Long awaited Viva Mayan Trip Report - Part 1

I must apologize for my tardiness. However, those of you that have traveled enough will understand that sitting on a small airplane waiting for delayed passengers from another flight with the person sitting behind you sneezing & coughing will put your pleasant post vacation aura into a rapid tail spin. Mine lasted just over 10 days. FINALLY – our Viva Maya trip report.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

5/13 FRI. (<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:time Hour="12" Minute="15">12:15 pm</st1:time>) – OK, so it’s not really time to go to the airport, but it time to leave work and run some last minute errands. <o:p></o:p>

5/14 SAT. (o-dark thirty) – We both woke before the alarm. Not like were really looking forward to this vacation. A quick shower, into the traveling clothes and I’m ready. Luggage check confirms once again – we’ve packed too much (2 suitcases, 1 dive-bag + carry-on). We have to be at the Indy airport by <st1:time Hour="19" Minute="30">7:30</st1:time> to get through all the waiting. My wife, Linda, is already on vacation speed – NOT a good thing. Soon enough she’s dressed and we are able to say our goodbyes to “da Boys” & our niece. <o:p></o:p>

Arrive the airport with no problems – I actually had a parking reservation. Parking at the Indy airport during the month of May can be a challenge. We received great assistance from the Skycap with our ticketing, luggage, & paperwork. NOW – we wait. Not really. We have enough time to get a “good” cup of coffee (This will become an issue later.) for Linda and a large OJ for me.<o:p></o:p>

9:<st1:time Hour="10" Minute="0">10 am</st1:time> – It’s time to kick the tires and light the fires… Small commuter jet for the quick flight to <st1:City><st1:place>Charlotte</st1:place></st1:City> – oh well, as long as we get there. Up, up and away… Once we airborne, Captain announces clear blue skies, no clouds & visibility for miles. We’ll arrive ahead of schedule. It seems not long before we start our decent into <st1:City><st1:place>Charlotte</st1:place></st1:City>. I jokingly tell Linda that because we’re arriving early we’ll have to walk to the furthest gate to catch our next flight. Well, I was almost right. Arrived gate B16 – depart E20. It’s time to call home once more, use the restroom & get a drink.<o:p></o:p>

<st1:time Hour="12" Minute="45">12:45 pm</st1:time> – We’re off for the lower latitudes… Flight was almost full. Our seats were together, unlike several couples & families. I would not be happy if that were to happen to us. Anyway, we flew near enough to be able to see <st1:country-region><st1:place>Cuba</st1:place></st1:country-region> (which was cool). Mark my word now – <st1:country-region><st1:place>Cuba</st1:place></st1:country-region> will be the next vacation hot spot within the next 10 years (Or as quickly as Fidel were to…). Another quick nap (I have no trouble falling asleep on a plane) and then we have to fill out our paperwork. It was wheels down at <st1:time Hour="14" Minute="25">2:25 pm</st1:time> – local time. WELCOME TO <st1:place>CANCUN</st1:place>!!!<o:p></o:p>

Papers & passports in hand, it’s off the plane and into the heat of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region>. (I find it very unusual that for an international airport, I see only one gate that has goes up to the airplane door. Otherwise, it’s walk down the steps; get on the bus to the terminal.) <o:p></o:p>

Were on of the last to get in the first bus, near the door – this proves to be in our favor. We’re off the bus and rid the wave of people into immigration. <o:p></o:p>

A pleasant (attractive) young lady looked over the documentation and waved us on. Most people were quickly filling the closest immigration lines. We choose to walk a little further and got into the last line. It was also the only line that was being serviced by two immigration officials. We stood in line for maybe 10 minutes. The only reason it took “sooo” long was because of a flight crew that had to get through. “Welcome to <st1:place>Cancun</st1:place>” – (stamp, stamp) – “Your first time to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region>” – (stamp, stamp) – “Staying in <st1:place>Cancun</st1:place>?” – (stamp, stamp) – “OH, Playa del Carmen, very nice area!” – (stamp, stamp) – “Gracias”… THAT, was too easy. <o:p></o:p>

