Aventura Spa Palace and Overall Experience Report

azulita · 02-12-2004

Hello everybody,

I't been a loooooong time since I've posted here. I joined the forum last year while planning my honeymoon trip in Aventura Spa Palace.

First let me thank this site for all the wonderful advice, without it I would have been sooo lost...

WE HAD AN AWESOME HONEYMOON!!!

W got married on April 26, 2003 and left to Mexico on the 27th. The trip went pretty well and we arrived at Cancun Airport at 2:30 pm, right on time.

Thanks to all the wonderful guidelines in this site I knew what was coming and was my new hubby's guide! Went trhu immigration without a problem, I knew where to pick up the bags and it was already there so we didn't have to wait a minute for it, got the green light at customes and found the ATM without a problem.

We got some cash and went to get the Riviera Bus, bought the tickets and boarded the bus that was leaving in 10 minutes! The bus smelled a bit not good but we were so happy to be there that it didn't matter.

Got to Playa!!! Had to stop at a drugstore there to buy a hair brush, I forgot mine at home! People were very nice in giving me directions where I could buy it and it was right by the bus station.

Next we took a taxi to the Aventura Spa Palace, no wait either and a very pleasant drive to our final destination.

We arrived at the Aventura Spa Palace at aroud 4:30. WOW!!! We were so impressed by the entrance and when we saw the buldings and the gardens! So happy!!!!

Check-in went very smoothly, we were received with champagne and a moist towel. They didn't had on our reservation that we were on our honeymoon so they gave us yellow wrist bracelets, but we explained to them and without a problem they changed the bracelet to a pink one and included us on all honeymooners activities.

Our room was on the Aventura side, we were transported there on a golf cart, the employee was very nice and explained everything about the resort and the restaurants.

The room was very nice and clean. Just as I had seen on the pictures, it was lovely. The mini bar was very well stocked and the small refrigerator had beer, water and soda. There was a bottle of wine and a cheese and fruit plate (very nice!). The view from the balcony was very pretty too. We checked it all out, left the luggage and went to see the resort and get something to eat!

It was amazing just being there. The gardens were all so well kept and beautiful, everything was very calm. We walked towards the Aventura pools, woa! Amazing pools!!!! We went in to a game room were we played a bit of ping pong.

We got to the Aventura side lobby, so nice!!! There were tables in the middle where you could sit just to chat. There was the Q Bar with pool tables, there was one other bar (can't remember the name, sorry) and the La Hacienda and Ventanas restaurants. They were closed at that moment since they were just getting ready to open at 6:00. At the lobby there are also the desks where they give you information and where you can purchase tours or rent cars. You can also connect to the Internet for a fee. And there is also a gift shop. We went to one of the Guest services desk to get our Passport package which had information about the shows, the restaurants and their hours, the activities going on thru the week, coupons, a resort map, etc. We also got instructions about visiting the Honeymoon desk to get info on the activity they have for honemooners.

We ended up having our first meal at the Mundaca restaurant. It is located in the pool area on the Aventura side. It was very nice, food was wonderful as well as the service. We even had desert!!!

We went back to our room to get a good bath and get ready to go to the evening Mexican show. The show was very nice. It's really fun to go up to the bar and you get anything you have for and it's already paid for. The service at the bars was also very good. We played a bit of pool and went to check out the Discoteque. The evening was wonderful, everyone was in a happy relaxed mood. We were extremelly happy to be there!

On our second day we went to have breakfast at Mundaca. Wonderful buffet breakfast with all you want to eat!! I loved the smoothies they make, you choose the fruits you want in it and it tastes really good. The service was very nice as well and seeing everything in the morning light made us feel even happier to be there.

We then walked to the Spa side, we saw all the shops they have there, there is also the Momo No Hana, La Huerta and El Greco restaurants. The Spa is also there, a currency exchange desk, the main check in counter and the Honeymoon information desk. There is also a bar there and someone playing the piano, such a wonderful setting!

You can get a taxi to anywhere from here. The bellboys call them for you and you don't have to wait. On this day we went to Tulum.

The day was beautiful!! The Tulum ruins are very nice and the beach is awesome!!! We enjoyed the day very much, walked thru the ruins, took pictures and then went to the beach! It was so crystal clear!!! We had an awesome day there at the ruins. On our way back to the resort we took a Colectivo instead of a taxi and paid only 30 pesos for both of us (or something like that).

In the afternoon we went to relax by the Palapas in the "beach". It wa very nice, I have no complaints about it since I knew before hand that the resort didn't have a real beach. Still we did snorkeling and saw many nice fishs, we also did paddle boat! And layed down and just enjoyed doing nothing and being there. We even saw a bride in the wedding gazebo, very nice too!

Ok, I think that I have written too much for today... If you want to I can continue telling you what we did everyday on another post tomorrow.

But overall we had a wonderful time in the ASP, loved the service and the food (Ventanas was the best!) ans the SPA is so spectacular!!!

I'll post more later!

Azulita

NorthMinnesota · 02-12-2004

Congratulations on your marriage!

It sounds like you had a wonderful trip together. Wishing you many more years of lpve and happiness!

azulita · 02-16-2004

Thanks so much for the good wishes NorthMinnesota!!

Well, I kind of got a little mixed up on my first part of the trip report... on Monday we stayed at the hotel to enjoy it and relax.

We woke up and went to have a nice breakfast at the Mundaca restaurant (this was the closest to our room, El Greco also offers breakfast buffet but it's on the Spa side), good buffet from pancakes, french toast, fruit, cold cuts, etc.
Then we decided to explore and we walked thru the Zen Laberynt (it's not as cool as it sounds, jejeje), they also have a trail that you can do and it has a bridge and obstacles, really cool. We went to the Spa side and on our way we saw the outdoor gym and then in the Spa lobby we went to the shops and to the Honeymoon information desk where they informed us of a cocktail we had on Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm just for all the honeymooners there, it also included an especial Honeymoon Menu at La Hacienda.

The gardens througout the whole resort are just beautiful, thanks to God we had beautiful sunny days that made it, in combination with the sparkling pool and sea waters, seem like we were in paradise, and we were!!

At the Spa area they have an indoor pool with underwater music, we didn't get in but they told us it was one of the best! The full gym is also there, we only went past it... never got around to using it. We went to the Spa center where you book a massage or any other treatment and then we decided to grab a couple of booklets to decide on which to choose and then come back and make the reservation. We also decided to book a tour for Xcaret at one of the tour desks for wednesday.

When you first check in they give you each a card with which you get your towels at the towel, snorkeling area in the pool. You hand in your card and they give you towles, return your towels to get your card back. We enjoyed the beach that day and had lunch in the Aventura Pool area. Here they serve hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, different kinds of sandwiches, french fries and there is also the pool bar where they are constantly serving you the drink you want! There are activities all day long with different themes, from salsa dance and merengue and they also do water voleyball contests, etc. They also have group bike rides to the nearby town.

Then in the evening we went to see that day's show. I have the schedule at home with the pictures so I'll get the info and let you know which show was it.

Ok, now on Tuesday we went to Tulum, and the details are in my other post! We got back to the resort from the ruins and went to change in our room. Then we headed to the Spa side to check out the against the current pool, nice! We also saw the man made lagoon, kind of cool but no one is allowed in it. And they also have palapas on that side. We had lunch at El Greco, nice buffet lunch menu!! And they off to relax by the pool... Ahhhh...

