character for us. One night we hopped in a cab and headed into Playa del Carmen for a fabulous dinner and some shopping, and the next day we took a fantastic snorkeling excursion in Puerto Morelos. We were able to make our romantic getaway 100% suit us.

It was by far the best vacation we’ve ever had. It was so hard to leave after only one week, but we came home reconnected, relaxed and ready to tackle reality again. And naturally we’re already planning our next trip back!

Final Riviera Maya Hotel Reviews

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iberoFinal hotel reviews from our Florida sales rep, Everton, from his recent trip to Riviera Maya.

Iberostar Paraiso del Mar – This is the entry-level property of the Iberostar complex.  They are standard rooms, which are colorful and well maintained.  The grounds are beautiful. Room service is offered from 11am – 11pm.  King-bed rooms offer a shower only while double-bed rooms offer a tub with shower.  A-la- carte dining does have restrictions at this resort and reservations are required.

Iberostar Paraiso Maya – This resort features all junior suites and it is located in the center of the Iberostar complex.  The resort offers 24-hour room service with no restrictions on a-la-carte dining.  This resort also features a Lazy River and wave pool! The hotel is perfect for families.

Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso – This is an adults-only LUXURY Resort!  310 junior suites with butler service! 4 Specialty Restaurants and 24-hour room service! The resort exudes a feeling of luxury and opulence!  * Note  – There is a huge shopping area on site at the entire Iberostar complex for all resorts. The complex even offers a Catholic Church.

Riu Playacar – The hotel offers 386 standard rooms and 2 Restaurants. It does have sharing privileges with the Riu Yucatan and the Riu Tequila.  Perfect for someone looking for a “smaller” resort.

Riu Palace Mexico – This resort hosted us and we received great service and amazing food.  The hotel has 434 junior suites, 6 restaurants, 2 pools, a swim-up bar and golf nearby.  I thoroughly enjoyed the food and the service!  Beautiful beach and it is close to Playa del Carmen!

Where to Stay in Resort Destinations

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090714_wheretostayBeing able to conveniently get around while on vacation is key for a fun and relaxing vacation for me and my wife. However, we also want to stay in the most beautiful areas of the destination, which can sometimes be off the beaten track. You need to do a lot of research or ask your travel agent to get the best of both worlds. I’ll give you some tips on where to stay in some of the most popular destinations.

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Nightlife in Playa del Carmen

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Pez Vela Bar & RestaurantOne of my favorite spots to visit when I’m vacationing in the Riviera Maya is 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen.  Most hotels offer a complimentary shuttle, or you can take a taxi or local bus.  On my most recent visit to Riviera Maya, I stayed at the Iberostar Tucan and the taxi ride only set me back $5.  5th Avenue is a great place to visit for shopping or a few drinks during the day, and it is even better at night when many of the nightclubs come alive.

I enjoy having a few drinks and people watching.  My favorite spot for daytime fun is a corner bar called Pez Vela.  Pez Vela is located just a short stroll from the main shopping plaza on 5th Avenue and Calle 2.  But I have to say, my favorite feature at Pez Vela are the bar stools.  Well, they’re not exactly stools…they’re swings.  You can swing at the bar, have a few drinks, watch sports on the big screen TV or, if you’re not too dizzy from the swings, you can play a game of pool.  The drinks are reasonably priced and the food is good.

Pez Vela is a fun casual place to enjoy your day or to take a break from shopping.  It opens early in the morning and is usually busy until around midnight.  So next time you’re in Playa, be sure to stop by and go for a swing.  Who knows… I just might be right next to you.