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Should we try the Caribbean side of MX or is all hope lost?

Should we try the Caribbean side of MX or is all hope lost?

Old Feb 8th, 2008, 06:17 AM
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Should we try the Caribbean side of MX or is all hope lost?

Greetings everyone, DH & I were planning on returning to Maui next January (lol, I do plan a bit far in advance) but we thought we would rule out the Carib side of Mexico. We have been to the Pacific side and have no desire to return there.

This is what our preferences are: A quiet, non-party type atmosphere. On the coast. It does not have to be “adult only” but we do not have children, and would prefer to not be at a resort that has a reputation for families. Clean and safe, good food. Not more than 4K for nine days including air. Going off the resort is not even important to us, just somewhere nice and quiet to sit in warmth, not have to rent a car, etc.

The main reason we are looking at this area is because it takes so long for us to fly to Maui. We have been to Maui before, love it there so much, but we fly from Minneapolis and the thought of a non-stop to somewhere warm is very appealing. It really makes the vacation seem longer.

I have been researching some AI’s the Playa del Carmen area, as well as the Omni in Puerto Aventuras that a friend stayed at but because we have never been there before we are not sure it this area would meet our quiet needs.

Both DH and I have been sick before in MX from the food. It sure would be nice to be able to eat. We have been to Jamaica and Curacao and were never sick. Are there any resorts in this area that you think would be better with the food situation?

Is there a resort that you think would meet our needs or should we just do our standard and fly to Maui?

I wonder if I should have posted this on the Latin America board?

I appreciate your input greatly.
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 08:24 AM
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We stayed at that Omni back in '04. Small, quiet place. We really liked it because of that. We went in June and it was not crowded. I'd think it wouldn't be filled with kids in January (back in school then). Here's our report:
http://www.nbptravel.com/RivieraMaya.html
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 08:48 AM
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Wow, thanks caribtraveler! Seeing your pictures of Tulum made me want to go off the resort and do some sightseeing. I am going to read your trip report when I get home. Thanks so much!!!!!!!
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 08:54 AM
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One thing about Mexico, because I go there all the time - you always have to careful of what you eat/drink. It is easy, though.... Don't drink any water other than bottled, don't use ice (if you drink frozen drinks - the alcohol will kill anything bad). Be careful about eating uncooked veggies and fruits that would have been washed (ie, apples, pears - bananas, melons, etc are fine). If you do that - you should be fine in Mexico. I drank out of the tap at the Marriott in Cancun that was supposed to be all bottled water system - just to take an aspirin - OOOHHHHH, hated it.... . But, as I said, just be a bit careful, and you'll be fine..... Also - have you thought about Grand Cayman??
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 09:17 AM
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Hi Debi, we did all of your great suggestions and still were a bit sick. Not horrific, but not healthy either. Perhaps the oils they cook in or something, it never happens anywhere else but there.

Let's put it this way, we would consider ANYWHERE warm, safe and quiet that has non-stops from Minneapolis.
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 09:30 AM
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Look at the Royal Playa del Carmen. It's adults only, so you won't have to worry about kids. Excellant location within walking distance to 5th Avenue and many of the areas great tours. We've not had a problem with food in Mexico as long as we stick with the resort or well established restaurants.

We've been to Maui once and did not care for it. The beaches and water in the Carribean/Mexico are so much nicer.

Here's the link to our Mexico and other destination pictures if you are interested:

http://community.webshots.com/user/kvrlvn
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 03:17 PM
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Thanks KVR, I greatly appreciate it! Was this resort quiet? It looks like you had a fabulous time!
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 04:12 PM
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I read a great travel book (not a major brand) several years ago before going to Mexico and my husband and I both did what it said and it worked- we were never sick on that or on subsequent trips. It said to get chewable Pepto Bismol- start taking it every day for 2 weeks before you went then take it every day - I think it was 2 or 3 times a day- while you are there and for a week after you get home. It works. I asked my father, a doctor, about it and he explained why it had to be the Pepto kind but I forgot the reason. Also, in Mexican restaurants when they put limes on your plate with all kinds of things, it is for a reason. It actually has a bit of germ killing property so squeeze it on your food and it helps, too, and adds a nice taste to things you might not have thought of adding lime to. You will have wonderful time in this area! Enjoy!
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 04:14 PM
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PS I have not been to Maui but to the big island and to Kauai and was very disappointed after the time it took to get there- give me the Caribbean any day!!
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 05:57 PM
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We've been to many all inclusive hotels all through the Caribbean and Mexico. The Royal Playa del Carmen was by far the best AI resort we've been to for the price. Yes, we had a great time. We love that area and have been several times. We're going back to Cancun in April. The Royal Playa del Carmen has a sister resort in Cancun called the Royal Cancun. It's a little more expensive and their beach has for the most part been washed away so we picked a different resort. The Royal Playa del Carmen was quite. We've had issues at other AI's in which the guests were too rowdy, loud and drunk. No issues like that at the Royal. I like the hotel to be quite, but the availablity to go off the resort for nightlife options.

I also agree with the other poster regarding Pepto and Lime. We usually chew 2 pepto tabs every morning and eat limes with our drinks during the day. Love beer with lime and Mojitos. It does work.