Grab the luggage and head for customs (Did I mention we over packed?). OK – three lines for customs. Line one - full. Line two – full. Line three – looks like there’s a little confusion with the family getting ready to go through line three. We go for line three. Guess who get the “red light”? We excuse ourselves as we walk past… WOW – 2 for 2!!!<o:p></o:p>

We work our way through the tour operators & hustlers. When we were asked if we wanted to sign up for a tour our response was; “We’re already set with PlayInfo.com!” We found our prearranged ride to the Viva Maya, but had to wait for the van to arrive. I think we stood outside by the transfer area for 20 minutes. I kept thinking about buying a cold beverage, but I remembered how expensive everyone said they were. I can wait. <o:p></o:p>

The trip to Playa was uneventful. The AC in the van was cranked wide open which made the trip more pleasant. For those that have not been on Hwy 307 – it is a unique road that consists of 1 and ½ lane for each direction. If you’re traveling too slowly – you get over into the ½ lane. The main lane is for the biggest & fastest. WATCH OUT for the speed bumps!!! Especially if your bladder is full and you don’t want to stop until you reach your resort. We both agreed that we should have stopped into the restroom before getting on the road…<o:p></o:p>

We arrive at Viva Maya by <st1:time Hour="16" Minute="30">4:30 pm</st1:time>. We were met at check-in by a hostess who helped us get the process going. There was some confusion with our reservation; it seems that they were expecting a party of 4, not just the 2 of us. While waiting for check-in to figure out what was going on, I overheard, German, French, Italian, and of course Spanish. English was not going to be the primary language of the week.<o:p></o:p>

The Viva Maya AI fee was reasonable – $50 per person/per day. The clerk handed us the key & the porter led the way to the room. <o:p></o:p>

Our room was much like a standard king hotel room you would find here in the states: Red terra cotta tile floor, soft yellow wallpaper, a small patio with 2 chairs & a table. The one thing lacking was shelving or drawers to put your belongings - we’ll make due with the one little shelf. All in all – the room was pleasant AND we could see the ocean! <o:p></o:p>

Speaking of ocean, we dropped our luggage and decided to walk the beach for the first time. The water is beautiful - warm, clear! The waves aren’t too large to take away from actually walking in the water.<o:p></o:p>

(All of the beaches have taken a big hit from all the storms of last season. Viva was the only resort we saw working to save & restore their beach area. They are pulling sand from further out and filling large (about 14’ by 4’ by 3’) sand bags to hold the sand in place. In the time we were there we watched them fill a few of these bags – an interesting process to watch.)<o:p></o:p>

Walking on the beach the first time, we went south almost to end of the Gala resort property. We would explore the southern area later. The sand wasn’t hot on fresh bare feet. It is softer that it looks. You could tell the sand was a mixture the larger sand that you find out in the water and the smaller sand grains from the beach. The sand is firm near the water line and good for walking. <o:p></o:p>

We came back just in time to see our first beach wedding of the week start their celebrating & pictures. We stood back and applauded the B&G as pictures were taken. <o:p></o:p>

The shadows were starting to grow long and we both agreed we needed some food, a cold beverage. It was time for dinner. We’ll keep it simple and go to the buffet. Food, drink, and sleep were the focus of the evening. The day had been long, but pleasant. Smooth sailing all day long… Bed time was around <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="0">midnight</st1:time>.<o:p></o:p>

Sometime in the middle of the night the AC decided to “shift gears” and start sounding like a delivery truck was park inside our room. This woke both my wife and I. Without having a clock in the room, we didn’t know what time it was. Looking out toward out little patio it was as bright a morning. Then I looked at my watch, it was only <st1:time Hour="1" Minute="30">1:30 AM</st1:time>. We had been in bed for only an hour & a-half! We discovered a security light right above our patio and “No, it can not be turned off. And, we will have someone come look at the air conditioner in the morning.” The light & noise woke my wife several times during the night. Needless to say, the first night was not the pleasant experience we were looking for…<o:p></o:p>

5/15 SUN (about <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:time Hour="7" Minute="30">7:30 am</st1:time>) – The AC rumbled through the night with a little less noise after I made some adjustments to the fan & vents. This room was NOT going to work! I was awake and decided to go reserve a couple of chair on the beach. Towels in hand – off to the beach. I found that I was not the only one up early. Several chairs were either occupied or had towels. Not to worry though, there are plenty of chairs to be had.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

