How does taking a break from all the madness of the past year and heading to an all-inclusive property in a breathtaking country where you can relax and recharge your batteries – or you can partake in numerous activities to shake that stress right out of you sound? Yeah \u2013 sounds pretty awesome to me too!<\/p>\n
I recently had the opportunity to talk with\u00a0Kathy Stevens<\/strong>\u00a0who is the\u00a0Business Development Manager for Sandos Hotel and Resorts All-Inclusive<\/strong>\u00a0properties in\u00a0Mexico.<\/strong>\u00a0And needless to say, Kathy agrees with me that we have been cooped up far too long and it\u2019s time for a change of scenery \u2013 with no better place than one with the great rates, beaches and customer service of our neighbor to the south. And Sandos happens to have four properties \u2013 one on the west coast in\u00a0Cabo San Lucas<\/strong>, one in the hotel zone of\u00a0Cancun<\/strong>\u00a0and two in\u00a0Riviera Maya<\/strong>.<\/p>\n So, mi amigas and amigos \u2013 let\u2019s find out exactly what we can expect from these magnificent all-inclusive budget friendly properties! **************************************************<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Properties:\u00a0<\/strong>As mentioned above Kathy represents four properties across Mexico \u2013 stretching from one end of the country to the other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to a casino, they also have plenty of entertainment if you are not the gambling type. And it’s not the typical resort entertainment where you go to the theater in the evening and the same staff that was running the afternoon activities is putting on the show. Here they offer spots of entertainment during the day and also in the evening – so if you’re up for it – as long as you have the energy to keep going \u2013 they are always entertaining you!<\/p>\n There are three infinity pools on the property in addition to the beach – where you can do some parasailing by the way. And as Kathy mentioned it’s located right there in the hub of Cancun – so when you walk outside the resort onto the street there is a local bus that you can take – or you can even walk if you prefer \u2013 to the hotel zone. It\u2019s very safe and friendly and you\u2019ll find plenty of places to go shopping among other things.<\/p>\n One of the things that I like about this property in terms of also the location is that you can easily enjoy a myriad of different things.\u00a0 If you want to get out and not be on the property all the time you have the ability to do so and still be safe \u2013 even if you are as me – a woman traveling alone most of the time. I’m extremely comfortable in the hotel zone and when people ask, I tell them Mexico is like any other place you’re going to – be cautious but not afraid and don’t do what you wouldn’t do at home.\u00a0Side Note: A lot of people still think of Cancun proper as spring break destination only \u2013 and that is not true anymore<\/em>.<\/p>\n One of the great things about Sandos properties is that they have no restrictions, no limits and no reservations required in all of their a la cart restaurants. Meaning – at some all-inclusive properties you can only go to each specialty restaurant once during your stay or you need reservations in advance. At Sandos you can go once a day to an a la cart restaurant or three times a day. As Kathy joked – if you have the stomach and the clothes that fit! The only exception are their hibachi restaurants \u2013 as they do require reservations just because of the set up \u2013 as they are dinner and a show.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sandos Caracol also has a fabulous water park –\u00a0Aquapark<\/em>\u00a0– that Kathy insists is for kids of all ages – and sizes! It is divided into three sections so that you don\u2019t have to worry about the bigger kids crashing into your little ones. And of course, there’s no added cost and you can use it as many times as you want. It really is a great experience for the whole family and Kathy added that sometimes she sees the adults more excited to go to the water park then the kids!<\/p>\n One thing that makes this property unique is their\u00a0All-Nature Experience<\/em>\u00a0that includes daily activities – such as eco-guided tours – to introduce you to the lush ecosystems and are open to all ages. And there are a lot of other things that you can experience while you’re at the property including Day of the Dead activities (a very popular celebration in Mexico), bird watching, bike trails, yoga, Mayan shows and more. Here you’re truly getting that cultural immersion and the ability to really enjoy what this destination is all about.<\/p>\n And we can\u2019t forget about the pool! The main pool just underwent a major facelift so if you want to be by the beautiful turquoise water and sandy beaches but don\u2019t want to actually swim in the ocean \u2013 there is a beautiful pool to enjoy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This one has a quite different vibe from Caracol which is a little bit more about exploring the jungle and the Mayan culture. This one is all about the location. The beach here is absolutely amazing – and Kathy said that she has often shown videos or pictures of it to friends and relatives who think that they are fake. But it really is that calm that beautiful \u2013 trust us!<\/p>\n In the\u00a0Riviera Family section<\/em>, you\u2019ll find the\u00a0Riviera Family King Jr. Suite\u00a0<\/em>and the\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Riviera Family Queen Jr Suite.\u00a0<\/em>The family suites feature bunk beds so there is room for everybody. \u00a0And should you have a party of five \u2013 because they know some families do have three children – there is a suite available with a king bed and a trundle bunk bed or one with two queen beds with a sofa bed – so everyone will have their own space and sleep comfortably. And if you have more than three children – there are connecting rooms available – subject to availability of course.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n The hotel also offers\u00a0Finisterra Casitas Deluxe or Finisterra Casitas Suite<\/em>s which are a great opportunity for those of you who want extra room. These also give you brilliant views of the marina \u2013 which are just as fabulous as having an ocean view. In fact, Kathy also told us about a time she was assigned a marina view room and was a little disappointed that she didn\u2019t get an ocean view room. However \u2013 she soon realized that at night the marina in Cabo San Lucas is an amazing view with its own personality. There are multitudes of multi-million-dollar yachts parked for the evening as well as the bright colors of purples and blues and more \u2013 and she ended up thrilled that she got this view! And another bonus \u2013 the casitas are situated so you almost never see who your neighbor is – so again if you like little bit more privacy – this is the way to go. And of course \u2013 a definite plus for the social distancing aspect.<\/p>\n Personally, one of the things that I love about Cabo is the\u00a0Arch of Cabo San Lucas<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 which is a distinctive rock formation at the southern tip of the town. And honestly just to be able to see both the\u00a0Sea of Cortez<\/em>\u00a0and the\u00a0Pacific Ocean\u00a0<\/em>is super great too. You can opt to take a sunset dinner cruise that leaves right out of the oh so close by marina or hang out there with a drink during the day and watch those adorably funny sea lions – that often seem to realize they are on camera and act accordingly!<\/p>\n Safety:\u00a0<\/strong>Per Kathy, Cancun is one of the first destinations to be certified by the World Health Organization and are not only doing what they require \u2013 but going over and above to ensure you are going to have a great time and you’re going to be safe. They are certainly not taking your health or your safety lightly.<\/p>\n Updated COVID-19 Information<\/strong>: As of this writing the CDC recommends unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to Mexico.<\/p>\n For the CDC\u2019s most up to date information on COVID-19\u00a0click here<\/strong><\/a>. And for the most up to date COVID protocols at Sandos Hotels and Resorts\u00a0click here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad\u00ad<\/p>\n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n