OT: Chefbec re. Cancun...

[kima]

Hi Chefbec! I just read on another thread that you are off to Cancun soon. We are thinking about going there next winter. My husband loves the Mayan history and culture so that would be the draw to go there. I have heard Cancun is very touristy but is a good base for seeing ruins etc. I would love to hear about your experience there and any recommendations you can make. If any one else has been in the Yucatan I'd love some info. Thanks and have a wonderful time-you lucky duck!

[chefbec]

Thanks, kima! This is a Pampered Chef incentive trip, and they're putting us up at the Moon Palace resort. This place looks like a dream. My husband and I are taking a tour of Chichen Itza. We were in Cancun on our honeymoon (we took a cruise) and went to Tulum, Xel-Ha, and also went snorkeling in Cozumel. Beautiful area. I will let you know how it all was when I return. How will I go a week without the BB?!

Oh, and we're leaving the kids home....

[This message has been edited by chefbec (edited 04-18-2001).]

[donleyk]

We stayed at the Palace chain when we went 2 years ago. We didn't make it to the Moon Palace and it won't come to me which one we were at! Anyway, our hotel was wonderful. Family oriented everyone was very nice, ours was very quaint. (Think, think, think! I'll edit this when it comes to me. Too early yet I guess.)

We went to the ruins. The Palace hotels offer a bus trip there. This is definately the way to go. We had an amazing time there. The whole trip was good.

Your guide will be a descendant. Luiz was ours and he was terrific. My descriptions will pale in comparasion so I won't go into any detail. Suffice to say it was amazing.

Cancun was basically built for Americans so I am not sure I agree with the "touristy" label. We had an all inclusive package so there wasn't any incentive for us to leave the resort chain except for scheduled trips. We did go to dinner at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse while we were there. It was very good.

Smoked Cuban cigars. Oh, those were great!

Kima, are you booking thru a travel agent? Ours used Apple vacations. I can recommend them. We were very comfortable with their service.

Sorry for the long post... reminiscing!

[Jeanne G]

Kima!

We just got back from Cozumel late Tuesday night. An INCREDIBLE spot!!! I recommend looking at Cozumel, b/c you can take the ferry over to Playa del Carmen(the main land) and then rent a jeep to see Tulum, etc. You could also drive to Cancun if you wanted. I've been to Cancun and it is beautiful, but if you're looking for something less 'touristy' (no Pizza Hut or McDonald's, etc.) you should definitely look into Cozumel.

We were also in Cozumel 5 years ago, and I hope not to wait that long before returning. On Cozumel, you can also rent a vehicle and take a tour of the other side of the island, with gorgeous beaches and more waves to have fun in. Not to mention wonderful little spots to eat.

We stayed at the most beautiful resort we've ever stayed, and the beautiful thing about it is that you can also go to the sister resort in Playa del Carmen. Check out www.iberostar.com and search the Caribbean and then Cozumel. I can also recommend a few other resorts too. I'll check to see if you have an email address listed and I would be happy to give you some additional info, even let you know over the phone! Gosh, I sound like I should go into sales/promotion for this place, but it really is THAT worth it to look into!

Adios,
Jeanne

I just looked and you don't have an email listed. Also look at the Allegro resort and the Reef Club. I know the Reef Club has a sister resort in Playa del Carmen also. And feel free to email me directly, I'd love to share what I know with you!

[This message has been edited by Jeanne G (edited 04-19-2001).]

[catharine]

My DH and I went to Cancun for this past New Year's. I think if you are mostly interested in ruins you will be very happy.

We wanted a tropical vacation...we LOVED the Bahamas and thought Cancun would be similar. However, we were very disappointed because it was not very warm (low 70's and windy) and the snorkeling wasn't as good.

I don't mean to sound negative or put a damper on things, but I wish someone had told us about certain things before we went. (We wore our winter coats on New Year's Eve).

I recommend a side trip to Isla Mujeres. It is a nice little island a few miles from Cancun.

As for other advice, I highly recommend www.epinions.com. They have information about everything from kitchen appliances, to resorts. Just search for Cancun or your hotel and you will pull up a wealth of information. I got a ton of great insight about what to do in Cancun.

Have fun!



[This message has been edited by catharine (edited 04-19-2001).]

[kima]

Thanks for all the info everyone. Cozumel sounds like it might be a good choice for us. I will continue to gather info from you all plus get some books from the library. Jeanne-I would love some more of your ideas. On my profile where it says homepage is my e-mail address. Our two teenage daughters will probably come with us so we have to keep "budget" in mind! Plus the Candian dollar is so bad against the U.S> dollar we have to shop around! Thanks everyone!

[chefbec]

Wienie (great name!), thanks for that info on Chichen Itza. We're doing a tour there as well and having lunch at a restaurant along the way (probably the same one). I will avoid the lettuce! Anything else I should avoid? We have a special dinner that night at Bogart's, and I want to be sure I'm not ill! After your review, I'm really getting excited.