In the evening we went to the Honeymooners cocktail. It was a balcony in the Aventura side. They had a nice thing prepared for all of us honeymooners, as we walked in they gave you champagne, then they opened up a snacks bar with lots of yummy stuff and they also had a bar for us to ask for whaterver we wanted. We had our picture taken and got it later during our stay, very nice!

After a bit of socializing we went to play some pool at the Q bar and then to have dinner at La Hacienda. The food was amazing at this restaurant!! Service was amazing as always! It is a la carte and we enjoyed our dinner very much!

Scot · 02-17-2004

Sounds like you had a great time.

My wife and I are going to be at the ASP the second week of June. Iw ould be interested inhearing all you have to say regarding your trip. I would like to plan out the trip through the airport (so I miss whatever I need to miss) and how check in goes and how to streamline that. Additionally, did you go on any of the Palace tours and if you did how did you sign up.

I can't wait, would appreciate any guidance you can provide (also, just like hearing about great trips. Keeps me looking forward to June).

Thanks,

azulita · 02-19-2004

Hi again! I'm glad my trip experience is being of help to some!

So, here we go...

At some point during Tuesday, we analized the reservations we had made for the Xcaret tour and since the bus left for the park at 9 and the park opened much earlier, we decide to cancel it and go by ourselves to have an early start.

On Tuesday evening we ordered some breakfast to be delivered to our room the next morning. You order this on a card you have in your door and put it outside so they pick up the order. You can choose from fruit, juice, coffe and some bread. Pretty yummy but very light.

On Tuesday morning the breakfast arrived at around 6:30 - 7:00 am (I think.) We ate and then left for the Spa lobby, we got some cash from the ATM machine and then grabbed a cab to Xcaret.

We got there very early and it was already open. We bought the tickets right there and then we went to the Entrance. They check your sunblock lotion. I bought an organic one but in the Ingredients list it listed lavander oil and if it says oil, they don't allow you inside with it. They keep it and you get it back when you leave.

So we were forced to buy the sunblock they sell, which is pretty pricey and when we read the ingredients (back at the hotel) it had oil listed!!! So, try to get a sunblock back at home or at Playa that does not list oil or any chemicals in its ingredients.

Ok, the park was amazing!!! We left our heavy stuff in the locker at the entrance... good place to leave them if you want to leave them there for the whole day until you leave. Bad day if you plan to work the whole park and then decide to come get something.

The park is huge! We walked it completely! The have animals with their habitats recreated, they seemed pretty happy. I loved the Butterfly room, many butterflies all around!! We heard the bats (creepy!), we saw racoons, lions, giant turtles, flamingos, parrots, and lots and lots and lots of plants, and trees. They have a lake where you can dive into and also there are some snorkeling spots. They have 2 underground rivers. We rented the snorkeling equipment and went on one of them. The water is very very cold, after you get in it you get used to it. We didn't see much underwater but it was really cool being in the water and it was a bit dark in some areas, really nice. We didn't know about the other river until after we had already returned the equipment so maybe in that one you can see something with the snorkeling mask...

We had to walk a lot beacuse we left our stuff in the lockers at the entrance, there were lockers much closer but, we didn't know so it was a really loooong walk from the palapas to the entrance and it was hot and humid! We liked the park very much, it was our fault that we had to walk so much...

Oh, the view from the Palapas is amazing and we were on ones that had a small water slide that took you into a little sea pond, very nice!!

In the evening they do the Xcaret at Night show which is wonderful! They show you the Mayan traditions and then the invasion and their colonization, etc. It was a good show. You can make dinner reservations to dine while you are at the show if you want to. We didn't.

Then we left for our hotel, there are a lot of taxis lined up waiting for all the people to come out and there is a line specifically for people who need a taxi. We got on one in no time and arrived at the hotel sooooo tired.

I believe this evening we decided to order room service (it's incliuded!!!) so we called and in about 30 minutes we had our dinner at the room!!! The menu is right by the phone. Very nice service and good food.

Thursday... Alltournative Tour Coba - Pac Chen A Mayan Encounter!

We had made reservations to take the Alltournative tour thru their website. It was very easy and we had communication with them when we got there to make sure everything was in schedule.

We got up really early this day too. We went to have breakfast at the El Greco restaurant to be close to the Spa lobby. Food was great as always, then we quickly went to the lobby, my hubby had forgotten the money in the room so he had to run back to the Aventura side to get it. When I got to the lobby they were already there waiting for us! I apologized a lot and then we had to wait on my hubby for a couple of minutes... I was desperate, but they were very nice about it.

We were the first ones they came to pick up, our guide was Lena and there was the bus driver. My hubby got to the lobby at last and then we went to pick up all the other people...

I'll continue with our adventure on my next post!

Scot · 02-21-2004

Your reports are providing some great information, thanks.

I can't wait for your next posting.

azulita · 02-27-2004

Hello!

So sorry that it has taken me so long to continue with the trip report...

Scot, glad you are liking my posts and getting good info from them, you will have an awesome time at the ASP and in the Riviera Maya area!

Ok, now let me continue with the report!

Alltournative Coba Pac-Chen Tour

After they picked us up we went to pick up all the other people. Thanks to God we got a super group, all very nice from different states and one couple from Canada. It all added up to a great group experience and the tour amazingly fun!

We went first to Coba, they have soda and water available on the bus so you can drink up before starting the tour. If you want to use a video camera you have to pay a 30 pesos fee for them to allow it. There are restrooms in the area which you can use for 10 pesos. They also explain to you the Mayan calendar and they can make one for you with a specific date. We had one made with our wedding date, very nice! Plus we are helpinf these people who really really need it.

Well, you have a guide tour that explains everything about the ruins and how was Mayan life, the difference between the Toltec and the Mayn people. They show you the ball court were they played the game and explain everything to you. After this part we get to continue to the tallest of the structure. It takes a bit of a long walk, you have the choice of renting a bike to get to the site or walk, we chose walking and it was no big deal.

We got to the huge ruin! Coba is the 2nd tallest temple in the Yucatán! It was really impressive. We climed all the little steps and got to the top a bit tired but it was so rewarding!!! The view was amazing! You could see all the jungle around you, very far you could spot the ocean, lakes and one other ruin. It was really really great! Then we climbed down and walked back to the bus. Ufff, lots of exercise already!!!

Next stop, Pac-Chen! On our way to the village, Lena - our guide - explained to us the way of life of the Mayan people that still lives there. We saw their houses and it was a kind of a reality check about how fortunate we all are about all of what we have. They use the natural water resources of their underground rivers and cenotes and they use no electricity.

After a bit of a long ride we got to the village. The people there are very very nice. We could leave our belongins on an area they have for us and you could use their restrooms (i didn't). You could also change to your bathing suit if you wanted to. We took our cameras and left everything else there.

Next, a looooong walk thru the jungle. We learned very interesting stuff, Lena told us about the trees, some are poisonoius and the ones nearby are the antidotes! We saw the trees from wich chewing gum is made of and we walked and walked and walked until we reached a huge lake or cenote. We left our cameras in an area they have for this and strapped around the zip-lining equipment. They explain very well how to do it and how to put on the equipment. Then we went to the far end of the cable...

