Blissful Escape to Cancun: Sun, Sand, and Salsa

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Preamble

At the start of the year, I was super pumped for my upcoming trip to Peru in April. I had everything planned out and was ready for an awesome adventure. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when civil unrest broke out in the country, and I had to cancel my plans for the fourth time. It was definitely a bummer, but I wasn't about to let it ruin my travel plans altogether.

That's when I turned my attention to another classic Spring Break destination - Cancun, Mexico! As someone who's been around the block a few times, having explored Tulum, Cozumel, and Costa Maya on previous cruises, I knew that the crystal-clear blue waters and tropical sunshine would be hard to resist. Even though Cancun was completely new to me, I was excited to explore everything this popular vacation spot had to offer.

Resort Choices

Oh, the joys of planning a vacation! As we contemplated our spring break getaway, we knew we had to be strategic with our timing to avoid the hordes of tourists and the exorbitant prices that come with peak season.

Shoulder season seemed like the sensible choice, and after poring over countless travel blogs and videos on YouTube, we finally found the perfect resort. Our beloved kiddo1 was flying in from New York to join us, and the pressure was on to choose the right spot.

Paradisus and the Riu hotels were at the top of our list, but we couldn't agree on which one to go for. I was enchanted by Paradisus, but my husband was smitten with the Riu's bizarre purple and blue decor. As we weighed our options, we had to consider the geography of Cancun itself.

The city is divided into distinct regions, each with its own vibe and attractions. The further up north you go, the more serene and affordable the resorts become, but the water isn't quite as clear. The Hotel Zonalera, on the other hand, is the epicenter of Cancun's party scene and boasts stunning ocean views, but it comes at a premium.



After much deliberation, we decided on the Grand Park Royale Cancun resort & spa, located right in the heart of the hotel zone. The all-inclusive package was too tempting to resist, and we were thrilled to secure two premier oceanfront rooms with direct beach access. The hotel's chic color scheme and tasteful design won me over, and my husband was ecstatic that it was reasonably priced. But no trip to the beach is without its quirks, and we had to keep an eye out for the dreaded sargassum seaweed that tends to invade the shores. You know with too much sargassum in play there may not be much else in play - hehe!

Packing & Repacking!

Travelocity has a treasure trove of bundle deals that can help you save some precious money while booking your travels. Their hotels + flights package is a true gem, so make sure to explore this option.

After a lot of research, we finally decided on Spirit flights that cost us $180 per person roundtrip, but we were not expecting the additional baggage charges of $120 per bag. So, we agreed to take only 2 big suitcases that would weigh less than 40 pounds. I had already packed everything a week before, but when Kiddo1 arrived, she had an urge to pack a bunch more stuff at the last minute. Since we had to leave for Orlando at 2.30 AM, I decided to not rearrange everything and instead carried a lightweight expandable rucksack, which we lovingly call the "Nelson bag". It is very handy and is always the perfect solution for overflow items. It was named after Nelson, who always gives us such thoughtful and useful swag gifts.

We woke up at the crack of dawn, rounded up everyone, and finally managed to leave the house by 3.30 AM. Since we missed our India flight back in 2016 and lost $5,000, you'd think we would have learned our lesson by now. But some habits die hard! I had to hustle and bustle to make sure everyone's belongings were properly loaded.

The drive to Orlando was accompanied by thick fog, which made me incredibly nervous. But we arrived at the airport in good time. As expected, our bags were slightly overweight by about 8 pounds. However, we quickly took out the Nelson bag and transferred some items over.

Before boarding our 1.5-hour flight to Cancun, we grabbed a scrumptious spinach quiche and croissant. I was really looking forward to some much-needed rest and relaxation.

Life's Unexpected Curve Ball:

As we taxied out, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. You see, life has thrown us some unexpected curveballs lately. My husband's cancer diagnosis and our youngest daughter's battle with depression have left us feeling exhausted and dejected.

But despite these challenges, I knew we needed to take a break from it all. We needed to escape, even if just for a little while, and focus on the present moment.

During the flight, my mind wandered as I thought about the challenges our family has faced. But then, my heart swelled with pride as I overheard my daughters chatting in the seat next to me. They were talking about how their friends often mention that we are model parents, and how they hope to emulate us one day. It was a small moment, but it filled me with so much joy and gratitude.

As we landed in Cancun and stepped off the plane, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. I knew this trip wouldn't solve all of our problems, but it would give us a chance to breathe, to laugh, and to create new memories together. And for that, I am forever grateful.

Cancun Arrival:

We arrived in Cancun and quickly boarded our pre-booked ride with "Happy Shuttle Cancun". They were reliable and trustworthy.

When arriving at Cancun airport, beware of scams. Ignore the offers from strangers and head straight to your pre-booked ride. Our "Happy Shuttle Cancun" lime green shirted driver even took us to an ATM to withdraw some Pesos.

