Click here to book Excellence Playa Mujeres from only £1,896pp
“Would you kindly do a ‘Blog’ regarding your trip” Lauren from Blue Bay Travel asks me! I have never ‘Blogged’ in my life but as we had such a fantastic time at The Excellence Playa Mujeres I had no option but to say yes – so here we go.
Being a committed ‘Virgin’ booker, I must say it took me quite some time to come out of my rut and book through Caribbean Warehouse. After several phone calls back and forth with Chris Goate, we went with his recommendation of the Excellence Playa Mujeres. He listened to everything we said we wanted for our holiday accommodation i.e.: Adults only, away from any nightclubs etc. and he got this one right to a tee. How he quite managed to keep his sense of humour with me, to this day I do not know! So paid, packed and booked off we fly with BA to wonderful Mexico. The flight itself was good and attentive staff took care of all our needs and there was only a couple of little ones competing for ‘howler of the year’ on board, but not enough to ruin a 10 hour flight – thankfully!
On arriving at Cancun airport we were met by Jumbo Tours with a warm welcome and immediately taken to the hotel. This was a 30 minute trip which was lovely after a 10 hour flight. Upon booking in at the hotel we were given much appreciated cold towels and a very refreshing fruit punch. Whilst enjoying this delicious treat we were booked in, bags taken and shown to our rooms. The Bell Boy did a very good job of pointing out things of interest around the complex which was extremely clean and tidy as we walked to our rooms.
The room itself had an immediate ‘WOW’ factor as we entered. Very nicely laid out with the biggest bed I have ever seen. A full mini bar stocked with litre bottles of Jim Beam, Vodka, Gin, Red wine and of course Tequila – all for your pleasure and in the fridge soft drinks, re-filled daily. We had a Junior Swim Up Suite giving us direct access to the lazy river which was a nice touch and we also had a very pleasant patio area with table and chairs and a massive double bed and cushions and sun loungers. The only complaint I have was regarding the lazy river and entry to and from it. In my opinion they need to put steps in for each block of accommodation as you had to pull yourself out and roll rather unceremoniously across the grass – quite a laugh after a couple of ice cold ‘Mudslides’.
We chose to have breakfast on our patio every day and did not go to any of the restaurants for breakfast. The room service menu was more than adequate and it was lovely sitting outside with eggs benedict, fruit, juices, toast and pastries. Everything was just a call away and usually arrived within 20 minutes of ordering and laid out for you. We tried most of the restaurants in the evening but did not get round to them all. There were 9 in total. We had wonderful meals in all of them but our favourites were the Basmati Indian, The Grill serving Steaks etc. and the Asian Spice catering with Chinese foods. There was also a Tapas, French and fish etc. Everything was catered for. Lunchtimes certain restaurants were open but we chose to either have a Pizza delivered to the beach or pool area or actually move and get up and go to the grill which served hamburgers, wraps, nachos and the like. Again whether it was breakfast, lunch or dinner the food was always tasty and a more than adequate choice. All menus and waiter service.
The beach and pool areas were always kept clean there was never any rubbish around and a plentiful supply of clean towels dotted around the place. The pool water was very warm and clean and there were several hot tubs you could immerse yourself in and nice little areas with hammocks over the water and cabanas all over the place to keep out of the heat if you so desired. There was no rushing to the beach or pool area to get your towels out in the morning as there was always a space to find, including shaded areas as it did get extremely hot.
The sea itself was wonderful and warm and only one day of seaweed which was quickly cleaned up. They had waiters on the beach and would constantly come round to check that guests had a drink or could they get you anything to eat.
There was always plenty going on if that is what you wanted i.e.: beach volley ball, cycle tours, aqua-aerobics and by the Grill restaurant was a big notice board informing you of the days events. We chose to do nothing and the only exertion we did during the day was to get up and dive in the pool or sea. There was no pressure on you to do anything you did not want.
We booked just 2 trips through Jumbo Tours as we were just there to relax. A lovely man called Alex had information on everything so off we went on Captain Hooks Pirate Adventure and a must see Chichen Itza. The Pirate Adventure was wonderful fun and the trip included drinks all evening and a wonderful steak and lobster meal. The highlight of the evenings entertainment was when another Pirate ship came along side and a full on ‘Pirate’ war started off. Plenty of swinging from ship to ship great fun for young and old alike and I even found myself wearing an eye patch and brandishing a sword shouting ‘Aaarrrrgh’. Chichen Itza was a very long day but worth every minute. Be prepared for some incredible sights which will live with you forever – but the heat ‘Oh my God’ the heat. Our tour guide was very good, he had some amazing knowledge about the place and would take our group under the shade to explain all before you dared to go out of the shaded areas and take pictures before diving back for cover!! We also took a taxi ride over to Isla Mujeres to do some souvenir shopping. The taxi cost us 300 pesos each way; make your price before starting your journey – that’s roughly £15 a trip. There was a nice little shopping mall catering for all souvenirs and lots of hotels in this area. I’m glad we picked somewhere a little further away from the main area – lots of hustle and bustle and talking to some people who were on this part of Cancun their beaches were not as nice as ours and massive complexes – years ago clearly it would have been our choice with nightclubs and bars etc. – but been there and got the tee shirt and we now like somewhere a bit quieter.
In all our holiday was fantastic. The hotel itself was wonderful luxury with everything at your finger tips. I cannot say what our best memory was because it was all very good – staff amazing, sights amazing, drinks amazing, try a blue lagoon if you dare! If I had to describe the resort in 3 words – well how can you, all I would say is ‘pay and go’ and make your own minds up. We have had some wonderful holidays in the past but this one I think tops it and oh yes we shall definitely return, it was worth every hour on the plane but sadly over all too soon.