Since we were the only honemooners of the group they made us go first. You could go by yourself or as a couple so we went together. WOOOOHOOOOO!!!! It was sooooo cooooll!!!!! An so fast!!!! It was thrill!

Then we watched as everybody did it and then Lena showed off doing twists and turns while zipping down the line, really cool! They are people from the village who take pictures of you so you can buy them later if you want to.

The we walked to the Cenote Ojos de Jaguar (Jaguar Eyes) where we did rapelling down into the water. The water was VERY COLD! There is also people down there that work with the tour and have a tube ready for you so you can float around. It is dark but not completely dark as the light comes insidet throught the openings above.

After everyone got down Lena explained to us about cenotes and the underground water system that runs in most parts of the Yucatan area. Then we swam to a very dark tunnel and it was so thrilling! You could swim around if you wanted to!

After this it was time to get out. You could either get pulled pack up with the rappeling equipment or you could climp a wooden ladder that hung from the other opening. We did the ladder!!! It was very hard but we made it! Of course, Lana first showed us how to do it.

Then we walked back to the village where they were preparing us a very nice Mayan lunch. While they finished cooking we did some canoeing on the lake. It was lots of fun also. We didn't swim in the lake but I did reached for the water and once in your hands it very clean and clear, I guess the botton is dark and that is why the water looks dark also. We went around the lake, didn't see any crocs or anything... hehe. Then back to the dock and off to eat, we were starving!!!

Food was really great, they made us chicken with potatos, taco chips and some more mexican stuff like pico de gallo and guacamole. We ate and it was delicious! Then we went to rest a little in the hammocs. Ahhh!!!

After a while we headed back to the van, on our way there we stopped to see the zip-line pictures and buy any if you liked them. On our way back to our resorts we stopped at a souvenir shop and included in the trip was a tequila shot! We all did one and then had some flan also included on the tour. At the shop they have very neat mexican crafts and Alltournative tshirts, mexican hats, hammocs, shot glasses, etc. And prices are fair.

Then we went to drop off everybody, we took a group pictures at our first drop-off point. We finally got to our hotel happy and a bit tired but not too much. Said good bye to Lana and the driver and off to our room!

The tour was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone looking to do something different and get some exercise while having lots of fun. It's also a very good learning experience. We loved it!

After we got a good bath and some rest we then headed off to the Aventura Lobby. I believe this night was casino night, they have lots of games, no real money betting but you get some "Fake" money with which you gamble at the different games. If you win you get more fake money then at the end they make kind of an auction of different prizes that you "pay" for with your fake money. We got an Aventura Spa Palace visor, a money carrier and something else I can't remember right now.

This evening we had dinner at Las Ventanas. It is a buffet style restaurant that specializes in Italaian food. I LOVED THIS ONE THE MOST! It has an interior pool that gives it such a beautiful look. The waiters are also very nice serving you wine or the berverage you want and water. You then go to the buffet area and choose whatever you want as many times as you want. I opted to have a dish made were you choose the meat, the pasta and the salsa and they make it for you right there while you watch. The chicken with any pasta and with their red sauce was my favorite! Desserts are really really nice too.

After dinner we hang out a bit more at the Q bar and then off to bed. This was a very long and fun day!

Scot · 02-27-2004

What can you tell us about the resort itself. Which side would you stay on next time and why (spa or adventura)? Where was the activity during the day.

Do you think we are better off on the third floor or the first?

Sounds like the side trip was great, we are looking at taking the trip which explores the cenotes and then goes to the ocean to swim.

I can't wait for June,
Thanks for all of the information, it is a great help
Scot

azulita · 03-01-2004

Hi Scot,

We stayed at the Aventura side because the evening shows take place at the Aventura Lobby and we were closer to it.

Regarding daytime activities both sides have different activities througout the day but from what I saw, the Aventura pool side has more lively activities, by this I mean more people cheering at a volleyball or basketball water game, they do dance competitions, the pool bar here was pretty busy in the afternoon, etc. But most of this takes place by the pool bar and if you don't want to participate or be bothered by the cheering people you can move farther to another part of the pool because it is pretty big, so that wasn't a big deal for me.

We only spent one afternoon at the Spa side so I can't really describe too well about what activities they had there. I do know that they have bike ride tours to the nearby town, but this happens on both sides. The afternoon we spent there was very calm, we went to see the against the current pool, they also have a pool bar and snack bar and people were all enjoying the sun and the water.

None of the sides were extremelly full but we went in April, I don't know how much crowded it could get in summer. But it is pretty big and you also have the option to go to the Palapas by the "beach" and it is pretty calm down there, far from the noise of the activities and you can swim or do snorkeling or paddle boat or kayak! There are lots of options, we did all those in the Aventura side.

We stayed on the second floor, can't remember the building name, I'll look it up on our album and let you know. For us it was pretty fine. Our view was towards the center gardens, we didn't mind not overlooking the pool or sea. The sound of the waves were clearly heard in our balcony and we were fine with that.

We liked our room very much. The mini fridge is restocked with beers and soda every other day. It was very clean, the jacuzzi was nice, the shower is very big and with a clear door and small seat, very pretty. The hot water is very HOT so be careful with that, specially when using the jacuzzi, we filled it with very hot water and then had to empty it a little and fill it again with cold water and still had to wait for it to cool down a little. We used the safe to keep our valuables there, had no problem with it. The closet is very nice too. On the balcony there are plastic chairs, a small plastic table and the hammock. They have air conditioning and a ceiling fan. A coffemaker is included in the room. The bed is pretty comfortable.

They clean it up really nice too. One time we used the jacuzzi with some green salts and it ended up with green residue and the next day it was sparkling white! They always make figures with the towels and leave it on top of the bed with nice fresh amapola flowers. On their second round through the rooms they leave chocolate on your pillow. If you need anything they are very nice to help you out, like additional pillows or more coffee filters, whatever. Room service is really good too. The TV doesn't have that many interesting channels but it's there and it has some music channels too.

The second floor connects to the Spa lobby directly so you only had to walk the entire corridor (a pretty nice walk) and in about 5 to 7 mins you are in the Spa lobby.

At the Spa lobby there are the Momo No Hana and La Huerta restaurants, they have a bar, different desks to make tour reservations, car rental, etc (they have this also at the Aventura lobby). Here is also the checkin-check out counter, the currency exchange counter and from here is where you take the taxis to the different locations and also this is where a tours usually pick you up and from where the buses depart to the other Palace resorts.

The Spa is that side also. The Hydrotherapy facilities are awesome!!! You can use them everyday if you want to! They have a sauna, steam room, swiss shower, another turbo jetted water shower, warm water jacuzzi, really hot water jacuzzi and a very cold dip where you can get in to loosen up your muscles, etc. They have a foot dipping area (don't know the proper name for this, sorry). They also have complimentary tea or water or juice so keep yoursel hydrated and they also have showers. It is really, really nice. I can't encourage you enough to at least go one day!

Overall we liked staying at the Aventura side, we felt like we were actually pretty close to everything. Loved the Mundaca restaurant and Las Ventanas and both were on that side. Went to see the evening shows almost every evening. The Q Bar with the pool tables and the Discoteque are also there at the Aventura lobby. There are 2 bars and 1 very small bar at the Aventura lobby also.

Well, I think I've told you all can remember right now!

If you have any other question feel free to ask! Have a nice day!

azulita · 03-02-2004

Hi again!

