PARADISE
One day I'm celebrating my 29th birthday in New York City and the very next day I'm at the magnificent all-inclusive Occidental Grand Xcaret Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
It was only Tel and myself for this trip. Mara was unable to make it. None the less, Tel and I had a fantastic time. As soon as we stepped on the grounds we were blown away. The view was beautiful. A cobble stone pathway lead up to a lake that flowed through the middle of the resort. The lake was full of over sized black fish. It was so luxurious.
Because we arrived a little a head of schedule our room wasn't ready. The front desk manager held on to our luggage and suggested we grab some lunch at the main dinning hall. We did just that. After eating, we walked around to get a feel of the place. We ran into the activities supervisor who was one of the friendliest persons. He told us a little about the daily activities and the evening performances the resort was having. He then directed us to the information desk where we received our welcome gift which was a Mayan Calendar. We continued our walk and stumbled upon the animal trainer and his pet monkey. Always wanting to hold a baby monkey I jumped at the chance to take a picture with it. The little thing was so adorable.
We then followed a trail of paw print applications that lead to the resorts mini Ecological Park. We knew there were suppose to be more monkeys and Flamingos on the premises but we didn't see any. We would try back the next day. None the less the resort definitely had a lot to see. We didn't go back to check out our room until two hours later. We got so caught up taking pictures of ruins, deers, the beautiful ocean and everything else the time didn't really matter.
Eventually we made it to the room. We changed our clothes and headed right back out. For the rest of the evening we mingled with other guests and staff members.
Day 2:
Tel and I started our day off with a nice hearty buffet breakfast. After which we got caught up in an impromptu photo shoot with the resorts photographer. It was the cutest thing. We then made dinner reservations at one of the 9 restaurants and booked a dolphin adventure excursion. As I mentioned in one of my previous stories take advantage of the excursions. It's a great way to get out and see the island and try new things.
We grabbed a few drinks then headed back to the Ecological Park. It was early enough so the animals were out. Two cute little black monkeys and Flamingos. After snapping a few pics we went to one of the most beautiful spots at the resorts we discovered on our first day. It was full of huge jagged boulders, but the way the water crashed then made everything look so beautiful. It made for some great shots. From there we walked to the resorts private beach and chilled out for a while. That part of the beach was solely for Occidentals guests. We worked on our tans then took a dip.
We passed on the buffet dinner that evening and dined at Los Olivos, this was Occidentals themed restaurant that served a la carte Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. To be in Mexico they made one heck of a Mediterranean dish.
The night was still young so we took in a show. The staff impersonated The Village People, Cher, Michael Jackson and a few others. They did a great job. Once the show was over we went to the resorts nightclub Palenque' disco. We had a great time dancing, meeting other guest and kicking it with the bartenders. As usual, they kept our glasses full. Tel, myself and our new friends from Canada closed out the place.
Day 3:
After breakfast and hanging out by the pool Tel and I walked along the pond that flowed through our resort to Xcaret Park. Being that we were guest of Occidental entry to the park was free for the entire day.
Considered one of the worlds most unique and friendliest parks Xcaret Park had it all, from snorkeling to dolphin swims. Sea walks to a sea turtle conservation. One of the largest butterfly pavilions, a coral reef aquarium and a zoo.
Tel and I went to the beautiful butterfly pavilion, the zoo and decided to go snorkeling in one of the underground caves. Snorkeling was fun, yet a little scary at the same time. It was fun seeing the underground world as we went through the cave. There were thousands of fishes, limestone and rock formations. It was scary because some areas were very dark. It was a great experience overall.
Because our pass was good for the entire day we left the park for a few, grabbed a snack at the resort and took a much nap before going back. We were returned to the park we checked out the aquarium and stayed for the Mayan extravaganza show. This was one busy day.
With time to spare before catching the ferry back to Riviera Maya we had lunch at Margaritaville. If you're not ready to have shots poured down your throat, someone hitting you on the head with a hammer and a whistle blown in your ear you might want to think twice about going. Lol!!
The food, drinks and entertainment was great.
Back at the resort, we packed up our things and simply enjoyed our final night.
Day 5:
While at the airport Tel and I could not keep from smiling, until it finally sunk in that we were leaving soon. We had the best time. I loved Mexico so much that since then I've gone back two times.
It was only Tel and myself for this trip. Mara was unable to make it. None the less, Tel and I had a fantastic time. As soon as we stepped on the grounds we were blown away. The view was beautiful. A cobble stone pathway lead up to a lake that flowed through the middle of the resort. The lake was full of over sized black fish. It was so luxurious.
Because we arrived a little a head of schedule our room wasn't ready. The front desk manager held on to our luggage and suggested we grab some lunch at the main dinning hall. We did just that. After eating, we walked around to get a feel of the place. We ran into the activities supervisor who was one of the friendliest persons. He told us a little about the daily activities and the evening performances the resort was having. He then directed us to the information desk where we received our welcome gift which was a Mayan Calendar. We continued our walk and stumbled upon the animal trainer and his pet monkey. Always wanting to hold a baby monkey I jumped at the chance to take a picture with it. The little thing was so adorable.
