This week was dedicated to a little work and a little R&R. In my role as a golf journalist, in addition to writing swing tips, and opinion pieces I also compose travel features. I was looking for a world class golf destination that was different than your standard Palm Springs and Phoenix. Mexico came across my radar and I thought why not!
Our first hotel, Moon Palace, was in Cancun. It is a large upscale golf resort with a 27-hole signature Jack Nicklaus course on property. It is all inclusive resort but not in a line up at a trough kind of way. There was delectable fare and a fun Japanese Steakhouse option.
The pools and beach were fabulous but it was the Wave Runner surf machine that was the big hit.
The club house at the resort was well appointed and the driving range and practice facility were fantastic. There are three distinct 9’s all challenging and well-manicured. A great stay for the golf enthusiast.
Cancun is also home to the only TPC property outside of the United States, TPC Cancun. It is a high end private club experience for all golfers. The challenging Nick Price design is not only beautiful but will test your handicap. The course is lush and peppered with 84 bunkers and 5 lakes. It is a must if you come to the area.
In Cancun I also went to the CrocoCun Zoo, well worth the visit. I was able to feed monkeys and parrots, walk through Crocodiles and have a snake slither around my neck. If you are tired of zoos with cages this is your kind of place.
Another great trip is to Dolphin Discovery on Isla Mujeres. It is a quick Ferry ride from Cancun over turquoise water. You get an up close and personal encounter with dolphins, sea lions and manatees. I was blown away with how smooth the dolphins were and how incredibly inelegant. It was a great family experience.
Our next stop was the Island of Cozumel. We stayed at the Presidente Cozumel Resort and Spa. This is an intimate hotel with only 220 luxury rooms. Located directly on the Caribbean it is a walk out your patio door to the beach and pool. Cozumel is the 2nd largest coral reef in the world and some of the best snorkelling and diving on the island is located a stone’s throw from your room.
My 6 year old son went snorkeling for the first time and it was a moment I will never forget! Hearing him erupt as each new colorful fish swam by was beyond exciting. We also took a fabulous trip to Cozumel Pearl Farm and dove under the crystalline waters and visited the lab to see the 5 year process of how a pearl is formed.
The next day was Fat Tuesday and Cozumel is known for its celebration of Carnaval. It was a party to beat all parties! There was a 3 hour parade boasting sparkling floats, loud music, beautiful dancers in elaborate costumes, head dresses, candy, beads and wonderfully warm locals. I felt like I was in Rio! Unbelievable!
Not to be missed is the Cozumel Country Club. It is another Nicklaus design that is superbly sculpted out of the mangroves, marshlands and tropical rain forest. It was a great family course that my son was able to play (best ball mind you) and could challenge the low handicapper as well. Lunch with Fajitas and a Corona in the open air restaurant on site after your round is not a 19th hole to be skipped!
My last stop was the Riviera Maya where I experienced the excitement of riding my first ATV at Punta VenadoCaribbean Eco park. It is a beast of a machine and although I was tentative at first I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I was ripping around like a back country bumpkin in no time. We drove to a cave and got to swim in a cenote (subterranean cave).
Next was a trip to the popular Xcarte were we got to see bats, jaguars, massive sea turtles, sting rays, butterflies and a Mayan village to name a few of the enthralling attractions. The evening show is well worth the stay for the traditional dances, costumes and Mexican history.
However, the gem of the area, for golfers, is El Camaleon home of the Mayakoba Classic, the only PGA Tour stop in Mexico. This is a Greg Norman design and perhaps the most beautiful course I have ever played. The attention to detail from the rock work edging greens and tee boxes, to the exquisitely manicured fairways and waste areas, the elevation changes, cliff edges and ocean views. It is an extraordinary golf course and fun to play! I love playing PGA Tour venues to compare my shots to the pros on during the telecast.
Put Mexico on your travel list if you are looking for great golf, sun, surf and sand.
Until next week, go long!
