CANCUN: MAY ANNIVERSARY ❤️ Let's Go!
Just got back from Cancun and I've been flooded with messages asking for a review and travel tips! So, here's my take based on personal experience. Big shoutout to the Facebook group for some awesome recommendations – didn't get to do everything, but this trip was seriously unforgettable! The kids were over the moon, and the adults were having a blast! 😆😁😎
Flight ✈️ Hotel 🏨 Transportation 🚙: Nitty-Gritty Details
Our friends booked a package deal through Costco Travel, but their flight had a layover because the nonstop flights were sold out. We went the DIY route and booked Southwest – two free checked bags AND nonstop flights! Plus, they have family boarding, which is a lifesaver with little ones. SW does open seating, so remember that Family Boarding gets called right after Group A to help families sit together! Otherwise, it's like a free-for-all!
Stepping out of Cancun airport is like stepping into a bustling Vietnamese market – times ten! Tour operators, taxi drivers, and transfer services are ALL trying to grab your attention. One woman practically dragged me over to pitch her tour, but I politely declined and kept moving. After dodging about five or six of those, we finally found our transfer! It was pouring rain, but thankfully the walkway had a roof all the way to the car. I booked Elite Transfer through the hotel, so we had a private ride with no waiting! Shared transfers can mean waiting around for other passengers, and with Covid still around, private felt like the safer option.
Moon Palace: Our Home Away From Home!
We stayed at Moon Palace, part of the Palace Resorts chain. It was our first time in Cancun, so we booked based on a friend's recommendation. My overall impression? The service was top-notch! Over 80% of the guests were from the US 🇺🇸, so everything felt pretty familiar. Check-in was a bit slow, and they messed up our VIP badge initially, and there was a slight issue with the system not showing our room payment. But honestly, the minute I walked into the lobby with Latin music pumping and a guy pushing a Tequila cart like a Banh Mi Saigon cart, all the stress melted away! I even imagined that cart selling steaming bowls of pho or bun rieu! Next thing you know, another guy is pushing an ice cream cart while dancing 🕺, and all the kids swarmed him for a sweet treat 🍦.
Moon Palace is a solid 4.5-star ⭐️ All-Inclusive resort. The food is seriously abundant and delicious 😋. We ran straight to the seafood restaurant in the resort by the beach and devoured some fresh ceviche, grilled squid, and grilled fish, plus a huge buffet selection. There are about 11 restaurants in the resort, including a steakhouse with Ribeyes, NY Strip, and Sirloin – top it with crispy fried onions, mushroom sauce, and mashed potatoes, and it's heaven ⬆️👍! Drinks are unlimited – pace yourself, because the bartenders are mixing from sunrise to sunset! 😂 Some Strawberry Mojitos were amazing, others needed a little tweaking, but they were happy to adjust them. They have everything from Tequila to Whiskey to Cognac.
The Japanese restaurant was a lifesaver when we were craving Asian food! The ramen was excellent, and they had plenty of sashimi, sushi 🍣, and hot stone grilled beef. Next door, the Indian, Italian, and Mexican restaurants were beautifully decorated and served authentic dishes. They have a Skybar and nightclub, but we were traveling with four kids, so we didn't get to experience that. Every night they had a show – either a circus performance or live music – by the pool or in the lobby. The staff is amazing – just smile and say "Hola!!!" 😂🥰 whenever you need something.
The pools are gorgeous! Seven large pools and a dedicated kids' area. It's not quite as grand as the Grand at Moon Palace, but the kids were in heaven. There are restaurants and bars right by the pool, so you can order drinks without even getting out of the water! The scenery is stunning – I haven't even uploaded all the pictures yet! 😎
Now, about the beach 🌊. The sand is white, but the water is a bit murky and the sea breeze is strong, so not many people swim there. But the pool is right next to the beach, and breathing in the Caribbean air is super relaxing and enjoyable 👍.
Grand at Moon Palace: A Day of Luxury
We spent two days at the Grand, but decided to splurge on one day of the full experience. The Grand is a 5-star resort, and the rooms are double or triple the price of the Sunrise side, but the luxury is next level. The kids spent the whole day at the waterpark and didn't want to leave. The food is incredible, the service is impeccable, and the drinks are top-shelf. They have European, Asian, and American restaurants, and all are authentic. After this trip, my husband bought a membership to the Grand, so we can visit Cancun, Jamaica, Hawaii, or other hotels in their chain!
Room service is excellent, fast, and efficient. The rooms are stocked with drinks, including a liquor dispenser 🤣. There's a lot of walking (good for burning calories! 🤩🤪), but you can also catch a golf cart to get around.
Tours & Excursions: Exploring the Mayan Riviera!
Since it was our first time in Cancun and we had young children, we booked all our tours through the hotel for peace of mind. During our 6-day stay at Moon Palace, we spent one day at the Grand, one day on a tour to Chichen Itza (ancient Mayan ruins), and one day sailing to Isla Mujeres ⛵️ – the water was so blue and beautiful! The rest of the time was spent relaxing at the resort. The water at Isla Mujeres is crystal clear, perfect for swimming, and the seafood is incredible.
Since this post is already so long, I'll write separate reviews for Chichen Itza and Isla Mujeres later!
Tips / Recommendations: Cancun Survival Guide!
- Bring small US bills for tipping, or exchange US dollars for pesos at the hotel lobby.
- Negotiate prices outside the resort – they tend to inflate prices.
- Avoid taxis and stick to hotel transportation outside the resort.
- Drink bottled water only.
- All-Inclusive resorts with amazing food are the way to go! You don't have to worry about who's eating what or splitting the bill! 👍 Personally, I think the food and drinks alone are worth the money! 🤩
Overall, the experience was incredible. Any minor hiccups were overshadowed by the wonderful moments spent with family. We made memories for the kids, for the parents, and for everyone. We'll definitely be back to Cancun – a sunny and breezy paradise! ❤️❤️❤️✈️✈️✈️
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