Family Winter Vacations in Riviera Maya!

Right now is the perfect time to start planning for your big winter getaway because the best spots fill up fast. Luckily we have an idea that just might be the perfect place for that warm weather escape this winter, Playa del Carmen.

Located right between Cancun and Tulum, just across the water from Cozumel, this is the heart of the Riviera Maya, which just happens to be one of our favorite parts of Mexico. We love the fantastic beaches and historic ruins, and especially the fact that there is no such thing as winter along this tropical Caribbean coast.

Here’s another big idea, make this the year to splurge and take the whole family to A 5-star family-friendly hotel in Playa del Carmen. Our long time readers may think that this is a change of style for us, but we have most certainly come to appreciate the comfort and ease of spending quality time with our kids, and grandkids, at a resort that has everything everybody could want all in one place.

For luxury and relaxation there’s no better place than Hotel BlueBay Grand Esmeralda, because they have thought of everything ahead of time. For our family that means food first, last, and always. So all three of our generations will be thrilled to tour the many culinary options offered.

We all love a buffet, so that will no doubt be a common meeting place. But wait, which one? The Festival International Buffet restaurant features breakfast, lunch and dinner with classic dishes and choices from around the world. While the Jal-Ha International Breakfast and Lunch Buffet offers the opportunity to savor culinary delights and classic international breakfasts. Or if, like us, vacation means sleeping in and waiting for brunch than this is the place for you.

But it is dinner time that we are really looking forward to, so we can try all of the excellent options included with our stay. Italian fare is always near the top of our entire family’s list of favorite foods, even our grandchildren love it, so Il Cuore di Rossi will most certainly be getting visited… probably more than once. It actually looks like we will need have several meals there so we can try all of the iconic Neapolitan, Roman or Milanese dishes they serve.

And our daughter’s family, with those grandchildren, are from Paris, so the L’Atelier French restaurant should have them feeling right at home. Then there is the local choice, Don Isi Mexican restaurant, for another of our very favorite foods made specially with fresh, local ingredients. Bring on the chili peppers!

Of course, everybody isn’t always in the mood for a big meal, and I guarantee that there will be times when the kids don’t want to leave the pool, so we are glad to have the option of the pool side snack bar for a quick lunch or afternoon bite.

The adults will also appreciate the pool bar for a cool beverage, or the whimsical fun of the Columpios bar where cocktails are served while we sit on hanging seats. You might call it a “swingers bar,” but on second thought, that’s probably not the best idea.

For some more serious fun the Black & White bar offers a variety of signature cocktails made by skilled professionals, we may even do a little dancing to the rhythm of the music. And the best thing about all of this is that everything is all included with the stay at Hotel BlueBay Grand Esmeralda.

So we can guess what you might be thinking, but no, there is no need to take out a second mortgage because All-inclusive 5-star resort deals in Riviera Maya are always available on the Hotel BlueBay website.

Oh, did we mention that the beach is only a few steps away from the rooms? I guess we just did. We will definitely be spending plenty of time there, and once we partake in some of the amazing seaside spa treatments we might never want to leave.

But then we would miss out on all of the other fantastic adventures available at Hotel BlueBay Grand Esmeralda. One of our all time favorite activities is snorkeling around reefs and the Caribbean waters just off shore are practically perfect for it. And with the hotel’s experts to help, our whole family will be able to experience the incredible sea life below the surface.

We also love history and ancient ruins, so a short jaunt a few miles down the coast to the ruins at Tulum is definitely on our list. The city is one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites and was a trade hub and sea port for the Mayan people about eight hundred years ago.

Speaking of Mayan culture, we certainly don’t want to miss Cena Maya. This traditional and unique Mayan dinner and presentation is a great chance to immerse ourselves in this ancient culture. It takes place in the middle of the Caribbean jungle and yet it is only a few steps away from Hotel BlueBay.

The meal features extraordinary ingredients crafted into authentic Mayan dishes. We especially love this because we feel strongly that local food is one of the best ways to experience a new region or culture. But that’s not all, after dinner a remarkable ceremony led by a local shaman completes the journey back in time.

Back here in modern times we want to remind everyone once again, this is a great time to plan for the coming winter months.

And if you ask us, getting away from the cold is the best plan.

See you on the beach!

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com