Feliz Navidad 2011

Here's a brief report on our week in Mexico over Christmas. Our 5th visit to the Yucatan area but the first time over the holidays. It was very festive!

Direct flights on US Airways from Boston were purchased in May (good deal for the holiday dates @ $520 each).

3 nights in a 2-bed / 2 bath condo in Akumal (north end of Half Moon Bay). Iguana 15
We didn't want to spend the whole week in Akumal so it was tough to find a place that would allow such a short stay over the holidays within budget but we did. $250 a night (double the usual rate as it's peak season). We had stayed in the same condo before so knew what to expect but were a little disappointed in the management service (new) and the general signs of wear and tear were showing this time. New pool at the complex was pretty but cold so we skipped it.

2 nights at the Royal in Cancun (not the AI but part of the Royal Resorts). Lovely 2 bed beachfront condo( called a villa?). Pools were heated and very nice. Staff very polite and beautiful gardens. A very laid back quiet resort that's ideal for young families and older people. We chose it for the price $125 per night and only booked 2 nights because I wasn't sure how we'd like it. It was fine and I'd stay there again for that price!

2 nights at the JW Marriott Cancun on points. We've stayed here before and love the infinity pool. This time it was a little busy for us. 14 kids in the hot tub one afternoon! but we had a lovely room with a great view and managed to score loungers under my favourite palapa overlooking the beach.

What we did
We arrived on Christmas Eve, rented a car of the week at the airport and drove to Akumal.
The first afternoon was spent on the beach and dinner at Buena Vida.
Christmas Day we went to Xel-Ha and were surprised to find it so quiet. It was busier when we went in April. Great day floating in the lazy river, zip lining, and relaxing. My son had a massage and was pleased with the whole experience.

The next day we swam with turtles in Akumal Bay. We were a little late setting out and it was starting to get busy at 10am. Recommend an earlier start if possible!
We did see a couple of turtles and lots of fish including a big barracuda (15lbs +), a couple of squid, a manta ray and more.
We ate at Turtle Bay Cafe (great smoothies as always)

The next day was pretty similar but we had to leave Akumal around 3pm. We picked up some groceries enroute to Cancun and spent the late afternoon at the pool at the Royal.
Dinner at mi casa (we made guac and salsa, pasta and a huge papaya salad).

Next day was a visit to El Rey ruins and photos with the iguanas, La Isla for shopping and lunch on the bay and more pool time followed by 2 nights of cooling our heels at the Marriott and dinner at Fred's Seafood restaurant and Savios (complete with resident crocodile feeding in the bay!)

Very relaxing time generally and less busy than I expected but around La Isla was a scrum in the afternoons re parking.

Weather was absolutely perfect