We were driven along the strip and passed by other resorts we had considered, such as JW Mariott, Hyatt Zilara, Kempinski, and Le Blanc.

Grand Park Royale

As soon as we arrived at the resort, the staff took our luggage and assured us that they would hold onto it until our room was ready. And let me tell you, the staff were absolutely amazing! They got all the paperwork sorted in no time. We had asked for connecting rooms, but they didn't have any available. However, they did offer us connecting suites, but we decided against the upgrade.

We arrived at the resort around 10:45 AM, but our rooms weren't going to be ready until 3 PM. So, the staff put the resort bands on our wrists and took us to El Mirador, one of the many amazing restaurants at the resort, and told us to enjoy breakfast and all the amenities until our room was ready. Those tiny little yellow wristbands made us feel like we had unlimited access to food, drinks, and beach chairs with an ocean view! When they finally cut those bands off on our last day, I almost cried. I had gotten so used to the island bliss!

Even though the restaurant was closing down, we managed to get a delicious meal at El Mirador. And did I mention how exceptional the staff and service were? The staff were so well-trained, helpful, and polite. I got used to being greeted with "Buenos Dias" (Good Morning), "Buenos Tardes" (Good Mid-day), and "Buenos Noches" (Good Night).

For breakfast, I had a traditional Mexican dish called chilaquiles, which was a bed of fresh nachos topped with tomato sauce and a fried egg. The fresh fruits, including slivers of black figs and Mexican passion fruit, were also delicious. The rest of my family enjoyed variations of breakfast with a Mexican flair, including Egg's Nest and Chef's pan, served with huevos (eggs). We topped it all off with fresh pineapple juice and hot coffee.

After breakfast, we headed back to the main lobby to talk to the concierge and get briefed on the resort and its amenities. We were warned that the conversation might lead to a timeshare sale, but we politely and firmly cut the conversation off. Our concierge was sweet and understood our position.

We then made dinner reservations for the various specialty restaurants included in the all-inclusive package. You can only make reservations for three nights at a time, so we booked Asian at Koi, Mexican at Flor de Sal, and Hibachi at Koi. Three days later, we booked Italian at El Mirador, but unfortunately had to skip it due to our day trip to XCaret.

We walked around the resort and took note of the adult infinity pool we wanted to visit later. We also learned that in order to get a Bali bed, we had to wake up early and place a towel at 5:30 AM, kind of like animals marking their vacation scent! We also saw quite a few "Iggy the Iguanas" walking around and striking a cool pose.

We then went to Cassis, the lobby bar. Even though our youngest was underage, they still gave her an adult wristband so we could take her in. All of us enjoyed margaritas and pina coladas, except me. I made sure mine was a nada-colada since even the slightest amount of alcohol makes me nauseous.

And before we knew it, our premium oceanfront room with direct beach access was ready.

Day Trips Considered:

Before heading up to our room, we made a pit stop at the day trip booking desk to explore some of the adventures the resort had to offer. We were intrigued by a day trip to Isla Mujeres that cost $108 per person, which included hotel pick-up and drop-off, a catamaran ride, a stop to snorkel by nurse-shark reefs, lunch at Playa North beach with beach club access, and three hours to explore Isla Mujeres on our own.

We also considered a day trip to Chichen Itza that cost $129 per person and included hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch, a stopover at breathtaking cenotes, and a guided tour of the ruins. Although we had visited the Chichen Itza as well as Tulum before, we were not opposed to doing the tour again.

Finally, we learned about Xcaret, a natural amusement park, which had three rivers, cenotes, coral reefs for snorkeling, butterfly and bird parks, Mayan artisan villages, and a spectacular 300-person nightly show. The trip cost $189 per person and included a buffet meal at one of the park's restaurants.

However, the tour arranging lady informed us that the next day would be the only day suitable for visiting Isla Mujeres due to strong winds forecasted for the rest of the week. The price quoted seemed high in comparison to what we had seen on Viator and GetYourGuide on Trip Advisor, so we decided to book our own excursion to Isla Mujeres to save some money.

When a mere balcony meets the majesty of the seas:

Oh, how delightful was the walk to our Premier Ocean Front tower, led by the cheerful bell boy along cobbled pathways that wound through lush resort pools and gardens! Though a mere 2-to-3-minute stroll from the main building, the journey was a joy in itself, and we were ecstatic with our choice. The girls' room was just a few doors down from ours, on the same glorious fifth floor. Each room was tastefully appointed, with the balcony adorned by a wrought-iron grill that opened directly to the sparkling aquamarine beach and powdery white sands. The wispy lace curtains danced softly in the gentle breeze, a balm for one's troubled heart.

Beneath our feet, the floors were crafted from white Italian marble, complete with jade-marble borders that added a touch of opulence. The bathroom too was elegantly appointed, every detail just as pictured.

