MEXICO

MEXICO

Viva Mexico! A quick hop from MIA to the CUN airport and off I go. My Spanish has decreased dramatically since my last visit to Mexico (is it Caribbean? Is it Latin America or is it both?? Maybe we should vote on it), having spent most of my travel in the English speaking Caribbean, as they say, if you don’t use it you loose it!

Here for work (that’s nothing new) but that doesn’t mean a little fun is completely out of the question. Here along Rivera Maya stretch I stay in multiple resorts within the cities (I assume that’s what they are, because in Mexico they don’t have parishes) of Puerto Morales and Playa del Carmen. An area where tourism is growing and the all inclusive model is King, the resorts vary in size, service and frankly aesthetic. I however am lucky to work with the prestigious Karisma chain of properties which feature a “Gourmet Inclusive” lifestyle as opposed to your traditional “all inclusive”. (Sounds wwwaaayyy more posh, I think, don’t you?!). The name lives up to the hype. As all of the resorts visited offer a unique sampling of food. El Dorado Royale and El Dorado Casitas Royale are my first stops (yes, if you watch Real Housewives of ATL, you may recall Kenya Moore took the ladies on a Mexican Coocaracha trip to said place). Here they feature an on-property green house where fruits and vegetables for the entire resort group are grown. It’s open to tour for guests and gives you a sense of fresh, healthy and sustainable feelings all at the same damn time!

They also feature the Canadian Beef Series complimented by Jackson Family Wines. A night of beef, hot chefs and wine, diners have the option of participating in the festive evening and also learn about various recipes and wine pairings. A great concept and partnership!

While here, you must visit the Naay Spa, (which means the Mayan Vision) run under the esteemed creativity of Mrs. Violeta Rodriguez. They too grow their own herbs behind the spa for treatments.

Aware and ever so professional, she remembers me and welcomes me back. Being as this is my second time to this lovely place, a spa treatment is a must. I undergo a true and authentic Mayan Ritual (see snippets below) and then relax under the tender care of Mary, my Arometherapy expert! The Spa shop also has exquisite locally designed bags, dresses and jewels to purchase. I was lucky to have received a gift from my dear friends at the Spa!

(Picture of Bag/Bracelet, Videos of rituals)

Then I moved on to Azul Sensatori, a kid friendly resort which caters to everything you and your little tike needs to enjoy a luxury vacation. Literally, all you need to pack is the baby and the clothes. They have the crib, stroller, activities, bottles, play pens, food, high chairs, bath toys and even baby robes and slippers which are just wwaaayy to cute not to use. Kids are also catered to at their very own check in section with welcome drink and activity book to boot! Have kids….will vacation!

(Twitter Pics of Check in and Robes)

The evening shows are excellent with a large variety of local and pop culture mix. If you’re feeling adventurous, dine at Le Chique restaurant for your very own Molecular Experinece. Having earned countless awards it’s an interesting take, with wwwaayyy over five courses.

I have to say, my favorite was the Postress! (That’s desert in Spanish). At the Zoula restaurant, which features mutli-cultural burger flavors (Caribbean, Japanese, Mexican, hawain, etc), they have a Martini de fresas with ice cream and heavy whipped cream – a dream in a cup! Yummmmm, sorry I don’t have a pic, but that just means I’ll have to go again. Oh! And I can’t forget the mojito bar – serving over 15 different flavors of Mojitos. I was fortunate enough to have a tasting 😉

I ended my trip at El Dorado Seaside Suites. An adults only spot, the staff are friendly and the service muy bueno! Very involved in the community (as all Karisma properties are), they support local Mayan women in the production and sales of Pitachi Jams. Women in the nearby village often do not work, but this particular project combines, employment, entrepreneurship, authenticity and income for the local women, allowing access to a better way of life and education of business.

Conservation is also key and the Programma de Tortugas reins supreme! I have adopted a turtle and can’t wait until it hatches 😉

(Pitachi Jams and Turtle)

The neighboring resort, Hidden Beach, (also under the Karisma chain) caters to the clothing optional crowd and privacy is very much top priority.

Next time I shall endeavor to get out and about, too much work on this trip. But shall return within a week or two….