Our Mexico adventure continued with a mix of sun-soaked relaxation and some unexpected “bumps” in the road. If you thought Part 1 was eventful, wait until you hear about our second half in Cancun!
We spent a brilliant day at Mandala Beach Club in the Hotel Zone. The vibe was electric, and the food? Surprisingly top-tier.
The Food: I highly recommend the beef tacos—they were “banging.” Amy struggled a bit with her giant Caesar salad, but the atmosphere made up for it.
The Beach: A quick warning—the sand is lovely, but watch out for sharp shells and, of course, the ever-present seaweed.
Resort Credits: If you’re staying at the Moon Palace, don’t bother with the resort credits. We had $1,500 worth but could only use $300 due to endless limitations. It’s better to keep your cash and pay as you go.
Tour Trouble: We had a bit of a nightmare with Get Your Guide. This is the second time they’ve let us down—the guide didn’t show up for our kayaking, and we ended up in a minor car accident while trying to sort it out. My advice? Book directly or through the hotel.
We took a catamaran over to Isla Mujeres, which sits between mainland Mexico and Cuba. Finally, we found the crystal-clear water and seaweed-free beaches we’d been dreaming of!
Pro Tip: Look for “Bob the Pineapple” for a piña colada served in an actual pineapple, and don’t miss the handmade mango and lemon ice cream—best we’ve ever had!
No trip to Mexico is complete without bringing back some authentic Tequila. We managed to snag some hand-painted, one-of-a-kind bottles of Clase Azul. They are beautiful pieces of art for The Cabin. We also discovered Mezcal, which our waiter Eduardo called “Mexican Water.” To us? It was pure fire! It literally “burns your soul,” but you have to try it at least once.
Chocolate Making: We spent a lovely morning learning the history of cacao and making our own chocolate bars. It was incredibly educational and delicious.
The Spa: After the stress of the car accident and the “saddle ass” from the Dominican Republic (yes, still feeling it!), the couple’s massage at the Moon Palace spa was exactly what we needed. I might have snored a little, but that’s the sign of a good massage!
Mexico has its challenges—the scams, the corruption, and the confusing laws—but the beauty of places like Isla Mujeres and the warmth of people like our waiter Eduardo make it special.