Possibly my new favorite city in Mexico, Cancun is definitely a place I would like to frequent.  The beaches were true “white sand beaches” and not nearly as crowded as I had expected.  The waters…  if I didn’t know any better, I’d say someone photo shopped an image right on my sunglasses, creating multiple layers of perfect turquoise paired with pristine blue skies.  Really, this entire trip was full of scenic surprises…

Cancun was my first stop on a three week visit to the Gulf of Mexico.  I stayed at Le Meridian Resort and Spa, owned by my beloved Starwood Hotels.  The hotel itself was beautiful, with multi layered infinity pools, in a unique dark blue that whispered, “zen.”  The canopy hammock beds were available for rent- $40 USD to swing in the shade while watching beachside sunbathers and drinking… whatever those things are the cabana boys bring in giant coconuts.  We rented the row of cabanas and lounged for the day in absolute heaven.  We did take a cabana break to wander down to the beach and rent jet skis- a task that is not for the light-hearted when the seas are acting playful.  I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard.

The staff at Le Meridien were friendly, and the front desk and concierge were particularly helpful, offering tips for attractions, and recommending well known restaurants such as Lorenzillos, a world famous seafood restaurant situated directly on the lagoon side of Cancun.  (Lorenzillos doesn’t seem to have a detailed website up yet, but in case they ever do, I’m sharing the link: http://www.lorenzillos.com.mx.)  I can honestly say, this restaurant has earned its reputation.  They not only serve the best lobster I’ve EVER had in my life, but they have their own lobster farm on site and an ideal setting, complete with deckside tables presenting plenty of opportunity to fish watch and crocodile-perv right from your table.  Lorenzillos is definitely my pick for Cancun restaurants.

One of Cancun’s more popular attractions are the pyramids of Chichen Itza, home of one of the largest known Mayan pyramids.  A 2+ hour drive from Cancun, our concierge suggested either a luxury tour bus or private car rental for our visit to the ruins.  We opted for a car, in case we decided to stay longer… or shorter, than a tour bus would permit.  Ok, let me warn you- if you ever rent a car in Mexico, expect the gas tank to be empty, or at least not full!  And stop for gas well before getting on the road to Chichen Itza because it will be well over an hour to the nearest gas station.  Eh, but while you’re stopped, there’s an excellent cafe with Tamales that are out of this world!  Well before this, just outside of a toll booth, we stopped at a tourist information center and ended up buying a Chichen Itza tour package that included our entry fees into the archaeological park, parking, and lunch.  We were given handy maps and background information about Chichen Itza’s attractions and the Mayan culture.

After arriving at the archaeological park, we opted to hire a private tour guide- this was definitely the way to go.  He shared detailed background information about the history, and culture of the ancient civilization.  This made it far more interesting than just walking around staring at ruins we knew little about.  I’d definitely recommend a private tour guide if you’re planning to visit Chichen Itza.  Just remember to arrive early and plan to do your shopping after your tour- otherwise, your tour could go very long and your tour guide might just get cranky, hanging out waiting while you’re negotiating how much to pay for that quartz pyramid or curious Mayan mask.

The weather in Chichen Itza?  Humid and hot, but the mosquitos seemed to like it.  Bring a hat, sunglasses, and dress cool, with a layer of insect repellent.  It was so humid while we were there, it was almost unbearable.  A thunderstorm started, but this just made the giant pyramid look cooler.

After the rainstorm passed, we wandered around the grounds.  There’s a hotel surrounding the archaeological park, which is actually built ON the ruins- of which we were told consist of more than 300 ruin mounds.  Wandering around the hotel, and through the villas and gardens, there were a number of “hidden” ruins, including statues and stone roads that few people get to see.  The wandering peacocks even add a nice exotic touch.

Itza Chichen in Chichen Itza – or maybe Itza Chicken…. driving 2.5 hours from Cancun to Chichen Itza to see Mayaland http://twitpic.com/1wj5i9 was a great idea!

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to see the pyramids at Chichen Itza.  When I moved to Mexico, I remember being disappointed that the Yucatan was so far away.  A day is possibly enough time to see the entire park, but I would say it is well worth it to book a room, or private villa at Mayaland hotel.   A guide can be hired for a private tour of the ruins at the front desk.  $60 an hour, and the tour runs around 2.5 to 3 hours.

The history of the ruins is complex and a guide can explain far more than the booklets for sale in the souvenir shop. I would definitely recommend taking advantage of a private guide, even if you decide to tour the grounds on your own again afterward.  The most famous structure in the park is of course the larger than life pyramid, but as we learned from our guide, there are more than 350 ruin “mounds” in the area, and a number of well preserved temples, wells, shrines, houses, and even an observatory which can be seen from the grandeur foyer of the hotel at just about any angle.

There are several exotic hotels at Chichen Itza, but Mayaland is located directly on the ruins.  Nonstop bird calls, majestic trees and palms, and impressive gardens surround the hotel and their many private bungalows and villas.  Peacocks roam freely around the hotel grounds, and even IN the hotel, just adding to the exotic feel of Mayaland. The food, is absolutely fabulous and the service is even better.  Our waiter was a charming gentleman, Francisco, who spoke 5 languages including his mother tongue, Mayan – which he patiently gave us a lesson in.

