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Six of us decided we wanted to get away for a weekend and started shopping an all inclusive trip. We wanted to see how well we might travel together as there is talk of a larger, longer trip to Japan in the next year or two. Someone suggested Mexico and another said there were inclusive resorts in and around Cancun and all thought that would be great.
Mike found this resort called “Privilege Aluxes” on Isla Mujeres. It was adult only and all inclusive, which included most drinks and meals from the restaurants. Mike was also very clear that what we were looking for in “adult only” was not a swingers pad, but someplace without a lot, if any kids running around. The prices were good and we booked our rooms and flights.
We had not thought about it becoming rainy/hurricane season. As the date got closer, we found ourselves packing for rain. We threw some board games in and some rain gear, just in case. Good thing too. It was not bad flying down, but as soon as the driver got us to the port to take the ferry over, the sky opened up. Like here in Tampa, it did not last long, it just left the air heavy with humidity.
Four of us had gotten on the same flight, so we shared the ride, were on the ferry together, and walked from the ferry port up to the hotel to check in. Our other two friends had gotten there earlier and let us know it was not a bad walk, but the sharks (shop owners) were a bit aggressive. It started to rain again as we turned the corner to get into the lobby, so timing was not bad.
We checked in and were given our wrist bands and each of us got a glass of Champaign. The bands let the staff know we were guests and anywhere on site, all we had to do was give out room number and sign the check. We were also asked what bottle we wanted in our room, Spiced Rum, vodka, or tequila. Teresa and I opted for the spiced rum. It turned out later in the trip that spiced rum and orange soda is quite good together. Who knew?!
Our rooms were nice and spacious and we settled in before we got into our swim suits and headed to the pool. We dropped our stuff off at one of the cabanas that one of our friends secured and got right in. And since it was all inclusive, we swam up to the bar and got drinks and our other friends came down to join us.
We laughed and told stories and enjoyed the day. One thing that was not included in the package was the Spa, specifically the massages. We asked and were given a good price for a couples massage, with hot stones and deep tissue included. We made our reservation and rejoined our friends for lunch.
The nice thing about vacations like this was that we really had nothing planned. Breakfasts were a buffet as was lunch. There was a beach side restaurant too and other than dinners (and the spa), it was free style. Sometimes that is a good thing.
Come Saturday, we opted to sleep in some before we hit the pool. We drank some more and then it was time for our spa. I cannot say enough about this spa. It was amazing. I’ve had deep tissue massages before, but my masseuse found places I did know about, including a knot in my foot. And the hot stones? I’ve had them placed on me, resting in certain spots to loosen up the muscles, but she used them to apply pressure, moving them along my muscles and wow! And Teresa said hers was amazing too. We told our friends and they booked sessions too.
The six of us did make one joint reservation and that was for Satay, their Thai and Japanese restaurant. It was a late seating, I think like 8pm. We were seated and the staff were right there to take our orders. Saki and wine seemed the choice for drinks and the waiter stopped asking one of us what they wanted and they said they could not decide. He prompted, “seis tequilas?” to which the reply was an absent minded “yes” and then they selected a glass of wine. So, drinks were brought out along with six shots of tequila. We toasted to our friendship and then some of us shot it while some sipped it. The food here was fantastic. That is not to say the other places were bad, they were quite good and the buffets had quite a selection. This one just stood out.
Now as some of you know, I am personally not a heavy drinker. I am careful not to get drunk, but tipsy is okay. And tipsy was where I kept it at the whole weekend. I tended to stick to the margaritas and they were quite good. I tried something called a chocolate monkey, and it was okay (looked better than it tasted). But the one that I tried late Sunday was called a “Chi-Chi” or “Blushing Pina Colada”. It is a Pina Colada with grenadine and it was delicious (thanks Julie).
Sunday night was a Brazilian style restaurant offering, which had little for Teresa, and the evening ended with a beach performance of fire dancing. It was a good show and we finally got a decent group photo.