We had Row 5 seats on our Internet flight to Cancun which should guarantee being at the front of the line from the aircraft to go through immigration. This did not work as our plane did not get a gate and we had to be bussed over. We were then one of the last from our flight to get through.
At least our bags were ready! In Mexico they have a green light/red light system in customs where you have to push a button which then provides a random result. If it’s green, you go straight through. If it’s red, you have to submit all your luggage for rigorous searching. Thankfully, we got a green light!
Our transfer was waiting with cold Coronas and pringles and we were on our way to Playa Del Carmen - about a 45 minute drive. It was absolutely pouring rain with thunder to boot!
We arrived at our adults only all inclusive resort a bit after midday and whilst our room was not ready, we were given arm bands to enjoy the facilities. We were also asked how many pillows we would like each, what time we like our maid to come each day, and what time we want turn down service of a night and the aromatherapy scent for our room. Okay then ✅.
Given the torrential downpour, we went for lunch and chose Rincon the Mexican restaurant. The food was absolutely sensational (we had the best chicken enchiladas ever) and so was the service. We then found a pharmacist who prescribed antihistamines and a cream for my welts. Thank goodness the antihistamines worked quickly because I was going insane.
We spent some time in the 24 hour lounge to ring our mums. This place has food, self serve drinks including beer on tap and spirits, big screens for sport lovers, pool tables etc.
Choosing a room here was complex as there are so many types but we chose a ground floor room near the beach, pools, bars and we get our own comfy cabana. We had a few (lots) of drinks with others by the bar and then selected a restaurant for dinner. We went to Asiana the Asian restaurant (Japanese and Thai) which was also amazing. This resort is well known for its incredible food.
For our first full day Tim went to yoga on the beach. And then we chose Pelicanos for breakfast. This is an al a carte breakfast choice on the beach. (You can also go to a choice of buffet restaurants or get brekky delivered to your room). Room service is also included 24 hours.
We went for a walk to find a laundry and thought about tours with some of the travel agencies where Tim made some friends with salesmen including Jimmy D who he then had to avoid for the rest of our stay. In the end we thought we might just chill for a few days but will see how Tim goes with that! We loved the Mexican restaurant so much we went back there for lunch, and Tim followed this up with a massage on the beach for $20. Given the resort is at capacity (no rooms available at all), I made reservations for our last 2 nights at the fancier restaurants so we wouldn’t miss out.
We then drank for the rest of the afternoon with others, and went to the resort next door with a group we met from Wisconsin.
(They have Suites at the resort next door (Panama Jacks) which give them access to our resort, and we have access to their resort). Hence we enjoyed their beach bar with them for a while. The resort next door is not adults only. They do have a good rooftop sushi bar and an Italian restaurant Viaggio which is supposed to be very good but just don’t think we will get to try everything in our 4 days. By this stage, at both resorts, there are a lot of very happy people around! I did have to spend an hour or so dealing with a work problem but that’s ok.
We returned to Asiana for dinner. So good again! I had a Thai beef salad followed by a chicken, mango and potato dish. Our resort is right in town and close to the famous Quinta Avenida - 5th Avenue so we went for a walk. It was absolutely packed with tourists and goes for about 22 blocks. There are restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and good shopping ranging from H&M to Michael Kors.
There are lots of police around - possibly in response to some US media about Playa Del Carmen in recent weeks. We have also seen them patrol the beaches on ATV’s often - complete with machine guns and bullet proof vests.
For our second full day, we tried Spice buffet for breakfast. Like all restaurants (and room service here) you can also have champagne, grey goose vodka or whatever you want! The food range was spectacular although I did stick to a Mexican theme - so yummy.
We then walked along the beach for a while past lots of other resorts and beach clubs so we could convince ourselves that we had done something moderately healthy today.
And then, it was Cabana and pool time! There is also a cafe/bakery so Tim did start his relaxation with that!
Lots of music and activity by the pool all day. Pelicanos by the beach was great for lunch and I had Yucatan Chicken in white wine with potatoes and Timmy had the grouper. With mojitos of course!
There was a large group by the pool who did provide a lot of entertainment for everyone....they were very drunk which had the bar staff laughing at them. Politely of course...”too much tequila”!
We saw our American friends at the Lobby bar for a few drinks and then it was time to head to Maria Marie for dinner. Oh wow, one of the best restaurants we have been to - Tim rated his steak as in the top 5 ever. It is a French themed fusion restaurant. We then went to the lobby for the circus show which was amazing!
And then sadly our final full day. We love this place! The service is incredible and the food fantastic! Breakfast back at Pelicanos, final shopping on 5th Avenue, and we got a great spot by the main pool (also near our room). Lots of sun today! Lunch back at Rincon. I love the Mexican food! Oh and we found some Aussies here - they live in Caves Beach. Met the Americans for drinks again by our favourite bar with swings (which is next to our room conveniently) and Tim and I went for dinner at Chefs Plate. This is a degustation restaurant which normally costs an extra $90 pp to go - but this was included with our room. The food was really good but we were so tired!
Sadly, the time came for us to leave the following day.
This is a really, really nice place that we could easily come back to. Our transfer to commence our journey was at 1.15pm so the resort gave us a late check out So, we had a leisurely breakfast, Tim had another beach massage, and just before departure we had lunch. This time we tried the buffet and my goodness the food options were huge! Burgers/steaks/suckling pig/tacos/pastas Plus so much more.
And then...the 34 hour journey commenced which is hideous! The transfer was good, Cancun Airport (terminal 3) is quite nice and American Airlines had another nice new plane with great legroom. The pilot was awesome! He chatted to us when we boarded and made some really good announcements during the flight. We did have a reasonably tight connection in Dallas but there were quite a few Aussies departing Cancun on our flight heading to Sydney on our next flight too. After clearing formalities, we really only had an hour in the lounge and then we headed to the gate. Thankfully Qantas upgraded us to business on this next 17 hour flight which did make it less daunting!
This flight was pretty good where we slept in our pjs and on our flat bed seats. We probably did sleep for 7 hours each which was good! We arrived in Sydney at 6am and had an almost 7 hour wait for our flight to Port Macquarie due to our previously booked 8am flight being cancelled. So this was annoying.
But was so good to be home! And to see Mitch who picked us up. We have had an amazing time. Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba and Mexico are all worth visiting and the 4 week trip worked well with a good balance of action and relaxation. In total, 11 flights, 13 different hotels and wonderful experiences that will live on forever.
Muy bien!
2025-02-11