Surprise Trip

In March of 2006 my husband (at-the-time boyfriend) surprised me on my birthday by whisking me away on a surprise trip to Mexico for 2 weeks.  He had pre-planned the entire trip, everything from arranging time off from my work, a babysitter for my son (grandma’s house of course), the flights and the whole works.

We flew from Saskatoon to Calgary to Cancun.  From Cancun we had an approximate 45 minute bus ride to our resort - Club El Mandarin - upon arrival at sunset it was breathtaking --- beautifully lit up, music playing from one of the disco bars, the fresh ocean breeze and everything was all so exciting.  With everything from 3 restaurants, 3 bars, a long stretch of white sand on a private beach, freshwater pool and jacuzzi’s, beach palapas, tennis courts, beach volleyball, spa, pool tables, disco bars, salon, theatre and more.  This all inclusive resort was rated 4 stars and was definitely a family friendly resort.  The room was clean and spacious with great daily cleaning services. 

I think my favorite moments were catching some rays on the beach while being served free cocktails, although everything was great I enjoyed getting some R&R just as much as I enjoyed all the fantastic adventures we took.

With this being our first ever all inclusive trip, we got overly excited on the first full day there and thought it would be great to go and plan an excursion for almost every day, but after a couple days of having to get up and go go go to catch our excursions we realized this was not the smartest move.  As we didn’t really feel like we were getting much relaxing time in, we cancelled a few excursions and made note that on future trips we would only book excursions a day or two prior to ensure we were getting some fun relaxing time in and just being able to discover all the fabulous things going on within the resort.

One of our first excursions we did was a snorkeling tour, both of us being first timers we started snorkeling along a magnificent reef, which I was a bit concerned being a learner and a lot of the others had snorkeled before, but the guide was very helpful and we were snorkeling in no time.  Getting to see all the beautiful creatures under the sea was remarkable, the beautiful colours and shapes and sizes of all the tropical fish was unbelievable.  We seen a few large string rays and a small shark, which caused me to panic and nearly hyperventilate and choke on water, and no thanks to my husband who left me behind, I did survive.  From the sea we were then transported to a cenote (an underground cave) where there was endless stalagmites and stalactites all pointy and intriguing underground.  We all had to put head lights on and follow in a single line as snorkeling due to the very confined dark space, but the scenery was amazing even though it was pitch black.   From here we then proceeded to a fresh water pond where we did some cliff jumping and snorkeling under water to catch see turtles by learning how to dive while snorkeling and going underwater.

One afternoon we decided to attempt fate and try parasailing, soaring high above the Caribbean taking in the magnificent view of the coast and not only our beautiful resort, but many others along the coast, which several of them were being reconstructed due to Hurricane Wilma which had struck the coast in November 2005 .  In the amazing blue/turquoise water, from roughly 200’ in the air we could see a large sting ray that was the size of the boat that was pulling us.  And looking down at the rugged and worn rope that was holding us to the boat, we were a bit worried that it may break, but it sure didn't and its an experience I would love to relive again.

We met a local who we befriended (and my husband and him still stay in touch) and we spent a day with him as he toured us around Playa del Carmen where we did a lot of shopping down the strips and checked out a great local restaurant with amazing fresh seafood and then spent the evening walking down along the beach hitting up local beach bars, my favorite part was sitting on the wooden swings that swung right up to the bar so you could sip your drink and set it down all the while still swinging.

A day at XCaret, an eco park, where one of my dreams came true - swimming with the dolphins, an experience a person can not even fully describe to another how glorious  and wonderful it is.  XCaret is a definite must see!  With everything from snorkeling, snuba, sea trekking, jaguar island, exhibits, dolphins, underground rivers, a butterfly pavilion and so much more.  A full days is just barely enough time to take in and capture all that XCaret has to offer.  And of course they end the day with a spectacular live performance in a theatre with over 250 performers showing the history of Mexico and its best traditions.

Xel-Ha, is the water park of all water parks.   Taking a train through the jungles to then snorkel and tube down the crystal clear river and stopping along the way to take in some cliff jumping and sight seeing.  A floating bridge at the inlet with an amazing array of schoold of fish below, a must see by snorkeling around it.  From mayan walls, hammock island, Xpa, cenotes, caverns, plant nursery, beaches, a manatee encounter, dolphins and the attractions were endless.

An afternoon spent on a catamaran set sail for Cozumel, where we stopped at Cozumel’s reef and got to jump off the boat and snorkel around the two beautiful reefs getting to see hundreds of tropical fish, the coral formations were a sight of their own and of course other wonderful sea-life.  Back on boat enjoying inclusive drinks, music and some dancing we arrived at Cozumel where we had a few hours to do some shopping and of bartering.

We spent a lot of time down at the beach and just enjoying the 2 weeks of beautifully sunny weather we lucked out having.  I would highly recommend this resort and all of these adventures to all, the resort especially for family friendliness! Four stars in my book!