Cozumel, Mexico
Take a trip just off the mainland...
A trip to Mexico is always going to be remarkably different. Be sure to capture memories and experiences and see what you can discover!
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The first tip into booking your flights is to look at the traffic getting to the airport at the time of your flight! Once you land in Cancun you can get on a bus down to the ferry in Playa Del Carmen. You can get a taxi, but the bus works just as well as there are no stops along the route, plus it’s only $15 each way. Once you’re on the other side of the ferry ride, you can get a taxi right outside the port to your hotel. Be sure to either know the price before you leave or check there is a meter in the taxi; the drivers will try to barter prices so don't be afraid to say no to the first person!
Definitely stay at the Explorean Boutique Hotel; it's gorgeous, especially at night. They have delicate lights in the main entrance which is all open air. There is soft music playing and the pool area looks divine. The hotel offers all inclusive rooms, so you can have your bags dropped off while you go enjoy some food.
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There is a restaurant located opposite the pool, and the menu is complete with starters, main courses and desserts. They make is a point to offer fresh, local food, everyday. You can have the options cooked however you want so it really was a personal touch. The all inclusive stay includes alcohol, and there is even a help-yourself bar where you can make your own drinks!
For breakfast, the Eggs Explorean is a must-have dish when you're here! It will energize you! A favorite spot to go after indulging is the zen pool because....hello, zen!
Lounging poolside is amazing, but be sure to check out what else the Explorean has to offer!
The great thing about this hotel is that it offers some great and personal activities for its guests, so it gets you out of the hotel and onto the island to see all it has to offer. The Jeep adventure should be on your list. Just imagine having music playing and the wind blowing in your hair.
First stop on the Jeep adventure is to Punta Sur EcoPark. where there are a few places you must check out. Located on the left as you drive in you will come across a small entrance that from the outside just looks like some trees. As you go through you will see this open lake with a wooden structure over the top that you can walk up. There are alligators hanging around so watch your step! Take a walk up the wooden structure and you can see some amazing views of the land. If this excites you then be sure to continue the trip down the road where you can see even more of the island from above.
Continue your tour and stop at a beautiful white lighthouse. Take the small stairs all the way up to the top! It is not a huge climb so most people will be fine, just watch your head as you get closer to the top as it does become narrower. Keep on going down the road of the EcoPark and you will come to a beautiful and quiet beach. If you are wanting something peaceful and away from the crowds this is a perfect spot. There is a bar on the beach which sells non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Try not to get too buzzed as you most definitely want to check out the next stop!
The 25 Hours Bar is a bar in paradise, and the drinks are strong. They make everything from scratch so if you want something non-alcoholic it’s all going to be prepared for you with the finest ingredients. And if you are looking to sip down a cocktail try the mojito, or if you are feeling really brave, ask for the blue drink in the coconut! You will be right by the ocean in the sand, the sea breeze over your skin and a nice cocktail to end a great tour.
Another can't-miss activity is the sunset Kayak tour, which is just as incredible as it sounds! By the way, you can set up all your activities before you arrive at the Exploreran which is great. This enables you to chose how much or how little you want to do on your visit. You can addle in the kayaks south along the coast for 2 miles, passing in front of Chankanaab Park. It is such a beautiful sight and even when the sun goes down it’s still warm, making it the perfect cruise. You are able to share the two-seater kayaks, so if you get tired one person can take over! Haha! Plus it’s usually more fun with two of you in the kayak!
The Explorean holds nothing back to providing an ideal experience, including eating. They have an intimate restaurant that seeks to make everything personal for you, and there is also a view of the pool from your table. The Explorean does have another hotel next to it where you can eat and drink; there you can find more cuisine options and the area is more spacious. However, the hotel guests from that hotel are not allowed into the Explorean so I would definitely book to stay there.
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There are so many amazing spots around the resort, so block out enough time to explore it all. There are awesome ocean views from the hotels and spaces to lay down a mat to do some yoga or sunbathing. Afterwards, relax with a sip of something refreshing, maybe a margarita. Come on, this is Mexico!
A great activity is venturing out on a boat to spot some local marine life. You can get this specific tour while staying at the Explorean. They have a main guide that goes on all the trips with you and he was totally great! There are some great snorkeling spots where you can see so many fish, turtles, starfish and rays. On the way back they provide soft drinks, beers and nibbles!
You can take a nighttime walk over to the beach where they have amazing day beds that are poised over the ocean. You can lay down, look up at the stars and hear the water beneath you. This is so peaceful, just being in silence and appreciating everything you have around you.
Check back on the travel blog because next up is everything that happened on the mainland, including what not to do at the Mayan Ruins that can get you kicked out!