We then followed a trail of paw print applications that lead to the resorts mini Ecological Park. We knew there were suppose to be more monkeys and Flamingos on the premises but we didn't see any. We would try back the next day. None the less the resort definitely had a lot to see. We didn't go back to check out our room until two hours later. We got so caught up taking pictures of ruins, deers, the beautiful ocean and everything else the time didn't really matter.
Eventually we made it to the room. We changed our clothes and headed right back out. For the rest of the evening we mingled with other guests and staff members.
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We have arrived
Occidental Grand Xcaret
Tel, myself and our little friend
 
Splish Splash
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Day 2:
Tel and I started our day off with a nice hearty buffet breakfast. After which we got caught up in an impromptu photo shoot with the resorts photographer. It was the cutest thing. We then made dinner reservations at one of the 9 restaurants and booked a dolphin adventure excursion. As I mentioned in one of my previous stories take advantage of the excursions. It's a great way to get out and see the island and try new things.
We grabbed a few drinks then headed back to the Ecological Park. It was early enough so the animals were out. Two cute little black monkeys and Flamingos. After snapping a few pics we went to one of the most beautiful spots at the resorts we discovered on our first day. It was full of huge jagged boulders, but the way the water crashed then made everything look so beautiful. It made for some great shots. From there we walked to the resorts private beach and chilled out for a while. That part of the beach was solely for Occidentals guests. We worked on our tans then took a dip.
We passed on the buffet dinner that evening and dined at Los Olivos, this was Occidentals themed restaurant that served a la carte Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. To be in Mexico they made one heck of a Mediterranean dish.
The night was still young so we took in a show. The staff impersonated The Village People, Cher, Michael Jackson and a few others. They did a great job. Once the show was over we went to the resorts nightclub Palenque' disco. We had a great time dancing, meeting other guest and kicking it with the bartenders. As usual, they kept our glasses full. Tel, myself and our new friends from Canada closed out the place.
Good morning Mexico
 Pictures from our photoshoot |
Monkeys, flamingos, iguanas - Oh My!
Loving it
 
Showtime
Disco night
|
Day 3:
After breakfast and hanging out by the pool Tel and I walked along the pond that flowed through our resort to Xcaret Park. Being that we were guest of Occidental entry to the park was free for the entire day.
Considered one of the worlds most unique and friendliest parks Xcaret Park had it all, from snorkeling to dolphin swims. Sea walks to a sea turtle conservation. One of the largest butterfly pavilions, a coral reef aquarium and a zoo.
Tel and I went to the beautiful butterfly pavilion, the zoo and decided to go snorkeling in one of the underground caves. Snorkeling was fun, yet a little scary at the same time. It was fun seeing the underground world as we went through the cave. There were thousands of fishes, limestone and rock formations. It was scary because some areas were very dark. It was a great experience overall.
Because our pass was good for the entire day we left the park for a few, grabbed a snack at the resort and took a much nap before going back. We were returned to the park we checked out the aquarium and stayed for the Mayan extravaganza show. This was one busy day.
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| Xcaret Park |
Tel and I at the butterfly pavilion
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Diving In
Coral Reef Aquarium
Mayan Extravaganza show
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Day 4:
On this day Tel and I caught the ferry to Cozumel, Mexico and went to Dolphinaris to swim with the dolphins. It was so exciting; although, when I initially got in the tank it felt like sharks were swimming about. The trainers had full control. We were serenaded by the dolphins, slapped fins, rode them, kissed them and more. It was the coolest and cutest thing. With time to spare before catching the ferry back to Riviera Maya we had lunch at Margaritaville. If you're not ready to have shots poured down your throat, someone hitting you on the head with a hammer and a whistle blown in your ear you might want to think twice about going. Lol!!
The food, drinks and entertainment was great.
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| Let the fun begin |
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Dolpin Adventures at Dolphinaris
Fun times in Cozumel
The food was real good. It hit the spot.
Calamari and Calypso Mahi Mahi
Very entertaining staff
Toast it up
Here I go again with the sand writing
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Back at the resort, we packed up our things and simply enjoyed our final night.
Day 5:
While at the airport Tel and I could not keep from smiling, until it finally sunk in that we were leaving soon. We had the best time. I loved Mexico so much that since then I've gone back two times.
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| Tel didn't want to leave. Neither did I |
Tips:
- Looking to book a trip to Mexico? Try bookit.com. I use bookit for most of my trips and I always seem to find great deals.
- Admission to Xcaret park may not always be free so make sure to check the package you select very carefully.
- Like I've mentioned before, take advantage of the excursions.
- ENJOY!!!! DRINK!!!! ENJOY!!!! DRINK!!!
What an amazing post. The way you told the story makes it feel as if I was along for the adventure. Continue traveling and seeing the world.
ReplyDeleteGreat Job!!!!!!!!
Awww thanks. The whole point of my blog is to make the reader feel as if they were right along with me. I'm glad it's working.
DeleteI will definitely continue traveling. You just continue reading. Make sure you tell your friends about it.
Take care,
ATWG