4* Allegro Playacar All-Inclusive Resort

Allegro Playacar All-Inclusive Resort is surrounded by private beach area with various sports activities. the resort is 3.2km away from Playa del Carmen.

The resort has various facilities including  3 pools, spa, gym, tennis courts etc. it also has 4 restaurants, 4 bars, the buffet includes international cuisine.

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa

Dreams Mexico – I have been very lucky to have stayed at Dreams Riviera Cancun, the hotel sits on the lovely Riviera Maya stretch of beach.

Dreams hotels are family designed hotels, however I have seen lots of young couples, honeymooners and all sorts of ages.  The hotel has 3 large swimming pools, large enough to accommodate many people without feeling overcrowded.  There are lots of activities such as aquaerobics, volley balls and more activities on the white sandy beach.

What I love about the hotel is all the different restaurants where you can eat and coffee cafe all included in the price.  Service is excellent, staffs are very friendly.

Rooms are very spacious, we have 2 large beds, a double sofa, double sinks, a jaccuzi, a separate shower and toilet in the bedroom and yet we had plenty of space to walk around. Mini bar is also replenished with beers and soft drinks everyday.

In the evening, there are live shows or you can relax in the large lobby with soft live music next to the bar.

I was truly impressed with Dreams hotel, it exceeded my expectations and I find it very good value for money.   I highly recommend Mexico for a relaxing beach holiday or find out more about history and ruins there.  Don’t forget to visit Chichen Itza, one of the seven wonders of the world.

Central America

Quite often, the region of Central America is overlooked on the maps but is, in fact, an important part of the North American continent. Many wars have been waged, and fortunes made and lost, of their valuable, natural resources. Fruits, sugar and coffee, have always been the real treasures, but the conquistadors were looking for gold and gems.

I have spent a lot of time in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador and hope, one day, to visit the other countries. The attractions range from climbing volcanoes to great surfing, and there is an abundance of lovely beaches for those just looking to chill. I think one of the biggest attractions is the fact that it is very easy to immerse yourself in the local way of life and, by doing so, live very economically for a longer holiday.

For those who are used to the finer things in life, there are high-end hotels and private excursions and guides can be arranged. A lot of travellers may prefer an organised group coach trip, and these can be arranged to suit most budgets by reputable companies based here in the UK.

The first thing that you will need to do is decide what it is you’d like to see and how much time you can spend. While a 2-week trip will give you a very good taste of the region, a full month or more will get you stuck in.

You may want to have a go at some Spanish classes, as well. Antigua, Guatemala is famous for its plentiful Spanish schools, and many attend them to master the language. The huge advantage to learning in Guatemala is that the locals speak more slowly and concisely, so it makes it more pleasant for the beginner to converse. Also, the schools are very flexible and inexpensive, and tuition is, usually, one on one.

Central America is very easy to travel through as local buses and coaches will take you to even the most remote destinations. Don’t be surprised to see any form of farm items, from goats to chickens and huge baskets of fruit, as locals make their way to or from the local markets. These markets are the backbone of rural communities, and practically everyone attends. This is a great place to pick up some deals on whatever trinkets you may want but be aware that negotiation will be necessary.

Adventure is almost a given here, and the opportunities to explore are endless. Visits to local homes and communities are pleasant, but many opt for climbing volcanoes or rustic trips in canoes up the rivers of the Mosquito Coast. The Islands of Honduras are exceptional places to learn to dive as marine life (including whale sharks) is abundant, and the prices are incredibly low. Archaeological sites, also, are plentiful, and great Mayan ruins and World Heritage sites are easily accessible.

Central America is a nature lover’s paradise, and bird watchers will have a field day. Parrots, toucans and sea birds are always on the lists and don’t forget the Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird and very illusive.

Water sports and beaches are, also, a huge attraction and the region, once again, offers everything from star luxury to a basic hut on the beach..if you opt for the latter then be sure to shake out your shoes before putting them on. Surfing, diving and fishing are very popular, and the waters are warm for swimming, all year round.

Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta- takes you to extremes

The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta is in the heart of Riviera Nayrit and takes everything to extremes. 348 stylish and chic quest rooms have unsurpassed views of the Pacific Ocean. There is always something to do for all the family with a 7 hole pitch and putt, kids club and nightly entertainment, it’s all here and all yours……..

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun – ‘right in the middle of it’

The Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is ‘right in the middle of it’ and means never being far from the action of Cancun. This 12 story All Inclusive hotel offers fantastic dining options from a superb International Buffet in ‘The Market’ to Italian Fine Dining at Ciao. Stylish rooms and Rock Star suites combined with panoramic views will make this a waterfront experience which is second to none…….

Mexican beaches are great!

Too many beaches to count

Mexico holds a permanent place in my heart for so many reasons and it is a country that everyone should experience. The people and their cultures are as diverse as the country’s landscape and all areas have something unique to share. If it’s a beautiful beach you’re looking for, there are so many that you’ll be spoiled for choice as Mexico has over nine thousand kilometres of coastline and more than seven thousand of that on the Pacific side.

The Pacific coast

The Pacific is also host to one of the world’s best surf locations at Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido and plays host to annual competitions that just make you gape at the size of the waves. Puerto Escondido has other beaches of a calmer nature for those that might want to body surf or just have a splash around and travelling up the coast to Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta will give up even calmer waters. This area has long been a favourite for sun seekers and is very popular with Canadians and Americans during the winter season as it’s relatively easy for them to get there.

