Cancun When It Sizzles!

The Cancun Beach is 15 miles of some of Earth’s purest, powdered coral. Unlike quartz sand, the Cancun beach feels cool to your feet no matter what the temperature.

The warm, turquoise, crystal clear waters here were called “the best in the world” by no less an authority than Jacques Cousteau hisself.

Europeans and Americans alike will be flashing boobs on many of the beaches in spite of the “No Topless” signs.

The topless scene stirs up plenty of controversy with the “Rotoplas”, and hotel security will on occasion caution their delinquent guests. In any case cover-up when leaving the beach unless you’re staying at the Temptation Resort Spa (“adults only”). A culture so close and yet so very different, Mexico has much to teach about “freedom”…and hypocrisy (prostitution is legal, topless is not).

Mexicans are proud of their “Macho” culture, where the girls are told one thing and the boys are encouraged to do the opposite. Maybe that explains why half the Latina teens in the U.S. are pregnant.

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The Gran Bahia Principe Coba Resort is one of three 5 stars properties that include the Bahía Príncipe Akumal and the Gran Bahía Príncipe Tulum. The commercial and entertainment center “Hacienda Dona Isabel” is a major part of this huge complex. From the Hacienda you can catch the Collectivo (public transit) for $3US to Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Xel-Ha, and Xcaret.

The Coba resort offers 2 free form pools that combine to form a lagoon with a separate area for children, a huge open-air Jacuzzi, a large solarium with beach chairs and sun shades, towel services at the pool and beach, five tennis courts, a full service water sports center, a full service gym, gift shops that also offer emergency supplies, and meeting rooms.

The Gran Bahia Principe Coba has 1080 Junior Suites rooms (with Jacuzzi) distributed in 3 story villas of 36 rooms each. Six rooms are disabled accessible. All rooms are furnished with 2 full-sized or 1 King-Sized bed, air conditioning, full bath, hairdryer, satellite TV, direct telephone, private safe ( extra charge), mini-bar and balcony or terrace.

The main restaurant (international buffet) serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The “Speciality Restaurants” include Mediterranean (fish and seafood), Gourmet (French), Japanese, and Italian cuisine. The Snack Bar is open 24 hours with fast food (soft drinks only after midnight).

All air-conditioned, the property’s speciality restaurants offer three (3) a la carte dinners per week (with reservations). The three property complex has a total of 10 restaurants to choose from including Japanese, Mexican, Grill, and Oriental.

Get your buzz on at 2 swim-up bars, the Jacuzzi Bar, the Amphitheatre Bar, the Lobby Bar, the Snack Bar, the Piano Bar, La Plaza Mayor Bar and the Sport Bar located in the Hacienda Dona Isabel. Unlimited local drinks are available at all hotel’s bars until 11.00 pm.

Rooms are spacious and comfy. The jacuzzi is welcomed after a long flight. The mini bar is checked and refilled everyday. The beds are reported to be very firm. The air conditioning sometimes works too well.

The Gran Bahia Principe Coba Resort beach has something for everyone, waves, calm waters, sand, shells, fish, beach chairs and shaded areas. The Coba resort is certainly everything you’d expect at an all-inclusive – beautiful grounds, lovely pools, plenty of booze, lots of food. The rooms are immaculately clean and the minibar well stocked with soft drinks, chocolate bars, water, and beer. Champagne and a basket of fruit welcome return visitors.

Although quite a distance from the Airport, it is in a very good location for off-site activities such as the archaeological sites. The huge shopping area of Play del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue, Akumal (ruins and beach), Xel-Ha (water park), and Xcaret (zoo, swimming and heritage park) are all within a half an hour by taxi or collectivo (public bus). Xel-Ha is an all-inclusive water park great for snorkeling. Don’t book at the hotel. Save yourself money and just take a 10 minute taxi ride, and pay at the entrance gate. No need to bring towels or food. This includes food and drinks at about three different restaurants, lockers, fresh towels, inner tubes, kayaking, and snorkel gear. Everyone gets a new snorkel that you can keep and take with you.

Chichen Itza is a World Heritage archeology site, about two hours from the resort – one of the “New Seven Wonders” of the world. Akumal is close by (25 minutes), with good swimming below the ruins. Take a taxi ($15) or a collectivo ($2) and pay an entrance fee $5/person?) at the gate. Xcarat is a large park/zoo, with swimming, a butterfly exhibit, and a popular night show – good for all ages. The ferry to Cozumel is $40 US return for two. It is a 30 to 40 min. trip.

This is a huge complex, and even after a week you will still be discovering new and different places to have a drink. You may feel overwhelmed at first, and it will definitely take a few days to get your bearings. Once settled in, take the tram around the three resorts just to get a feel for the place. There are three resorts in the complex and you have access to the amenities of all. You can walk from the Coba to the Tulum is about 20-30 minutes. From Coba lobby to the beach or Akumal lobby is 10 minutes, or you can take one of the many trollies to any part of the properties.

A common complaint is that the property is too big. You can meet people one day and really connect, and never see them again the whole week. Numerous shuttles take you throughout the complex including the beach, Akumal and Tulum areas. It is very exciting for the kids to catch the train and look for “baby dragons” (iguanas are everywhere). It takes a while to learn where the trams are going. But they are handy and will take you to the pools, restaurants, beaches, and right to your front door. Keep a map of the resort with you.

Many of the restaurants and buildings are designed like Mayan pyramids. Each lobby has a fountain, gorgeous granite and marble floors, glass doors to the buffets, huge tropical flower arrangements. Book your ala carte reservations immediately after check-in.

Rooms come with sitting area with couch. The bathrooms are marble and tile with a huge Jacuzzi, and each room has its own balcony. You’ll like the comfy bathrobes and slippers. The beds are reported hard even with a mattress pad, which is furnished upon request. The in-room safe is $5.00 per day ($50 for the duration). If you question the charge, they may “recheck” your reservation and inform you that the safe is actually included in your package. This is standard procedure in Mexico, and you will be charged the “Gringo Price” for everything.