Rather that call the front desk, I wanted to handle this on a face to face basis with the front desk. But first, even more important things needed to be done – BREAKFAST!!! Besides, I don’t argue well on an empty stomach. Breakfast would give me time to put together my list of reasons to be moved.<o:p></o:p>

On the way up the steps to the lobby, Nicholas, one of the Guest Services staff caught my attention and waved us over. Even before I could puff up my macho, American chest, Nicholas was apologizing about the room. Seems the confusion from check-in was real and they wanted to show us a different room – after breakfast. So, off to breakfast we went…<o:p></o:p>

This will be the only entry I will make about breakfast. If you can’t find what you’re looking for it’s because there just SO much to choose from. Fresh omelets, eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, French toast, fresh breads, yogurt, salmon, fruits (smoothie machine), cheese… You get the idea. Find a table under a ceiling fan, fresh OJ delivered to the table. We’re getting happier – at least I am. Linda is a coffee drinker and let’s just says her first impression of Mexican coffee was so-so. <o:p></o:p>

We find Nicholas after breakfast and he explained the confusion from the day before. They weren’t expecting 4 in our group, they had 2 reservations with the same name. Would we be available to look at a different “room” later this afternoon? Sure, we’d be back about <st1:time Hour="13" Minute="30">1:30 pm</st1:time>.<o:p></o:p>

Let me save you the suspense - we were changed to a Suite. It had everything the regular room had, plus an additional sitting room with another TV, a large vanity area, closets, and best of all, our own p-r-i-v-a-t-e patio. The patio included 2 chaise lounges & a table with 4 chairs. I estimated it was about 25’ by 30’. The patio faced the garden area, but I didn’t care! It was huge – and ALL ours.<o:p></o:p>

We spent the first day walking the beach, reading, sunning and relaxing. We needed to recharge the batteries. We walked to the north as far as we could along the beach. The day was just what we needed to get our energy levels back up. <o:p></o:p>

That evening the Animation staff put on the first show of the week. The shows are well done and enjoyable. I had to double check with Linda to get the list of shows during the week we were at Viva: Sunday: Michael Jackson, Monday: Aladdin, Tuesday: Today's Musical Stars, Wednesday: Grease, Thursday: Moulin Rogue. <o:p></o:p>

At some point during the evening Linda met one of the very few couples from the <st1:country-region><st1:place>U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> Since Linda has no trouble making friends, we now had another couple to hang with. The big plus is that they (Ryan & Kelly) had stayed at the Viva Aztec last year. <o:p></o:p>

5/16 MON. – Batteries fully charged and we’re ready to roll. I did the towel on the beach chair routine again and then another great breakfast. Linda has taken to have tomatoes with her breakfast and lunch. These tomatoes are the smaller salad Roma’ tomatoes – nothing like the softball size <st1:State><st1:place>Indiana</st1:place></st1:State> tomatoes.<o:p></o:p>

Today we jumped into the whole experience – our lounge chairs were close to the volleyball court and right by the walk way leading to the pool & bar area. After our morning beach walk, we settled under our palapa. It didn’t take long for the Animation staff to start getting the activities going for the day. I was on the volleyball court for about 3 hours during the day. Linda divided her time between the water aerobics, the Jacuzzi, and the pool. Kelly & Ryan caught up with us in the afternoon & we agreed to go into Playa for dinner and check out the Peep Party at the ******.<o:p></o:p>

Dinner at Club Viva is wonderful!!! You have to make reservation and pay an additional $10 per person. You get a 3 course meal – appetizer, main entrée, & dessert. You can also get house wine & standard liquors. The décor is a subtle white gauze curtains with blue lighting, large windows to look over the street and plenty of cool air to keep you comfortable. Don’t miss going to this restaurant.<o:p></o:p>

After dinner, it was time to join the Peeps already several drinks ahead of us. I thought it was also; “Ladies drink free”. I soon found out it wasn’t. We walked in to find a wedding reception was in full swing. (Pun intended – those who have not been to the ******, the bar has swings to sit in around the bar.) It took 10 minutes to order up beer for 3 of us, Linda was drinking water. I made the mistake of paying with US dollars. The barmaid took her own sweet time to return my “change”. I must have had a “Short change the American” sign over my head. Oh-well, no tip for her, she already took it.<o:p></o:p>