Baja California

Baja California is another Mexican classic which stretches over a thousand miles south of the US border and forms the Western coast of the Sea of Cortez. Baja is a wonderful experience and the contrast, as you look around while on a beach, between desert and water is amazing. If you travel to Baja California, the most popular destinations will be Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos but it’s worth a trip up the coast to Los Barriles for some great snorkelling or to Todas Los Santos to have a beer in the original Hotel California.

The Caribbean side

The Cancun area, on Eastern Coast of Mexico, is the most popular destination for Europeans as there are numerous direct flights on a daily basis. There is a hotel to suit every budget and the standards vary from dingy and dirty to opulent 5 star luxury. One of the big draws to Cancun is the night life; the bars are open all night long and the drinks are cheap so if you want relaxation you’ll be better off in Tulum or Playa Del Carmen. Another draw to ‘Riviera Maya’ is the proximity of ruins; Tulum and Chichen Itza are both fantastic opportunities that shouldn’t be missed. The more adventurous may be interested in one or two day trips to Belize, Guatemala, Mexico city or even charter a boat to Roatan or Utila to dive with whale sharks.

I can help

My time in Mexico totals almost four years and is where we were married eight years ago. The Mexican people, for the most part, are lovely and the country, as a whole, is a great place to visit. Whether it be luxury accommodation or a lengthy trip down the ‘backpacker trail, Mexico really has something for everyone and I’d love to share my experiences with you. Please feel free to contact me at any time and we can go over your plans or ideas.

Now Jade Riviera Resort & Spa

I’ve booked my family to go here next summer.

We have some superb early booking offers with massive savings. They are booking fast. This resort offers everything that a family could wish for: 2 large pools, a children’s pool, children’s club, spa, tennis, gym, cycling, entertainment, 7 restaurants, 6 bars, a fabulous beach……..I could go on & on.

I can’t wait….

Dreams Riviera Resort & Spa

The 5* Dreams Riviera Resort boasts a beautiful white sandy beach plus luxurious accommodation & is just 30 minutes from Cancun in Puerto Morelos. This luxury resort is perfect for families. The kids have access to the Explorers kids club so the grown up’s can relax.

9 International restaurants
6 Bars
Swimming pools
Dreams Spa by Pevonia
Fitness centre
Water Sports including snorkelling, kayaking , euro-bungee, ocean trampoline, aqua-aerobics
Yoga
Cooking, cocktail, dance and Spanish lessons
Golf nearby
Live shows
Movies on the beach
Explorer’s Club for Kids
Dolphin experience at Dreams Cancun

All Inclusive – What’s included

FOOD: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks daily as well as 24 hour room service. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style with a variety of international options. Dinner is either buffet or à la carte including French, Italian, Mexican and Asian cuisine. No reservations required for à la carte dining, dress codes apply.

DRINK: Unlimited premium and local brand alcoholic and soft drinks including house wine by the bottle, cocktails and bottled water.

ACTIVTIES: Non motorised water sports include kayaking, Hobie-cat sailing and snorkelling. Land activities include yoga, golf green fees at a nearby course (one round per person per day, mandatory cart and caddy hire payable locally) euro bungee, scheduled activity programme including dance classes, Spanish classes and tequila tasting. Use of kids club (3-12 years). Evening entertainment consists of live bands, professional shows and evening movies.

Mexico

If your ideal holiday is one where you get to see it all and do it all, Mexico is the place for you. Whether its historical monuments you’re looking for or intensely beautiful countryside, or magnificent beaches, or a totally new cultural experience, you’ll find it here. This North American country is bordered by not one but two water masses: the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

It ranks as the 13^th largest independent nation in the world and is the most populous among nations that have Spanish as their national language. Occupation of this area began thousands of years ago and it was home to both the Mayan and Aztec civilisations before Spain laid claim to it. Being bisected by the Tropic of Cancer, you will find that the weather in one part of Mexico can differ greatly from another part.

Sightseeing and activities

Cancun is one of Mexico’s most celebrated resorts and contains a diverse assortment of attractions. One of the most interesting is the Coba Ruins that are evidence of the country’s Mayan heritage. These ruins have been carefully preserved for the benefit of visitors and the fact that they lie miles away from civilisation make them all the more enchanting. Explorers will be thrilled that they are allowed to climb all the way to the top and view this breathtaking spectacle and its surroundings from above.

The cenotes near this site are not only beautiful, they provide a unique swimming experience. The El Meco and El Rey ruins are also worth a visit. Apart from a poignant history lesson, Cancun will also supply you with the perfect setting for utter R&R. We’re talking miles of white sands bordered by crystalline blue waters and unlimited sunshine. We’re also talking of well equipped spas offering a number of treatments designed to fully relax your body and mind. Did we mention that while in Cancun you can also get a chance to swim with dolphins? Well you can.

If you’ve seen the pyramid-like structures of Mexico on TV and wondered where they are, they are tucked away in San Juan Teotihuacan, Mexico City.

While taking your tour there you might want to go with a guide who will elaborate on the significance of each feature of these magnificent structures. Or you could pay a visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, one of Mexico City’s many museums and get the knowledge in advance.

But even without this the aura of the place is overwhelming and you are guaranteed to spend hours wandering from temple to temple. The visit to the National Museum of Anthropology, by the way, is quite an experience itself. It is one of the largest of its kind in the world and you will be lost in a maze of artefacts depicting life in several ancient cultures.

But perhaps Mexico’s most visited attraction is the Chichen Itza temple. This structure is revered for its age and historical significance, as well as unique astronomical design.

Events

Every February Mexico goes wild as the annual carnival that precedes Lent is celebrated. This week long festival features plenty of live music and dancing and games.