Per week you are allowed 3 a la carte restaurant reservations. The rest of the week you may dine at any of the many buffets on the Gran Bahia properties. The Brazilian grill (La Tortugas) is rated exceptional, with the carvers performing their art with swords and machetes. You many also experience the Mexican cuisine at the (La Tequila), and the Japanese (the Mikado) which is usually the most popular. There are also 2 Italian, a Seafood, a Mediterranean, and 2 Gourmet buffets. The public relations director recommends going to the Mikado restaurant last. It consistently gets the highest ratings of the resorts with excellent food, great atmosphere and very entertaining show put on by the chefs. The entertainment staff goes nonstop dancing with the guests and forming conga lines through the restaurants. Book your ala carte reservations immediately after check-in, or take your chances.

Wet your whistle at any of 21 bars. Serve yourself pina coladas and strawberry margaritas in the Coba buffet bar. The bars are everywhere – snack shacks, in the pool, at all the hot tubs, on the beach, in the lobbies, and in reception (check in/out). There’s live music in various locations. The Golden Club lobby is reported to have the premium liquors, but they are usually stashed behind the cheap stuff so you have to ask for it. Tip the bartenders at the pool bar early in your visit, and they will bend over backwards for you the rest of the week. Bring a thermal mug for your drinks – it saves you a lot of trips to the bar. Avoid the Tequila bar first thing in the morning, if you have any plans.

The shopping center, Dona Hacienda, is on the property and easily accessible by trolley from the Coba or Tulum lobby. It opens around 10am and closes around midnight. You can buy anything from souvenirs, mosquito repellent, bracelets, and sunscreen. There is also a medical clinic and a pharmacy. Tulum Extreme tour begins at 8am and provides a days worth of entertainment, repelling from a tower, ziplines, and snorkelling in a cenote. After lunch it’s back in the van and off to Tulum ruins, an hour or so of shopping, a bit of exploring, a walk on the beach and then back to the resort.

There are 2 Gran Bahia Principe Coba pools, a quiet one with swim up bars, and an activities pool with an energetic activities staff offering numerous fun and games. At the main Coba pool you’ll find comfortable cushioned lounges for relaxing. Get involved in water volleyball, aqua exercise, yoga, spanish lessons and numerous contests. The snack bar is always open for burgers, hot dogs, fries, chicken nuggets, fried fish, salads and fruit. There are 3 pools at the Tulum property (the Tequila restaurant pool is for “Club Members Only”) and 2 at the Akumal complex. The “animation team” conducts activities from 10am till 3am with pool parties, dance lessons and/or karaoke till 10pm, then a show every night at 10pm at the Coba, and 9pm at the Tulum and Akumal. After the show there is live entertainment at the Hacienda till 12am when the disco opens.

The Gran Bahia Principe Coba is positioned behind Bahia Principe Akumal and is not what you might consider “beach front”. Walk 5 minutes to the beach (or take the tram), rent mask and fins for 10 bucks. Swim out 50-100 yards and you are in coral reefs with schools of fish, sea turtles, barracuda, manta rays, etc. The snorkelling is fantastic on the small reef which lots of colorful fish and interesting sea life inhabit. Kayaks are fun and free. Crocs are ideal for wading in the rough coral. Relax at the Swing bar, watch the surf and, of course, have a drink.

Using your cell and room phone can be expensive at $6 a min. The cheapest option may be to buy a Global Link prepaid phone card at the gift shop in the lobby for $10 that gets you 45-60 minutes or $20 for 100-120 minutes to the US and Canada. Use the lobby house phone. Press the “operator” button below the keypad, and tell the operator that you want to make a call with your Global Link phone card. You will be prompted for the phone card number (the one you scratched off on the back of the card). Then, simply enter the phone number.

One of the reasons that you may choose this resort are the “Kid’s Clubs”. There is one at Coba and one at Tulum. They have organized activities and tons of crafts. They even take the kids swimming each day at 11:30. The Clubs are air-conditioned and there are even beds (not just cots) with Disney character blankets for the kids to nap on. Kids often don’t tolerate well “day-long” fun and sun. However, the resort is very “kid friendly”, and you’ll see lots of toddlers and children.

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The Bahia Principe Tulum Resort complex consists of two 5 star hotels (Principe and Akumal) and the commercial and entertainment center “Hacienda Dona Isabel”.

All of Bahia Principe Tulum resort’s 1295 rooms have two single beds or one king-size bed, air conditioning, telephone, cable TV, a balcony, fully fitted marble bathrooms with bathtub and shower, mini-bar, and room safes.

Play on a mile long beach of sugar-sand and windex-hued Caribbean surf just 45 minutes south of Cancun. Some guests comment on the “rocky” nature of the beach and “rough” waves. The lifeguards post “red flags” when conditions are considered unsafe. But, there’s always lots of action to be had in the pools, and it gives you break from the salt water! There is a huge checkerboard setup and hammocks on the beach, and the kids still can play in the sand. When the guards post “green flags”, it’s back into the surf! Snorkelling gear, kayaks, boogey boards, catamarans, life jackets etc. are all readily accessible right on the beach.

The beach directly to the east of the Akumal side is coral and rock. The beach is sandy from the point east of the Akumal lobby all the way to Los Olas beach bar on the Tulum side. But, there are many rocks scattered in the water.
The ocean floor gently slopes out for a long distance. You can walk out a fair way with the water only up to your waist. The wave action is quite vigorous; a lot of people enjoyed getting bashed about by it. I only remember one yellow-flag day – the rest were red. There are a number of palapas along the beach, but in order to get one, you have to stake a claim by 7:30 am every morning. By 9 – 9:30 am all palapas are gone.

The least rocky area of the beach is in the middle, where Tulum and Akumal meet. Bring water shoes and you won’t have any problems. Play in the waves during “red flag” for a good workout. When the flag is green – go snorkeling. You’ll see countless fish of every color and type. Feeding the “peces” will attract schools that cover you in little, fishy kisses. The kids will love it, too!

