"Just Bathe in the Light"

Date Night?  How about a Date Trip...

It's never easy trying to agree on finding a restaurant/activity to enjoy for date night.  By the time we finally land on something we're both so tired from the mental stress, we usually just throw on sweats.

One of those particular weeks, when we were both stumped, I threw out the idea, "let's just go to Mexico and get an all-inclusive package so we don't have to make any decisions but relax for a long-weekend.  SOLD!  Within a few days, we were boarding flights for Playa Del Carmen.

Like anyone who's flown to Cancun, you know the arrival/luggage pick-up can be somewhat hectic...primarily because of impatient visitors who only speak broken Spanish.  Fortunately, my girlfriend is fluent, as she lived in Mexico for several years.

As we moved swiftly through customs we had a car (rented separately after we booked our resort) waiting for us outside to escort us.  If you've been to Cancun/Playa Del Carmen/Riviera Maya before, you know that resorts are a dime a dozen.  This specific trip we stayed at Occidental Grand Xcaret Playa Del Carmen.  This resort got our full-stamp of approval.  We didn't run into any issues with staff, or having enough supplies for our room.  The food was good and it offered good ambiance for intimate couples or families.  The resort itself featured riverbed formations, 7 different pools, and a private, white sand beach.  There were 11 restaurants on site, a nightclub, and wonderful art exhibits.  The resort was right next to an eco-archaeological park that offered various cultural attractions, vendors, and nightly entertainment; specifically, fantastic musical performances and Mariachis

Although we were there to relax, we did take a day trip to see the amazing Tulum ruins and go snorkeling in a cenote (water-filled sinkhole - created when underground caverns collapse)

The Tulum Ruins were absolutely mesmerizing.  Built around 564 A.D. the walls on 3 sides acted as a fortress for the inhabitants, with the Caribbean on the fourth side.  With the palm trees and beautiful beach next to the ruins, you could have mistaken these historic landmarks as movie props.  

While on site, there was a ritual performed by a few called the ceremony of the Voladores. (flying men).  This consisted of the men climbing up a 30-meter pole, in which they tether there lower body to a rope and each swing like a carousel in a slow-descension to the ground.  One man remained at the top, dancing and playing instruments.  According to one myth, the ritual was created to ask the gods to end a severe drought.  

From here, we headed to the cenote to begin our snorkeling expedition.  I would advise now, if you're claustrophobic, or don't like being touched underwater to maybe skip this activity.  While the water and setting are pretty incredible, there are a lot of stalactites and some areas where you don't have a lot of room to completely rise out of the water.

After we got our "exercise" for the trip, we headed back to the resort to get back to our relaxing and enjoyed candle-lit dinner on the beach.  A great finale to our trip.  It's hard to beat the all-inclusive packages Mexico offers, and I know we'll be back soon, but until then...I'm comin' home, baby.

 TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Occidental Grand Xcaret Playa Del Carmen Resort
• Tulum Ruins
• Cenote Snorkeling

RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Search different websites for the best all-inclusive deals.  Many sites may offer the same rates, but some take coupon codes that can take an additional chunk off of your total price.  (Honey browser extension can help)
• Reserve a pickup/return ride beforehand - Also can use multiple sites to find the best rates (you don't have to use the resorts option if it's pricier)
• Bring Sunscreen - Especially if you have pale skin like myself.
• If you're claustrophobic, avoid the Cenote Snorkeling