Back to reality

Boy is it the pits leaving in a snowstorm returning a week later to still more snow! But back to the leaving part, we had a 6:00 AM flight which meant we had to be at the airport 2 hours prior for an International flight. It was bitter cold and snowy. The flight boarded on time but took off an hour late since we had to wait our turn for de-icing, and they were still plowing the runways! I was a little nervous about the take off (hoping no ice was left on the wings) but all went well and 3 hours later I felt warmth and sunshine again for the first time in many months.

We’ve been to Mexico several times before (me 5 X, husband 3x) and this time chose to stay in the Playa del Carmen area which is about 35 miles south of Cancun. We also stayed at an all inclusive resort, El Dorado Royale Resort and Spa, our first time for vacationing at an all inclusive. The resort is divided into 2 sections, the junior suites and the newer section the Casita suites. I knew from reading the reviews Casita suite guests receive the best service and have better amenities. We stayed in an Infinity Pool Casita Suite which was very nice!

When you walk into the room, to the right was the bathroom with double sinks, double closets, a glass swinging door that goes into the shower which was about 4 X 5 feet. Across from the sinks was a sliding glass door that opened to the roofless shower also about 4 X 5 or even bigger. We loved the roofless shower and used that one just as much as the inside one.

The room itself had high ceilings, wonderful bedding and linens, a table for 2, a Jacuzzi with a bottle of champagne chilling, cable flat screen TV with American channels, a mini refrigerator stocked with soda, juices, water, and beer. There was a sliding glass door that went out to the balcony which had a wonderful view of the Caribbean sea . It also had a table for 2 so you could have your coffee out there in the morning and read the paper. Ours had the plunge pool and there was a queen sized bed out on the balcony (out of the sun and private) if you wanted to take a nap after coming in from the beach but still wanted to be outside. That was very nice.

The resort has 7 restaurants and 12 bars. The Casita suite guests were able to make reservations at the restaurants, the Junior suite guests could not. We never had to wait in line for evening meals. Dinner was never rushed and the service and quality of food outstanding. Portion sizes were smaller than what we typically see in the US but you had more courses. I much prefer dining this way, leisurely and smaller portions. To get around at the resort there were trolley stops which would drop you off at the restaurant or main lobby, or you walked. We did a lot of walking!

What else can I tell you? Oh the beach was ok, a little disappointing, still damaged from the last hurricane. My husband and I both like long walks on the beach and it was difficult to do so here. But the beach cabanas with the king sized bed made up for it! In front of each cabana you had 2 lounge chairs so you could be in the sun or get out of the sun in the cabana, best of both worlds. There were also beach waiters that brought you drinks right to your cabana. Or you could leave the beach area and hang out at one of the many pools, all which had swim up bars. Most people did both, dividing their time between beach and pool.

There were several excursions you could go on, too many to list here. Since we’ve already been to Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, the ruins at Tulem on previous vacations we didn’t book any this time.

The snowbelt was very well represented here. We met many people from Chicago, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, several Canadian couples and lots of Brits. I was surprised at how many we met from the UK. All the Americans we met though had the same comments over and over ……what a winter from hell this has been! Record snowfall and frigid temperatures.

All in all it was a relaxing vacation and I’m glad we tried an all inclusive. I don’t think it’s the sort we would want to do all the time but for a winter escape from the cold climate it was a good choice.

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