How grateful we were not to have chosen the garish colors of the Riu. With our belongings unpacked and stowed away, we felt right at home in these luxurious surroundings. And while Le Blanc had offered a personal butler, it was a price beyond our reach - though we might never have left the island if we had!

Discovering the True Flavors of Mexico: Beyond the Taco Bell Experience.

We woke up at the crack of dawn to catch our Cancun flight and needless to say, the girls were beat by the time we reached our destination. So, they decided to catch up on some much-needed sleep while my husband and I decided to hit up Flor de Sal - an authentic Mexican restaurant by the ocean.

And boy, were we in for a treat! The food was simply out of this world, and the service was top-notch. We started off with three appetizers - a luscious lobster bisque, a refreshing ceviche, and finger-licking-good ribs.

Each dish was bursting with flavor and a true testament to the richness of Mexican cuisine. My husband washed it all down with his signature margarita, made with fresh lime, tequila, and agave nectar, and served it with a salt-rimmed glass. And while he indulged in the classic flavors, I went for the diablo sauce on my perfectly fried fish - and it was the perfect balance of heat and flavor. After our delightful meal, we grabbed some warm towels and headed to the blue sun chairs under the Tikki hut, where we marveled at the beauty of the powdery white sands and the crystal blue waters. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable first culinary adventure in Cancun, Mehico!

Dinner at Koi:

After a long day of exploring, we finally made it back to our room and it was time for dinner at Koi, the fancy oriental restaurant. It was in a great spot right next to the open lobby bar, so you could grab a drink if you felt like it. None of us are really big drinkers, so we skipped the pre-dinner aperitifs.

The restaurant had a really nice atmosphere - paper lanterns hung from the ceiling, there were bamboo plants everywhere, and ornate wood balustrades. And the seating was multi-level, which was cool.

I started off with the beef satay for my amuse bouche, and it was delicious. I noticed that the portion sizes were pretty small, but that actually made the flavor and taste stand out even more. I'm not a fan of large portions anyway because they're usually pretty blah. The girls went for the sushi, but they said it was pretty mediocre. However, everything else we ordered was really good. I had tandoor fish served on a bed of pakoras, which was amazing! And since my satays were so good, the girls ended up ordering two orders of beef and chicken satay.

For dessert, I had batter-fried plantain in rich cream sauce, and it was yummy. The other two desserts - fruit sushi and bamboo rice - were kind of meh.

After dinner, Kiddo2 headed back to the room to rest, while the rest of us went to watch a dance show. The performance was pretty good, and the dancers did several beautiful dances, including some contemporary numbers. But I have to admit, the production, stage, and lighting reminded me of a high school production for kids.

At the end of the show, the dancers invited us to join them in the famous Jerusalema dance, which was a nice touch. We then headed back to our room and fell asleep to the sounds of the live ocean. I left the sliding glass door open to enjoy the cool island breeze and the sound of the ocean. There's just something about that that calms the troubled heart, you know?

The first few days of our trip were perfect weather-wise - sunny but still cool and not too windy. Unfortunately, as the days went on, the wind got progressively worse. Even as I'm sitting here by the ocean, writing this travelogue five days later, it's still pretty windy, and the sand keeps getting in my eyes. But there's still something to be said for the cool winds and the sound of the ocean - it's just so calming and joyful, you can't really put it into words.

Isla Mujeres – Day Trip it?

My husband booked a day trip to Isla Mujeres, also known as the Island of Women. He made the reservation through GetYourGuide, which was convenient. The plan was to go on a catamaran, stop at reefs for some snorkeling, and then head to Playa North beach before eventually reaching Isla Mujeres for a three-hour stay. We were scheduled to be picked up at noon, but there was also an earlier trip at 7 AM. After waking up at 2:30 AM the previous day for our flight, we all agreed that the girls needed to sleep in a little longer.

Sunrise in Cancun!

I woke up super early at 4 AM and went out on the balcony to gaze at the stars in the sky. The hotel was already starting to clean up the sargassum with some small tractors. When my husband woke up, we texted the Isla Mujeres vendor to confirm our trip scheduled for 12 noon, since they had messaged us overnight about a 7 AM pickup.

We decided to take a nice long walk on the gorgeous powdery white sands and crystal blue waters. The sunrise was breathtakingly beautiful and the water was so warm and silky. We passed by the Hyatt Zilara and it looked nice, but we were glad we went with our choice of the Grand Park Royal. It was affordable but still tastefully appointed.

After our walk, we gathered our girls and went for Mexican breakfast at Flor de Sal. It became my absolute favorite restaurant and I highly recommend everyone try Mexican food when in Mexico. I had the Chilaquiles with both verde and red sauce, and they were incredible. The green enchiladas were spectacular too, and the homemade chili sauce the waiter brought out added a nice kick.

