Chloe’s been living the dream in Mexico for some time, but all good things must come to an end. Here she has one last crack at the good life with a few days at Secrets the Vine Cancun.
On the grape vine
It took us approximately 30 minutes to get to Secrets the Vine Cancun from Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun, and it was a very swift and comfortable transfer indeed. The pool and beach areas at Secrets the Vine Cancun were booming with a lively atmosphere, and had a certain elegance in the midday sun. There was a beach party with live music and a BBQ with a variety of choices, including burgers, fresh salad, nachos, and freshly served hot dogs on the beach. There was beach service available too so waiters were coming around with drinks orders – perfect if you needed a cold refreshing beverage.
We were spending 3 nights at Secrets the Vine Cancun and on our first night we opted to dine at Olio, the Mediterranean restaurant. The dishes were delicious and we could see a wedding party taking place around the Preferred Club pool area, with free-standing chandeliers and white blooms as centrepieces. It looked so perfectly romantic, and it certainly looks like an elegant wedding venue. The majority of the restaurants we’re located on the 12th floor alongside the Preferred Club pool area, and included: Nebbiolo Ristorante serving Italian specialities, Olio Mediterranean serving dishes from Tunisia, Morocco, Greece and Spain, Bluewater Grill serving grilled specialities, Sea Salt Grill serving fresh seafood specialities, and Dragons (my favourite) serving Far East cuisine.
On the second day we spent most of the day lounging around the pool area, making the most of the sunshine and beautiful surroundings. In the morning we took the opportunity to visit the shopping areas in Cancun, including Mercado 28, to grab a few local souvenirs and La Isla Shopping Mall for some high street shopping. We used the local bus service that runs down the whole of the Cancun Hotel Strip and only costs around $1 per person.
A little bit of rockstar living
We decided to spend one evening at Coco Bongo, one of Cancun’s most famous attractions, and an all round brilliant night out. We’d booked the VIP Gold Member tickets so were granted access to the nightclub’s priority area. This exclusive area affords you access to a pre-show bar, in which all of the drinks are complimentary. I’d highly recommend doing this: you get your own seating area, unlimited premium-drink service from your waiter, and some of the best views in the venue. We thoroughly enjoyed the show! There was something to keep everyone occupied all night, and it’s safe to say we didn’t get back to the hotel until around 4am!
The last full day in Cancun soon came around and we had a few site inspections planned in for the morning, the first one at Secrets the Vine Cancun, then a quick trip next door to visit Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. We were shown various room categories and all of the dining areas at Secrets the Vine Cancun, but the highlight was the Secrets Spa by Pevonia which was amazing. There were Jacuzzi tubs and cold water plunge pools overlooking the aquamarine Caribbean Sea, and it was beautiful.
If you like a hotel with a little more attitude then Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is definitely the hotel for you. Stepping through lobby draws you into a forest of memorabilia cabinets, surrounding you with rick and roll relics. The interior us furnished with deep purples, which feel really true to the rock and roll feel of the hotel. The suites at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun were amazing: each was spacious, and each had their own double in-room Jacuzzi. It really was enough to make you feel like a rock star. A variety of restaurants are available for you to try, and nothing at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun requires a reservation. I wouldn’t hesitate to visit the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun again.
And back again
It wasn’t long before it was time to say goodbye to Mexico. I was so gutted to be going home, but I was delighted to have visited some amazing hotels. The return transfer from Jumbo was prompt and a friendly representative met us again in the lobby and escorted us to the transfer bus. It was an emotional journey to the airport: Mexico had quickly become my favourite and most loved holiday destination, so I was reluctant to let it go without a fight!
Overall, Mexico was immense. There is so much to see and do, amazing hotels await and your perfect holiday is only a phone call away; so what are you waiting for?
