Barcelo Maya trip report June 2-9

Karlla · 06-17-2004

Trip Report to the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort June 2-9 – 3 families, 2 going on the 2nd and the other joining us on the 5th. Ten in all, four being girls ages 9-11. Our family had been to the Barcelo last summer and liked it so much we decided to invite the other families. We have been to one other all inclusive just down the beach from the Barcelo, but found this one more family friendly.
Day 1:
We decided to meet at the terminal at DFW airport at 5:30am, our plane was to depart at 7:00am. The only thing I can say about this morning is the airport employees could have been a little friendlier. Maybe it was the early morning. My husband and I had on tennis shoes so they picked us out for a search and frisk session, seems the lady doing mine got great pleasure from it. Flight to Cancun was on time and uneventful until we landed, seems the auxiliary light came on indicating fire somewhere so for precaution they met us with fire trucks and left us in the plane until all was determined fine to de-board. Seemed odd we stayed in the plane, we could smell something but saw nothing. We were the only plane there so immigrations was a breeze, luggage was slow to come because of the earlier situation, then on the red light/green light wegot a red, so time for the rummage. Finally off to a big bus, at first we were really concerned, but only one stop at the Aventura Palace and then off to the Barcelo. We were at the hotel before noon.

Check in went smooth, we got room 4311 and the Saunders were in room 4111. We each had reserved junior suites, mostly for the location of the rooms. I would have preferred a ground floor, but the guy at the desk said he gave us the best room in the house. They new it was the second visit for us so they gave us an extra ala carte ticket, champagne, some sort of liquor, fruit basket and rose petals on our bed. What a nice surprise!!

We headed to lunch at Captain Morgan’s, we could not wait for that wonderful view. Our afternoon consisted of the beach and pool. We meet Abby from Canada, someone I met on the barcelo maya board. Never did run into the other 3 families that were there during our same time.

Day 2:
Hubby woke up and worked out with Michael, I went for a 45 minute walk around the resort. Left the kids to sleep in. Today we split our time between the beach and pool. Linda and I did water aerobics in the pool. The kids started pottery painting. Lunch at Rancho Grande grill. For dinner we went to the Steakhouse at Captain Morgans’. Food was pretty good, except our reservations were for 9:30pm and most of us were pretty tired and it was very hot that night, not much of a breeze. We were able to catch the last 15-20 minutes of the Moulin Rouge show, it looked the whole show was probably very good.

Day 3:
Once again we split our time at the beach and pool. Today the aerobics were in the ocean, this was quite a challenge, our calves were very sore the next day. The kids worked on there pottery painting again, I started painting a bowl, Shanna and her dad played basketball, Bailey and her dad played a game of chess. Michael and my hubby decided to do the ATV ride at the hotel; they had a blast and came back very dirty.

Tonight was the Michael Jackson show, once again it was superb. Every one enjoyed it, even us for a second time. Tomorrow our other friends arrive.

Day 4:
Hubby, myself and Michael walked around the resort this morning. Saw a lime tree and a huge ant colony back by where the atv’s go. The other days they walked they saw some sort of rodent that hopped like a kangaroo but looked like a rabbit (at least I think that’s how they described it). Hubby got a massage and then we all went to greet the Rabe’s in the lobby. They beat us there but we quickly got the welcoming drinks and then we were off to lunch at Rancho Grande!! Spent most of the afternoon relaxing at the pool and beach. They got room 4179, but the next day changed to 4119 which was much closer to ours and the pool/beach.

