As the calendar ticked November, I couldn’t help but remember that I have an exciting trip coming up. Finally, I can break the news to you all 😀 The PR agency of a new chain, called Xperience Hotels Resorts, invited me to experience (“¡valga la redundancia!”) two of their properties in Playa Del Carmen. Yeah, I’m going back to Mexico! 😀
Photo by Jesús Pérez Pacheco, Flickr
I have been to Cancun Mexico before, but that was a disappointment. Beautiful beaches, yes, but incredibly Americanized and overpriced. I will write a post about my bad experience there soon, okay? 😉
Back to the hotel invitation: It was open, but I decided to jump on it right away, as I had not heard back from Tourism Manitoba (been trying to see the polar bears!). So my Thanksgiving plans changed from chilly and snowy to sunny and sultry. And who’s complaining again?
Boutique Hotel Aqualuna (Tripadvisor)
As a great bonus, the PR agency will also hook me up with a local tour agency and throw one complimentary day trip. I still don’t have all the details, but I built my itinerary anyway!
This will be a partial media trip, so I’m still expected to cover some of the expenses. Meals, airfare, and some tours will be on my tab. Still, this was the perfect excuse to escape my current student debt misery and do something fun with my discretionary income for once.
My Playa Del Carmen itinerary:
Thursday Nov 22nd arrival: Chill at the Aqualuna Hotel in Playa. Dinner at the hotel in order to review it. Maybe do Xcaret at night?
Friday Nov 23rd: Tour Ek Balam-Río Lagartos (13 hrs approx.). Nightlife in Playa later in the evening Definitely check out the Yaxche Restaurant on Quinta Avenida. Heard they have amazing Mayan cuisine and coffee!
Overnight Aqualuna Hotel.
Start video at 0:15 sec. mark:
Saturday Nov 24th: Day trip to Valladolid and Coba! Travel bucket list item: Swim in a CENOTE. Do ruins early morning 2-3 hrs, then spend rest of afternoon at the village. Back to Playa for party party. Or maybe try to see the Akumal turtles around 9 PM? Or both? PERFECT!
Overnight Hacienda Paradise Hotel.
Sunday, Nov 25th: Checkout from hotel and check-in cool-ass hostel or meet up with Couchsurfing host. Underwater museum tour at 11:30 AM. Afternoon spent swimming with turtles back in Akumal.
Overnight in either Playa or Akumal.
Monday, Nov 26th: Early flight back to USA 🙁
Photo by Carlos Guevara, Flickr
Umm, yah, my flight is already booked. Unfortunately, my love couldn’t join me, and the other friend I invited hasn’t confirmed yet. But I wouldn’t mind going to Playa Del Carmen solo. I’m sure I’ll have a heck of a lot of fun!
One of my nights isn’t covered (I extended my stay, duh), so I’m still debating which hostel (or Couchsurfer!) to choose.
Any suggestions are welcome!
Playa Del Carmen port on Quinta Avenida (Photo: Tripadvisor)
Now Mr. Movember, please hurry the heck up so I can get to Playa. Mkay?
*thinks of Mexican parties and what they will be like*
We did a trip to Cozumel from Playa and booked the catamaran tour.
It was a great tour and we would do it again anytime, the water in Cozumel is just incredibly beautiful!
We are here now and have ticked off most those items. Absolutely love Playa Del Carmen!
Awesome! I can’t wait to go back myself
Oh if you are going in November, you must visit Chichen Itza! It’s not far from Valladolid and the ceremonies for the end of the Mayan long calendar will be starting. To see “El Castillo” is mind blowing. The cenotes are definitely a must but be prepared, they are underground and at least 10 degrees colder than outside and the limestone gets very slippery, where shoes with traction.
That is awesome Maria! Well deserved 😉
I’m sure you will have a blast, how can you not?
Go to Cozumel if you get the chance, such a beautiful island and it’s only a ferry ride away.
Puerto Aventuras is also another quaint village to visit.
I look forward to read your adventures!
*Abrazos* K. 😉
I’ve been to Cozumel already (on my Backstreet Boys cruise haha), and yes, it is beautiful! 😀
Puerto Aventuras eh? Is it far from Playa Del Carmen?
Hola! Sounds fantastic! We have been in Playa for two months, and have loved our time here. Akumal, Coba, Cenote Azul and Valledolid are all great pics, and we really enjoyed Xcaret by night (the musical show is awesome!). Check out Aguachiles restaurant if you like seafood, and have a great time!
Thanks for the rest. recommendation! 😀 And good to know my pics are great 😉
Ohh, I went to the Riviera Maya a few years ago and loved it, I’ve been wanting to get back there! Congrats, sounds like a fun trip! I love the beaches near Tulum if you can get down there, I def. recommend it!
I’ve been to Cancun, so know the beaches in the area are spectacular. Don’t know if I’ll make it to Tulum, but thanks for the recommendation! 🙂
I’m sure you’ll have a great time there. I would choose couchsurfing for that extra night 🙂
Thinking about it! 😉 Depends whether there are CSers in the area I decided to stay at that night. Can’t wait
Ahh super jealous.. I’ve always wanted to go to Mexico – it’s so close but we keep postponing it. Looks like you’ll be staying at some swanky places! Have fun..
And I totally hear you about the student loan misery.. I’ll be living in it too for the next 30 years or so. sigh.. lol
Don’t delay it 30 years! I had over $50,000 in debt a year ago, now it is only about $37k. My goal is to be DONE with them by summer 2015. Make it a priority, then you don’t have to carry a heavy load while traveling 😉
And as for Mexico, all you need is a short weekend! Flights are cheaper if you are close, so take advantage now 😉
Ooo ooo! This sounds like one nice trip, especially with the cold weather now approaching. What a welcomed escape! Enjoy! 😀
I know! Definitely looking forward to it 🙂
Hey sounds like a lot of fun! I just wrote a post on the Cancun and the surrounding area and included the Underwater Museum as well — hope you don’t make the same mistake I did! 🙂
will do Raymond!