As promised I got the activities itinerary and the room where we stayed at.

We stayed in the Acordeon building on room # 2353. If anyone needs more info about the buildings, the names and where are they located... feel free to ask.

The activities schedule was:

Monday - Anything can happen - 9:00 pm
This was a very funny show where couples participated competing for prizes. We had a great laugh this evening.

Tuesday - Casino

Wednesday - Latin Show

Thursday - Mayan Show

Friday - Karaoke

Saturday - International

Sunday - Mexican show

Every evening the Andromeda Disco is open from 10pm to 2 am. I never went so I can't comment on the music there or anything.

Hope this was helpful. I'll continue with my trip experience later!

azulita · 03-03-2004

Hi again!

Continuing on with my trip report!

On Friday we decided to take it a little easier and we woke up later than usual. Went to have breakfast at Mundaca.

Then we went to walk along the resort. We did the rock climbing wall, it was really really cool!

We then went to our room to get changed and headed to the Spa lobby. We went to the Spa reservation center and made a reservation for saturday for the 80 min. Aromatherapy Massage! The person who attended us with the spa reservation then took us to do a tour of the Hydrotherapy facilities. They are separated for Men and Women, I went inside alone and he accompanied my husband to show him around. Like I had mentioned before, the facilities are awesome!! Sauna room, steam room , 2 kinds of treatment showers, 2 jacuzzis with water at different temperatures, a cold water dip area and a foot bath area. They have also tea, juice and water available. The regular showers have soap, shampoo and conditioner and are very spacious. You can use the facilities at anytime during your stay for as many times as you want to.

After this we went to get a taxi and then we went to Playa!!!

It was a beautiful and hot day at Playa. We arrived without a problem and then off to explore and do some shopping. We used the ATM that is by the bus station and where the taxis are, no problems at all with it. We walked the 5th completly!

We got some great prices on nice souvenirs regateando (sorry, I really can't remember the word in English) with the shop owners and salespeople. We drank a couple of Coronas o cool off while we walked and walked. We were looking for good tequila and the prices in the shops at the 5th were high on that so they sent us to a liquor shop on one of the streets farther down and not on the 5th. We got a big bottle of Quinto Centenario and one small one of Don Julio.

We saw the Tequila Barrel and went in to have a Mojito! The beach was sooooo beautiful, clear and perfect blue water!!!

We ate at one of the restaurants there at the 5th, yummi burritos and more Corona.

We walked soooo much and shoped a lot and then back to the hotel!

We had a nice shower, rested a while and then we went to dinner and to the evening show. We left the breakfast order form on the door for the next morning.

Last day at Mexico and at the ASP, this was our day to relax and enjoy the resort. Breakfast arrived at around 7:30 AM, we had breakfast in bed. Afterwards we went to the the spa to enjoy the hydrotherapy area before we got our massage. They give you a key for a locker, slippers and a robe. You must keep your bathing suit on to use the hydrotherapy facilities.

They recommend you to do a hot-cold combination of treatmens to loosen the muscles and prepare the body to receive the treatment you will have (if any). It was a great experience!

The massage was AMAZING!!!! I almost fell asleep! Very nice mellow music, soft lighting, lots of towel layers to keep you warm and great staff!

After the massage I went to the showers and came out new! We walked out of there walking on clouds!

Next stop, lunch! We had lunch at El Greco, very nice buffet style lunch with lots to choose from. After this we went to the Aventura side to enjoy the sun and the pool, we first went to the Palapas area and did nothing, ahhhhh, relaxing is so much fun! Then we moved up to the pool, there were lots of people by the pool bar so we moved a bit farther down as to not be in the so crowded area.

We enjoyed lots of drinks there and then there was always food on the snack bar. After this we went to the room and got ready to have dinner. We went to Las Ventanas for our last dinner at the ASP. Food was amazing as always.

Then we went to see the International show which was pretty good, nice coreographies, settings and music and dances from different parts of the world.

We then went to the Q Bar and had a blast playing pool until well after midnight.

Sunday - time to leave

We left everything ready last night so we went calmly to have breakfast at Mundaca. We called the bell boys and they came to pick up the luggage and us and take us to the Check out counter.

Now was time to pay whatever we owed. I had made a phone call, we used the Internet once and the Spa massages were charged to the room. By mistake, they were charging us the Xcaret tour that we had canceled at the last moment. It took a little while but they cleared it up and we only paid what was right.

We grabed a taxi to the airport. No problems at all. We got there on time, went to the AA counter , checked in my hubby's bag and then went thru the first carry on check. There some guards intervened with us asking for our passports. We showed them and my husband's hadn't been punched when we first came thru customs. They asked us where we were from, we said PR. Then I said we are U.S. citizens! And they looked at me like, "huh?". I told him yes, Puerto Rico is a US territory, we are US citizens and showed them the passport again, and then they went like all serious and let us continue our way. We got to the gate, they were selling Coronas and Dos Equis there, I treated myself to one. The flight went well and then we were back home.

WE LOVED OUR HONEYMOON AT THE AVENTURA SPA PALACE AND THE RIVIERA MAYA!

I hope my trip experience was somewhat entertaing and helpful! If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.

Gillis · 03-18-2004

Just wanted to thank you for the report. I am getting married in June 12 and headed to the Adventura Spa Palace on June 14th for the week!

I really appreciate you shareing. I am looking forward to going! :lol:

Scot · 03-19-2004

azulita,

Thanks for all of the information. I have not had a chance to reply to your last message (I am a CPA and it is tax season).

I have a few more questions and plan on asking them in about a month when I get a chance to breath.

Scot 8)

ami · 03-19-2004

Can you tell me about the beach there? I have a friend honeymooning there in a couple of months & she wants to know. Also, are there many rooms that have the Caribbean view? Thanks

pimmie · 03-19-2004

Hiya - my husband and I got back from honeymoon a few weeks ago on 2nd March and had a fantastic time. It's not a beach as such but a manmade lagoon. I've heard a lot of people complain about it but we knew about it before we went so couldn't complain - frankly I thought it was fantastic, clear turquoise water where you could see the fish below and also where you were stepping. It was much warmer than the pool. When we were at ASP there was an earthquake in Morocco which affected the sea our end of the caribbean and we had these enormous waves hitting the sea wall that divides the lagoon and sea. Even then the lagoon was safe to go into but a little deeper than usual. I don't know if your friend likes the quiet life or whether she would prefer the activities but if she likes the quiet life, tell her to go to the very end of the lagoon at the Aventura side and then keep going. Outside the last block of rooms there is a little grassy area and small private style bay which is the only access to the "real" sea although more pebbly - we spent every day over there and it was was serene to list to the waves crashing on the rocks. A tip also would be at the end of the day when she takes her towels back not to take the towel cards but to get two fresh towels for the following morning. We used to walk down and claim our loungers before we went to breakfast, down at the lagoon the loungers go quite quickly. I also brought a float from the UK which is excellent for the lagoon when it gets too hot lying in the sun, I left it with another holidaymaker when I went home. Anyway, if you want anymore info, don't hesitate to ask.

Cheers. P.

