Hi <BR>need feed back: looking for a 2 couple spot mayan riviera. stayed in Akumal at La sirena in 2000. loved it & great snorkelling. going to try AI & looking for comparison between Akumal ( oasis or Karisma) & sole resorts ( gran in Tulum or Porto Real in PDC) How's snorkelling & beach at Gran Sole? Spa Treatments? Food. Looking at these because of ability to stay at one/ play at 3 etc. little more variety. obviously Porto Real more central & easy access to Cozumel & cancun . Help?!<BR>Sue

Hi susanne,<BR><BR>Sole is no long with Real Corp. I have a villa about 1 mile away from there in Tankah. I don't know who has taken over, but will be visiting there next week and will try to find out. Email me if you want an update when I return to the states.<BR>Carole<BR>http://CasaTropical.com

My husband and I were at the Gran Sole in Tulum in May of 2002. It is still a "Real" resort. As a matter of fact, they had just recently aquired the Gran Sole when we were there. It is not as glamorous as the Gran Caribe Real in Cancun, but it is nice. We thought the food was very good and the entertainment was excellent. It is very remote, which makes it more romantic than some of the other areas in Mexico. The beach is full of palm trees and it is a very nice size beach. The pool is nothing to write home about, but it is close enough to the bar to get drinks. Just keep in mind that it is "remote" and more "laid back" than some of the other resorts. Also, we have heard good things about the Porto Real in PDC. Good luck!!! We are leaving for Cancun to stay at the Gran Caribe on 9/12/02 for the 4th time and we can't wait!!!

The Gran Sole is no longer a Real Resort. This happened around the middle of July.<BR>I would choose Akumal Beach Club over the Oasis.<BR>

The Porto Real in PDC is on the extreme north end of town and right on the beach. However PDC is a very busy and crowded beach and at some points the sand is only a few yards wide. It is not peaceful at all although the hotel is beautiful.

thanks- read reviews on beach @ Gran Sole. looking instead now to Akumal or Porto Real. Snorkelling at Porto Real???