Take advantage of the kayaking, windsurfing, catamarans, scuba diving, bikes for use within the hotel’s confines, 3 lit tennis courts, 2 nearby golf courses, badminton, football, basketball, volleyball, aerobics, and horseback riding. Visit the popular attractions at nearby Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel.

Reserve your boats and kayaks first thing in the morning before they book up for the day. All operations shut down during “red flag”. Don’t pay to snorkel. From Akumal you can swim to the sea turtle reserve from the beach.

The Bahia Principe has a swimming-pool in the form of a lake with a special children’s area, a giant open-air jacuzzi, sundeck with sunbeds and sunshade, private beach, mini-club, an amphi-theatre that hosts nightly shows and entertainment, a water-sports centre, gym, boutiques, and a large convention center.

The beach and pools fill up with bathers, so get there early, find a spot and put something down to “stake your claim”. This is the well-known “towel game”. The resort discourages this but everyone does it anyway, and so will you, if want anywhere to sit at the beach or at the pools. The pools are by many accounts colder than the sea.

Guests will include Italians, French, Germans, Spanish, British, Portuguese and of course Canadians and Americans – all enjoying a Caribbean holiday. You will meet some interesting characters and make some new friends!

Each site has a theatre with general entertainment 5 or 6 nights a week. Thursdays at the” Hacienda” is the Mexican Fiesta. The cost is 160 pesos per person. If you book the Oriental restaurant for that evening you won’t have to pay.

Bahia Principe Tulum cocktails are always nearby at any of several bars. And, the five gourmet restaurants, each with a different style and atmosphere. On fiesta night, the buffets serve tacos al pastor, pollos asados, tamales, churros, and a host of other traditional Mexican dishes.

You are allowed three meals per week in the a la carte (reservation-only) restaurants. Frutos Del Mar is Akumal’s seafood restaurant which includes grilled mussels, scallops, shrimp, a sliver of lobster, and salmon. It gets good ratings. Gran Tortuga service is reported to be slow. Arlequin is the popular “French” restaurant. The service and food get the highest ratings by guests. You may choose to start your meal with an hors d’oeuvre like amuse bouche of sorbet, and then move on to the appetizers. Or perhaps a cold avocado soup. Entrees include lamb chops, salmon, etc.,. Dessert may be a fantastic chocolate cake with Grand Marnier sauce (Mexican “postres” are very rich and sweet).

A Note on Steak: It’s always a mistake to order steak in Mexico no matter what the description and photo on the menu indicate. Mexicans hardly eat steak, and beef (res), to them, is a paper-thin slice of cow called “Milanesa”. Mexican beef is not Angus, Hereford, etc.,. It’s more of a “longhorn” very lean, with absolutely no marbling, and tough as shoe-leather. So, it’s sliced thin (almost transparent), pounded to smithereens, and fried. It’s great for sandwiches (“tortas”) and tacos, but it’s not “steak”.

The Bahia Principe Akumal Tulum complex is huge and spread out. A lot of walking is involved. Many guests enjoy “strolling” the paths of lush, exotic vegetation. And, there are shuttles that will whisk you to anywhere on the grounds you care to go. Buildings 65, 66 and 67 have direct ocean views. Buildings 47 and 49 are closer to the main pools and theater bar. The Golden Club is further from the lobby and that means more walking unless you are going to wait for a handy trolley.

When leaving the property for shopping, exploring, tours, etc., take the white vans at the front of the hotel. The cost is $2 per person instead of $30 for a cab. You will have to wait until they fill up with enough passengers. A little patience can save you some bucks. Remember that almost every thing in Mexico is negotiable (for sale).

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Akumal Sea Turtle Diving Resort in part of a huge vacation complex that includes the Bahia Principe and Coba resorts. It is situated on a reef-protected bay, between the clear blue Caribbean and the lush Yucatan jungle, 70 miles south of the Cancun Airport.

Akumal (“place of turtles”) Resort was formerly a large coconut plantation accessible only by boat until 1958 when it became the headquarters for the Mexican underwater research project (CEDAM) exploring sunken Spanish galleons on the many nearby reefs.

With visibility of 200 feet, and extraordinary underwater life, these reefs provide some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world (so said Jacques Cousteau). Diving is without a doubt still the main focus, although the search for sunken treasure is almost abandoned.

Situated on the edge of the jungle, this is a vast plant and animal kingdom with many species still undiscovered. Birdwatchers “flock” here. An interesting time to come is from May to June when Akumal hosts its most famous visitors. Several varieties of sea-turtles migrate to these clear warm waters and serene beaches to lay their 70,000 eggs and mingle with the tourists. It’s great family fun and the off-season rental rates make for a bargain vacation!

November to February are the busiest months; with vacationers enjoying the perfect waters, clear skys, warm days and cool nights. You’ll find an abundance of restaurants, bars, grocery stores, gift shops, dive shops (of course), money exchange, laundry service, and travel agency. The regional bus system is an excellent and inexpensive means of travel, running every half hour.

Arrival at the Akumal Bahia Principe complex may leave you feeling overwhelmed. This resort is huge! However, the ever-present shuttles will quickly deliver you anywhere on the property. In spite of the trams, you’ll still be doing a bit of walking. The villas are set up in a tidy, orderly fashion, and roads/paths wind their way through lush vegetation to connect them, and many guest enjoy the “strolls”. Iguanas run rampant!

The complex hosts a Mexican Fiesta every Thursday night at the Hacienda Dona Isabel for 160 pesos per person. The Akumal side of the resort is some distance from the Hacienda Dona Isabel, the large shopping and entertainment complex. Sign markers say it’s half-a-mile away. The weather is freakin’ hot and humid, and expect to be sweat-soaked if you decide to “hoof it”. This is, after all, tropical jungle.

The chefs make paella pool-side in a massive paella pan. Try the Tequila restaurant on the Tulum side or the Arlequin gourmet international on the Akumal side. Although, there are usually quite a few youngsters accompanying their parents, you won’t see much of them during the day, as they are kept busy with the kids club. Mariachis play in the lobby on some nights and in the main buffet restaurant on Mexican night.