02-12-2004	#1 (permalink)
azulita toe in water Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 53	Aventura Spa Palace and Overall Experience Report Hello everybody, I't been a loooooong time since I've posted here. I joined the forum last year while planning my honeymoon trip in Aventura Spa Palace. First let me thank this site for all the wonderful advice, without it I would have been sooo lost... WE HAD AN AWESOME HONEYMOON!!! W got married on April 26, 2003 and left to Mexico on the 27th. The trip went pretty well and we arrived at Cancun Airport at 2:30 pm, right on time. Thanks to all the wonderful guidelines in this site I knew what was coming and was my new hubby's guide! Went trhu immigration without a problem, I knew where to pick up the bags and it was already there so we didn't have to wait a minute for it, got the green light at customes and found the ATM without a problem. We got some cash and went to get the Riviera Bus, bought the tickets and boarded the bus that was leaving in 10 minutes! The bus smelled a bit not good but we were so happy to be there that it didn't matter. Got to Playa!!! Had to stop at a drugstore there to buy a hair brush, I forgot mine at home! People were very nice in giving me directions where I could buy it and it was right by the bus station. Next we took a taxi to the Aventura Spa Palace, no wait either and a very pleasant drive to our final destination. We arrived at the Aventura Spa Palace at aroud 4:30. WOW!!! We were so impressed by the entrance and when we saw the buldings and the gardens! So happy!!!! Check-in went very smoothly, we were received with champagne and a moist towel. They didn't had on our reservation that we were on our honeymoon so they gave us yellow wrist bracelets, but we explained to them and without a problem they changed the bracelet to a pink one and included us on all honeymooners activities. Our room was on the Aventura side, we were transported there on a golf cart, the employee was very nice and explained everything about the resort and the restaurants. The room was very nice and clean. Just as I had seen on the pictures, it was lovely. The mini bar was very well stocked and the small refrigerator had beer, water and soda. There was a bottle of wine and a cheese and fruit plate (very nice!). The view from the balcony was very pretty too. We checked it all out, left the luggage and went to see the resort and get something to eat! It was amazing just being there. The gardens were all so well kept and beautiful, everything was very calm. We walked towards the Aventura pools, woa! Amazing pools!!!! We went in to a game room were we played a bit of ping pong. We got to the Aventura side lobby, so nice!!! There were tables in the middle where you could sit just to chat. There was the Q Bar with pool tables, there was one other bar (can't remember the name, sorry) and the La Hacienda and Ventanas restaurants. They were closed at that moment since they were just getting ready to open at 6:00. At the lobby there are also the desks where they give you information and where you can purchase tours or rent cars. You can also connect to the Internet for a fee. And there is also a gift shop. We went to one of the Guest services desk to get our Passport package which had information about the shows, the restaurants and their hours, the activities going on thru the week, coupons, a resort map, etc. We also got instructions about visiting the Honeymoon desk to get info on the activity they have for honemooners. We ended up having our first meal at the Mundaca restaurant. It is located in the pool area on the Aventura side. It was very nice, food was wonderful as well as the service. We even had desert!!! We went back to our room to get a good bath and get ready to go to the evening Mexican show. The show was very nice. It's really fun to go up to the bar and you get anything you have for and it's already paid for. The service at the bars was also very good. We played a bit of pool and went to check out the Discoteque. The evening was wonderful, everyone was in a happy relaxed mood. We were extremelly happy to be there! On our second day we went to have breakfast at Mundaca. Wonderful buffet breakfast with all you want to eat!! I loved the smoothies they make, you choose the fruits you want in it and it tastes really good. The service was very nice as well and seeing everything in the morning light made us feel even happier to be there. We then walked to the Spa side, we saw all the shops they have there, there is also the Momo No Hana, La Huerta and El Greco restaurants. The Spa is also there, a currency exchange desk, the main check in counter and the Honeymoon information desk. There is also a bar there and someone playing the piano, such a wonderful setting! You can get a taxi to anywhere from here. The bellboys call them for you and you don't have to wait. On this day we went to Tulum. The day was beautiful!! The Tulum ruins are very nice and the beach is awesome!!! We enjoyed the day very much, walked thru the ruins, took pictures and then went to the beach! It was so crystal clear!!! We had an awesome day there at the ruins. On our way back to the resort we took a Colectivo instead of a taxi and paid only 30 pesos for both of us (or something like that). In the afternoon we went to relax by the Palapas in the "beach". It wa very nice, I have no complaints about it since I knew before hand that the resort didn't have a real beach. Still we did snorkeling and saw many nice fishs, we also did paddle boat! And layed down and just enjoyed doing nothing and being there. We even saw a bride in the wedding gazebo, very nice too! Ok, I think that I have written too much for today... If you want to I can continue telling you what we did everyday on another post tomorrow. But overall we had a wonderful time in the ASP, loved the service and the food (Ventanas was the best!) ans the SPA is so spectacular!!! I'll post more later! Azulita

02-12-2004	#2 (permalink)
NorthMinnesota añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 5,600	Congratulations on your marriage! It sounds like you had a wonderful trip together. Wishing you many more years of lpve and happiness!

02-16-2004	#3 (permalink)
azulita toe in water Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 53	Thanks so much for the good wishes NorthMinnesota!! Well, I kind of got a little mixed up on my first part of the trip report... on Monday we stayed at the hotel to enjoy it and relax. We woke up and went to have a nice breakfast at the Mundaca restaurant (this was the closest to our room, El Greco also offers breakfast buffet but it's on the Spa side), good buffet from pancakes, french toast, fruit, cold cuts, etc. Then we decided to explore and we walked thru the Zen Laberynt (it's not as cool as it sounds, jejeje), they also have a trail that you can do and it has a bridge and obstacles, really cool. We went to the Spa side and on our way we saw the outdoor gym and then in the Spa lobby we went to the shops and to the Honeymoon information desk where they informed us of a cocktail we had on Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm just for all the honeymooners there, it also included an especial Honeymoon Menu at La Hacienda. The gardens througout the whole resort are just beautiful, thanks to God we had beautiful sunny days that made it, in combination with the sparkling pool and sea waters, seem like we were in paradise, and we were!! At the Spa area they have an indoor pool with underwater music, we didn't get in but they told us it was one of the best! The full gym is also there, we only went past it... never got around to using it. We went to the Spa center where you book a massage or any other treatment and then we decided to grab a couple of booklets to decide on which to choose and then come back and make the reservation. We also decided to book a tour for Xcaret at one of the tour desks for wednesday. When you first check in they give you each a card with which you get your towels at the towel, snorkeling area in the pool. You hand in your card and they give you towles, return your towels to get your card back. We enjoyed the beach that day and had lunch in the Aventura Pool area. Here they serve hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, different kinds of sandwiches, french fries and there is also the pool bar where they are constantly serving you the drink you want! There are activities all day long with different themes, from salsa dance and merengue and they also do water voleyball contests, etc. They also have group bike rides to the nearby town. Then in the evening we went to see that day's show. I have the schedule at home with the pictures so I'll get the info and let you know which show was it. Ok, now on Tuesday we went to Tulum, and the details are in my other post! We got back to the resort from the ruins and went to change in our room. Then we headed to the Spa side to check out the against the current pool, nice! We also saw the man made lagoon, kind of cool but no one is allowed in it. And they also have palapas on that side. We had lunch at El Greco, nice buffet lunch menu!! And they off to relax by the pool... Ahhhh... In the evening we went to the Honeymooners cocktail. It was a balcony in the Aventura side. They had a nice thing prepared for all of us honeymooners, as we walked in they gave you champagne, then they opened up a snacks bar with lots of yummy stuff and they also had a bar for us to ask for whaterver we wanted. We had our picture taken and got it later during our stay, very nice! After a bit of socializing we went to play some pool at the Q bar and then to have dinner at La Hacienda. The food was amazing at this restaurant!! Service was amazing as always! It is a la carte and we enjoyed our dinner very much!

