One great thing about living in Texas is our close proximity to Mexico. This allows for quick flights to some of the best resorts in the world. Pack your passport, some sunscreen, flip flops, and maybe a hat, and then head down south for fun in the sun.
My crew and I did just that over Labor Day weekend as we partied it up and do a live radio show from Sandos Caracol Eco Resort. Sandos has four resorts in Mexico spread out from Cabo San Lucas to Cancun to Playa Del Carmen. Working with the great Sandos staff we flew to Cancun and then took a short bus trip down to the Eco Resort in Playa.
Getting to Cancun (or most anywhere on Earth, for that matter) was simple as we booked travel through United Vacations. With United Vacations’ low deposit payment plans, the guaranteed best prices on United Airlines flights, you know you’re getting a great deal.
United Vacations has a great feature called Premier Vacation Protection. It gives you extra piece of mind before and during your vacation. Benefits include baggage protection, medical coverage, cancellation for any reason and more.
I also like the fact that you don’t have to worry about waiting around for a lower price. If the price of your hotel stay goes down, you can be refunded the difference if you’re covered by Premier Vacation Protection.
It was less than four hours travel from the time we departed IAH to the time we checked in at Sandos Caracol. We were greeted at the resort with a frozen concoction of tequila or rum (does it really matter when on vacation?) and the most important item of our stay – a wristband that allowed for all the food, drinks and fun across the sprawling property.
The resort has 956 guest rooms with access to an all-inclusive food and beverage program featuring 3 buffets, 6 a la carte restaurants, 8 bars and 24-hour room service. We hit every bar and restaurant during our stay with our favorites being Las Mascaras (Mexican), La Riviera (Mediterranean), and La Toscana (Italian). Fresh food and friendly service was abundant. And did I mention tequila and rum?
This particular resort in the Sandos family is eco-focused to promote sustainable practices to their guests and suppliers. Guest rooms are “green” by using certified materials, LED lighting, and a system for recycling gray and soapy water.
The property is family-friendly with an Adults Only section and several areas for kids and teens. Even though I didn’t bring my kids on this trip I still found myself splashing around the Aquapark. You just can’t keep me off a water slide. There are 17 slides and a splash zone here.
The adults section features an exclusive guest reception, beach club house with private bar service, private pool and an adults only restaurant for breakfast and lunch. This area was nice and quiet for lounging around during the late afternoons however we spent most of the day on the beautiful, palm tree-lined beach.
White sand and clear blue water borders the large property. Beach chairs and day beds are pristinely lined up waiting for guests to do nothing but sit back, lie down and relax. Beachside bars are no more than a few yards away and the large, main pool is nearby if you want a chlorinated dip and inviting party music.
Fans of water sports have many options to choose from with kayaks, boogie boards, snorkel gear and sailboats included in some of the guest packages. SCUBA dives and deep-sea fishing trips can also be planned.
And what is a resort vacation without a trip to the spa? Spa Sandos has luxurious facilities with 16 treatment rooms, saunas and steam baths, gym and spinning room and a beachfront massage palapa overlooking views of the Caribbean Sea.
Sandos Caracol offers some unique things that I you must check out when visiting. I partook in a unique Mayan therapy called Temazcal. This ancient tradition guides guests to different levels of heat and steam generated by volcanic rocks and medicinal herbs in a spiritual atmosphere. My body, mind and soul were purified…at least until I found the bar later that night.
The Xcalacoco Experience allows guests to learn more about Mayan and Mexican culture with different daily activities. Each day of the week is set aside to honor a different element. Four live theatrical shows are performed on the property each week. Make sure to catch at least one during your stay.
Our trip went by quickly before we hopped back on the short flight from Cancun to Houston. The radio show went well with one of the most gorgeous backdrops we’ve ever had. Our suntans should last a few weeks which will serve as a conversation starter with friends back home. And I now have a top-of-mind recommendation when I’m asked where to escape for a nearby vacation, incentive or wedding: Sandos Caracol Eco Resort!
Click HERE to hear the radio show podcast from beachside at Sandos Caracol Eco Resort