The main buffet is the Riviera with breakfast of waffles, pancakes, eggs, fruits, pastries, bacon, potatoes, etc. Lunch and dinner offer beef, pork, chicken, pasta, fish, salads, potatoes, rice, mexican, fruits, pastries. Not five star quality in spite of what the brochures say (maybe 4 stars?). In Mexico there is no “truth in advertising” laws, so take ads with a “grain of salt”.

Scotiabank supplies the only ATM on site, that being at the Hacienda Dona Isabel. But seeing as the thing has an external card reader you may prefer banking at one of the Scotiabanks in Playa del Carmen. The hotel front desk charges a fee to change dollars.

The hotel offers a shuttle service to Playa del Carmen twice a week for $7 per person per trip. Skip this and just get to the highway. A colectivo (ruta, servicio, plain old local bus) will take you to and from PDC for less than $2 dollars per person. Use local transport from the main road and save some pesos. Twenty peso gets you to almost any nearby town. If you speak or look “Foreign” it is automatically assumed that you are American and you will be charge a “Gringo price”.

The Akumal “activity” pool is rated best pool in the whole resort complex. However, if it’s relaxation you’re looking for, this is not the pool for you – go to the main Akumal pool or to one of the other properties. The activity pool had something going on constantly. There is water aerobics, water volleyball, beach volleyball, bingo, dance lessons, spanish lessons, and pretty much anything else you can think of.

The resort maintains luscious tropical vegetation and sparkling, marble floors. The maintenance staff follows you everywhere, picking up your cigarette butts and empty drink glasses. The maids are all expert at forming interesting towel animals for your enjoyment. Mini bars are kept well stocked with snacks, sodas and cervezas to enjoy while sitting on your balcony. Spa services include massage and pedicure.

A night arrival to the resort is impressive, with a huge, tastefully lit lobby area, and Champagne and OJ at check-in. You now feel that you are really on vacation and ready to be pampered.

Buildings #47, 48 and 49 face the back of the bar/amphitheater get a bit noisy. Building #66, with more deluxe rooms, is literally on the beach, and usually booked up. Villa 65 is a great location. It is beach front and just far enough from all the action to be quiet, but close enough to walk everywhere.

It is tricky getting the catamarans out between the reef and big rocks, so you should know how to sail.

Six or seven different, fresh juices welcome you every morning, eggs made to order, freshly grilled meats and seafood at lunch and dinner, pasta made to order, and of course traditional Mexican cuisine. There is a different country-theme each night for dinner, giving you more choices. The a la carte restaurants are fancier with extra service and menus (alcohol is not included).

The “quiet” pool is especially popular with the guests. It incorporates a lagoon-like layout that affords a bit of privacy. The “activity” pool is set to music, fun and games, with the animation staff orchestrating a full range of things to do (if that is what you prefer).

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Cozumel Diving services range from first-class to rag-tag with over 150 service providers on the island as well as along the Yucatan coast.

Talk to the Cozumel diving boat operators. You should feel confident of their expertise and professionalism.

Begin with a shore drift dive from your beachfront hotel. Ask the dive shop where are the entry and exit points, and carry a dive flag. Check out your gear, brush up on your skills, and find your buoyancy control point.

If you don’t care for a diving certification take one of the snorkel catamarans. For $18 you can rent one of the smaller glass bottom snorkel boats that leave right from the pier.

The number one mistake of “newbies” is carrying too much weight. Ask your Cozumel diving master for help in selecting the correct weight (weightless sweet spot) for buoyancy control.

The shallows or “coral gardens” at 20 to 40 feet are filled with patch reefs and coral ridges rich with tropical fish. Some near-shore reefs can even be explored as shore dives from Cozumel’s waterfront hotels.

Follow the leader (dive master) and maintain visual contact with your dive group at all times. The dive boat will be following the group’s bubble trail. Don’t be the “Lone Ranger”. Stay within safe diving limits. Closely monitor your gauges and air supply. It’s easy to loose track.

The Palancar Reef‘s towering coral pinnacles are a maze of tunnels and canyons located 40 to 70 feet deep.

The “walls’” drop of 3000 feet separate the men and women from the boys and girls.

Cozumel diving sites closest to the “drop-off” tend to have the swiftest currents and the greatest amount of marine life (from 6 foot Morey eels to Volkswagon sized Grouper).

Cozumel diving waters are crowded. Remember to raise your hand as you surface. Then spin on the surface looking for traffic. It’s better that your hand than your brain gets turned to “fishfood” by a twin Evenrude.

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The Costa Maya (Mayan Coast) is the last undeveloped section of the Yucatan Caribbean lying between Tulum and British Honduras (Belize). Say “goodbye” to the McDonalds and Walmarts of Cancun.

The Mexican government is rapidly building highways and airports, and delivering telephone, and electrical services to Costa Maya.

The main highway (307), south of Tulum, slowly veers inland; but one can continue along the coast on poorly maintained dirt roads (4-wheel drive recommended).

Many foreign developers have begun to buy large tracts of the area; anticipating the interests of vacationers, retirees, and those seeking virgen beaches, escape, and an aternative to crowds and civilization. At present, however, there are many coastal properties with absolutely no development, waiting to be explored and exploited.

The Palancar Reef (second longest reef in the world) provides a natural barrier to this stretch of Mexican coast, and a home to over 500 species of fish, many varieties of coral, conch, sponges, anemones, and the sea turtles that nest on these shores.

The quaint indian villages of Majahual and Xcalak, further south along Costa Maya, are departure points for scuba diving the “Chinchorro” atoll, birdwatching, and sport and fly fishing. A ferry operates from Chetumal (has a Holiday Inn) to Xcalak. Both Majahual and Xcalak have airstrips.

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Secrets Capri Resort Spa, located 35 minutes south of Cancun on the Riviera Maya, offers 288 guest rooms in three categories; deluxe, junior suites, and 1-bedroom presidential suites, with a private concierge on each floor. A majority of the rooms provide full views of the Caribbean Sea.

