DIVERSION EXCURSION: THE RIVIERA MAYA

The Riviera Maya is that part of the Yucatan Peninsula that borders the Caribbean and centers around Playa del Carmen in Quintana Roo. It's a rapidly developing area with miles and miles of beautiful beaches, right on the Caribbean.

Having never been to an “all-inclusive” resort before, I had concerns about organized activities, eating at allotted times, wanting to leave the premises if I got bored, this sort of thing. I’m a wanderer and pretty much of a free spirit when I travel and don’t like keeping to a precise schedule. All my concerns went by the wayside at the Blue Bay Hotel and Resort.

By accident, I found a special offer from Travel Club Mexico here in Merida. They were offering 3 days and 2 nights at the Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda 5 star resort for only 3,674 pesos for two people, or the approximate equivalent of $277 US Dollars. Broken down, that’s less than $140 US per person (for everything). This incredible offer included round-trip transportation from Merida to the Blue Bay, via chartered, air conditioned bus equipped with a bathroom facility, movies, clean seats, and friendly atmosphere all around!

The Blue Bay is truly a 5 star resort in every sense of the word. Built in 2006, the facility is absolutely huge. There are almost 1,000 rooms, 6 restaurants and more beautiful oceanfront beach than I cared to walk! The rooms were exceptionally well-appointed, right down to small refrigerators stocked with sodas and beer.

The facility boasts 6 restaurants, each with fantastic cuisine. I could do a whole separate blog just on the fantastic spreads alone, but let it suffice to say the food was fit for a king. All first-class, all well prepared and presented in immaculate surroundings by a staff that just wouldn’t stop smiling! Yours for the taking: lobster, prawns, shrimps, calamari, filet mignon, steaks, chops, Italian, Mexican, French, Chinese, Sea Food, Steak House, and snack bars! Of course, it was all-u-can-eat at the buffets and more than ample portions for those restaurants you need reservations for. There are several bars located throughout the complex and all-u-can-drink is the word for the day! And, top shelf, too! The beer was limited to Dos Equis on draft – wow, what a terrible fate! But hey, I'm tough and can rough it when I have to.

There are nightly shows (free) to enjoy, also. I saw a Michael Jackson impersonator who was excellent, and a very lively, colorful Mexican dance troupe. There are side trips available for an extra charge as well as a luxurious spa and after-hours room service, all for an additional charge. Telephone charges, medical services, PPV TV services, laundry, and car rentals are also extra. (All things you can certainly live without for a few days!)

If you need a weekend get-away, do yourself a favor and try this before the special offers vanish. Take advantage of the economic woes of the US and Mexico (due partially to the Swine Flu scare), and enjoy yourself to no end! You’re worth it!

Travel tips from Merida Mikey: Wear comfortable shoes and sandals, bring plenty of beach clothing, sun screen and the like. As soon as you check in, next check with the Concierge and book your evening meals at the restaurant(s) of your choice. Gentlemen, be sure to bring a long pair of trousers as this is required dress for the evening meals in the restaurants that require reservations. Also, book shows early as they fill up fast. There are plenty of opportunities for side trips to some local water parks and the like and these can also be booked as you are checking in. Honestly, this is a fantastic deal and if you think you need to get away for a weekend, book it!

Go to: http://www.bluebayresorts.com/

Travel Agent in Merida: Travel Club Mexico (999) 987-1850

Ventas05@travelclubmexico.com

Just to give you an idea, check out some of these pictures:


The facility is huge and a well-tuned staff keeps the premises absolutely immaculate!


















The beach is a sight to behold!


















Some rooms even have private pools!



There are plenty of small shops on premises where you can pick up T-shirts and trinkets!


































You can always hitch a ride morning, noon, or night!


















The shows were quite entertaining and very colorful!
















































Merida Mikey Imbibes! (Probably just a diet Coke.)




All this, and more, for about the equivalent of $277.00 US for two people, for three days and two nights including transportation from Merida at an all inclusive 5 star resort. Can you afford NOT to go!?!