02-17-2004	#4 (permalink)
Scot into ruins Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tied to a Desk Posts: 62	Sounds like you had a great time. My wife and I are going to be at the ASP the second week of June. Iw ould be interested inhearing all you have to say regarding your trip. I would like to plan out the trip through the airport (so I miss whatever I need to miss) and how check in goes and how to streamline that. Additionally, did you go on any of the Palace tours and if you did how did you sign up. I can't wait, would appreciate any guidance you can provide (also, just like hearing about great trips. Keeps me looking forward to June). Thanks,

02-19-2004	#5 (permalink)
azulita toe in water Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 53	Hi again! I'm glad my trip experience is being of help to some! So, here we go... At some point during Tuesday, we analized the reservations we had made for the Xcaret tour and since the bus left for the park at 9 and the park opened much earlier, we decide to cancel it and go by ourselves to have an early start. On Tuesday evening we ordered some breakfast to be delivered to our room the next morning. You order this on a card you have in your door and put it outside so they pick up the order. You can choose from fruit, juice, coffe and some bread. Pretty yummy but very light. On Tuesday morning the breakfast arrived at around 6:30 - 7:00 am (I think.) We ate and then left for the Spa lobby, we got some cash from the ATM machine and then grabbed a cab to Xcaret. We got there very early and it was already open. We bought the tickets right there and then we went to the Entrance. They check your sunblock lotion. I bought an organic one but in the Ingredients list it listed lavander oil and if it says oil, they don't allow you inside with it. They keep it and you get it back when you leave. So we were forced to buy the sunblock they sell, which is pretty pricey and when we read the ingredients (back at the hotel) it had oil listed!!! So, try to get a sunblock back at home or at Playa that does not list oil or any chemicals in its ingredients. Ok, the park was amazing!!! We left our heavy stuff in the locker at the entrance... good place to leave them if you want to leave them there for the whole day until you leave. Bad day if you plan to work the whole park and then decide to come get something. The park is huge! We walked it completely! The have animals with their habitats recreated, they seemed pretty happy. I loved the Butterfly room, many butterflies all around!! We heard the bats (creepy!), we saw racoons, lions, giant turtles, flamingos, parrots, and lots and lots and lots of plants, and trees. They have a lake where you can dive into and also there are some snorkeling spots. They have 2 underground rivers. We rented the snorkeling equipment and went on one of them. The water is very very cold, after you get in it you get used to it. We didn't see much underwater but it was really cool being in the water and it was a bit dark in some areas, really nice. We didn't know about the other river until after we had already returned the equipment so maybe in that one you can see something with the snorkeling mask... We had to walk a lot beacuse we left our stuff in the lockers at the entrance, there were lockers much closer but, we didn't know so it was a really loooong walk from the palapas to the entrance and it was hot and humid! We liked the park very much, it was our fault that we had to walk so much... Oh, the view from the Palapas is amazing and we were on ones that had a small water slide that took you into a little sea pond, very nice!! In the evening they do the Xcaret at Night show which is wonderful! They show you the Mayan traditions and then the invasion and their colonization, etc. It was a good show. You can make dinner reservations to dine while you are at the show if you want to. We didn't. Then we left for our hotel, there are a lot of taxis lined up waiting for all the people to come out and there is a line specifically for people who need a taxi. We got on one in no time and arrived at the hotel sooooo tired. I believe this evening we decided to order room service (it's incliuded!!!) so we called and in about 30 minutes we had our dinner at the room!!! The menu is right by the phone. Very nice service and good food. Thursday... Alltournative Tour Coba - Pac Chen A Mayan Encounter! We had made reservations to take the Alltournative tour thru their website. It was very easy and we had communication with them when we got there to make sure everything was in schedule. We got up really early this day too. We went to have breakfast at the El Greco restaurant to be close to the Spa lobby. Food was great as always, then we quickly went to the lobby, my hubby had forgotten the money in the room so he had to run back to the Aventura side to get it. When I got to the lobby they were already there waiting for us! I apologized a lot and then we had to wait on my hubby for a couple of minutes... I was desperate, but they were very nice about it. We were the first ones they came to pick up, our guide was Lena and there was the bus driver. My hubby got to the lobby at last and then we went to pick up all the other people... I'll continue with our adventure on my next post!

02-21-2004	#6 (permalink)
Scot into ruins Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tied to a Desk Posts: 62	Your reports are providing some great information, thanks. I can't wait for your next posting.