All Secrets Capri suites and guest rooms feature a king-sized, queen or double beds, private and furnished patio or balcony, full marble bathrooms with a jetted whirlpool bathtub and separate shower. All rooms have personal controlled air conditioning, direct dial telephones with internet data port, satellite TV, and electronic safe.

This is not your ordinary all-inclusive. Here there are no buffet lines or house brands. The 5 air-conditioned, gourmet, a la carte restaurants offer Mediterranean, Continental, Seafood, and Asian cuisine. All Secret Capri restaurants feature smoking and non-smoking areas. Reservations are not required. 24-hour room service is also available.

Secrets Capri Resort offers a wide variety of beach, land and water activities throughout each day, including kayaks, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, water aerobics, fitness, jogging, billiards, beach volleyball, tennis, squash and more.

Your comfort is paramount at Secrets Capri Riviera Cancun and personal concierges on each floor take every guest into their care. Luxuriate in effortlessly elegant accommodations featuring every convenience, from marble bathrooms with Jacuzzis to stocked mini bars, 24 hour room service, satellite television, internet access and CD/DVD players.

Each of our 288 air-conditioned rooms is delicately appointed with fine fabrics, tropical hardwoods and Travertino marble floors. Furnished patios or balconies frame breathtaking ocean or garden views. Spacious junior and presidential suites offer up to 1900 sq. ft. of space.

Room amenities include: private and furnished patio or balcony, full marble bathrooms with a jetted Whirlpool bathtub, a separate shower, water closet and double vanities, equipped with phone and sound speaker, bathrobes & slippers, 27″ satellite television, air-conditioning with in-room climate control, sound system with in-house music channels, CD/DVD player, direct dial telephone, high speed internet data port, alarm clock, electronic in-room safe, coffee/tea maker, a mini bar stocked with beer, soft drinks, juices and water.

The 5 Star Secrets Capri is destined to be one of the regions most distinctive and lavish resorts. Bordered by sugar-white beaches and the brilliant, crystal clear Caribbean Sea, this tropical oasis truly embraces beauty and splendor.

Surrounded by lush gardens, the spacious 1500 m2 swimming pool graces the centerpiece of the property with swim-up pool bar, outdoor Jacuzzis and both pool and beach waiter service.

Those who favor more energetic pursuits will appreciate our state of the art cardio conditioning facility and fitness center. A full range of cardio-vascular machines, free weights, treadmills, lifecycles, step machines and aerobics classes help your body reach its fullest potential and a post-workout pause in the sauna, steam room, whirlpool or plunge pools is its welcome reward.

Hailed as the Riviera Maya’s newest spa culture, this unusual jewel is situated in an outdoor, lush, tropical garden setting and epitomizes the Secrets Capri Spa experience of romance, indulgence and rejuvenation. Whirlpools feature cascading waterfalls that allow guests to lie in warm shallow mineral water while water jets penetrate the skin.

Also located in the Spa Garden is the Treatment Casita Facility, comprised of two Couples Treatment Suites and three individual treatment rooms.

Found in the indoor section of the Spa are private Vichy and Swiss Showers, Jacuzzi baths and five additional treatment rooms. A relaxation lounge, saunas, steam rooms and private showers are also available in the indoor section.

The Spa combines hydro-therapy and indigenous treatments creating a refreshing, invigorating and peaceful experience. Spa pedicures, spa manicures and spa facials round out the services and are all available in the resort’s full service salon.

The Spa at Secrets Capri exclusively offers Pevonia Botanica face, body and spa care products and treatments. The Pevonia line contains no alcohol, lanolin, mineral oil, artificial color or artificial fragrance, and is strictly noncomedogenic. Pevonia’s full range of ecologically-balanced products provides the most nourishing, natural ingredients the earth has to offer.

Secrets Capri Resort Spa stands well apart from the ordinary all-inclusive. No buffet lines, house brands or overbearing staff. Instead, a la carte service of the finest food and beverages, a superior selection of amenities and a team of professionals who make your comfort their only concern.

Savor a fusion of flavors in 5 air-conditioned, gourmet, a la carte restaurants offering Mediterranean, Continental, Seafood and Pan-Asian cuisine. Chefs use the freshest local ingredients and the finest imported delicacies to make every meal a harvest.

Enjoy freshly-caught lobster in the water’s-edge seafood restaurant, accompanied by premium brand wines and spirits. Of course, 24-hour room service is also available. All restaurants feature smoking and non-smoking areas; no reservations required.

Secrets Capri Resort offers a wide variety of beach, land and water activities throughout each day, including kayaks, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, water aerobics, fitness, jogging, billiards, beach volleyball, tennis, squash and more.

Here you are close to many of Mexico’s most significant Mayan ruins, favorite Cancun golf courses, and shopping.

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Temptation Resort Spa Cancun (formerly Blue Bay Getaway), located at one end of the Cancun Hotel Zone, offers a truly spicy ADULTS ONLY atmosphere with shows, activities, and games. The Blue Bay Club, a sister resort, is family orientated. Don’t get them confused.

Set midst tropical gardens on a long sandy beach within walking distance of great nightlife, shopping, and superb restaurants, the Temptation Resort Spa has been recently renovated with extra features for those seeking an action packed vacation.

The Temptation Resort Spa is an all-inclusive 4 stars beach-front resort of 220 rooms, surrounded by lush gardens, with an extensive activities program that makes it one of the most popular resorts of its type in Cancun.

All rooms have air conditioning, terrace or balcony, 2 double beds or 1 king size bed, satellite TV, and bathroom with shower. Rooms are sometimes considered small, but clean. The chambermaids clean the rooms very early, folding towels into interesting designs then filling them with flowers.

The Resort provides free of charge, theme nights, unlimited national drinks, gym, aerobics classes, diving lessons, non motorized water sports, game room with pool tables, bikes, transport by boat and by bus to the Temptation Club & Marina, discotheque, and tennis courts. The Temptation Resort Spa offers six themed restaurants to choose from, with dinner shows and “Nice Shoes” to liven up the evening meal.

You need to be prepared for some raunchy pool shows. About half the guests will be topless at the beach and pool. Flat screen TVs with satellite, and two 24 “adult” channels, including Playboy, make for a very erotic vacation. Many of the guest enjoy the freedom to dress “commando” with see-through, woven and crocheted apparel.

