Secrets the Vine, Cancun, Mexico

2016 Update:  We visited Secrets the Vine for our second time in August and this time we stayed 3 nights.  Here is a quick photo update on this beautiful resort.  This resort has remained almost exactly as we remember it, so there is no need for a detailed update…other than to share a few additional photos. What a fantastic resort, especially for adults, singles, and quick weekend getaways for friends and family.  The Vine is in a fantastic location with easy bus or taxi access to the main shopping areas in the hotel zone.  Almost… Read More

2015 Reflections of Gratitude

“From His fullness we all have received Grace Upon Grace” John 1:16 As I reflected on this past year, I was reminded of God’s goodness to us in so many ways.  My dear friend, Cindy, shared the above verse and it mirrored our sentiments exactly.  Much of His goodness has come in the shape and form of people!  God has surrounded us with so many warm, loving, kind-hearted generous souls who have opened their homes and hearts to us throughout our year on the road.  While I would love to list each and every one… Read More

Ocean Coral and Turquesa

Ocean Coral and Turquesa is a beautiful resort located about 20 minutes away from Cancun International Airport.  It is about 30 minutes south of Cancun and 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen, so guests have several fun options if they want to get off the property.  Keep in mind, however, that taxi fares can be rather costly.  As always, photos first and then the review.  Enjoy.  Return to Mexican Resorts. Ocean Coral and Turquesa Fact Sheet Size:  Ocean Coral and Turquesa offers 591 rooms/suites, a large variety of restaurants, four beautiful… Read More

Day 110: Bungee Trampoline

Occasionally, we take our Fridays and visit nearby resorts, photographing them, writing reviews, and experiencing all they have to offer.  While it may be “work”, we still find ways to have fun! Here are Danny and Katie, flying high on the Bungee Trampoline.  The age limit was 12.  You tell me, is that fair? Now, my true confession.  I love adventure and trying new things.  I would have done this in a heartbeat.  Truth be told, I love seeing my kids be adventurous and try new things as well, especially when they… 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

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

Dreams Riviera Cancun

Dreams Riviera Cancun is an excellent family resort option.  It is set on a nice stretch of soft, sandy beach and offers pools, beach activities, fine dining, and so much more.  As usual, my photos are first, and my review will follow.  Enjoy.  Back to Mexican Resorts. Dreams Fact Sheet Dreams Riviera Cancun is ideally located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and is a short 20 minutes away from the airport. Size:  Dreams Riviera Cancun offers 486 suites located on five different floor levels in each building, along with a Spa,… Read More

Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun

Photos first and then our review/thoughts on Secrets Silversands.  Make sure to scroll all the way down to the bottom!  Back to Mexican Resorts. Secrets Silversands is a lovely, adults-only, beachfront, all-inclusive resort just north of Puerto Morelos.  It is close enough to both Cancun and Playa del Carmen for the adventurous traveler who likes to get off property and explore the surrounding areas and towns.  One great thing about this all-inclusive resort?  No wristbands! Size:  Secrets Silversands offers 433 luxurious suites.   That said, I would not describe it as a… Read More

El Dorado Royale and Casitas

A picture paints a thousand words,  so photos first, reviews later.  Back to Mexican Resorts. El Dorado Royale and Casitas: El Dorado Royale and its sister property El Dorado Casitas are adults-only beachfront resorts located about thirty minutes south of the Cancun International Airport. Playa del Carmen sits about twenty-five minutes further south of the resort as well, so day trips to either Cancun or Playa are easily done. El Dorado Royale and the Casitas are part of the Karisma chain of properties that offer romantic, “gourmet inclusive” vacations. They are both… Read More

Mexican Resorts