I asked the waiter about the sauce, and he said it was made from scratch with habanero peppers. He mentioned that his wife, who is of Mayan descent, could make it for me, but customs might give me trouble. He recommended I go to Mercado 28 to buy it and carefully wrote down the bus route (R2). He also advised me not to go to Mercado 23, which he called "ghetto." When I gave him a surprised look, he quickly explained that it's more for locals who know their way around and that Mercado 28 is safer for tourists. I appreciated the tips!

After breakfast, we went back to our rooms to change into our Isla Mujeres clothes and headed down. Unfortunately, the Isla Mujeres vendor didn't respond to confirm the noon pickup time, and we waited for a while with no luck. After many attempts, we finally got in touch with them and found out that there was only one trip per day, and it had already left at 7:30 AM. They asked if we wanted to reserve for the next day, but we remembered the resort's tour director warning us that high-speed winds might prevent us from going to Isla Mujeres any other day that week. Nonetheless, we said sure and decided to keep our fingers crossed.

Beach Bliss!

So, we decided to make it a beach day and put on our swimsuits. The water in the morning had been silky warm, but around midday, we noticed it had cooled down quite a bit. We took our time easing ourselves into the waves, but once we did, the water started feeling warm again. The kids and their dad had quite the adventure thrashing about in the waves, but as a non-swimmer, I stuck to the fringes of the ocean, which was an adventure in itself because the waves were pretty ferocious there too.

Kiddo2 was feeling a bit faint from all the activity, but she still had lots of fun! We spent some time sitting together and looking at the sargassum which had these tiny green grape-like fruits. It wasn't too much of a nuisance though, thankfully.

After drying off, we decided to take a stroll around the resort and say hello to Iggy the Iguana. The resort had plenty of them, and they seemed to pop up everywhere.

But the real highlight of the day was the Bali beds by the adult pool. The view of the infinity edge blending seamlessly into the jewel blue sea was absolutely breathtaking. We could order as many cocktails as we wanted, but I stuck to nada everything because I think I'm allergic to alcohol. The rest of the family enjoyed their coconut cream pina coladas, strawberry daiquiris, and mint margaritas or tequila, which they referred to as “Mexican water”.

The pool staff made sure everyone was having a great time, and there was even a swim-up bar that served mango daiquiris. But I still liked the nada colada better. A lady even came up to Kiddo1 and complimented her on her bikini and asked if she wanted to go to Coco Bongo for an all-night party. Good sales technique, but we weren't falling for it! We did, however, ask her how Isla Mujeres got its name, and she told us the folklore that "women who go there either come back preggers or come back with a lot of money". Who knows if it was the Mexican water talking or not!

We ended the day by heading upstairs to shower and change. The bathrooms were nicely appointed with good rain showers and piping hot water to wash off all the salt from the ocean. All in all, it was a fantastic day living the island life!

Feast, then unwind: Buffet & Swedish massage combo!

After a morning of adventure, we were starving and decided to hit up the resort's buffet place for lunch. Let me tell you, the spread was massive! They had everything from Mexican to Italian cuisine and even a dessert selection that was to die for. I couldn't resist trying everything, including the potato wedges served in these cute little pans.



But here's the thing, the waiter brought me ghost pepper sauce and I consider myself the queen of spices. I thought I could handle it, but even by my standards, I may have overdone it a bit. My mouth was on fire!

After lunch, my hubby and I had booked a couples massage at the resort spa. It was 50 minutes of pure bliss. The soothing music and tender, loving hands kneading our tired, aching muscles was just what we needed. However, there was a bit of a language barrier between me and my masseuse. I wanted to let her know that I prefer very light massages, or "Massage Suavamente," but unfortunately, Google wasn't working inside the spa.

Despite the language barrier, my masseuse was fantastic, and Hubby enjoyed his massage as well. We originally planned to get our massages on the beach, but we both felt a little uneasy about being scantily clad in public. Overall, it was a great way to unwind and recharge for the rest of our island adventures.

Tequila Sunset and discord in Paradise!

We swung by the room to pick up the girls, but Kiddo2 said she was tired and wanted to rest, so we left her behind and headed to Ekinox, the rooftop bar where we could savor the sunset with a tequila sunrise - or, rather, a tequila sunset - in hand.

The place was simply stunning. We could lounge on beautiful couches or on Bali beds as we watched the most beautiful golden ball sinking ever so slowly into the pink skies. The waiters came along with lovely cocktails and mocktails, and the rooftop was set aglow by lovely golden orb lights that created an ethereal setting for a beautiful evening.

The only discord in the peaceful zen-evening was a rather loud phone conversation from the lady in the next bed! She was trying to advise someone into getting a divorce and seemed distraught that the person on the other end of that line seemed down and not grateful for the divorce advice she was being given!

With the zen broken, Hubby and I tried to advise Kiddo1 that her medical school acceptance was better than accepting the offer to do MPH at NYU. We had some discord of our own brewing. It appeared like our advice hit a brick wall too. As parents, we want the kids to have solid careers, but unfortunately, with our kids, that seems to be an elusive thing. They are bright girls but set on chasing very unconventional paths and careers. Kiddo1 is insistent on global healthcare policymaking and perhaps politics, while Kiddo2 is keen on being a Japanese anime content creator.

