I was looking for a world class golf destination that featured sun, sand and interesting and entertaining off course activities. Mexico came across my radar and I thought, why not!
The 9th Hole On The Mountain Course In Cozumel, Mexico – Image Courtesy Cozumel CC
My husband, son and I boarded a direct flight into Cancun, Mexico. The more I travel the more I appreciate and book trips that have non-stop flights.
I have to be honest…I was a little nervous that Cancun was going to be a 20-something party town focused on famed bars such as Coco Bongo and few families. Was I ever pleasantly surprised.
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 an all-inclusive resort but not in a ‘line up at a trough’ kind of way. There are several restaurants spread throughout the property that offer delectable fare from around the world.
Our personal favorite was the Japanese Steakhouse. They prepare the food in front of you and dice and slice the meal with fun antics and memorable moves.
The rooms are all beautifully decorated and give you that spa feel with a double Jacuzzi tub in every room. The pools and beach were fabulous but it was the Flow Rider surf machine that was the big hit.
Kids and adults alike lined up to test their surfing skills on a bona fide wave. It was incredibly entertaining.
The Classy Clubhouse At Moon Palace Overlooks The 27-Hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course On The Property – image courtesy moon palace hotel
We also frequented the arcade where games are free and include shooting hoops, riding race bikes and playing air hockey. This was my son’s favorite spot.
The golf is definitely a big draw with the course boasting one of only 2 signature Jack Nicklaus courses in the area. 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.
The all-inclusive theme extends to the golf course and it was delightful to stop at air conditioned snack shacks ever few holes for complimentary drinks and snacks. This is a great stay for the golf enthusiast.
In Cancun I also went to the Croco Cun Zoo, well worth the visit. I was able to feed monkeys and parrots, walk through Crocodiles with no fence in between us and have a snake slither around my neck.
If you are tired of zoos with cages this is your kind of place. You can get a private tour with a guide that takes you around to each section of the zoo and is extremely knowledge about the wildlife, vegetation and animals indigenous to the area.
Snakes Alive Ms Longball! Whatever You Do, If It Offers You An Apple, Don’t Take It! –
image credit anton vlooswyk
Another great trip is to Dolphin Discovery on Isla Mujeres. It is a quick ferry ride from Cancun over turquoise water. Upon your arrival you are welcome to spend the day on this cute and quaint island.
Many visitors rented scooters to tour around the island. Once back at the Dolphin Discovery you can book up close and personal encounters with dolphins, sea lions and manatees. My family chose to swim with the dolphins. 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.
The resort boasts excellence in customer service and we were not disappointed. The friendly staff and beautiful grounds will make you feel like you are at home in an Oasis. When you think of aqua marine waters and white sand beaches from a post card the picture may just have been taken at this resort.
Brilliant Colours Abound At The Celebration Of Carnaval In Cancun’s Cozumel – image credit lisa vlooswyk
We also took a fabulous trip to the Cozumel Pearl Farm and dove under the crystalline waters to view the area where the pearls are harvested and visited the lab to see the 5 year process of how a pearl is formed. It is a family run business and I was so impressed by the intimate experience that you get in the tour from one of the family members.
Their stories of hurricane survival, warding off vandals with religious icons and ingenuity to create a successful lab on an isolated island is well worth the trip.
After the pearl farm we went to Passion Island an all-inclusive style resort accessible only by boat to this private island. The warm Caribbean waters will beckon you. You can relax in a hammock, play water sports, jump on a trampoline into the ocean and help yourself to enjoyable food and drink. It is a fun one day excursion.
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! Family friendly and highly recommended!
If you are looking for authentic Mexican food put Casa Mission restaurant in downtown Cozumel on your list. The food and margaritas are second to none and the mariachi band is memorable.
Not to be missed is the Cozumel Country Club and its delightful director of golf Benny Campos. It is another Nicklaus design that is superbly sculpted out of the mangroves, marshlands and tropical rain forest.
The 9th Hole At Cozumel Country Club In Cancun, Mexico – image courtesy cozumel cc
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 Venado Caribbean 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 encountered bats, jaguars, massive sea turtles, stingrays, 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.
We stayed at the Grand Mayan. This hotel has one of the most impressive lobbies I have ever seen and is punctuated by a stunning infinity pool. It is a large resort with a variety of restaurants and amenities joined by an intricate system of pathways. The hotel also serves as a time share with many of the visitors enjoying their annual trip.
The feature of the property is El Manglar, an 18-hole executive par 54 Jack Nicklaus golf course. It is very tropical and picturesque and with the reduced yardage is playable for all skill levels.
The Picturesque 7th Hole At The El Camaleaon Course In Mayakoba, Home Of The PGA Tour’s Lone Stop In Mexico – image courtesy el camaleon
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 ranged from rock work edging the greens and tee boxes, to the exquisitely manicured fairways and waste areas. All this accentuated by 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 TV during the telecast.
Put Mexico on your travel list if you are looking for great golf, sun, surf and sand.