The restaurants require that reservations be made between 10 and 12 AM. There is a line from 9 am on most days. Unless you reserve early, you may only find the 9PM seating available, and this is when the best activities take place. The shows are short about half hour so, your choice, often, is eat in a nice restaurant or view a show.

Free Drinks seem to be the reason most people comes to Temptation. Many start drinking at 10am and go to the middle of the night. Hey, but you’re on vacation, right? There are photographers throughout the hotel taking pictures of you at the activities, at dinner, naked, etc.,.

Temptation Spa Resort has 3 pools (one pool is for “water sports” such as volley ball). The other pools have several built-in whirl pools, so you can sit and relax. Two of the three pools have swim-up bars and shallow areas to sit. If you don’t stake out a claim at the pools by 7:30, you are out of luck.

Many visitors complain about the beach – the weeds, rocks, and the motor boats from Temptation’s marina. There is a foot-high wooden board running the length of the beach between the sand and the water. As a result, you take stairs into the water. There are boat docks at both ends of the resort where many large charter boats and personal craft dock.

The beach is calm with no heavy surf however it is a rather small beach area and tight with many lounge chairs. There is a wide rocky area just past the water line that makes it hard to go into the water unless you have something on your feet. As with any resort you have to get down there some what early to place your towel for the shady areas. The grounds are well-kept but could use a few benches in the court-yard area for those that care to sit away from the pool or crowds.

Temptations Resort is at the end of the hotel strip and a ways from the hottest Cancun nightlife (many consider Temptation the “hottest” action). If you care to leave the property the bus service runs 24 hours. If you like quiet, request a room by the “Quiet Pool”, and consider reserving a room on the third floor if you value your privacy. All Superior rooms are on the first floor.

For a more enjoyable dining experience purchase the “Go Silver Program”. You will be able to eat at the three a la carte restaurants every night. The buffet restaurants are two-star at best. This will also give you water in your room each day. Don’t drink from the tap! The resort will try to give you the Go Blue program. Insist on a la carte coupons for each night! The specialty restaurants require reservation the day of (get in line). Reservations can not be made in advance.

The desk clerk will present a meal coupon for the complementary a la carte dinner. The Bella Vista is rated the best a la carte dinner, although it provides no alcohol (other than wine to purchase). You can buy additional a la carte dinners at reservations. The bar in the Nice Shoes Disco closes during scheduled activities, so pound down a few drinks before it starts.

For anyone on a low or no fat diet, may find the menus challenging. Mexican cuisine is “fat” with oils, creams, cheeses, and lots of rich desserts and pastries. Fried (and deep-fried) foods are the norm. There are 3 specialty restaurants – Italian, Seafood, and Chinese.

• Restaurant info:
• Embarcadero Buffet: breakfast 07:00-12:00 daily, lunch 13:00-15:00 daily, dinner 18:00-21:30 daily nightly dinner theme: Monday – International, Tuesday – Mexican, Wednesday – Italian, Thursday – Argentinian, Friday – Spanish, Saturday – Caribbean, Sunday – Oriental
• Bellavista Snack Bar: daily 12:00-16:00 daily
• Las Margaritas Patio: Continental Breakfast 06:00-07:00 daily, snacks 16:00-18:00 daily, Mexican buffet 19:00-23:00 daily, late snacks 23:00-05:00 (often leftovers from the main buffet)
• Village Wok Oriental Food: 18:00-21:30 closed Sundays
• BellaVista Seafood: 18:00-21:30 closed Tuesdays
• Il Piaccere – Italian: 18:00-21:30 closed Thursdays
• A la cartes are by reservation (08:00-11:00am) at the patio. Dress code is no flip-flops, no sleeveless t-shirts, and no pool shorts (Bermudas accepted).

• Bar info:
• Diego’s Pool/Swim-Up Bar: 10:00-19:00 daily at Sexy pool
• Margaritas Patio Bar: 16:00-00:00 daily
• L’Alternative Bar (sports pub) 19:00-01:00 daily
• Theatre Bar: open Tuesdays/Sundays during show. This is a bar area, that the bartender brings some bottles of alcohol, a cooler of ice, and some glasses to. Not fully functional (ie. no blenders)
• Nice Shoes Bar (disco): 21:30-01:00 daily (closed during some entertainment)
• Bikinis Pool/Swim-Up Bar: 10:00-21:30 daily at Quiet Pool, closed at 17:00 on Tuesdays

• Entertainment info:
• Nightly: After the later entertainment, there is a bus to one of the discos (no return trip)
• Monday: Karaoke 21:30 (Nice Shoes Bar)
• Tuesday: Live Music 19:30 (Las Margaritas Patio); Mexican Music show 21:30 (Theatre); Kissing Contest 22:30 (Nice Shoes Bar)
• Wednesday: Casino 21:30 (Nice Shoes Bar); Live Music 22:30 (Nice Shoes Bar)
• Thursday: Fantasy Trivia 21:30 (Nice Shoes Bar); Dance Contest 22:30 (Nice Shoes Bar)
• Friday: Anything Goes night 21:30 (Nice Shoes Bar); Girls Hot Legs Contest 22:30 (Nice Shoes Bar)
• Saturday: Live Music 20:00 (Nice Shoes bar); Mens Hot Legs Contest 22:30 (Nice Shoes Bar)
• Sunday: Latin Show 21:30 (Theatre); Beer Drinking Contest 22:30 (Nice Shoes Bar)

Unless you really need a guided package, everything is cheaper if you plan and do it on your own. For instance, the bus tours to the Tulum ruins is US$49 per person, including lunch. If you go it alone, and take a taxi from the hotel to bus terminal, round-trip bus to Tulum, shuttle train to the ruins, and entrance fees to the ruins, you will pay a total of $28 US, for two people. Save money and avoid the package tours!

