Azul Fives

Azul Fives is a family-friendly beach resort located about ten minutes north of central Playa del Carmen.  Photos first and then our thoughts/reviews below.  Back to Mexican Resorts.   Size:  Azul Fives offers 360 contemporary suites, 4 gourmet restaurants, and a Vassa Spa and Fitness Center. Star Level:  In terms of service and overall property, we would rate Azul Fives a solid 4.5 star.  It is a beautiful resort.  This rating, however, is based on two separate site inspections of about two hours each.  We have not yet stayed throughout the day,… Read More

Day 101: Rainy Day Fun

Day 101 and we now call this home, at least for the next six weeks.  We have been blessed with friends, a great church, and a lovely new home in a safe neighborhood.  An added bonus is this fantastic pool that is steps away from our patio, so the kids have been enjoying a ton more time in the pool. This has also been a wonderful home in which to entertain, as it has a gas grill and cozy spaces inside.  Many dinners have been enjoyed around the table, learning about this new… Read More

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel, 2014

Sunscape Sabor is a family-friendly resort located 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula on the beautiful island of Cozumel.  The resort is located about 20 minutes from the Cozumel Airport and is also just a fifteen minute taxi ride away from the ferry terminal.  Below are photos we took while using a day pass to visit the property from 7 am until 11 pm.  As always, photos first and then the review.  Back to Mexican Resorts. Size:  This resort offers 218 guest rooms and suites.  It is a small… Read More

Azul Beach, 2014

Azul Beach is a family-friendly Karisma resort located in about 25 minutes south of Cancun International Airport.  This property is especially good for families with young children.  As always, photos first followed by my review.  Back to Mexican Resorts. Azul Beach:  Fact Sheet Size:  Azul Beach has 148 rooms and suites, which include standard deluxe rooms, Jacuzzi junior suites, honeymoon suites, swim up suites, and more. Star Level:  We would rate this property a 4 star.  This is based on two site inspection visits of less than two hours each, so please… Read More

Three Months: Mexican Independence Day Celebration!

We arrived in Mexico exactly three months ago, on June 16th.  We can hardly believe we’ve been living abroad for that long already.  The time has passed so quickly, we have experienced so much, and we have made some lifelong friends.  What an adventure this has already been, and we haven’t even left North America yet.  We look forward to all that is ahead. Here are a few shots from our Independence Day celebrations in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.  The fiesta started at 10pm and continued on long into the night.  We… Read More

TBEX Opening Night at Xcaret

For my Blogger Friends:  This was the TBEX Opening Night Fiesta at Xcaret.  Thanks to Xcaret for hosting a lovely evening with dinner, drinks, and a spectacular show!  A very special thanks to Iliana for making us feel so warmly welcomed!

Treasures of Xcaret – Photo Blog

We wanted to do something really special for Ryan’s 13th birthday.  When subtly trying to uncover what he most wanted to do, we were surprised to discover that he wanted nothing more than to float deep down in an underground river!  For whatever reason, this was the experience he was longing for. At about the same time, our Spanish teacher surprised us with six free passes to Xcaret, since her husband works there.  We couldn’t believe the timing!  And so we surprised Ryan by spending the whole day here.  While there are… Read More

Generations Maroma

Generations Maroma is a new resort located right next to the famed El Dorado Maroma.  It is a family-friendly resort on one of the best beaches in all of the Riviera Maya.   As always, photos first, review after. Enjoy!  Back to Mexican Resorts. Generations Maroma is a luxury gourmet all-inclusive, all-suite, all-butler beachfront resort for families, couples, groups, and weddings.  It is located about 35-40 minutes from the Cancun airport and about 15-20 minutes north of Playa del Carmen. Adults and children 16 years old and older are able to enjoy… Read More

Day 77: Living on Coco Beach

In one day, we transition from our condo in Coco Beach to our condo in Playacar.  It is a bittersweet move, as we have loved being here.  The view alone through our picture windows has given us hours of joy!   The truth is, it has also felt like home, and for that, we are very thankful.  The electric bill, however, was beginning to kill our budget.  We are on the top floor of our condo, and exposed on three sides.  The upside?  Gorgeous sea views!  Seriously, they were spectacular!  This photo below doesn’t come… Read More

El Dorado Maroma

One of our favorite boutique-style resorts on the BEST beach in all of the Riviera Maya!  As always, photos first and then our review.  Back to Mexican Resorts. El Dorado Maroma is an incredible resort.  I have had the opportunity to do two site inspections at this resort as well as stay here with Ryan for four days.  For photos and commentary from our last stay, visit:  El Dorado Maroma 2011 El Dorado Maroma is a beachfront gourmet all-inclusive resort for guests age 16 and older.  For people looking for an intimate resort… Read More