I kept looking around for the “beaded” ones, but the wedding party had taken over the dance floor and was spilling on to the beach. I went to search out the Peeps and who do I find – Nerak & her husband along with Dave (from <st1:City><st1:place>Denver</st1:place></st1:City>). Due to the late arrival a number of Peeps had already departed. It was good to say “Hi!” to the one’s I did meet. <o:p></o:p>

After walking the shops, we headed back to Viva to see what the night life was like there. The show had already ended and the disco was thumping! There were a large number of people out for being near <st1:time Hour="0" Minute="0">midnight</st1:time>. We stopped in to the disco to check it out and see what the action was like. I’m sorry to say the disco itself is small, hot & their music selection was rather limited. (Sorry, I used to be a club DJ.) Outside the disco, they have a patio lounging area with mattresses, large pillows & candles. We liked the idea, but not the location – I knew a private patio that would be much more inviting and enjoyable. The stars were out, a light breeze, a couple of candles of our own on our patio – perfect. We even saw fireworks!!! J I doubt anyone else saw them …<o:p></o:p>

5/17 TUE & 5/18 WED - We did a lot of the same things on these two days. So let me summarize in this fashion: Eat, beach, sun, drink, sun, pool, volleyball, drink, sun, beach, more drinks, pool – you get the picture! If I remember right, on Tuesday, we brought out our insulated cups. I can’t tell you how many people say what a great idea that was. I kept sipping and nodding my head!<o:p></o:p>

On Wednesday, I did finally buy my hammock for my deck at home. Linda also got a hammock chair for the three-season room. After looking in Playa at the shops, we went across the street from the resort and found hammocks with the best quality we could find. All of the pricing was within a few dollars. I paid $30 for a large, double, hand-made, nylon hammock. The hammock chair was $35, I think.<o:p></o:p>

For dinner these two nights we split between the Portofino & Viva Mexico. <st1:City><st1:place>Portofino</st1:place></st1:City>, I was not overly impressed with. The seafood salad both Linda & I order was mostly calamari, which looked like pasta (just more difficult to chew). It really wasn’t worth wearing long pants for. The Viva Mexico, the open air area, was much more fun and enjoyable. The food was good, raspberry margaritas were very good! We should have done this a couple of times.<o:p></o:p>

We decide to stick around for the show – Grease. Before the show the MC was working the crowd for a “Dirty Dancing” contest. <o:p></o:p>

It was a nice adaptation & it was the largest audience of the week. <o:p></o:p>

5/19 THUR. – Tulum & Beyond!!! Let me preface this section of the report by saying I can not say enough about how pleasant, informative, humorous, enlightening, fun, this trip was. The “Reader’s Digest” version of the tour: The van with Mitch (guide) & Miguel (driver) picked us up at Viva about <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:time Hour="7" Minute="40">7:40 am</st1:time>. Quick introductions with the folks in the back and we were off to pickup Beachnutt & Gerry (actually said “Hi” to them at BP on Monday.) Once we were all accounted for, we were cruising down 307 to Tulum. Those speed bumps are killers!!! Our guide at Tulum was very good. Sorry, I don’t remember his name. He was knowledgeable, engaging, detailed when he needed to be. Linda commented that when he spoke you wanted to listen to what he was saying. I would want to return to Tulum after the current work is finished. Some of the paths were blocked and prevented Mitch from showing some areas.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

After Tulum, we made the quick drive to Grand Cenote’. Mitch did a great job explaining how these are formed and how they linked to the underground river system. The water was clear & refreshing. I wasn’t sure how Linda would react to this, but I did my best to keep up with her as she swam around taking it all in. Be sure to take some snacks & fresh water for the feral pig.<o:p></o:p>

Time to head to the beach! Further south of Tulum the road ends – sort of. Along a dirt/gravel road we dodge pot holes to get to a small isolated camp ground ($5 per night, if you’re interested!). All of us helped Mitch & Miguel carry everything to the beach. They took over setting up lunch, the rest of us headed for the water. There is something to be said about warm tropical water and cold Mexicanbeer!!! Lunch was a great combination of local foods: Tulum chicken, fresh avocado, red beans, slaw, tortillas – all good! Miguel is the master of the papaya on a fork. Eaten like a popsicle – complete with juice dripping down your chin.<o:p></o:p>