From the Cancun airport you’ll pay 90 pesos per person for a shared shuttle to your hotel, unless you leave the airport and get out to where the taxis are or beyond that to where the city bus runs. There are no other options. In the hotel zone, the city bus is 6.5 pesos (4.5 pesos if you’re not in the hotel zone) or around 50 cents US. The R-1 and R-2 and R-27 will take you almost anywhere in Cancun. The destinations are listed on the front of the bus.

Wal-Mart, plaza Las Americas (big mall where the locals shop, including Chedraui market) and the Terminal Del Autobuses can all be reached by city bus. The Wal-Mart bus says Wal-Mart. For the bus depot, take an “Av. Tulum” bus and get off at Av. Uxmal. To get to Costco, get a taxi on the street from Wal-Mart for 15 pesos. Getting back to the hotel zone should be around 50 pesos. Returning to the airport from the hotel will be around 180 pesos.

Taxis in the hotel zone, and shuttles at the airport are fixed rates (each of the hotels will have a price list posted by the door). If the doorman summons the taxi for you then you should pay exactly that amount. The tip is built-in. Don’t tip the cabbie! Always pay in pesos to save money (you will be “short-changed” on the exchange). If you get a taxi in the city, or in Playa Del Carmen, or anywhere else, be sure you and driver agree on the rate before you go anywhere. It is negotiable, but not much.

The intercity bus system is great. Service is provided from the bus terminal by ADO (1st class, A/C, etc.) and Riviera/MayaB (second class, more stops, etc.) There’s also playa Express that is a shuttle and is cheaper. Sample rates: ADO 1st class, Cancun to Playa Del Carmen 32 Pesos every 20 minutes, same price returning every 10 minutes. The MayaB is about 12 pesos less, but less frequent. Playa Del Carmen to Tulum or Coba 32 pesos each way by ADO, less by MayaB.

Buy your booze at Costco or Wal-Mart. Bring lots of sunscreen, and don’t forget a hat, even in the pool, and sunscreen lip balm. Also take after-sun gel and bug-bite cream just in case. A backpack for carry water and stuff if you do a tour of the ruins. Immodium, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol. Especially the Tylenol! Instead of taking Pepto or Immodium every day as a precaution, start eating yoghurt every day 2 weeks before you go. You can continue this when you’re there. Shorts and t-shirts (“playeras”) are typical dress. Men, bring at least one pair of long pants and closed shoes for dinner. Chargers/spare batteries, etc., for any electronics, like digital cameras.

Bathrooms have a nice large shower (big enough for 3 people) but the bathroom was so small that only one person could be in there at a time and the door could only open half way because the toilet stopped it from opening any further. The toilet area, as in most of Mexico appears to be an “after-thought”. Closet space is ample with a large hanging area and shelves for your clothes instead of dressers.

The concierge desk calls to welcome you and they want you to come down in the morning for a “champagne breakfast” so they can show you how to save up to “70% of your next vacation”. It’s nothing more than a time share pitch. This seems to be the concierge’s primary responsibility. There will invariably appear a card on your door inviting you to the “Blue Bay Premier desk” to receive a “welcome gift” (this is a time-share pitch).

Do you want to party? If the answer is yes, this is the place for you. If you are looking for a quiet peaceful holiday, this is probably a bad choice. The motto of the activity staff is “This Ain’t Disneyland”. The atmosphere is very lively (bordering on rowdy). Action starts at 10:00 am and turns into one big pool party by afternoon. The activities staff start the day with good healthy fun like water aerobics, kayaking, horseshoes and volleyball.

By mid-afternoon activities turn toward pool-side games/contests centered on sexual themes. Many find these games hilarious, more conservative guests might be offended. Total nudity is “in your face” at Cancun Temptation. And, you’ll see mostly naked women and mostly naked men “at play” in public. This is definitely not the scene for everyone.

Conclusion: Snack bar and buffet are fine – not the best, but not the worst. Pools are nice, but the beach is not one of Cancun’s best. Go south for the waves. Maid service, bartenders and activities staff get high ratings by the guests. Just remember, it is for adults and if you are easily offended, don’t come here!

Back to the top of Cancun Temptation Resort Spa.

Your Cancun Vacation dream becomes reality in 1 hour and change (if you happen to live in the southern states).

A Cancun vacation offers something for everyone and every budget. Many vacationers prefer the “all-inclusive” Cancun packages which cover all meals, drinks, and tips. However, if you plan on dining out at the excellent Cancun restaurants then a “European Plan” may suit you better.

Even with so many Cancun restaurants from which to choose, many vacationers find it less expensive to just pay the all-inclusive rate and eat all their meals at their hotel. Restaurants can be be a big expense unless you shop wisely. Cokes alone can run $30.00.

Take advantage of Cancun’s hundreds of recreational activities and tours, including the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza. Horseback ride, snorkel, and dive in Cozumel, or skim through the huge bio-reserve of Sian Ka’an on air-boats of Quintana Roo.

You probably don’t have weeks or months to research all 200 Cancun hotels, and other Cancun information such as immigration identification requirements, available medical facilities, tours, weather, etc.

Tours and excursions booked through the hotel can easily double and triple the actual price of transportation and admission.

For information about time-share you won’t have to search. You’ll be met at the airport by any number of time-share “sharks” and probably pitched at your hotel, too, with a “free tour” (think 4 hours of high pressure).

Most of the hotels have a concierge desk set up in the lobby to help with your questions.

Always agree upon prices before you decide. Don’t be shy about “haggling” (it’s part of Mexican culture) with all service providers (taxis, vendors, etc).

Cancun Mexico Vacations bring 3 million tourists annually to this area of the Yucatan peninsula.

With an ideal average temperature of 80 degrees and 300 days a year of sunny blue skies, Cancun Mexico vacations have become the World’s most popular Caribbean vacation spot.

The beaches here are pure white powdered coral (not quartz), that stay cool to the feet no matter what the temperature.

A main attraction is the world famous Cancun nightlife that never stops. From high energy discos and Salsa dance clubs, to relaxing jazz lounges; this is the world’s biggest party.

Cancun Mexico vacations present you with a dizzying choice of dining options (over 300 restaurants), from casual to elegant, international to traditional local cuisine.