02-27-2004	#7 (permalink)
azulita toe in water Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 53	Hello! So sorry that it has taken me so long to continue with the trip report... Scot, glad you are liking my posts and getting good info from them, you will have an awesome time at the ASP and in the Riviera Maya area! Ok, now let me continue with the report! Alltournative Coba Pac-Chen Tour After they picked us up we went to pick up all the other people. Thanks to God we got a super group, all very nice from different states and one couple from Canada. It all added up to a great group experience and the tour amazingly fun! We went first to Coba, they have soda and water available on the bus so you can drink up before starting the tour. If you want to use a video camera you have to pay a 30 pesos fee for them to allow it. There are restrooms in the area which you can use for 10 pesos. They also explain to you the Mayan calendar and they can make one for you with a specific date. We had one made with our wedding date, very nice! Plus we are helpinf these people who really really need it. Well, you have a guide tour that explains everything about the ruins and how was Mayan life, the difference between the Toltec and the Mayn people. They show you the ball court were they played the game and explain everything to you. After this part we get to continue to the tallest of the structure. It takes a bit of a long walk, you have the choice of renting a bike to get to the site or walk, we chose walking and it was no big deal. We got to the huge ruin! Coba is the 2nd tallest temple in the Yucatán! It was really impressive. We climed all the little steps and got to the top a bit tired but it was so rewarding!!! The view was amazing! You could see all the jungle around you, very far you could spot the ocean, lakes and one other ruin. It was really really great! Then we climbed down and walked back to the bus. Ufff, lots of exercise already!!! Next stop, Pac-Chen! On our way to the village, Lena - our guide - explained to us the way of life of the Mayan people that still lives there. We saw their houses and it was a kind of a reality check about how fortunate we all are about all of what we have. They use the natural water resources of their underground rivers and cenotes and they use no electricity. After a bit of a long ride we got to the village. The people there are very very nice. We could leave our belongins on an area they have for us and you could use their restrooms (i didn't). You could also change to your bathing suit if you wanted to. We took our cameras and left everything else there. Next, a looooong walk thru the jungle. We learned very interesting stuff, Lena told us about the trees, some are poisonoius and the ones nearby are the antidotes! We saw the trees from wich chewing gum is made of and we walked and walked and walked until we reached a huge lake or cenote. We left our cameras in an area they have for this and strapped around the zip-lining equipment. They explain very well how to do it and how to put on the equipment. Then we went to the far end of the cable... Since we were the only honemooners of the group they made us go first. You could go by yourself or as a couple so we went together. WOOOOHOOOOO!!!! It was sooooo cooooll!!!!! An so fast!!!! It was thrill! Then we watched as everybody did it and then Lena showed off doing twists and turns while zipping down the line, really cool! They are people from the village who take pictures of you so you can buy them later if you want to. The we walked to the Cenote Ojos de Jaguar (Jaguar Eyes) where we did rapelling down into the water. The water was VERY COLD! There is also people down there that work with the tour and have a tube ready for you so you can float around. It is dark but not completely dark as the light comes insidet throught the openings above. After everyone got down Lena explained to us about cenotes and the underground water system that runs in most parts of the Yucatan area. Then we swam to a very dark tunnel and it was so thrilling! You could swim around if you wanted to! After this it was time to get out. You could either get pulled pack up with the rappeling equipment or you could climp a wooden ladder that hung from the other opening. We did the ladder!!! It was very hard but we made it! Of course, Lana first showed us how to do it. Then we walked back to the village where they were preparing us a very nice Mayan lunch. While they finished cooking we did some canoeing on the lake. It was lots of fun also. We didn't swim in the lake but I did reached for the water and once in your hands it very clean and clear, I guess the botton is dark and that is why the water looks dark also. We went around the lake, didn't see any crocs or anything... hehe. Then back to the dock and off to eat, we were starving!!! Food was really great, they made us chicken with potatos, taco chips and some more mexican stuff like pico de gallo and guacamole. We ate and it was delicious! Then we went to rest a little in the hammocs. Ahhh!!! After a while we headed back to the van, on our way there we stopped to see the zip-line pictures and buy any if you liked them. On our way back to our resorts we stopped at a souvenir shop and included in the trip was a tequila shot! We all did one and then had some flan also included on the tour. At the shop they have very neat mexican crafts and Alltournative tshirts, mexican hats, hammocs, shot glasses, etc. And prices are fair. Then we went to drop off everybody, we took a group pictures at our first drop-off point. We finally got to our hotel happy and a bit tired but not too much. Said good bye to Lana and the driver and off to our room! The tour was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone looking to do something different and get some exercise while having lots of fun. It's also a very good learning experience. We loved it! After we got a good bath and some rest we then headed off to the Aventura Lobby. I believe this night was casino night, they have lots of games, no real money betting but you get some "Fake" money with which you gamble at the different games. If you win you get more fake money then at the end they make kind of an auction of different prizes that you "pay" for with your fake money. We got an Aventura Spa Palace visor, a money carrier and something else I can't remember right now. This evening we had dinner at Las Ventanas. It is a buffet style restaurant that specializes in Italaian food. I LOVED THIS ONE THE MOST! It has an interior pool that gives it such a beautiful look. The waiters are also very nice serving you wine or the berverage you want and water. You then go to the buffet area and choose whatever you want as many times as you want. I opted to have a dish made were you choose the meat, the pasta and the salsa and they make it for you right there while you watch. The chicken with any pasta and with their red sauce was my favorite! Desserts are really really nice too. After dinner we hang out a bit more at the Q bar and then off to bed. This was a very long and fun day!

02-27-2004	#8 (permalink)
Scot into ruins Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tied to a Desk Posts: 62	What can you tell us about the resort itself. Which side would you stay on next time and why (spa or adventura)? Where was the activity during the day. Do you think we are better off on the third floor or the first? Sounds like the side trip was great, we are looking at taking the trip which explores the cenotes and then goes to the ocean to swim. I can't wait for June, Thanks for all of the information, it is a great help Scot

03-01-2004	#9 (permalink)
azulita toe in water Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 53	Hi Scot, We stayed at the Aventura side because the evening shows take place at the Aventura Lobby and we were closer to it. Regarding daytime activities both sides have different activities througout the day but from what I saw, the Aventura pool side has more lively activities, by this I mean more people cheering at a volleyball or basketball water game, they do dance competitions, the pool bar here was pretty busy in the afternoon, etc. But most of this takes place by the pool bar and if you don't want to participate or be bothered by the cheering people you can move farther to another part of the pool because it is pretty big, so that wasn't a big deal for me. We only spent one afternoon at the Spa side so I can't really describe too well about what activities they had there. I do know that they have bike ride tours to the nearby town, but this happens on both sides. The afternoon we spent there was very calm, we went to see the against the current pool, they also have a pool bar and snack bar and people were all enjoying the sun and the water. None of the sides were extremelly full but we went in April, I don't know how much crowded it could get in summer. But it is pretty big and you also have the option to go to the Palapas by the "beach" and it is pretty calm down there, far from the noise of the activities and you can swim or do snorkeling or paddle boat or kayak! There are lots of options, we did all those in the Aventura side. We stayed on the second floor, can't remember the building name, I'll look it up on our album and let you know. For us it was pretty fine. Our view was towards the center gardens, we didn't mind not overlooking the pool or sea. The sound of the waves were clearly heard in our balcony and we were fine with that. We liked our room very much. The mini fridge is restocked with beers and soda every other day. It was very clean, the jacuzzi was nice, the shower is very big and with a clear door and small seat, very pretty. The hot water is very HOT so be careful with that, specially when using the jacuzzi, we filled it with very hot water and then had to empty it a little and fill it again with cold water and still had to wait for it to cool down a little. We used the safe to keep our valuables there, had no problem with it. The closet is very nice too. On the balcony there are plastic chairs, a small plastic table and the hammock. They have air conditioning and a ceiling fan. A coffemaker is included in the room. The bed is pretty comfortable. They clean it up really nice too. One time we used the jacuzzi with some green salts and it ended up with green residue and the next day it was sparkling white! They always make figures with the towels and leave it on top of the bed with nice fresh amapola flowers. On their second round through the rooms they leave chocolate on your pillow. If you need anything they are very nice to help you out, like additional pillows or more coffee filters, whatever. Room service is really good too. The TV doesn't have that many interesting channels but it's there and it has some music channels too. The second floor connects to the Spa lobby directly so you only had to walk the entire corridor (a pretty nice walk) and in about 5 to 7 mins you are in the Spa lobby. At the Spa lobby there are the Momo No Hana and La Huerta restaurants, they have a bar, different desks to make tour reservations, car rental, etc (they have this also at the Aventura lobby). Here is also the checkin-check out counter, the currency exchange counter and from here is where you take the taxis to the different locations and also this is where a tours usually pick you up and from where the buses depart to the other Palace resorts. The Spa is that side also. The Hydrotherapy facilities are awesome!!! You can use them everyday if you want to! They have a sauna, steam room, swiss shower, another turbo jetted water shower, warm water jacuzzi, really hot water jacuzzi and a very cold dip where you can get in to loosen up your muscles, etc. They have a foot dipping area (don't know the proper name for this, sorry). They also have complimentary tea or water or juice so keep yoursel hydrated and they also have showers. It is really, really nice. I can't encourage you enough to at least go one day! Overall we liked staying at the Aventura side, we felt like we were actually pretty close to everything. Loved the Mundaca restaurant and Las Ventanas and both were on that side. Went to see the evening shows almost every evening. The Q Bar with the pool tables and the Discoteque are also there at the Aventura lobby. There are 2 bars and 1 very small bar at the Aventura lobby also. Well, I think I've told you all can remember right now! If you have any other question feel free to ask! Have a nice day!

