Hello!
We went to Barcelo Maya Beach Resort. We have 3 kids. We thought this would one of the last vacations that we would spend as a family together, before the kids moved out. Our friends, and their 2 kids went as well. We have been
more +to Cozumel, and Cancun. We love Mexico! I'm not sure what one that I like the best. It seems like there was much more to do at the Barcelo. It's about an hour drive from the airport, in Cancun. We took a van, that was provided for us, from the hotel.We never leave the kids alone, but always felt very safe here. We always try to stay together, that's what the family vacation is about! We had snorkeling,pools, and a neat place for little kids to swim in. Jet skis, the big bicycles(not sure what the name is!). We had, I think 5 hotels surrounding us that we could go eat at. There wasn't anything very close to the resort, so we just stayed there to eat. The food was really good there. We went shopping in Play Del Carmen. We just called a van to pick us up. However, this was a little expensive. We took a ferry over to Cozumel to meet some relatives for the day. We rented 4-wheelers, and went horseback riding. Also had to do some shopping while we were there!
One of the best parts, is that my friend and I, got a massage, by the beach..that was wonderful! So relaxing. Laying on the beach, watching the beautiful water, what more could one ask for?
Everyone was very nice at the resort. Very clean. I would love to go back to Mexico. I have never been to the Caribbean, maybe some day!
On other trips there, we have gone to Xcharet? That was in Cozumel. It's a park that you can swim with the dolphins and other things you can do. That was a lot of fun. We have gone on a jeep tour, that was a 9 hr. excursion. That was in July..and it was HOT! We went on a very bumpy trail, by the ocean. We had lunch on the beach, and snorkeled,and saw a couple of Mayan Ruins. Great day!
Have gone on a jungle tour on jet skis in Cancun. The kids went para-sailing. Not me! No way!
Probably one of the most memorable times was on the Pirate ships,in Cancun..fun fun!
I love spending time with my family on vacation. When we're at home, we just don't have the quality of time, everyone is busy. When we're in Mexico..no cell phones..I love it! It gives us time to get reconnected. I think everyone deserves a vacation, far away!
Date of Stay: 06/08/2007
Children in Party: 1
Tweens (10-12) Tweens (13+)
We went to Riviera Maya and stayed at the Barcelo Maya. There were 12 of us altogether, 5 adults, and the rest kids. We stayed for seven nights and 8 days. We were never ran out of things to do. We were a little nervous with so many kids and
more +their safety but our fears were alleviated upon arrival. The resort was gated and the staff was so helpful. We all felt safe and secure with our families vacationing at this resort.
Our rooms were on ground level and overlooked the beautiful ocean and the pool, which is a rare find. The pool was probably 50 steps from our rooms. We had patios with furniture where we could sit and see the kids in the pool. It made it really convenient! Our rooms were very clean and they stocked the refrigerators daily. The sinks and mirror were outside the shower which made it great because two or more people could get ready at the same time. There was a clothing shop, jewelry shop, drugstore, and a gift shop right at the resort. They all had great things to sell!
We were close to the beach which was lined with chairs and umbrellas. It was just beautiful in the early morning and the sunset. It was sandy bottom too! The girls got their hair braided on the beach.
The water sports were great - the kids could swim all day, go kayaking, ride the bicycles made for water, or just catch some rays. It was all included. We all took dance classes and water aerobics (except the men)and never laughed so hard! There were contests and activities at the pool everyday. There was a kid's club which did so many fun things. We could even paint our own ceramic keepsakes and take home. We did a few extra excursions as well. We took a guided snorkeling tour for the day. The kids were so amazed at all the beautiful fish and coral in the ocean. It was quite an experience for us all. We went to one of the theme parks and went underwater in the caves, it was way cool! I think every one's favorite was parachuting over the water and snorkeling.
One day we took the bus trip into Playa Del Carmen. What a shopping experience! We got marble chess boards and sterling silver jewelry for next to nothing. I bought some outdoor patio lights carved out of pumpkins and to this day I am still getting compliments on them.
The buffets and restaurants were out of this world! We would spend all day in the sun, then take a short nap, clean up, and go out to eat. We have traveled to several places but I have never had such good food with so much of a variety than at this resort. Every night was different. We had succulent prime rib, huge roasted turkeys, ribs, seafood, just the best of everything! The theme restaurants were just as good and lots of fun with the wait staff. Corona and Tecate' was served as the local beer. All the drinks were excellent! Our favorite was the Mexican Theme Restaurant - the wait staff was so hilarious and the flaming desserts awed the children. The nightly entertainment was outstanding!! All the kids just sat there with their mouths dropped because it was so good. They had a Michael Jackson imitator one night and the kids thought he was really Michael Jackson. It was funny!
We have been on several family vacations but this resort takes the cake! The food, entertainment, activities, pool, and beach were much more than we expected. I would definitely recommend this resort to anyone considering a family vacation.
Date of Stay: 02/15/2005
Tweens (10-12) Tweens (13+) Accommodations Dining Pool & Water Fun
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