If you do chose Playa, please go off the resort and explore. There are so many great things to see and do it would be a shame to sit at the resort for the entire time. The reason we keep going back is because we love all the activites and the Mayan ruins. We still haven't seen everything yet.

Some of other favorite Islands are Cozumel, Aruba and Grand Cayman. We would never return to Hawaii.
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 05:57 PM
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Thank you ishkribbl ~ I have a feeling we will give MX one last try, this time visiting the Caribbean side and we will most certainly try your excellent idea! I appreciate your post very much, our many thanks, Tiff & her DH
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 06:00 PM
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Hi KVR, we were posting at the same time. Thanks for much for providing mroe details. We are happy to hear that the Pepto & Lime worked for you too, good tip ishkribbl!

Thanks again SO much!
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Old Feb 8th, 2008, 06:52 PM
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Tiff,
You have gotten some very good advice and most of it from people who have been in the area more than I have but I keep thinking about what you said about peace and quiet. We are not the "big resort" type people and I do a great deal of research to find my little places where we enjoy our peace. We enjoyed Playa but stayed "off the beaten path". We also very much enjoyed Isla Mujeres- tiny island a short ferry ride from Cancun- low rise, no big resorts, no casinos, no crowds, safe, friendly, no car needed- if you have not checked it out, take a look at websites. It might just fit your bill. If it sounds like a possible idea, feel free to ask questions and I will try to help.
Ann
PS I really believe that one more possible thing that helped ward off stomach problems is that places we stayed had these nice buffet breakfasts with local entries and other things including fresh fruit, homemade granola, and yogurt. I ate the yogurt every day. I remember when my daughter was a toddler and had digestive issues that a great female pediatrician told me to just forget the medicines and give her some yogurt because it was the same thing but better. Maybe the yogurt is a miracle thing to ward off stomach problems, too???? Couldn't hurt!
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Old Feb 9th, 2008, 06:14 PM
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I have been to Mexico 3 times and have not been sick. The Royal Playa del Carmen is great and may fit your budget (it would be close) Shangri La is a neat bungalo hotel that will only be open for another year and includes 2 meals. Isla is a great island as mentioned and you can get wonderful hotel deals that include Breakfast. You could easily do it on your budget, We just returned from a trip to Puerto Morelos at Ceiba del Mar. It was wonderful but more than your budget. There are other small hotels and condos. We at most meals in town at local restaurants. I have actually had friends stay at large AI's in MX and come home sick vs eating at local places. No ice unless you have alcohol in it and no fruit unless it is peeled. Lime is a great thing!
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Old Feb 9th, 2008, 07:08 PM
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What is happening to Shangri La?
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Old Feb 10th, 2008, 11:23 AM
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Thanks so much for everyone's responses. I may have more questions but my mind needs to thaw right now (Just got back from northern MN for an overnight visit with our family, the temp was -21 degrees, -45 degrees with the wind chill.)
Brrrrrrrrrrr! Talk about dreaming of warmth!
Many thanks again!
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Old Feb 11th, 2008, 05:38 AM
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I really think some people just have more sensitive gi tracts than others. After numerous trips to Mexico and Belize, I've never been sick. And I eat street food, salads and fruits. I don't drink the water, even for brushing my teeth. One time I tried the Pepto thing, the side effects were gross, I won't go into details.

All that said, when a friend and I went to Isla Mujeres, we ate at the same restaurants, drank the same things, and she got sick. Not deathly ill, but ended up needing IV fluids when she got home.
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Old Feb 18th, 2008, 01:47 PM
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Debi, I am not sure if you will check back...

I have looked into Grand Cayman, but all the posts I am reading only state how expensive it is.

I have much time to research - twice bitten with an upset stomach in MX, I will say that is the only thing holding us back...

Researching all non-stops from Minneapolis.

Thanks again to all who posted.
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Old Feb 18th, 2008, 02:53 PM
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Hi Tiff, you need some warmth, girl!
Tulum would be a lovely choice. Slow pace, good food & beeeeautiful sand and water!

Looks like you can fly nonstop with NWA for around $425/pp. I plugged in dates at the first part of January.
Lodging choices could be:
www.casamagnatulum.com
www.lasranitas.com
www.maroma.com
www.amansala.com
www.anayjose.com

Rent a car. Not crazy or hard as I've seen posted. We do it every time and wouldn't think of going without one. Cheap and easy. You can do a little exploring that way as we've found some fun little spots off the beaten path.

January will be nice. Cool breezes at night and warm sun during the day. Dec/Jan are the coolest months of the year (high 70's/low 80's for highs). The water will be warm, too, and it isn't the rainy season. It won't be hot like it is in the spring/summer/fall but I know hot is a relative term.

Hope that helps a little and I'm going to think of some other warm, sandy places that are easy to get to from Minneapolis.

BeachGirl
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Old Feb 18th, 2008, 04:43 PM
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Oh my goodness BeachGirl, you are my angel. LOL, I think I need to send you a finders fee! Thank you for taking pity on we cold northerners!

You are the best!

I can't wait to check out these websites!

Hope I can return the favor to you someday, best wishes always, your pal, Tiff
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