Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!
A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!
Vivá la México!! 🇲🇽
My husband and I LOVE Mexico…I mean, we went there for our honeymoon and our first year anniversary, so when our 8th year wedding anniversary (at the end of June) & my 40th birthday was this past July, it was only right to go back to the place we absolutely loved, to celebrate. Especially, when it had been about seven years since our last visit there. We were overdue lol. Of course, with CV-19 putting limitations on international travel, we were a little concerned when booking this trip but ready to get away. We checked all the requirements to make this trip happen. Updated/current passports ✓, both fully vaccinated✓✓, both willing to take a complimentary Covid test at the resort to get back into the USA ✓✓✓. Plus, beyond excited to travel since all our 2020 plans got cancelled due to CV-19 ✓✓✓✓. We were on our way to beautiful Mexico!!
Now, where to actually stay in Mexico?
In the past, we have stayed in the Cancun/Riviera Maya region at the Excellence Playa Mujeres https://www.excellenceresorts.com/cancun/excellence-playa-mujeres/ & Valentin Imperial Riveria Maya Hotel https://en.valentinmaya.com/. Both hotels exceeded our expectations and we wanted something equally as nice since we were there for a special occasion. My husband and I searched the internet and picked several resorts that checked off our list…..adult only, all inclusive, beachfront etc. We finally decided on El Dorado Resorts…Spa Resorts by Karisma https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/. I never heard of this resort company before but based on their reviews and top notch restaurants, entertainment and ambience, we were sold. We chose El Dorado Seaside Suites https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/seaside-suites in the Infinity Section.
The travel website we have used in the past that never disappoints was https://www.cheapcaribbean.com. Known for their budget friendly deals that will entice ANYONE to hop on a plane, one downfall is that they usually do not offer direct flights and sometimes at non desirable times, for example, overnight. I also think because of CV-19, the flights are even more limited than they were in the past but I was not about to give up an extra beach day due to me getting to my destination. So, I took a chance and booked directly through the resort’s website with an international traveling company.
I booked our trip with Lomas Travel https://www.lomastravel.com/. I was a little nervous booking through a Mexican travel agency but honestly, how everything turned out, I was so happy I took that chance. The representative who helped me tremendously was Eli Rangel. Eli made sure everything was all set for our trip including private car service to and from the airport, as well as putting a special note on our reservation that it was my birthday. I was so happy with the professionalism, friendliness & attentiveness from Eli. Her thoughtfulness and thoroughness quickly eased my mind about booking first time with an agency overseas. Now to wait several months for our trip to happen.
Ok, planning was done. Now, let’s travel to Mexico!
On the day of departure, we arrived at the airport about three hours beforehand just to give ample time since we were living in semi post pandemic world and traveling internationally. Our flight was in the early a.m. and was due to arrive in Mexico by 11 a.m. This was awesome since the day would not be wasted traveling. After a little confusion as to pick up our luggage upon arriving in Mexico, we finally retrieved it after about an hour waiting (we didn’t mind waiting because it was raining so we weren’t missing any beach time) and headed outside to meet our Lomas Travel agent. (Eli did tell us who to look for when finding our transportation car…..a Lomas Travel agent wearing a blue shirt with a name tag and white pants.) Sidenote: Upon exiting the airport in Cancún, there are TONS of people trying to sell you tours, products and transportation rides. On the advice of the travel agency, DO NOT stop and engage/buy anything with them. Go straight outside to find your travel agency to get you safely to your hotel.
We found the booth for Lomas Travel, and hopped into our large, private, SUV for the hour and a half trek ride to our resort in the Yucatán/Quintana Roo region. Our driver was super friendly, engaging in conversation in Spanish with my husband. Finally, we reached our resort. By this time, we were not only excited, but we were famished and thirsty as well. But that all subsided once we entered the lobby. 
