Playa Del Carmen/Post Graduation Family Vacation
Rochelle Holland
Stillwater, OK
Belize Travel Agent Advisor
Setting foot in Belize, I would be met with unmatched natural beauty and the heart warming hospitality of Belizeans. Landing in Belize City, the country's lively and bustling gateway, I’d start my journey by exploring local markets, absorbing the ...
Setting foot in Belize, I would be met with unmatched natural beauty and the heart warming hospitality of Belizeans. Landing in Belize City, the country's lively and bustling gateway, I’d start my journey by exploring local markets, absorbing the rhythm of everyday local life.My first stop beyond the city would be the world-famous Great Blue Hole. If capable of diving, I’d dive into this giant marine sinkhole, marveling at the stunning underwater stalactites and diverse sea life. The sensation of being in this unique submarine structure, part of the World Heritage-listed Belize Barrier Reef System, would feel like an adventure straight out of a Jules Verne's novel.Next, I would journey inland to the ancient Mayan city of Caracol. Walking amidst the towering archaeological marvels, I'd feel in awe of the Mayan civilization's complexity and grandeur that flourished here over a thousand years ago.Visiting the charming town of San Ignacio would immerse me in Belize's infectious cultural layers. As I explore the bustling markets, savor delicious salbutes, and listen to local Garifuna music, I'd get a taste of the cultural heritage of this diverse country. Interactions with locals, renowned for their friendliness, would provide insights into their traditional and contemporary life.In the jungles of western Belize, I’d encounter the stunning natural cave system known as Actun Tunichil Muknal. If possible, I'd hike and swim through these cave systems, experiencing the thrill of exploring Belize's "underworld," which the ancient Mayans regarded as a sacred place filled with powerful spirits.Wrapping up my trip, I'd relax on the beautiful island of Ambergris Caye. Lounging on its stunning beaches, snorkeling in the clear waters bristling with unique marine life, and savoring delicious seafood would result in utterly blissful relaxation.Walking away from Belize, I'd carry along memories of its magnificent reefs, ancient Mayan ruins, vibrant mix of cultures, and the joyous spirit of its people. Through the eyes of a traveler, this journey would stand testament to Belize's status as a beloved and extraordinary travel destination.
Mayan Statue at the resort entrance
For my daughter's high school graduation trip, she wanted to take a family vacation to Mexico. She had been on a Mexican Riviera cruise for her 8th grade graduation, so this time she chose Playa Del Carmen for her destination.
There were 6 of us traveling, so I booked us 3 rooms at the Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Playa Del Carmen. It was an amazing hotel. It was all-inclusive, which included all non-motorized water sports, all meals with multiple international cuisine options and lots of fun things to do without ever needing to leave the resort.
The resort offered a El Templo Japanese Steak House, that serves your meal Teppanyaki style, the buffet at Laguna was international cuisine, there were also Brazilian, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine at the Riviera restaurant, La Toscana offered Italian, Los Lirios was a fine dining Steak and Seafood, there were also many places to grab a snack or a burger during the day and of course there were many options for authentic Mexican fare as well. In all, the resort offers 10 dining options as well as 7 separate places to get a coffee or a cocktail including a swim up bar in the main pool.
The resort also had ancient ruins right on the property, crystal clear cenotes for swimming and exploring, an abundance of wildlife including spider monkeys, deer, Coati, peacocks, Iguanas and even Macaws.
There is an adult only section and a family section that includes a water park for the kids. You can parasail for an extra fee, right off the beach at the Sandos Caracol. They also offer Kayaks.
In addition, when staying at the Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, you also have access to the other Sandos Resort in Playa Del Carmen, the Sandos Playacar. We spent part of a day there. It was a more luxury resort than the Sandos Caracol. We had to take a tram from the hotel lobby down to the beach, the resort was so big, but had a beautiful beach and was definitely worth the cab ride from our resort.
Sandos Caracol also has a Mayan show at the on-site ruins that includes fire and dance. It was very enjoyable, but get there early as the seating is all ground level in plastic deck chairs and unless you are up front, it's hard to see. They also have local vendors come to the resort (at least 2 nights a week) to sell their crafts and food. There's also music. It reminded me of a local farmer's market/street fair. It was a lot of fun. In addition, the resort has 3-4 shops that are open daily, including a convenience store with souvenirs, snacks, clothing and over the counter pharmaceuticals.
Resort quests can book their excursions right at the resort. We took a Cenote/Snorkeling tour one day. Another day we took a Catamaran over to Isla Mujeres for my mother's 76th birthday. On the way over to Isla Mujeres, some of the tour guests were able to snorkel in the crystal blue waters. Once we arrived at Isla Mujeres, tour guests had free time on their own until it was time to catch the catamaran back to Cancun. We opted for lunch and shopping. Many just stayed on the beach and drank at the beach bars, swam, tanned or played beach volleyball, while others bar hopped in town.
We had also booked a tour to swim with whale sharks but that tour was cancelled twice due to inclimate weather. One of the great things about the company that Sandos works with for their tour excursions, is that they offered us a full refund for the tour since it was cancelled due to bad weather.
I would highly recommend this resort for anyone who wants to travel on a budget, enjoys sustainable travel, wants a property that has a lot to do for all ages and offers many dining options.