Every once in a while when I get a little stir crazy in between trips, I like to live vicariously through my jet setting buddies. If I had a personal genie I would rub that mystical lamp and instantly be transported to yet another distant land. However, bills, responsibilities and reality have inhibited me from picking up and leaving at whim. Sigh. Oh, well.
Recently my co-worker Jeremy* and his wife took a seven-day, six-night trip to Cancun, Mexico. Upon his arrival back to the States, he unfolded the deets to a vacation so awesome, I was tempted to book the same exact excursion. Jeremy knew about my blog and my love of travel so he was very eager to accord his adventure.
I would like to share his experience with you.
*NOTE* this was written by me and approved by Jeremy as an accurate retelling.
Photos used are the pictures he provided me from his vacation.
‘Finally, I landed. All year I had been waiting for this very moment. When you work as hard as I do, you deserve to take a really relaxing vacation. I excitedly walked down the hallway towards customs, eager to see what Cancun was all about. I breezed through the terminal, not even blinking an eye. I was ready to unwind.
We collected our luggage and entered the main terminal. It was hustling and bustling as if I had just hit a busy marketplace. People were yelling and pointing towards us to book a cab with them. After getting myself situated in my new surroundings, Melissa* and I headed over to the taxi stand and caught a ride to the Finest Resort.
It took about 30 minutes to get to the resort which was located in Playa de Mujeres. Our cab driver Miguel, who was super friendly, pointed out different buildings and historic areas as we drove by. You never truly know the beauty of Mexico until you experience it for yourself. I sat back in my seat, closed my eyes and felt the warm sun rays on my face.
As soon as we arrived at our home for the next few days, we were met graciously at the entrance with a glass of champagne and a warm wet towel. The ambiance was to die for, taking a page straight out of a luxury magazine. It was magnificent, a true modern decadent getaway. I think the best part of our experience was the hospitality, everyone was so nice and welcoming. A guy could get used to this sort of treatment!
There were twelve pools, a few with jacuzzis, spread throughout the resort, an impressive 15 restaurants selection varying in cuisine, as well as over five different bars and lounges. All of the waiters were very attentive, enthusiastically taking our orders and delivering drinks regardless of where we were located in the resort. Furnished with only the finest materials, the grandeur was overwhelming at times. However, I felt right at home.
And these were all the things I observed upon arrival!
After taking some time to unwind from our flight–and a quick shower, we were off to explore. I hailed a cab; our first stop was to the local Mexican market and WOW was it overwhelming! Dozens upon dozens of shops selling authentic Mexican garb, toys, novelties and food lined the streets and alleys. From homemade tequila to intricate looking wooden figurines, the market had a life of its own. The courts were vibrant and alive with music trumpeting from various stereo systems, people speaking in the native Spanish tongue and broken English attempting to barter their goods.
After about 2 hours (I must say time flies when you’re taste testing tequila and bargaining goods) we made our way back to the resort, goodies in tow. The hotel was throwing a Mexican themed dinner our first night, which was… awesome! The banquet was plentiful completed with full-bodied, unique flavors I’ve never had before. I think I’ve found my new favorite cuisine! After such an eventful first day my wife and I were utterly exhausted from our journey, so we went back to our rooms and passed out.
Day one was a success.
The next day we booked a trip to Selvatica Jungle, located in Cancun. According to their website, Selvatica is an outdoor tour company where you can live out your extreme adventurous dreams. Established in 1994, they boast of having over two decades of experience. Specializing in Off Road Polaris, Extreme Canopies and Sky Walks this tour is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise! (NOTE: Currently, Selvatica has been awarded 4th in the world in Outdoor activities and the #1 top rated Tour And Attraction in North America by Trip Advisor.)
Our main focus today was going ATV-ing and zip-lining. These were activities my wife has never experienced before and being that she was feeling adventurous, I quickly booked the excursion. We arrived at the site at around noon. Booking early allowed us the luxury of breezing through the lines and jump-starting our escapade. The looks on the faces of others as we sped passed them while they waited were pretty priceless, too.
We had two tour guides, Marisol and Edwin who were extremely funny and down right entertaining. During the entirety of our tour, they kept it light and fresh as we zip lined through the treetops of the Mexican jungle. If you’ve never zip lined before and enjoy a little adrenaline rush, I would absolutely recommend you trying it, at least once you in your lifetime. Five pm rolled around and before we knew, it was time to headed back to the hotel.
For the next few days, we didn’t really leave the resort. Honestly for what we paid and what we were offered, we truly had no reason to leave the premises. Every night there was an exciting show put on by the resort staff. Whether it was a fire show, dancing or a circus act, the Finest Resort kept us truly entertained. During the days, we would kayak, snorkel, windsurf, rent bicycles and ride through the resort’s neighborhood; we even took a yoga class on the beach. My wife attempted to book us dance lessons and a cooking class but that sounded a little too much like work so I politely declined.
My favorite part honestly was just relaxing on the beautiful white sands; Taking in the nature around us and reflecting on how blessed we truly are. The ambiance was so full and sensual we enjoyed several intimate nights among the beautiful lush environment.
Thursday morning’s sunrise marked the end of a gnarly vacation. As we packed our bags, I couldn’t help but wonder what if I could make this paradise home? Nah, I couldn’t trade in my life back in New York but it was reassuring to know that I could come back and visit as often as I liked.
Depression and misery sunk in as our fantasy world ended and reality hit me.’
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our sources.
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