Maria and Tom wanted a relaxing week-long adventure somewhere sunny and beachy. We knew the perfect place to relax was an all-inclusive on the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Here’s their report card for their rejuvenating adventure:
Ann planned a week getaway for me and my husband! I truly wanted to rest and rejuvenate after a busy year of planning a wedding and changing a job. She recommended a couples retreat in the Riviera Maya, Mexico! Right in our budget and an all inclusive resort, as we requested.
We took a nonstop flight from Boston to Cancun and then had a private transfer with AMSTAR from the Cancun Airport to the Blue Diamond Luxury Resort and Spa. Our travel day went a bit haywire with many delays and we arrived 12 hours late to the resort. Exhausted but excited we entered this dreamy spa-like atmosphere under a large palapa. It felt like the entire resort was floating on top of decks with a jungle like atmosphere.
The Suite
Our junior suite had a large king size bed, with what felt like a living room in the front of it. We also had a large walk-in closet and another room attached to it that was our bathroom! Double sinks, a large vanity area and dressing area with a humongous shower with 2 large shower heads one on each side of the shower area! We also had a cold plunge tub outside of this area! The resort was PERFECTLY set up for our retreat in Mexico.
We had full access to the spa, which had indoor pools with pool beds in the water, a sauna (which was too hot to use for us but it was JULY!), and another outdoor pool for us to use. It also had a “quiet area” with beds to lie on, and a fountain of water trickling as you lay on the beds and read! The Spa amenities, massages of all types and skin care was available for an extra charge, however we did not use these services.
We traveled throughout the resort either by bicycle (which my husband used) or by golf cart. We simply had to use the phone to request the golf cart service or tell a resort staff member and they requested the golf cart for us.
Tips for the Day Trip to Tulum
We did take a day trip to Tulum, and the Cenotes. The ancient ruins in Tulum were amazing to see, but I think it was hotter than hell! Thank God we brought water with us and wore our swim shirts and swim bottoms as it was truly a scorcher. We finished the tour and ate at the marketplace outside of the ruins at a restaurant that the tour guide recommended. It was delicious and authentic, but costly! I did some shopping around the marketplace in the larger stores but did not buy anything from the vendors on the sides of the stores as I got a bit spooked out by them shouting at me and calling me over to their stands.
We left Tulum and headed to the Cenotes that Mexico is famous for. My husband loved jumping into the Cenotes, while I took photos, as I was scared to jump or even slide into the water.
Amazing Food
We ate at the Aquamarine hotel for breakfasts and lunches, which is adjacent to 2 infinity pools. Along the side of the pools there were large king sleep beds draped in towels and large lounge chairs. Perfect for relaxing, and of course an open bar.
We also had our meals at the Ambar restaurant. To say that this food was 5 STAR is an UNDERSTATEMENT! I have never ever had such delicious food at an all-inclusive resort as we had our week at this resort!
Along with our dinner meals, we had entertainment! A saxophonist, violinist, pianist and a singer entertained us! We also had a live Mariachi Band and a Mayan dance troupe entertain us one evening!
Every meal was prepared with delicious spices, served by kind waiters and waitresses who were willing to do anything to make our meals enjoyable. Sushi, homemade breads, authentic Mexican food, Caribbean food and even a good ole American hamburger were available for us. The food was top notch. And we doubt we will go anywhere else that we will get such high quality delicacies!
What I appreciated most was that this resort was totally different from anything else I have ever experienced. I RELAXED! so did my husband! Which in itself is remarkable!
Overall
A few downfalls for the resort were the following: Hurricane Beryl had just landed in Mexico 2 weeks prior, so they had to close one of the 3 restaurants. And the beach erosion from the hurricane was clearly visible. This did not affect our trip but was devastating to see. Also, the resort had air conditioning inside the bedrooms but not inside the bathrooms. Lastly, it seemed that the resort had become a bit run down with knobs for faucets not working, chipping paint and finishes around the pool area, and broken furniture. This may have been from the force of the Hurricane.
All in all I give our resort food an A+, Room B+ ( would have been higher if there was air conditioning in the bathroom). The resort itself an A (Loved the couples only, live entertainment geared towards adults, excellent service). The Tulum Tour was an A, Marketplace shopping was a C+ (too expensive for what we bought, but was afraid to go elsewhere). Finally, Cenotes was a B+.
Thank you so much Ann! Hopefully, we will talk soon about our next adventure!
