A Sun-Kissed Retreat: My Five Days in Cancun
Last summer, after conquering the learning curve of remote teaching for a full semester, I decided to reward myself with a well-deserved break. I teamed up with a fellow teacher friend for five teaching-free days in the beautiful paradise of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula.
We handed over the planning to a travel agent, providing him with our budget and wishlist. The result? A dream vacation at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Resort.
The all inclusive, adult only, resort was nothing short of spectacular, with standout features including the Asian and poolside restaurants and Lobby bar. The concierge service was amazing, and our balcony was perfect for taking peaceful naps with stunning ocean views.
As a frequent cruiser from a port town on the Texas Gulf Coast, this was my first experience at an all-inclusive resort. Let me just say, I am officially done cruising. Did I mention this was an adults-only resort? If you're a teacher, remote or not, this is a must. The resort was filled with honeymooners and retired couples celebrating anniversaries amidst lush palms and aqua waters.
Culinary Delights: Restaurants at Secrets Maroma
The dining options at Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Resort were to die for! The Asian restaurant, Himitsu, offered a delightful blend of sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki. Each bite transported us straight to Japan. The poolside restaurant, Oceana, became our go-to spot for lunch. Their seafood dishes were fresh and flavorful, and nothing beat the view of the shimmering pool while we dined.
The lobby bar area, Rendezvous, was the heart of the resort. Whether we were sipping on expertly crafted cocktails or enjoying a lively conversation with other guests, it was always buzzing with energy. The bartenders were friendly and knew just how to whip up our favorite drinks, often surprising us with delightful concoctions we hadn’t tried before. As this was an all inclusive resort, the drinks were never in short demand nor far from reach.
Luxurious Pampering and Poolside Paradise
Every night, the resort hosted a theme party with accompanying buffets and drink specials. Daily, food and drinks were served on the lawns by the pool. Some of my favorites were tropical rum drinks served in carved-out pineapples, well worth the wait. Fruit kabobs were shared poolside by the bartenders between rounds of mango mojitos and piña coladas. The pool attendant, who polished my sunglasses a couple of times a day, always heralded their arrival.
While sipping on tropical drinks at the pool bar, enjoying the afternoon entertainment of games and music, and soaking up the warm rays, I felt a deep sense of renewal after a challenging school year. Choosing to leave the classroom build my own schedule and course load is totally worth it.
A Cultural Adventure: Jaguar Journeys Tour
My travel companion, also a teacher, and I love rich cultural experiences. We signed up for a tour with Jaguar Journeys. Our itinerary included:
7:00 AM: Pick up
9:30 AM: Guided tour to Chichen Itza Archaeological Site
1:00 PM: Departure to the Mayan Community
1:30 PM: Lunch with a Mayan Family
2:30 PM: Cave cenote tour and time for swimming
7:00 PM: Estimated arrival back at the hotel
Our tour package included private round-trip transportation, personalized guide service, all tickets and fees, an authentic taco breakfast, a delicious Mayan lunch prepared by a local family, unlimited water, soda or juice boxes for kids, face towels, local beer, local snacks, a fruit basket, tolls, and parking.
Discovering Chichen Itza with Axel
Our adventure began with a guided tour of the Chichen Itza Archaeological Site. Axel, our personal tour guide, had studied Mayan history extensively, bringing the ancient ruins to life with his deep knowledge and engaging storytelling. As we walked through the towering pyramids and intricate stone carvings, Axel shared fascinating insights into the Mayan civilization's achievements and mysteries.
Humbling Experience: Lunch with a Mayan Family
Our visit to the Mayan community was humbling and heartwarming. We were welcomed by a local family who prepared the most delicious meal with homemade tortillas, which we got to help make. Touring the garden area of their home, we saw the simplicity and resourcefulness with which they lived. Despite their primitive and impoverished conditions, the family was incredibly generous and warm. Their hospitality and the rich cultural experience they shared with us through their food and traditions were profoundly moving. It reminded us of the incredible wealth found in community and generosity, even in the face of material scarcity.
Swimming in the Cenote
The highlight of our day was swimming in a cenote with the kids from the Mayan family we had lunch with. We climbed down a short path into the cave, emerging into a refreshing pool of crystal-clear water under a ceiling of stalactites. It was a magical experience, made even more special by sharing it with our new friends.
Stellar Service: Shoutout to Axel
Our tour guide, Axel, took amazing care of us from pick-up to drop-off. He thought of everything and included all the details for us. His enthusiasm and knowledge made the tour even more enjoyable. Axel ensured we were comfortable, well-fed, and hydrated throughout the day. His storytelling brought the ancient ruins to life, and his friendly demeanor made us feel like we were exploring with a friend.
Beachside Fun and Bar Scene Bliss
Beachside, the resort offered a selection of water toys. We signed up for parasailing and a sailboat ride. The bar scenes, whether at the beach, pool, or main lobby, offered many libations and vibes. Being an all-inclusive resort, the attentive servers were constantly offering drinks. My favorite spot was the patio off the main lobby. The comfy patio furniture in the evenings under the covered patio was perfect for watching a beautiful lightning storm on our last night. A light, cool rain came in as we sipped wine and martinis with other guests.
In summary, my Cancun getaway was a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural enrichment. It was the ideal way to recharge and prepare for another school year, reaffirming the importance of taking time for oneself and enjoying life's beautiful moments.