Review — Excellence Playa Mujeres Resort, Mexico

Unlike many other resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Excellence Playa Mujeres is located North of Cancun in an area called Playa Mujeres Resort. This unique, 930 hectare piece of land is nestled between the Caribbean Ocean on the east and the Chacmochuc Lagoon  on the west. Ancient history, undisturbed tropical plants were waiting to be revealed, including a 1,200-year-old Mayan Temple which was studied, restored and opened to guests for tours.

The drive along the small coastal road will keep you guessing what to expect until you pass through the gates and finally pull up in front of Excellence Playa Mujeres’ impressive lobby. The welcome at Excellence Playa Mujeres was one of the best we’ve ever received. It was heart-felt, welcoming and despite it being our first time, made us feel like coming home.

A 35 minute drive from Cancun’s International Airport will take you to this all-inclusive resort, catering to adults 18 and over, looking for romance or wishing to escape on a relaxing getaway. Excellence opens its arms and makes you feel special.

One of Excellence’s key strengths is the beautiful, state-of-the art spa. One of the reasons why this resort isn’t just great for people in love but also friends looking for a rejuvenation getaway. A huge hydro-therapy awaits, several massage packages, everything you could possibly want to relax and get pampered. Miilé Excellence Resort Spa is the ultimate retreat for your mind, body and soul where relaxation is natural.

Excellence Gourmet
Excellence Playa Mujeres offers nine wonderful and unique restaurants. The themed locales are authentically decorated and create a world of their own. Whether you wish to dine in a traditional Mexican Hacienda style restaurant, eat at the hip sushi bar, or are looking for an Indian dinner, gourmet dishes await. Best of all, Excellence makes it easy, no dinner reservations required. Day or night, there are 11 bars that will quench your thirst. Did anyone say signature cocktails? Never forget to ask for one.

Adult-only all-inclusive fun
There are so many options included in your stay that you’ll never be bored. Walk the two mile white sandy beaches, or swim in one of the seven pools located on resort. Feel like just laying back and relaxing? Close your eyes and let yourself truly relax in an outdoor jacuzzis or in an in-pool whirlpools. As a guest, you’ll have access to the fitness center, jogging and bicycle trail and the use of non-motorized water sports, such as: Hobbie Cats, windsurfing boards, sea kayaks, snorkel gear and paddle boards. There’s also table tennis and billiards, darts, board games, archery and rifle shooting available. And don’t forget about access to the Main Theatre for a night of entertainment and fun!

Excellence Playa Mujeres is also located within walking distance of the marina and the Playa Mujeres Golf Club that was designed by golf pro Greg Norman. The 18 hole, par 72 course is challenging and features beautiful views that you can’t get back home. Imagine yourself teeing off on one of the lagoon and ocean-front holes.

Romancing in style
Excellence is the perfect place for a romantic escape. Whether you just want to enjoy each other, tie the knot, or celebrate your marriage, Excellence will welcome you with open arms and has a package that meets your need. Celebrate your love with a romantic night on the beach having a private sunset dinner. Or dining in-room on your rooftop terrace. Looking for a romantic way to propose? Contact us, we have some ideas (wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise!).

Excellence Playa Mujeres is a dream come true to those who stay. From the gorgeous resort, to the multiple dining areas, endless activities and five-star accommodations, your stay will feel luxurious. Enjoy the stress-free lifestyle the Caribbean has to offer.

Have you stayed at Excellence Playa Mujeres? Please share your experience in the comment section!

For more info and to contact us visit www.aav-travel.com

 

Loosing Track of Time at The Caves

A visit to The Caves resort was one of our highlights during the recent stay in Negril, Jamaica. This unique gem is perched above and built into Negril’s steep cliff and cave side.

A narrow road winds along the coast directing us to the resort, making it easy to miss the hidden entrance. A small light blue gate, just big enough for a mini-bus, is the only entrance at the resort, which is hidden behind walls. The driveway is so small that there is hardly enough space to turn your car. The lobby consists of a small, two-story building with a blue fenced in front porch; nothing fancy, just pure Jamaican country charm. It’s like arriving at a friend’s home.

