We did a last minute package with Applevacations about 10 days before we left. The date had been chosen long before but we were waiting to see all the last minute specials. While we were leaning towards Jamaica and Cozumel, we ended up at Ocean Maya by H10 in Playa. The flight times just weren't as good as flying into Cancun so we went with the direct flight. Neither of us had heard of Ocean Maya but luckily it was a nice resort (much like that of El Coz which is a 3-4*). It is family resort but was only at 30% Wednesday- Friday. The pools were uncrowded, the beach was quiet, dining places open, always seats at the swim up bar and friendly service. We originally booked a Jr Suite but switched it to a new Mayan Deluxe room which turned out to be cheaper and closer to the beach. It also included black wrist bands which gave you premium alcohol, reservations at the dining places, a private beach and plush lounges and a personal beach waiter. In my opinion, it was worth it for the alcohol alone. I don't drink too much (rather a wine drinker) but when I have a margarita, I don't enjoy cheap tequila. That is just asking for a hangover and to get sick. Friends we met would have us and another couple order them the better drinks because there was no comparison. As for the dining places, you would totally need the reservations if the resort was full. They were just coming off their Mexican 4 day weekend and then preparing for Mother's Day so we chose a nice time to come. If it would have been busy and you wanted the nicer dining places, you have to get in line around 5 and wait until they can squeeze you in. One waiter said sometimes it is 3 or 4 hours. There is a buffet with many choices but the food is much better at the nicer sit down dinners. Plus, don't you enjoy a nice date setting for dinner.
Our room, our room. It was nice and good size with a typical Mexican bed, a chair, a couch with a pull out, nice closet, dresser, flat screen, patio and a newer bathroom. The Mayan section is something new for this resort so all the "kinks" haven't been worked out. Our shower flooded the entire time when we took a shower. We either turned it off or just put our beach towels on the floor. It really didn't bother us as we wore house shoes provided by the resort in the room. A friend that we met slipped and fell and bruised her knee and leg pretty bad so I could see how it would be dangerous. Another issue was that our power went out twice. Not a HUGE issue but when you are close to the beach and there are 33 Villas between the beach an the main lobby, it is a pain. The resort was extremely quick to get it back on. Our mini fridge was always stocked with beer, all kinds of sodas and water. The housekeeper also kept our aloe vera in there daily so that was nice. Also, they like you to keep the air really low so it was always cool.
The beach itself was pretty rough and not very clear. The previous week was full of strong winds and rain so not sure what it would typically look like. There is beach access directly in the front of the resort on the right and left sides. In the middle is a lifted beach area with a small glass wall over looking the water. This area is for the Mayan Deluxe guests. It was full of plush lounges, champagne holders full of ice and water bottles and a personal waiter. We spent a lot of time just laying in the shade talking and watching the waves. The lounges are only a few steps away from one of the pools for a quick dip. The lounges were more comfortable than the bed. Our beach however doesn't compare to those south of Playa or right off 5th Avenue in Playa. Those are breath taking and that is kind of what we were seeking.
Speaking of 5th Avenue, that is where you go when you go to town. It is blocks and blocks of shops, boutique hotels and dining places. Everyone is very friendly and the streets are full day and night. Chris and I took a taxi in, had dinner at a good place, walked around and went to the Blue Parrot. The Parrot is a hang out that has been there forever. I went back in 2001 and Chris always went with the CArino's group. They do a great fire show, it is right on the beach next to the Royal (SOOOO NICE) and they have swings to sit on at the bar. Playa is a lot quieter than Cancun and I think as we grow older, it is more our style. Cancun is like Vegas even though there are some fantastic resorts there (like the RIU Cancun and Palace) but it is always going strong.
The Nurse Shark on the isla. No, I did not get in and have my picture taken with this shark. They were charging so I just took everyone else's pictures!!
The only other adventure we did was a trip to Isla Mujeres. I fell in love with this little island. It is typical old school Mexican towns where everyone is friendly and they love all the tourism. We took a van from our resort through Cancun to the ferry transfer with two other couples. From there, a catamaran picked us up and off we went. The first stop was snorkeling on one of the reefs. We saw a few things but if you want to snorkel and are in Cancun, jump on the ferry to Cozumel or go south of Playa. Like I said, we saw a few things but there were so many boats and so many people snorkeling so I'm sure it was causing the marine life to hide. I sure the heck would. Next, we continued to enjoy our boat ride towards the island. The closer we got, the prettier the water became. Wow, it was surely the Caymans or Jamaica I thought. I'm talking crystal clear all the way to the bottom. We stopped for a wonderful lunch at the Beach Club and a little beach time. Chris and I climbed under a tree and took a cat nap. Yes, we really did. There was a nice breeze and we were extremely full. Back on the boat, we headed to the next stop on the Isla which is where we would get off and walk around. The trip was on a Saturday so all the locals where in town with their families. Everyone was very polite and we felt very safe. There are cars on the island but most drive scooters or golf carts since it is small. After picking up a few shirts for Hailey, seeing a resort we were curious about and visiting the market, we were covered in sweat. The best way to fix that was to swim off the boat in that amazingly clear water. Aww, that was such a good feeling. You could see your toes!! On our way back to Cancun, the crew did a ghetto swing off the boat for the girls to ride. It was connected to a sail so the wind would pick you up out of the water. I must say it was really neat but ghetto. Chris and I both really enjoyed this excursion, would do it again and recommend it to others but it is very long. We left the resort at 8:30 in the morning and didn't return until 7;30. It made for a long day the day before we flew out.
As few people that were staying at the resort the first few nights, we met some really nice and fun people. Most were from Canada but one couple was from Chicago and one Buffalo, Ny. We always seem to meet Canadians while on vacation and just love them dearly. We have their contact information and I bet a visit this fall will happen whether they come to Texas to hunt or we go for a vacation. Did you know that you can ski in Whistler in summer? One adorable couple was from Whistler. Others were Vancouver and Montreal. We would meet up after dinner or have dinner together and talk, laugh and carry on until we were just too exhausted.
I think that it about it. I'm a walking Travel Agent for Mexico and the Caribbean so if you ever have any questions on resorts, email me. I've visited so many while on trips and have been on many trips. Chris and I were discussing how neat it would be for us to have an excursion that toured the different resorts.
1 comment:
Your pictures are beautiful. I'm glad you had such a nice vacation. You deserved it!
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