Being a parent can be incredibly hard, especially when you see your children making unconventional niche-market career choices. It often makes me deeply, deeply sad and disappointed. But that is the journey we call "parenting life". You have no say as a parent in any of their choices. As someone once eloquently put it, "children are like seeds that grow into what it wants to grow into; you as a parent can only provide the soil and water to facilitate germination."

We had a booking for the Mexican restaurant for dinner, but I started feeling a bit nauseous and sick. The ghost pepper from lunch was rumbling in my tummy, so I decided to sit dinner out.

The children and Hubby went to dinner and opted to sit outside facing the ocean. The wind was wild and kept blowing their cutlery, they said! However, they said dinner was spectacular.

I woke up at 5 AM the next morning feeling much better. I once again sat out star gazing as the sun rose gently from behind the waves casting a rosy hue on everything it touched. Sunrises and sunsets are cliches, but there is something to be said for the comfort of that constancy - the sun will always set, but it will also always rise.

Isla Mujeres – Is it On or Is it Off?

The morning started with a lot of excitement for our Isla Mujeres trip. We were all packed and ready to go, eagerly waiting by the lobby. But just 15 minutes later, we received a ping notifying us that the trip was off. It was definitely a letdown, but we understood that safety comes first, especially when it comes to catamarans and extreme winds.

To lift our spirits, we decided to head to Flor de Sal, our favorite Mexican restaurant, for a delicious breakfast. The food was hearty and delightful, and it definitely made up for the disappointment of the cancelled trip.

As we were finishing up breakfast, we couldn't help but agree with the tour booking agent at the resort. The strong winds were not going to let us experience Isla Mujeres on any other day that week. So we made the call to cancel and quietly decided to book Xcaret for the following day with the resort's tour agent.

We were pleasantly surprised when she gave us a discount, and we were more than happy to pay $162 per person for the trip. It wasn't the original plan, but we were excited for what Xcaret had in store for us.

Sauce me up, mi amigo!

We were on a mission to find the famous habanero salsa, Mexico's very own "green gold"! Kiddo2 decided to stay back at the resort, so the three of us headed out on a spice chase adventure.

We hopped on the red bus R2, which was only 12 pesos per person ($0.60), and it was super convenient because the bus stop was right outside the resort. The buses were much better than public transport in some other countries we've visited - they had an island vibe to them!

We watched a video on YouTube about bus etiquette in Cancun, which was a bit like soup ordering etiquette with soup-nazi on Seinfeld. As soon as you get on the bus, you drop your fare with the driver and quickly step aside as far back as you can. Do not wait for change or anything because the driver will hit the accelerator willy-nilly, and you will go hurtling!

Hubby forgot the training and waited to get his change, and he nearly got hurtled out of the bus! I had to remind him to never do that again and to keep moving. There are no markings inside the bus regarding upcoming stops or in the bus stands, so you really don't know where you are on the journey.

Luckily, Hubby had memorized where the Mercado 28 was. When we got off the bus, we were at the entrance of a giant mercado. As soon as we entered, we were bombarded with tequila tasting offers, but I was more interested in spice tasting! I managed to find the exact brand of habanero salsa that I had seen at Flor de Sal - El Yucateco. I got us half a dozen bottles, and extra picante!

Kiddo1 was on the lookout for a gift for her partner and settled on a tiny little straw-weave platter with a selection of candies. I also bought a Cancun shot glass to add to my collection of shot glasses from around the world.

It was a successful spice chase adventure, and we were happy with our finds!

Beyond Super Mercado

So, after wandering around what we thought was the largest store at the Mercado, we realized there had to be more to explore. We asked around, but everyone kept insisting that what we saw was all there was. Eventually, we met a lovely lady who showed us the way to more stores just around the corner.

And boy, were we in for a treat! We found ourselves surrounded by an assortment of stores offering all sorts of tequilas and exotic Mayan themed tequila serving ware. I was so tempted to buy some of the unique pieces I saw, but Hubby reminded me of our baggage weight limit and the fact that we weren't exactly the drinking type.

While browsing around, I discovered something quite fascinating - fiery sauces that claimed to be aphrodisiacs! They were packaged in these Kamasutra motif bottles that definitely added a saucy twist to our pictures!

Last Ride on the R2: Heading Back to the Hotel from the Mercado!

Navigating our way back to the hotel on a bus in a foreign country with limited language skills was quite the adventure! After asking multiple people, Kiddo1 was able to piece together the directions we needed to follow to get on the right bus heading in the opposite direction. We crossed multiple roads and walked a few blocks further to get to the bus stop in front of Walmart.

When we boarded the bus, we were relieved to find that the Mexican passengers were very polite and offered their seats to women and children. The bus was a bit more crowded, but we managed to find a spot and settle in for the ride.