The resort was GORGEOUS!! We headed up to the pristine, marble, front lobby and waited about another half hour to check in. We didn’t mind the wait because a waitress came over and offered us a drink. Piña coladas for us…yes please! After all, we were on vacation. I mean, it didn’t matter that it was 2 in the afternoon lol.
I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t traveled in awhile but when checking in, everything was done through the resorts app which you had to download upon check in. For instance, if you wanted to check out restaurants, shops, entertainment or nightlife, or book room service or maintenance checks, you would just check out the app and request when you need and reserve your slot. I thought that was super convenient & easy for guests of the hotel.
We checked in and were ready to see where we would be staying for the next seven days. Since the resort is so big, there are extended golf carts offered at main points of the hotel to get you to where you want to go. We hopped on a golf cart with our luggage in tow and were on our way. Sidenote: They require you to wear masks when riding the golf carts especially since you are so close to people and can’t practice social distancing. One thing I did notice the week we were there, was that regardless of the humidity and the 90+ degree weather, every staff member throughout the resort wore a mask. Sometimes a mask and a clear shield. It made me feel more comfortable seeing this. Ok, back to getting to check out our home for the next week.
The Suite……
We pulled up to our building….the Infinity section, met with our personal concierge in regards to things we wanted to do and reservations we wanted to make during the week and went up to the 3rd floor to Suite 710. When booking, I did ask Eli for a corner suite, but it was already reserved, so she made sure I was as close to a corner room as possible for a more intimate, private setting. The main pool is 3 floors below, noise level would be zero to none in the corner suite. OH MY GOODNESS!
We walked in and were blown away with how big our room was. King sized bed with a table and two chairs for eating, and a huge circular couch in the corner for lounging. Our bathroom was equally nice with a huge walk in shower, his and hers sinks, and a hot tub tucked away in the corner. The first thing we did before unpacking, was check out our balcony swim up suite. WOW….just WOW!!! Two chairs and a lounge chaise occupied the balcony, along with two steps going down into our very own swim up pool. We were in heaven! With views overlooking the Caribbean, we could enjoy walking right in our own private section of the balcony pool to catch a glimpse of the sunset or sunrise. We couldn’t have been happier with our room!!
What to do…..
Both my husband and I decided that this would be a chill, relaxing trip, and since CV-19 was still a concern of ours, we both agreed that we would stay at the hotel the entire week. There was plenty to do & plenty to eat without having to leave the grounds. And since we have visited Mexico before, we have done some of the excursions worth mentioning here, like swam in a cenote (natural swimming hole or cave), ziplined through a Mexican jungle (we did Selvatica https://www.selvatica.com.mx/), visited Chichén Itzá (Mayan ruins archaeological site) https://www.chichenitza.com/, and ATV’d offroad. We also have gone shopping at Plaza de Americás https://www.shopping-mexico.com/malls/quintana-roo/cancun/plaza-las-americas-cancun and Quinta Alegría https://quintaalegria.com.mx/. Here, you can not only find knick knacks to send home as gifts but also name brand stores that we know here in the States.
The resort has several of boutiques you can shop at with shoes, clothing & accessories made by local merchants that you can purchase. There are also several vendors around the resort selling their handmade art & accessories if you are looking to bring something back without the hassle of leaving the resort. The shops might be overpriced, well, because , you are on a resort. But the local merchants at their stands will probably negotiate with you on a reasonable price for you to pay.
During the day, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at the resort like beach volleyball, coconut painting (which is a fan fav to do…you paint a coconut that is then placed all around the resort….it was nice seeing everyone’s designs displaying all over the grounds), pool aerobics, poker games, salsa lessons…..so much to do. All you need to find out what is going on for the day, is check your guest app and show up! Super easy and fun! Also, for entertainment at night like Karaoke, performances by local musicians and trippy light shows, the main outdoor plaza is where these will all take place, weather permitting of course. Just check that app and enjoy the entertainment.