Recommendations for visiting Chichen Itza:

Bring a good camera, wear light clothes that can handle the humidity and heat, and don’t forget the sunblock.  Insects were not a problem until the evening but definitely bring bug spray or purchase some in the souvenir shop located on the grounds.

Shopping is available in the hotel, in the park itself on the walk from the pyramid to the well, and in the Mayan marketplace.  Bring small change for shopping and remember when purchasing, that certain souvenirs made with live plants and or seeds, will not be allowed through customs.  There are plenty of masks, a pyramid statues for purchase but a popular item are custom necklaces which take an hour to be made.  If you intend to purchase one of these, do so well before the stores close.

If you can, bring a change of clothes if you come on a day trip this time of year.  Heavy humidity, heat, and rainstorms can be an issue- but still worth the visit!

• Sweet! Totally hidden market just inland of old town puerto vallarta http://twitpic.com/1q7lal #
• Having carpaccio and cocktails in the Mexicana VIP lounge. Nice way to relax before our flight #
• Inquired about an upgrade at mexicana in Mexico city upgrade- super cheap @ 695 pesos. Glad I asked #
• Just landed in cancun. Waiting on some bus or el shuttle to take us to our luggage #
• Raining in cancun & supposed to cont for 2days. Tomorrow will have to b a spa day #
• Having lunch at cuisine du soleil Italian restaurant in le meridian hotel, cancun Mexico http://twitpic.com/1vbobm #
• First time trying bacon bread http://twitpic.com/1vbrad #
• Just landed in cancun. Waiting on some bus or el shuttle to take us to our luggage #
• Raining in cancun & supposed to cont for 2days. Tomorrow will have to b a spa day #
• Lorenzillo's in cancun- amaziing lobster across the menu, gr8 wine list & service. All that & this amazing view http://twitpic.com/1vfb3s #
• V #
• This is the life… Swinging in a cabana overlooking the turquoise water of cancun http://twitpic.com/1vmi1u #
• Leaving the safety of my cabana to go hit the ocean via big bad yellow jet ski. Wish me luck http://twitpic.com/1vn3vo #
• Amused boosh for sure- French Mediterranean cuisine at Le Meridian gets my approval! http://twitpic.com/1vpah0 #
• I may have overdone it w the jetskiing yesterday… But it was worth it http://twitpic.com/1vx6gr #
• RT @CancunCVB @SpoiledTraveler In #Cancun Pyramids- http://bit.ly/dc17VP, Aquarium- http://bit.ly/d4evu7, Tours- http://bit.ly/dsMAiE. #
• After a Long day chilling in the le meridian spa, i'm hoping for gr8 weather tomorrow- the chichen itza pyramids are calling #

For our 3 days in Mazatlan, we stayed at the Royal Villas Resort.  We really enjoyed our stay here.  The resort itself was upscale, very comfortable and we had a great time with one small exception that will possibly keep us from staying there again.  We had an accidental charge of $600 USD on our debit card- a charge that was apparently intended to be a “hold” rather than a charge and the only solution offered was, “we’ll deposit the money back into your account in about 1 to 3 months.”  So that sucked.

The lobby alone is worth a visit- a wide platform stairwell is surrounded by Koi ponds and impressive rock formations leading to the pool.  There’s a comfortable cocktail lounge here and a game section with everything from pool to foos ball.

The room was beautiful- large, very nicely decorated with comfortable beds and a full kitchen.  We also had a jacuzzi tub which worked for a little while and although they offered to send someone to fix it, they never showed.  Oh well, we got to enjoy it once   We had a great balcony which was spacey but not really private- A few ladies next door were caught spying on my fiance after he was out of the shower and became our frequent fans!

The pool was beautiful, located on a patio above the beach.  There was a fun slide off a rock formation but it was not turned on for the full duration of the pool hours so we unfortunately never had the chance to try it.  The pool opened at 9 AM and closed at 9 PM-  the slide was on from 11 AM to just after 6 PM- quite disappointing.

The staff was very friendly and helpful.  Service for poolside cocktails were fast once we started a tab.   Valet parking cost us around $3 USD a day and was well worth it.  They were fast getting our car and always helpful as far as providing information and directions.

A little soon for a hotel stop, but we didn’t care- less than 3 hours north of Puerto Vallarta, we had reservations at Casa Manana, a boutique hotel on Playa del Coco just outside of San Blas.  This hotel was very cute with beautiful grounds and a charming pool.  The restaurant on site had friendly servers and great food, made even better since you’re sitting just a few feet from crashing waves of the ocean.  Directly in front of the hotel, the beach has large round stones covering most of the beach- not someplace you want to walk barefoot- there are tons of tide pools on this beach and we had a great time climbing out over the rocks, seeing fish and sea creatures while trying to avoid the occasional wave that was tall enough to splash us. Just to the right of the hotel, the rocks stop and there is a long stretch of sandy beach that was perfect for early morning exercise and sunbathing.

Casa Manana’s rooms were cute and very clean.  Beds were hard but that’s typical of Mexico.  We really loved our balcony which looked out over the pool and the ocean.  We had a fantastic sunset from this point and made it a point to run upstairs to the rooftop terrace for a few photos.

Did I mention Casa Manana’s oceanview room was only $58 USD?   There was also free wireless internet and they offered simple conveniences- such as when I realized my phone card was low and asked where I could buy one; the receptionist pulled out a handful of cards and asked which kind I would like saving me a trip into town.  I love when they think of the little things!