One more stop for the day - Cenote’ Azul. Somewhat smaller than the Grand, but no less enjoyable. A small “cliff” to jump off for those wanting to say they did. Linda had had enough, so she didn’t get in for this swim. I like seeing the different variety of fish. We’ll get those pictures developed & posted soon. It was getting late so it was time to get us back to our resorts. THANKS again to Mitch, Miguel & PlayInfo - great tour!!! <o:p></o:p>

Back at the resort, it was time for a cocktail, a shower and dress for dinner. We went back to Club Viva to officially celebrate our anniversary. Dinner & a bottle of very good French wine – all compliments of Viva Maya. After dinner, our final walk through the downtown Playa del Carmen. We ran into 2 of the couples from the T&B tour and chatted before catching a taxi back to Viva Maya.<o:p></o:p>

5/20 FRI – All good things must come to an end. (All great things should be enjoyed again and again…) Enough time for our last walk on the beach and splash in the ocean once more before time to close the luggage. We decided to walk south past the Gala Resort to where we had ‘found’ a small isolated beach on a previous walk. The further you walk the fewer people. The beach ends where a path has been made by the daily military patrols. We spent over to an hour & a-half on this beautiful little cove swimming, sunning & relaxing before going back to finish packing. WOW! – Fireworks this early in the morning, pretty cool!!! J <o:p></o:p>

Back at the room, we called to check on our transfer back to <st1:place><st1:PlaceName>Cancun</st1:PlaceName><st1:PlaceType>Airport</st1:PlaceType></st1:place> – all set for a <st1:time Hour="12" Minute="30">12:30</st1:time> pick-up. Unfortunately, it’s time to shower, close up the luggage and say our “Goodbyes”. We found Ryan & Kelly, gave them the bottle of champagne that was in our room and exchanged e-mail addresses. The inevitable end of the vacation was upon us. <o:p></o:p>

About 11 hours after leaving Viva, I was pulling the luggage off the conveyer in the Indy airport. Forty-five minutes later we would be pulling in our driveway at home. Home sweet home! It was good to see the Boys. <o:p></o:p>

Finally, if you want an AI experience that gives you a wide range of options of activities, entertainment, dining mixed with a truly international flare, you can’t go wrong with the Viva Maya Resort. The PlayInfo tours and Peeps are the icing on the cake.<o:p></o:p>

[Nerak936]

Great trip report, LS!!! I'm glad you guys had a chance to drop by the BP that night; it was so nice to meet you!! (and yes, it was a bit of a zoo with that wedding reception going on - Friday's Peep Meet was a lot less "loud"). That Tulum & Beyond tour IS a good time!! David and I had a blast that day!

Great report, LndShrk! Looking forward to our own arrival at same AI in just 3 days! The room you were moved to is what our accommodations are this trip - looking very forward to that patio myself.....

[JIP]

this is going to sound like a very stupid question but, do you really need to wear pants at the reservation restauraunt at Viva Maya my wife is almost finished packing for our trip (leaving tomorrow morning!!!) and not one pair of long pants in sight I dont really want to wear pants but I will if I have to to not miss out on the full AI experience I paid for.
also my wife is leaning over my shoulder asking if she needs to wear a dress

[suzg]

We were there with ya!! We got there Friday the 10th and left the 16th. My daughter was so bummed to miss Moulin Rouge.

Here's a pic of her with "Danny", Nicolas. (sp?)

[suzg]

I feel so dumb. My daughter just pointed out to me that you were there a month ahead of me.

Taking your own large insulated cup is a great idea. I brought mine this year. I learned that last year in the Dominican Republic. And I agree about the coffee. The coffee in our room was ok, but elsewhere unless it was from the espresso bar it was yucky.

[suzg]

My only problem with our room was...if you went to take a shower at 5:30 or six...I get the impression that everyone else was too. I'd get BURNED...as we'd lose all cold water instantly. Most of the time I just tried to take cool showers.