To our surprise, the bus driver noticed our nervousness about missing our stop and kindly signaled to us when he thought we had arrived. Thankfully, our fellow passengers were kind enough to inform us that we needed to stay put and they would let us know which stop to get off at for Grand Park Royal resort.

As we made our way back, the heat started to become a bit too much, but before we knew it, we were back at the resort in no time. It was quite the adventure, but we made it back safely thanks to the kindness of our fellow passengers and the helpful bus driver.

Tis the Island Life!

As soon as we got back to the resort, our taste buds were screaming for something cold and sweet. So, we dashed straight to the Café, hoping to find something to cool us down. And boy, did we hit the jackpot! We found the most refreshing coconut ice cream and slices of delicious banana walnut cake.

After devouring our treats, we freshened up, grabbed Kiddo2, and headed to Flor De Sal for some authentic Mexican lunch. The aromas wafting from the restaurant were enough to make our mouths water. We indulged in lobster bisque, juicy rack of ribs, fresh fish in garlic sauce, and a whole grouper fish that was deep-fried to perfection. Trust me, it was absolutely delectable! We also played dumb charades and giggled incessantly from the high from the spicy salsa!

Satisfied with our scrumptious meal, we strolled over to the beach and settled into the cozy lounge chairs under tikki huts. The aquamarine waves were breathtaking, and we just lay there, soaking up the sun, and taking in the beauty of it all.

Sunsets & Hibachi Grills!

After getting dressed up, we decided to revisit the rooftop bar for more tequila sunsets. Lucky for us, we had the whole seating area to ourselves! The rooftop restaurant had an incredibly relaxing atmosphere with plenty of Bali beds for us to lounge on and watch the sunset. We even matched the blue island chair covers with Kiddo2’s new georgette blouse!

To keep the fun going, we played a game of Code names, but the girls beat us easily! Kiddo1 then ordered a Baileys with triple the amount of cream, much to the disbelieving bartender's amusement. The sun set in a spectacular blaze of colors, marking the end of another perfect day in Cancun.

At 9:30 PM, we made our way to Koi restaurant for our Chef’s table booking and Hibachi grill performance. The Hibachi grill is where the chef cooks and performs live for the diners around the grill. Our chef was a jolly fellow who even made fried rice in the shape of a giant heart, with the heart beating "lub dub, lub dub"! He also created a choo-choo train of onion rings and a volcanic explosion of fried vegetables in a blaze of fire.

The food was absolutely amazing - from the delicious fried rice and grilled beef and chicken to the fiery shrimp and stir-fried vegetables. We had the pleasure of sitting with a lively and friendly group of dinner guests, and we exchanged vacK tales with them. They found Kiddo1's tales of her NY apartment cooking explosions with sake quite entertaining and asked to exchange Insta info, but we reminded her to be careful exchanging personal information with strangers.

There was something intriguing and mysterious about everyone at the dinner table, and we couldn't help but feel like we could have easily been cast in the next White Lotus Season. Despite Kiddo2 feeling overwhelmed by the Hibachi grill performance and excusing herself during dessert, we all had an unforgettable night of great food and great company.

Hi Ho, Hi Ho off to Xcaret we go!

The next morning, we had to wake up the girls at 6.00 AM to make our 6.30 AM bus ride to Xcaret, which was located about 1.5 hours away from our hotel. Despite making multiple stops to pick up other guests along the way, we were still on track to arrive at Xcaret around 10 AM.

On the bus, there were two groups: the XPlor group, who were off for a day of ziplining, ATV riding, and snorkeling, and our group, the Xcaret group.

Around 9 AM, I felt the urge to use the restroom. Thankfully, the conductor had previously announced that anyone needing a pit stop should let her know. When she came around collecting waiver forms, I informed her of my need and she instructed me to wait until the Xplor group stopped for a break so that I could use the restroom with them.

Once we arrived at Xplor, I made a beeline for the restroom, but on the way, a park attendant stopped me and tried to give me a helmet. Confused and in a hurry, I wondered if I needed to take an adventurous zipline just to reach the restroom. I jokingly thought to myself that if that was the case, someone below me would be getting an unpleasant surprise!

When we finally arrived at Xcaret, the conductor tried to sell us a waterproof phone case for $80, but we declined. Little did we know, we would be swimming in the River Maya, a stunning crystal blue cenote, and desperately regretted not having a way to capture the once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was unanimously agreed that the cenote swim was one of the greatest highlights of our Cancun trip, but unfortunately, we have no photos to show for it. Nonetheless, the memory will remain etched in our minds forever.

Zoo & Cenotes – Au Naturelle exploration!

Xcaret, a sprawling natural park in Mexico, is a breathtaking wonderland that showcases the country's natural beauty. With its stunning cenotes, limestone quarries, lush vegetation, and diverse animal life, it's a tropical paradise that will leave you in awe.