Snorkel or dive the world’s second largest coral reef in crystal clear blue waters that Jacques Cousteau called, “the best in the world”. Other water sports include windsurfing, sailing, para sailing, jet skiing, and kayaking.

Deep sea fish for the big one or play round the various championship golf courses while your other half shops the duty free malls, high fashion boutiques, and the thousands of sidewalk vendors. Later take a relaxing lobster dinner cruise.

Choose from famous luxury hotel resorts and secret hidden bungalows, to bargain bed and breakfast lodgings, campgrounds, and youth hostels.

Take your Cancun vacation south along the Yucatan coast known as the Mayan Riviera.

This is a nature lovers paradise of tropical jungle and intriguing Mayan ruins just minutes from an array of fabulous new hotels. Here the towns are smaller and there are fewer tourists; with miles of solitary virgin beaches, sparkling white sand and crystalline turquoise waters.

Go Home from Cancun Vacation.

Cancun Packages come in all shapes and sizes and a special “deal” can make your vacation. If you’re like me, you’re looking for that “extra value” that can make a Cancun vacation “extra enjoyable”.

Even though Cancun is not as “cheap” as it once was, It’s still the #1 party destination on the planet and Cancun specials run almost constantly (changing minute by minute, in fact). Though hotel occupancy rates are about 90% year round (there’s hardly an “off-season”), all inclusive Cancun packages are the usual offering at most of the hotels and resorts. You will probably buy your “pub crawl” party packages and tours separately.

Obviously, the farther from the beach that you go the less expensive it becomes. There are terrific deals to be found in Cancun city where most of the hotels have shuttle service to and from the beach.

Cancun Specials can be found throughout the year, however during the tourist season from November to May the rates will be higher.

Deal with well-known, reputable, vacation package companies who will work for you after you make the reservation; and always “Haggle”. Otherwise, we think you don’t care.

When Cancun development began in the early 1970s the beaches were deserted except for birds and iguanas. Now luxury resorts, shopping malls, restaurants and discos line 15 miles of the Caribbean coastline.

Cancun has followed the typical course of any tourist resort area, first the “Jet Set” swoops onto the new watering hole before there are a lot of rules, and then raises enough Hell to excite a mass migration; and always leaving before the stampede.

Eventually, the multitudes will tire of Cancun the way they tired of Acapulco, but for now Cancun is still the Wild West – a little raunchier (and younger) than Las Vegas; awaiting the annual arrival of the Spring Equinox with its Cancun spring break and the “Golden” hordes that will fill the beaches and nightclubs with zany madness.

Choose from famous, luxury Cancun resorts, secret hidden bungalows, bargain bed and breakfast lodgings, campgrounds and yes, youth hostels.

Here are prices from the past, but these specials are subject to availability and change minute by minute.

* Westin Regina Cancun $155.00
* Beach Palace Cancun $135.00, all inclusive
* Hyatt Regency Cancun $147.00, breakfast included
* Fiesta Americana Cancun $145.00 (free nights available)
* Fiesta Americana Coral Beach $195.00 (free nights available)
* Hilton Cancun from $220.00
* Calinda Beach Cancun $140.00
* Camino Real $148.00, breakfast included
* Aquamarina Beach $125.00
* Sheraton Cancun $145.00 (free nights available
* Krystal Cancun Prepaid rates $152.00
* Casa Magna Marriott $155.00, breakfast included (garden view)
* Ritz Carlton Cancun $240.00
* Holiday Inn Express Golf Course $88.00
* Royal Solaris Cancun $2000.00 per week for two, all inclusive
With the money you save on your “specials” you can enjoy some of the many Mayan Riviera attractions and Cancun tours.

You probably don’t have weeks or months to research all 200 Cancun hotels, and other Cancun information such as immigration identification requirements, available medical facilities, tours, weather, etc.

Cancun Mexico vacations present you with a dizzying choice of dining options (over 300 restaurants), from casual to elegant, international to traditional local cuisine.

Even with so many Cancun restaurants from which to choose, many vacationers find it less expensive to just pay the all-inclusive rate and eat all their meals at their hotel. Restaurants can be be a big expense unless you shop wisely. Cokes alone can run $30.00.

Tours and excursions booked through the hotel can easily double and triple the actual price of transportation and admission.

For information about time-share you won’t have to search. You’ll be met at the airport by any number of time-share “sharks” and probably pitched at your hotel, too, with a “free tour” (think 4 hours of high pressure).

Most of the hotels have a concierge desk set up in the lobby to help with your questions.

Always agree on prices before you decide. Don’t be shy about “haggling” (it’s part of Mexican culture) with all service providers (taxis, vendors, etc).

Cancun Mexico Vacations bring 3 million tourists annually to this area of the Yucatan peninsula.

With an ideal average temperature of 80 degrees and 300 days a year of sunny blue skies, Cancun Mexico vacations have become the World’s most popular Caribbean vacation spot.

The beaches here are pure white powdered coral (not quartz), that stay cool to the feet no matter what the temperature.

The other great attraction is the world famous Cancun nightlife that never stops. From high energy discos and Salsa dance clubs, to relaxing Jazz lounges; this is the world’s biggest party.

Snorkel or dive the world’s second largest coral reef in crystal clear blue waters that Jacques Cousteau called, “the best in the world”. Other water sports include windsurfing, sailing, para sailing, jet skiing, and kayaking.

Deep sea fish for the big ones at Puerto Aventuras. or play round the famous Pok ta Pok championship golf course at the Cancun Hilton Golf Club while your other half shops the duty free malls, high fashion boutiques, and the thousands of sidewalk vendors. Later take a relaxing lobster dinner cruise.

Take your Cancun vacation south along the Yucatan coast known as the Mayan Riviera.

This is a nature lovers paradise of tropical jungle and intriguing Mayan ruins just minutes from an array of fabulous hi-tech hotels. Here the towns are smaller and there are fewer tourists; with miles of solitary virgin, powdered-coral beaches and sparkling Windex-hued waters.

You’ll be sad to go Home from Cancun Packages.