[Lynn B]

We have been to Cancun several times, plus Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. We love all of them!!! Once we stayed at an Allegro Resort in Playa (Caribbean Village) - and it was great because we could go to and utilize any of the other Allegro resorts in the area (there are 5) So that was a blast! If you want some place that is more quiet and un-developed, try Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic. It's wonderful! It has been dubbed the "Cancun of 25 years ago"... meaning great beaches, great weather, but not too commercial (yet!)
Lynn

[Abby]

I've been to Cancun once before and Cozumel several times. I actually prefer Cozumel over Cancun. As previous posts have stated, Cancun is pretty "Americanized." Cozumel has not lost its local color even though it is a very popular spot with Americans. Also, the snorkeling and diving is superior in Cozumel. It's a lot of fun to rent jeeps or mopeds and explore the undeveloped side of the island. There are also a lot of wonderful beachside restaurants on the undeveloped side where you can eat the most wonderful freshly-caught lobster. Not to say that I didn't have a blast in Cancun, because I had a wonderful time, but if you're looking for something a little different and maybe more authentic, I recommend Cozumel to anyone who is deciding between the two.

I'm actually going to Cancun in about a week because DH has a conference there. I'd love to hear any suggestions for restaurants; I don't think I remember much about the ones that I went to 6 years ago.

[Wienie]

Kima and Chefbec, my DH and I just got back from the Moon Palace two weeks ago (this was our second visit). The Palace is actually south of the Cancun Strip. They refer to this area as the Mayan Suncoast or Riviera Maya. It is a beautiful area and not at all touristy like the Strip.
The resort is top-notch. They absolutely wait on you hand and foot. No need to motivate if you don't feel like it, since it is all-inclusive. There are actually 10 restaurants to choose from within this Resort (there are two complexes). Dress can be casual or dressy depending on which restaurants you choose.
We received a free tour with our trip and we went to Chichen Itza. It is indescribable. We were offered a tour with this most recent trip, but everything else paled next to Chichen Itza. It was a very long bus ride, but well worth it. One word of caution, we were served lunch en route, and I made the mistake of eating lettuce. Montezuma's revenge nearly ruined the end of my trip. Did not have any worries at the hotel.
Even though we just got back, I'm jealous and ready to go again.
Have and wonderful time and enjoy!!
Jeanne W.

[Jeanne G]

Kima,
Sorry about not recognizing that as an email, I will email you from home about Cozumel. I'd love to help. And one nice thing, is that these resorts I mentioned are very much family-oriented if you want. There were many families + couples or friends w/o kids as well, and the ages ranged a lot.
Jeanne

[This message has been edited by Jeanne G (edited 04-20-2001).]

[kima]

My goodness no need to apologize Jeanne! You are so kind to help us! My name is Maureen by the way! Do you have any info on condos in that area. We find we really need our space when we travel together now. We have nightowls and early birds in our flock. Also, not much of a holiday for my husband and I with two young adults in the room if you know what I mean!

[lanie]

I know this is an older thread - however, we are leaving on Thursday for Mayan Riviera (or whatever it is called), we are staying at the Paradisus Riviera (I think it opened Dec. 01) -has anyone been there?

What foods/drinks should one DEFINITELY stay away from? I had a terrible time in Dominican 2 years ago and landed up in the hospital, I picked up a parasite which practically killed me..........anyway, I NEVER thought I would be doing this again - any recommendations on WHAT NOT TO DO/EAT..............would be much appreciated.

Another thing, any recommendations on what things I should take like Immodium.........................

[Grace]

Hi lanie - I'm with you on that. I went to Cancun many years ago, and got salmonella. I was DEATHLY ill. The best thing I can suggest for you to take is Acidophilus pills. Acidophilus is the "good" bacteria that is (for example) in yogurt. Your gut is full of good bacteria, and the good ones "eat" the bad ones. You'll need lots of extra good ones to fight off those bad ones that are hard to stay away from!!! When I had salmonella, those pills were the only thing that helped me at all. One pill is equivalent to like 20 cartons of yogurt or something. And you can take them as preventative. I would NEVER go again without them!

As far as what not to eat, I don't have too much advice to offer there, as it was like 12 years ago that I was there, and I'm quite sure things have changed. But they say anything that has their water on it is suspect (fresh fruits/vegetables washed with their water, etc). Although supposedly, the resort food is supposed to be safe. I got salmonella from the chicken served at the Hyatt. So there's no guarantee.

Hope you have a great trip, and TAKE THOSE ACIDOPHILUS!!

[Mary Ann]

but I love the Mayan Riviera. We've been to Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen a total of 8 times in the past 12 yrs. Playa del Carmen is by far my favorite.

I've only gotten sick once, and the only thing I can blame it on is overindulgence in Tequila Sunrises We drink bottled water, and avoid food from the street vendors. I've heard good things about the acidophilus that Grace referred to; we take Pepto Bismol caplets with every meal.



I did find one review for you...

http://www.epinions.com/content_54175174276

Have a great trip...I'm so envious.

[lanie]

Thanks so much girls - going to definitely buy both!!!!

I got so carried away with myself this morning - I forgot to wish you all a

VERY HAPPY EASTER!!!!!!!!

N.B. - thanks for finding that 'review' MaryAnn - we now feel more like going - yesterday morning, I thought I would be leaving (driving) to South Carolina - DH reads the newspaper - and 1 hour later - this is what we are doing - we both HATE to fly - he more so - good thing it's coming fast................

Once again, thanks so much!

Hugs Elaine