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LodgingLodging in the Mayan Riviera consists mainly of big all-inclusive resorts. These resorts cater to the Europeans as much as to Americans. There are some hotels that offer European plan (i.e. no meals) and they are located in or close to the city of Playa del Carmen. Barcelo Maya Beach ResortThe Barcelo Maya Beach Resort is located about 15 minutes south of Playa del
Carmen. It fronts a shallow bay that is excellent for swimming, ocean kayaking
and sailing. The rooms are located in hotel blocks that stretch back from the
beach area to the reception/lobby complex. The resort has two sides (Beach and
Garden) that are mirror images. Guests may use all the facilities on both sides.
We stayed on the Garden side in an oceanfront room on the second floor with a
balcony. The room was a good size and typically appointed. We were just a short
walk from the beach and the main restaurants. There are two huge pools but,
since we are more ocean people we only got in once to try out the swim up bar.
The best part of the resort was the two miles of white sandy beach. There were
plenty of chairs and a good mix of sun and shade. We usually positioned
ourselves near the volleyball court so, we could watch the overly energetic play
game after game. At one end of the beach is a soccer field (I did see one of the
staff members rounding up European guys to play one morning), followed by a
water sports shack, then there is the Beach side palapa, a pool, the beach
pavilion (for towels, crafts, crazy games), another pool, the Garden side
There are two a la carte restaurants that you must make reservations for. You are allowed one visit for stays less than a week and two for stays longer than a week. The first night we ate at the Mexican restaurant, El Agave. The service was good and the food was delicious. I had pork tenderloin and my husband has steak. The only complaint we had about the food and beverage service was the quality of the margaritas. Believe it or not they were awful. They seemed to contain very little lime juice or tequila. The food in the buffet restaurants was good also and the variety and presentation were excellent. The Barcelo Maya Beach Resort offers free entertainment in the evening. We only caught one show, a medley of different dances. I thought it was good but, the sunken open-air theater was a little bit warm. After the show, Captain Morgan's disco is open until the wee hours of the morning. Continued
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To book a trip or get more information send an email to
kelly@apostcardhome.com or call (281)334-0427
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palapa
and out on a point the SCUBA center and pier. Walking paths crisscross the
resort, some are covered, others open and still others let you slip into small
pockets of jungle that have been allowed to remain on the property. There are
two large buffet restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. The two
beach palapas serve snacks from 10 am to 5 pm.