Riviera Maya, Mexico
 

I put this question on the Mexico forum and didn't get a response so I thought I'd try the Caribbean.

We haven't been to Mexico in 10 years. Anyone been to Palladium, White Sands Resort lately? Or what is your favorite high-end all inclusive resort in the stretch south of Cancun?

Haven't been to that resort. Some of the fav resorts in that area now are:

The Royal Playa del Carmen, Secrets Capri, Secrets Maroma, Secrets Silversands, Iberostar Grand Pariso, El Dorado Seaside Resort, El Dorado Maroma, Valentin Imperial Maya and Zoetry.

Check Trip Advisor for reveiws and pictures.

We've been to the Royal Playa del Carmen and really enjoyed it and the location. Also stayed at the El Dorado Seaside Resort when it was still known as the El Dorado Resort & Spa. Too far from Playa del Carmen. We tend to stay at more budget minded AI's when we go to Mexico.

Are you talking about Adults only AI or for a family? All of the resorts mentioned above (othere than Zoetry) are adults only resorts.

We're just 2 adults, but don't mind the kids being around. Sometimes it makes for a nicer atmosphere when it's a family resort. You can usually get away from them if you want.

We're not into late night partying and some times the Honeymooners can be more of a pain than the kids.

MDH does like to golf, so that would be an added bonus for him.

I'll check out the resorts mentioned. We thought we'd try and keep the costs down this year by going all inclusive. If we don't find anything that looks good, it will be back to Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos. Yes, it will be pricy, but we do love it there.

The Iberostar Paraiso Grand is an adults only AI that is pure luxury. If you want more action...their family oriented resorts are right next door.
They have their own golf course right there too.

schmerl---definitely will check that one out, thanks.

Checked out the Iberostar Pariso Grand and Iberostar Tucan next door. Both look good and have golf. With Apple Vacations the Tucan is more expensive than the Paraiso for some odd reason.($1,900 and $1,700 inc. air for 9 nights for 2)

Food for thought as we would pay about $4,000 for just air and condo to Turks & Caicos Plus another $1,500 or so for food and golf.

Thank you for confirming what I've been saying all along. You get more for your money in Mexico.

Yes, I love the other Caribbean Islands and have been to many, but keep going back to Mexico for that specific reason.

Hope you enjoy as much as we do.

The Tucan is not even near the IB Grand so I'm not sure what you are referring to.
The IB Paraiso complex consists of the IB Grand which is the top of the line adults only. Next door to the Grand are the IB Maya and Lindo which are familiy oriented. Next to them are the IB Beach and Del Mar which are also family oriented. All five resorts share the Commercial Center with some shops, the disco, and extra eateries.
There must be some confusion somewhere beacuse none of the other IB resorts are less expensive than the Grand and as I said....the Tucan is not even part of the complex. It is in Playacar with the IB Quetzal.

Tpayt,

I was in a somewhat similar situation this spring (I wanted a beach vacation, but I wanted to try somewhere new rather than returning to a favorite island like Turks & Caicos or Anguilla, and I also wanted to keep the cost down). I ended up in the Riveria Maya and really enjoyed the trip for a change of pace. I didn't respond earlier because I did not stay at a higher end AI resort and only know a little bit about the places being discussed in this post.

As a daytrip from Playa del Carmen, I took a taxi to Maroma Beach and had lunch at the Maroma Resort and Spa (gorgeous, but expensive and not AI). While there, I walked along Maroma Beach to the El Dorado to the south and Playa Paraiso as far as the Iberostar (I believe that Maroma Beach ends and Playa Paraiso begins just north of Maroma Resort; there is a kind of rocky area to navigate, but the beaches connect) and saw some of the resorts you mentioned. I have heard that the Iberostar Grand is somewhat more luxurious than Secrets Maroma, but Secrets has a better beach IMO. Anyway, knowing that you love Grace Bay and Shoal Bay East, I just wanted to point this out.

Thanks for clearing up the locations for me. I checked them all out. They all look so huge, it must take you 20 min to get to the beach. I did have the wrong ones for the prices, but now it is all clear.

Secrets & the Grand look fabulous, but the price (about $2,500pp for 9 nights) is what we would spend in TCI and on Grace Bay we could walk to the beach from our low rise bldg. in 2 min.

We did one of these huge properties in the DR one year and it was wonderful, but again quite a hike to get around. I guess it's good exercise after all that eating. They did have a shuttle, but it was seldom available when we wanted it.

We're still on the fence and will keep checking the weekly specials.

I would also check the Royal Playa del Carmen. It's much less expensive, not as big and in a better location than the Iberostars and Secrets resorts. We enjoyed our stay there.

Are you set on an all inclusive? We've been looking around for our trip for next year and the prices are getting scary for many of the larger AI complexes. We're thinking of an non-AI off 5th Avenue since there are so many really great bars and resturants to try. Specially we are looking at the Shangri-La. (Name will be changing to Mahekal Beach Resort ) We can get a beach front cottage (yes, open your door and you're on the beach) for 5 nights for $1,800 with air for 2 people in December. The prices go up during the high season especially in Feb., March, April time frame. They offer breakfast and lunch or dinner. A 15 minute walk to 5th Avenue. Just another alltournative if you're looking for something without the high price attached.

http://www.shangrilacaribe.net/index.htm

We've been to the Barcelo Maya complex 3 times...2 x at the Colonial/Tropical section (mid priced) and 1 x at the Palace (high end). I would go back in a heartbeat!! Good food, great beach with snorkeling right from shore. Awesome pools! If you are interested, there is a group of like minded enthusiasts on a Barcelo board...search "Unofficial Barcelo Maya" and you'll find it with lots of pictures, trip reports, etc.

The Palladium rescued us after Hurricane Wilma damaged the Palace resort we were sheltered in. It is beautiful, with a nice beach.

Which Palladium Resort, there are several? The Grand, the White sands, etc.