03-02-2004	#10 (permalink)
azulita toe in water Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 53	Hi again! As promised I got the activities itinerary and the room where we stayed at. We stayed in the Acordeon building on room # 2353. If anyone needs more info about the buildings, the names and where are they located... feel free to ask. The activities schedule was: Monday - Anything can happen - 9:00 pm This was a very funny show where couples participated competing for prizes. We had a great laugh this evening. Tuesday - Casino Wednesday - Latin Show Thursday - Mayan Show Friday - Karaoke Saturday - International Sunday - Mexican show Every evening the Andromeda Disco is open from 10pm to 2 am. I never went so I can't comment on the music there or anything. Hope this was helpful. I'll continue with my trip experience later!

03-03-2004	#11 (permalink)
azulita toe in water Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 53	Hi again! Continuing on with my trip report! On Friday we decided to take it a little easier and we woke up later than usual. Went to have breakfast at Mundaca. Then we went to walk along the resort. We did the rock climbing wall, it was really really cool! We then went to our room to get changed and headed to the Spa lobby. We went to the Spa reservation center and made a reservation for saturday for the 80 min. Aromatherapy Massage! The person who attended us with the spa reservation then took us to do a tour of the Hydrotherapy facilities. They are separated for Men and Women, I went inside alone and he accompanied my husband to show him around. Like I had mentioned before, the facilities are awesome!! Sauna room, steam room , 2 kinds of treatment showers, 2 jacuzzis with water at different temperatures, a cold water dip area and a foot bath area. They have also tea, juice and water available. The regular showers have soap, shampoo and conditioner and are very spacious. You can use the facilities at anytime during your stay for as many times as you want to. After this we went to get a taxi and then we went to Playa!!! It was a beautiful and hot day at Playa. We arrived without a problem and then off to explore and do some shopping. We used the ATM that is by the bus station and where the taxis are, no problems at all with it. We walked the 5th completly! We got some great prices on nice souvenirs regateando (sorry, I really can't remember the word in English) with the shop owners and salespeople. We drank a couple of Coronas o cool off while we walked and walked. We were looking for good tequila and the prices in the shops at the 5th were high on that so they sent us to a liquor shop on one of the streets farther down and not on the 5th. We got a big bottle of Quinto Centenario and one small one of Don Julio. We saw the Tequila Barrel and went in to have a Mojito! The beach was sooooo beautiful, clear and perfect blue water!!! We ate at one of the restaurants there at the 5th, yummi burritos and more Corona. We walked soooo much and shoped a lot and then back to the hotel! We had a nice shower, rested a while and then we went to dinner and to the evening show. We left the breakfast order form on the door for the next morning. Last day at Mexico and at the ASP, this was our day to relax and enjoy the resort. Breakfast arrived at around 7:30 AM, we had breakfast in bed. Afterwards we went to the the spa to enjoy the hydrotherapy area before we got our massage. They give you a key for a locker, slippers and a robe. You must keep your bathing suit on to use the hydrotherapy facilities. They recommend you to do a hot-cold combination of treatmens to loosen the muscles and prepare the body to receive the treatment you will have (if any). It was a great experience! The massage was AMAZING!!!! I almost fell asleep! Very nice mellow music, soft lighting, lots of towel layers to keep you warm and great staff! After the massage I went to the showers and came out new! We walked out of there walking on clouds! Next stop, lunch! We had lunch at El Greco, very nice buffet style lunch with lots to choose from. After this we went to the Aventura side to enjoy the sun and the pool, we first went to the Palapas area and did nothing, ahhhhh, relaxing is so much fun! Then we moved up to the pool, there were lots of people by the pool bar so we moved a bit farther down as to not be in the so crowded area. We enjoyed lots of drinks there and then there was always food on the snack bar. After this we went to the room and got ready to have dinner. We went to Las Ventanas for our last dinner at the ASP. Food was amazing as always. Then we went to see the International show which was pretty good, nice coreographies, settings and music and dances from different parts of the world. We then went to the Q Bar and had a blast playing pool until well after midnight. Sunday - time to leave We left everything ready last night so we went calmly to have breakfast at Mundaca. We called the bell boys and they came to pick up the luggage and us and take us to the Check out counter. Now was time to pay whatever we owed. I had made a phone call, we used the Internet once and the Spa massages were charged to the room. By mistake, they were charging us the Xcaret tour that we had canceled at the last moment. It took a little while but they cleared it up and we only paid what was right. We grabed a taxi to the airport. No problems at all. We got there on time, went to the AA counter , checked in my hubby's bag and then went thru the first carry on check. There some guards intervened with us asking for our passports. We showed them and my husband's hadn't been punched when we first came thru customs. They asked us where we were from, we said PR. Then I said we are U.S. citizens! And they looked at me like, "huh?". I told him yes, Puerto Rico is a US territory, we are US citizens and showed them the passport again, and then they went like all serious and let us continue our way. We got to the gate, they were selling Coronas and Dos Equis there, I treated myself to one. The flight went well and then we were back home. WE LOVED OUR HONEYMOON AT THE AVENTURA SPA PALACE AND THE RIVIERA MAYA! I hope my trip experience was somewhat entertaing and helpful! If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.

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03-18-2004	#12 (permalink)
Gillis sandflea Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Detroit Posts: 2	Just wanted to thank you for the report. I am getting married in June 12 and headed to the Adventura Spa Palace on June 14th for the week! I really appreciate you shareing. I am looking forward to going! :lol:

03-19-2004	#13 (permalink)
Scot into ruins Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Tied to a Desk Posts: 62	azulita, Thanks for all of the information. I have not had a chance to reply to your last message (I am a CPA and it is tax season). I have a few more questions and plan on asking them in about a month when I get a chance to breath. Scot 8)

03-19-2004	#14 (permalink)
ami añejo Join Date: May 2003 Location: Houston Posts: 6,658	Can you tell me about the beach there? I have a friend honeymooning there in a couple of months & she wants to know. Also, are there many rooms that have the Caribbean view? Thanks

03-19-2004	#15 (permalink)
pimmie lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: UK Posts: 16	Hiya - my husband and I got back from honeymoon a few weeks ago on 2nd March and had a fantastic time. It's not a beach as such but a manmade lagoon. I've heard a lot of people complain about it but we knew about it before we went so couldn't complain - frankly I thought it was fantastic, clear turquoise water where you could see the fish below and also where you were stepping. It was much warmer than the pool. When we were at ASP there was an earthquake in Morocco which affected the sea our end of the caribbean and we had these enormous waves hitting the sea wall that divides the lagoon and sea. Even then the lagoon was safe to go into but a little deeper than usual. I don't know if your friend likes the quiet life or whether she would prefer the activities but if she likes the quiet life, tell her to go to the very end of the lagoon at the Aventura side and then keep going. Outside the last block of rooms there is a little grassy area and small private style bay which is the only access to the "real" sea although more pebbly - we spent every day over there and it was was serene to list to the waves crashing on the rocks. A tip also would be at the end of the day when she takes her towels back not to take the towel cards but to get two fresh towels for the following morning. We used to walk down and claim our loungers before we went to breakfast, down at the lagoon the loungers go quite quickly. I also brought a float from the UK which is excellent for the lagoon when it gets too hot lying in the sun, I left it with another holidaymaker when I went home. Anyway, if you want anymore info, don't hesitate to ask. Cheers. P.