As we arrive, the hotel sales executive was the first to provide us with a warm Jamaican greeting. Filled with pride and excitement, he escorted us on a small winding path to show us the highlights of the property. The stone path leads us through beautiful gardens, which guide us to a few unique cottages. We then approache Macka Tree; right below is a giant carved-out bluehole where visitors can jump into, at their own risk. The bluehole directs the swimmer to a cave that soon approaches the wide open Caribbean Sea.

As we move further, we walk towards the edge of the cliff that leads to a small spa. The spa is very discreet, but incredibly beautiful with remarkable service to satisfy your needs.

Our tour continues by walking along the cliff’s edge again. We climb down a steep staircase towards the cave structures. Small terraces approach, and lead us to the first cave that invites guests to lounge and sunbathe while viewing the ocean below. Inside the cave it was so peaceful and secluded that it felt like the property was yours. The first cave was designed for guests to dine in private. At night, the inside of the cave fills your sight with beautiful candles and the sound of waves crashing below.

The second cave is a Rum and Cigar bar; a unique feature to Negril, which again at night becomes lit with candles and small lights. The bar invites guests to lounge in relaxing benches and enjoy a large selection of different rums and cigars. A warm evening breeze sways through the cave as the peaceful sound of crashing waves encircle it.

The last cave was also unique. A hot tub is built into the cave and opens up to the sea through a window. From there you can watch the sunset and toast a glass of champagne.

The Caves Resort treats their guests as if they were family. It is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Guests enjoy cooling off in the deep blue sea by either jumping or climbing down a ladder. An inviting small pool that is above sea level allows visitors to relax while overlooking the breathtaking view of the ocean. Guests enjoy participating in snorkeling and kayaking, a favorite pastime activity at the Caves. There is also a variety of food to choose from that is cooked to your liking.

Feel free to check out the pictures we took during our visit! The Caves can be a wonderful option for a honeymoon, relaxing getaway, or a destination wedding.

Honeymoon Planning – Questions you Should ask

A couple more hours before the new year! With the start of 2010 comes the beginning of the bridal season. Hundreds of brides will flock to wedding shows all over the world, shopping for wedding vendors, and also starting to think about their honeymoon.

Each wedding vendor has a certain set of questions a bride might want to ask before hiring them. Typically you might question a photographer about their package prices, how fast they will have your pictures available, how easy it will be for your guests to order from them, how much experience they have shooting weddings, and much more.

Whilst most every wedding vendor has a certain set of questions they will be asked, I oftentimes notice that brides do not qualify the honeymoon planner/travel consultant they want to work with. Here are a few ideas/tips/questions you might want to
use when selecting your honeymoon consultant.

  • If you have an idea on where you would like to go on your honeymoon, tell the consultant. Use this opportunity to test their reaction. Are they simply acknowledging your choice, or do they actually seem knowledgeable about the destination.
  • Who is going to do the work, you, or the consultant. By that I mean, does the consultant simply hand out brochures, or does the consultant setup an appointment with you first, in order to learn exactly what it is you are looking for?
  • What type of travel is the consultant’s specialty? Do they cater to anyone, including family & business travel, or do they specialize in the romance travel sector.
  • Does the consultant travel frequently and has first-hand experience in some of the most popular honeymoon destinations and resorts?
  • Is the honeymoon consultant going to be there for you, not only during the booking process, but also once you travel?
  • And, can you relate to the consultant. Do you feel this person will be able to understand what it is you are looking for.

 

Many of my All About Honeymoons colleagues will be represented at bridal shows nationwide. I encourage you to visit their booth (look for the logo), and submit them to the test.

Just like your wedding, your honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It should be the best vacation you ever take. You should feel special, you should know what to expect, and most of all, you should be able to treasure those memories forever.