The park is home to an array of colorful, jewel-toned macaws that will capture your heart. As I watched them flit about, I discovered that they mate for life, and if one of them passes away, the other will remain alone. Who knew that monogamy was a trait shared by birds? Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from them.

One of the highlights of the park was the ponds filled with flocks of flamingoes. I learned that they belong to the genus Phoenicopterus Rubber Rubber, and every time I called out "rubber, rubber," they seemed to look up at me. I marveled at how such delicate-looking legs could support such a large, majestic body. I also wondered if they ever needed to rest one leg after carrying their weight around for so long.

We also explored an orchid hot house, where we saw a vast collection of exotic orchid species and walls covered in bromeliads. It was a colorful and fragrant paradise.

Our next adventure was a leisurely boat ride along Paradise River aboard the Encanti. As we floated by, we spotted a massive snake sculpture carved on the quarry wall, representing a spirit god that guards the cenotes. The river meandered around curves where we saw musk hogs and tapirs, making it an unforgettable experience.

Our boatman stopped at a cave to perform a "dispel bad vibes" ceremony, and he gave me a bright yellow crystal-like resin to take home to my family. My husband thinks the boatman picked me as the gullible one on the boat who would tip more for being the recipient of the resin. I didn't mind though - the experience was priceless.

Finally, we stopped at a clearing where we saw trees being tapped for sap (chicle) to make chewing gum. It was fascinating to learn that Mexico was the first place to produce gum, and I grew up referring to chewing gum as "chicklet" in my home country of India. Now I know the origins of that word! I couldn't resist taking a picture of Kiddo2 stirring the giant vat of chicle, a memory we will cherish forever.



As we made our way to the cenote, we stumbled upon a buzzing bee farm next to the chicklet place. Kiddo1 was sporting a trendy t-shirt with the word "honey" emblazoned on it, which seemed to have caught the attention of several curious bees. She had to shoo them away with a clever pun: "oh please bee-have" - a moment that had us all giggling.

We had opted for the Xcaret Plus ticket, which gave us access to extra perks like a locker room with changing facilities. Although most of us had decided to wear our swimwear all day, Kiddo1 had to switch to snorkeling gear and leave her flip flops behind as we made our way to the river mouth, about a quarter-mile walk away.

The attendant recommended that the rest of us wear water shoes, and being a non-swimmer, I followed suit. The mandatory life jacket came in handy, and I made sure to use the third chord to prevent it from billowing up to my chin. The river itself was a brilliant mix of sea blue and green and very salty to taste. Ropes lining the sides of the caves provided much-needed assistance for me, while the kids zoomed ahead at high speeds.

As we navigated the winding river through caverns and mangroves, we encountered four pit stops where we could choose to get off or keep going. When we swam through a bat cave, the thought of Covid and other exotic diseases did cross my mind, but it still turned out to be one of the highlights of our Cancun trip.

Although the girls initially got off at each platform to explore, they soon regretted it as it made getting back into the cold water even more arduous. As we approached the final pit stop, I couldn't help but wonder if the "almost there" sign was like hikers telling you the summit was just around the corner. But finally, we made it to the end, and it was a magical experience that left us all feeling weightless and refreshed.

From Bat Caves to CoatiMundis!

As we lounged by the beach, we noticed two lifeguards sprinting towards the bat caves. Curiosity piqued, we asked the girls what was going on. They informed us that a little boy was having a meltdown, and his mother couldn't coax him to swim through. The lifeguards rushed to his aid, calming him down and guiding him through the caves.

After returning our life jackets and flippers, Kiddo1 realized she had to walk a whole mile back barefoot to retrieve her flip-flops. Despite my warnings, she had insisted on leaving her water shoes behind. As we trekked along the limestone quarry pathways, she winced with every step, knowing full well that I was going to say, "I told you so" at every opportunity.

When we reached the entrance of the cave, we were told we couldn't enter without a life jacket. Hubby volunteered to go back to the locker station, which was a quarter-mile away, to fetch one. In the meantime, Kiddo1 approached a kind woman sitting on a rock, waiting for her group. The woman lent Kiddo1 her life jacket so she could retrieve her flip-flops. Meanwhile, I raced back up the pathway to tell Hubby not to bother coming down.

Needless to say, Kiddo1 heard a double dose of "I told you so" for the rest of the evening.

Since our tickets included one meal, we decided to grab lunch at one of the several restaurants in Xcaret. I wanted to try out the Mexican cuisine, but the girls had their hearts set on something international. We eventually settled on La Laguna, and thanks to Kiddo1's expert map-reading skills, we found it in no time.

Along the way, we spotted some fascinating creatures, including a tapir that resembled a blend of a hippopotamus, an elephant, and an anteater. We also saw a bunch of adorable creatures that looked like a mashup of a lemur, capuchin, and raccoon - these turned out to be coatimundis. Interestingly, they seemed to have a penchant for organic whole foods, as they scurried in and out of organic waste baskets, leaving the regular trash alone.

