resort rundown

Once we we figured out our destination, it was time to choose among dozens of incredible resorts. I would be remiss if I didn't share my research and how we agreed upon Excellence Riviera Maya out of many worthy contenders.

I would also be remiss if I didn't confess how badly we stumbled through this process. We booked and cancelled two resorts in one weekend through my future in-laws' timeshare. And once we ruled out the timeshare route, I would fall in love with a place, announce that it was settled and we'll book it and be done, and then I'd find another maybe better place. Marc kept reminding me that we can't really go wrong among the contenders. But it's difficult to keep one's head when planning the most romanticized and anticipated vacation of one's entire life. (Expectations much?)

Our requirements:
1. On the beach
2. ALL INCLUSIVE
3. Quiet and romantic, but not completely desolate.
4. Budget around $3000


Contender number one:

Aventura Spa Palace by Palace Resorts:

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We found this gem through Marc's parents timeshare exchange through RCI. At first glance, the all inclusive fee of $1800 for the week sounded fantastic. So we booked it! But when we asked if we could confirm a room with one king sized bed, the folks at RCI could, unfortunately, not. We called the hotel directly, and they said that the rooms with king beds were booked for our week- in general or just the ones reserved for RCI? We're not sure. But we were sure it was a no go.

On second look, it turned out that we could book that same 2 Double bed basic room through CheapCarribean.com for only about $2000.00 without wasting the timeshare week. So I nixed the potential deal of the gifted timeshare week- really because I was hung up on the all inclusive thing- and broadened our horizons.

ASP's Pros:

• Pretty rooms with big jacuzzis in the rooms and hammocks on the balconies
• Discounts on spa treatments for honeymooners
• EXCURSIONS INCLUDED via their "Passport to Savings" ++++!!!!!
• Other Palace Resorts's perks are included- we could take a shuttle to Aventura Palace in Playa del Carmen to enjoy the city and their beach, and eat dinner there for free...
• tons of fun activities

ASP's Cons:

• No King beds left in our price range- though we could have booked the "Concierge Level" Suite for $$$ 
• No "real" beach! This sounds impossible, but the water must be rough so they built and inlet. It looked fine to me, but it gets mixed reviews on TripAdvisor. 
• Far away- It's over an hour from the airport in Cancun, and south of Playa del Carmen.

Contender 2

Hacienda Tres Rios

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We also found this eco-oasis through RCI. The all inclusive fee through them would have cost $1500 for the week, but I couldn't commit based on mixed reviews. If it hadn't been my must-be-perfect honeymoon I was planning, I would stay here in a heartbeat!

Pros:

• Green and educational- Award-winning eco-resort built in a natural park reservation! 
• REALLY PRETTY I love the decor here in the pictures. Decor goes a long way to my designy eye.
• Beach beds?!?!

Cons:

• Mixed reviews on TripAdvisor about service, food, and the rocky beach. (I maybe should not have let these sway me as it's still pretty new... but they did. Do I regret it now that I'm looking at this place again... maybe a little. Life will be easier when this series is complete...)
• Lots of activities for kids= kids are allowed here. We love kids- but maybe not on our honeymoon?

Contender 3
The Royal Playa del Carmen

I came across this sure thing through craazy good reviews on trip advisor.

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The ROYAL's Pros:

• Fantastic location- right in Playa del Carmen, you can walk out onto "5th Ave" and walk to a ferry to Cozumel
• Big beautiful beach
• Great reviews

Cons:

• Upon further investigation (people's real pics on Trip Advisor), it looked like this place could be heavy on the party scene... and the "5th Ave" seemed to have more or a Mardi Gras feel than a Fifth Avenue feel. 

I was about ready to book this place, trying to decide whether we should upgrade to an ocean front room, when Todd at work (also engaged) suggested I look up Excellence near Cancun.

Which brings me to

Contenders 4 and 5

Excellence Resorts:  Riviera Cancun and Playa Mujeres

Excellence Riviera Cancun:

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Excellence Playa Mujeres:

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Pros for both Excellence resorts include hammocks EVERYWHERE in the lazy rivers! Beautiful decor, light white relaxing breath-of-fresh-air vibe throughout. Incredible reviews on Trip Advisor. Good food, good security, all around perfect package, and 25% off sale for booking Fall dates.

So how did I choose between the two? Location. While Playa Mujeres seemed a teensy bit newer, the type on its website is pink (I was looking for any plus at this point), it has bigger jacuzzis in the rooms and a bigger beach that's protected by Isla Mujeres, it is located north of Cancun in a pretty remote, undeveloped area except for surrounding resorts and golf course. Could be a pro for most honeymooners, but if I'm traveling to a new country, I want the culture to be just a little more accessible. I don't want to spend a ton on cab rides.

Meanwhile, Excellence Riviera Cancun is located just 1 mile outside of Puerto Morelos which as I mentioned before is described as an artsy bohemian fishing town. It's right along the coast, so no crossing the busy highway to find civilization, and I read in one of the zillion reviews I came across that one guest really enjoyed the bike tour into town and the shopping trip. Bingo. Done. We picked it!

A special thanks goes out to Marc for his patience with me, Todd from work, and the good people who pour their hearts out reviewing resorts over at Trip Advisor.

What were/are some of your requirements for your honeymoon resorts? And if anyone has any suggestions on stuff to do while we're there- or any questions for me if you're considering Riviera Maya (I have loads more info stuck in my head that needs a good home) feel free to leave a comment!