If you want to unwind and completely relax, check out Naay Spa https://www.karismahotels.com/el-dorado-spa-resorts/seaside-suites/experience/spa. They offer facials, reflexology, body wraps, you name it….they can do it. Even massages on the beach to have you in a complete zen like state with the sounds of the ocean soothing your mind as your masseuse soothes your body’s aches and pains. My husband booked a 2 hour spa package for me for my birthday which included water therapy, full body scrub, cooling session and an hour massage. I was so relaxed when I left there that we booked a couples massage with reflexology the day before we left. The perfect way to completely relax in a calming and tranquil setting to relieve your stresses away. Take advantage of this opportunity! You (& your body) will love it!! So worth the money!
The grounds of the resort are absolutely beautiful. Take a walk around and swing on the oversized swings hidden throughout or lie in a hammock on the beach for even more relaxation. Sit in the outside comfy lounge chairs under the enlarged cabanas while you sip on a margarita, listening to the sounds of the ocean. Take a walk past the Palms section and enjoy an area on the beach with a stone bridge, brick wall and stairs leading into the ocean. Perfect spot for amazing pictures or to watch the sunset. There are two sets of oversized swings that are all over the resort’s insta page that make for the perfect photo op, but depending on when you go in the year, you won’t be able to use them. When we went in July, there was so much seaweed that it was like a thick wall & unsafe to get to those ‘ocean swings’, so I was a little bummed about that. Apparently, during the summer, the seaweed takes over the beach so much that there is one section only that you are able to swim in that you can enjoy. The best time to go where the seaweed is non existent, is in the springtime, like in March, April or May. We were told that by the locals. So, I made note of that for next time we want to go.
Our hunger awaits…..
Since we stayed at the resort for the duration of our vacation, we got to know our surroundings that much more. And let me just say, one would think that since this was an all inclusive spot, the food would be mediocre. That is not the case when it came to the Karisma resort restaurants. All the places we ate at for breakfast, lunch & dinner, were top notch IMO. That says a lot when your husband is a restaurateur. He would agree with me too. Presentation and taste are key when serving authentic dishes and at this resort, both did not disappoint. And with so many choices to choose from for each one of your meals plus snacking, whatever you crave will be fulfilled. I can almost guarantee it. Plus, your suite is accompanied with a mini fridge that is stocked daily with beer, sodas, & snacks so you never go hungry or thirsty. Throughout the resort, there are vendors serving you the best homemade quick bites. Like Gloria’s taco stand. Situated beachside right in front of the Driftwood Gourmet (if the weather is sunny), there is the sweetest woman named Gloria making you her tasty homemade cooking. She became our friend throughout the week, as we always wanted to buy one of her delicious tacos.
For a great breakfast & lunch buffet, there are two spots you can enjoy…..Arrecifes (on the beach, next to the Palms smaller & quieter pool that we enjoyed during the week) & Seaside Market. The buffet at both places are endless and you can easily find yourself indulging, maybe a little too much lol. Eggs, croissants, fruit, omelettes, meats, cheeses, dessert, cookies, bagels…..the list goes on and on.
For awesome and plentiful burgers near the beach, check out Sandwicherie. They serve waffle fries too so win win. If you are a big ceviche fan, you need to check out Beach Barbeque. OMG, the tuna & calamari ceviche is out of this world! 
Oh, and if you are still hungry, grab one of their kielbasa. Nothing like soaking up the views of the ocean all while enjoying some yummy fresh food! Beyond delicious!! Check out Klay Talay 
for some of the best Asian cuisine around. The appetizer wings were delicious but make sure you ask for several orders of them…..they only give you like two to an order lol. Also, the pad thai was hands down, the yummiest!
For Italian, check out Mia Casa, specializing in pasta dishes from around Italy like Carbonara (which is one of my favs) and Amatriciana (another one of my favs). Leave some room for dessert…they are just as yummy as the food! There are two of these restaurants…one near the Palms sections of the resort and one near the main lobby. We went to the one near the main lobby, which I loved, because upon entering the restaurant there is a gondola right in the foyer that you can sit and wait for your table to be ready. Plus, it’s a great photo op!