The Culinary Delights of La Laguna: A Buffet to Satisfy Every Palate

Indulging in a feast of epic proportions, our taste buds were treated to a wide variety of delectable delights at La Laguna. From the freshly grilled fish, chicken, and sushi to the tantalizing Mexican cuisine like the grilled cheese stuffed poblano peppers and ghost peppers, every dish on the buffet catered to our every whim.

While I hesitated to give the ghost peppers another chance, I'm glad I did because this time they didn't cause any rumbles in my tummy. We also enjoyed exotic natural juices like hibiscus, tamarind, and guanabana, as well as rows and rows of fresh fruit and delectable desserts, such as multilayer jelly, rice pudding, and tapioca in coconut cream. Kiddo1 even mixed some of the desserts together, claiming it tasted just like payasam!



Adding to the already lovely ambience was a live mariachi band that played while we dined. With every bite, we found ourselves slipping into a delicious food coma, content in the knowledge that we had tasted some of the best food Xcaret had to offer.

From Butterflies to Opera-Singing Horses: A Wildly Entertaining Day of Exploration

After our lunch, at Mariposa farm (a butterfly farm), we wandered around several tree terraces and enjoyed the sight of the beautiful butterflies. We learned that butterflies have the unique ability to taste their food through their feet, which prompted a humorous remark from my husband. As we left the Mariposa Arena, we spotted a charming Mayan village where we planned to learn about chocolate making and tasting in an hour.

Moving on to the Aviary, we were mesmerized by the striking diversity of bird species. We discovered that parrots make loud squawking sounds to attract mates, and one of them amusingly kept swooping past my child's face. In response, my child jokingly declared that he was already taken.

Despite our best intentions to attend the chocolate-making class, we arrived fifteen minutes late and were turned away by the chocolatier's unfriendly demeanor. As we strolled down the cobbled path, we encountered several people dressed in intricate Mayan costumes. We asked them if we could take photos, and they graciously consented, inviting us to watch their performance.

We followed the costumed troupe to an open-air theater surrounded by rocky outcrops and quarry terraces. The exotic dancers' performances were breathtakingly energetic and frenzied, despite the language barrier. Next, we watched a horse show featuring women riding side-saddle and another singing Mexican opera. Some of the performers held notes for almost a minute, leaving us awestruck.

Across from the horse show stadium was the Tree of Life church, a magnificent and ornate structure. We noticed several people inside praying, and I took the opportunity to offer my own prayers.

Mayan History to Tiny Quail Hatchlings: That is Xcaret!

Adjacent to the real Mexican cemetery perched atop a mini-hill was a staircase leading up to a fascinating story of Mayans vs. Conquistadors. As we climbed the stairs, we learned about the Mayan culture and how the conquistadors deemed the culture sacrilegious, often building churches on top of Mayan places of worship. It was a disheartening reminder that violence can never win hearts and minds.

Afterwards, we headed to the aquarium to see colorful tropical fish, jellyfish, and even two friendly nurse sharks swimming around amiably. We almost made the mistake of patting the starfish until we noticed the sign reminding visitors not to do so during their dinner time.

Next up was the spectacular evening show, which boasted 300 participants. The show showcased a range of performances, including a traditional Mayan game of "hip ball", and another game of hockey with great balls of fire, a musical showcasing the Mayan culture being taken over by the conquistadors, and an acrobatic quartet perched precariously on a tiny platform. Although some parts were too loud, it was an overall impressive display of art and culture.

Unfortunately, the show was too much for Kiddo2, who was not a fan of loud noises. Hubby walked out with her, while Laurie and I stayed behind to watch for a couple more minutes before going in search of them. We finally found them at the tree with dangling hearts, a designated meeting spot in case anyone got lost.

Once we met up, we stood awhile and watched ‘em sweet little quail hatchings!

Concluding our journey through Cancun & Island Bliss

The next morning, we headed down to the international buffet for breakfast before packing up and checking out of the resort. Our flight wasn't until 7 PM, but the resort kindly offered us the chance to stay on and relax by the pool or at the Cassis bar. I decided to sit in the tikki hut beach chairs, enjoying the windy but beautiful scenery.

We had a fantastic final lunch at Flor de Sal, where we savored grilled fish, ribs, purple cauliflower, and lovely dessert. Happy Cancun promptly picked us up at 3 PM and dropped us off at the airport. Although we bought a ton of coconut liqueur, Amarillo fruit liqueur, and tequila to make margaritas for our guests, it was still hard to say goodbye to Cancun. The resort and its staff had exceeded our expectations, and we promised ourselves that we would return to experience island life again sometime soon.

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Comments

[RENanDREW]

Mexican food
It's one of my favourite cuisines and I liked reading about your food experiences on this trip. We get relatively good Mexican food in Australia, but it's still a world apart from the real thing. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions :)

[AmudhaColaco]

Thank you!