If you are looking for authentic Mexican dishes (I mean, you are in Mexico after all) then you need to check out La Carreta. If you are an ice cream lover like I am, then you need to get their ‘Mini Ice Cream Stand’ dessert. You will know what I am talking about because it seems like that is a popular dessert. Very refreshing considering you are in the hot weather too. 
For those tequila lovers, check out the tequila bar off the main lobby called Mezcalitos. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FLOOR!! Literally…lol pace yourself if you want to savor every moment. Continue the party at the outside bar, Guacamayas, which has djs playing your favorite dance hits. Oh, and if you want to continue with the tequila drinking, make sure you ask them to ice your shots. Something about warm tequila that makes you wanna (blahhhh)….well, you know.
For the ultimate romance to celebrate a special occasion, book dinner on the beach. Something about eating a fabulous meal with your loved one, while the noise & views of the ocean put you in a peaceful state. Bonus, before your dinner, there is a professional photographer who takes a whole bunch of pictures of you with the sunset and the beach as your background. Those pics are available for you to purchase the next day at the Palms lobby. Well worth the money for those unforgettable moments.
Know before you go…..
A couple of days before your departure, you shouldn’t be surprised that you would need to get covid tested which you will need for entering back into the States (welcome to living in a covid world). This is well made aware to you when booking your trip btw. As a little bit traumatizing as this procedure was (the large Q-tip feels like it legit penetrates your brain through your nostril), it was over in a second and my mind was at ease knowing that I was doing my part in stopping the spread. Best part, this resort offered a complimentary test as part of your guest services so no charges were your responsibility. Booking your appointment was made thru the guest app upon check in that I mentioned above. You get results within a couple of hours. Whew! You can enter back into your country. You will need to show Customs these results just in case they spot check you upon your return into the States. Just an FYI.
At the resort, do not be afraid of the many different sizes of harmless iguanas roaming the grounds. Don’t bother them, they won’t bother you. Also, going down the pathway to go back to the main lobby, you are entering forestry where these are the homes of wildlife animals such as frogs, lizards, birds and coati (a mix between a raccoon, anteater and a monkey). Again, they won’t bother you and it is probably very rare to see one on this path but you will definitely be able to hear these animals, so don’t be alarmed. Just another FYI, don’t be startled with the humongous butterflies and moths (literally 6-10 inches long) that could be chillin’ on some walls in bathrooms all around the resort. Again, they are harmless, but something I don’t see in the East Coast, so I was a little taken back by their size.
Back to reality……
On the day of departure, make sure you arrive to the airport at least 3 hours beforehand. The line was the longest I’ve ever seen to check in and you don’t want to miss your flight due to a time constraint. Make sure you have all necessary paperwork ready like your passport, boarding pass etc. It will make check-in that much smoother & quicker. Oh, and make sure you are wearing a mask throughout the whole flight, in the airport and deplaning. The airlines take some seriousness to this. If you disobey unless otherwise noted on why you can’t wear one, then you might have a visit with the local police. I have seen it recently on a trip I took and a gentleman was escorted off the plane by a U.S. Marshal. It made a lot of passengers upset because it delayed the deplaning process tremendously.
Sidenote: At the Cancun Airport, some of the gates are under construction so don’t be surprised if you are going to a gate in a part of the airport that is not really populated. And if you happen to go to one of these gates, don’t be surprised if you have to take a bus to the actual plane and enter the plane on the runway. Yeah, I know. I never experienced anything like this before either but I guess there’s a first time for everything lol. When entering the States, you will have to go to Customs so get ready to be in another long line. The U.S. Customs will ask you several questions about your trip. Again, have all necessary paperwork ready for the agent. It will make your exiting the airport that much faster and quicker that you can go home.
We had such an amazing trip with so many memories to share. We were a little skeptical about traveling with the restrictions due to CV-19, but we are so glad we took that chance, because it was a vacation we will forever remember❤️
Until the next time you trip with us!!