Day 5:
Today was an adventure!! Michael arranged for all of us to take the catamaran snorkeling tour from the resort. We were scheduled to leave at 1:00 but left about 30 minutes late because the boat was late coming in from the first trip that day. I say it was an adventure because this was the roughest day of our stay. The swells were between 8-10 feet high (and I am not exaggerating). The waves came over the boat and up through the trampoline part of the catamaran. Half of us had taken Dramamine and the other half had not. As it turned out everyone was fine. Once we got to Akumal Bay it was time to snorkel. The water was sort of murky because of the heavy current but they were able to see several turtles, colorful fish and a barracuda that they said had a huge school of fish around him. I stayed on the boat with my 9 year old because she did not want to try snorkeling, which was fine with me, the entire area there is so pretty I enjoyed just being on the boat. It took us about 1 ½ hours to sail back with the motor going, we were all freezing and soaking wet but the whole adventure was great. We had to hurry back and get cleaned up because we had 7:30pm. reservations at the Spanish ala carte. The girls all sat at a table together and we adults had a table together. The waiter got the girls all pasta with Alfredo sauce and we all had the tenderloin with blue cheese sauce, it was very good! For dessert some had strawberries with cream and some had the tangerine sherbet with cheese mousse and caramel sauce drizzled over it in a sugar waffle cone (this was fabulous).

Day 6:
Today we all went to Dolphin Discovery, the 2 families that had not been before did the manatee, string ray and dolphin swim. They loved it. My family went to watch and I did some shopping in Puerto Aventuras. I loved this little town. We got back to the hotel around 2:30 and had lunch up at the buffet (many more choices here, but not the awesome view like the beach grills). We had reservations for the Jet Ski’s but got back to late so we will have to do them next time. We stayed at the beach and pool until sunset and then went in and clean up for dinner. Tonight was Seafood night, I this is my least favorite night, but several enjoyed it. By this time I am sick of food anyway so it really did not matter to me.

Day 7:
Michael took all the kids on an early morning walk around the resort, the rest of the adults were into sleeping late by now. The ladies and kids did water aerobics in the pool and then pretty much did nothing but relax at the beach. Late in the day the kids built a turtle sandcastle. Oh yeah, Linda, Cheryl and Mark had massages. Mark took my massage time because I was bruised on my back from the catamaran adventure, so I really did not want anyone messing with me. Mark did the ATV ride by himself at 4:00 today and he loved it as well. Tonight or the night before was the Miss Barcelo contest, we lost the men at this show, but we girls found it.

Day 8:
Last day!! The kids went on another early morning walk with Michael; I took a very long beach walk. We all were able to get late (4:00pm) check outs so we spent our day at the pool and beach until the last possible second. The bus picked us up at 4:15 and back to the airport for an 8:35 departure. We took off late but the pilot got us back into Dallas only 5 minutes after our scheduled time. After a stop by Jack In the Box we got home at 1:00am. Boy did that burger taste good.

This was an awesome trip and we were glad we could spend it with our friends. Fun was had by all. And for those of you wondering no one got sick and we all ate whatever and some of us drank more than others but we were fine. I know one of the families even brushed their teeth with the tap water, but not me I am not that brave yet!! The only thing is next time our family would like 10 days, 7 nights just does not seem quite long enough. We saw several weddings set up on the beach but never saw the actual wedding. The workers are constantly fixing, repairing and grooming the grounds. I know there are other wonderful resorts in the area maybe some day we will try another, but for now we love the Barcelo!! One last comment, the food this year seemed a step better, I noticed all hot food seemed very hot and the cold foods seem cold. Several times the guacamole was out, but they quickly replenished it. Lots of supervisors around in the buffets making sure everything was being kept up. Service in the buffet and maid service was great; I do not think anyone had any complaints! I am sure I am leaving something out but this is definitely long enough. Thanks for taking your time to read it, for me this is a wonderful way to relive my vacation.

Please feel free to ask me any questions!! I always find the boards so helpful for our trips and would love to help someone else out.

Photos:
http://community.webshots.com/scripts/controlPanel.fcgi

Nerak936 · 06-17-2004

Karlla:

I tried that link to your photos but I'm not sure how to access your photos..... how are you listed there?

Great trip report!!!!

Phil in Ottawa · 06-17-2004

Hi Karlla,

Thanks for the nice trip report

We are thinking of trying the Barcelo in 2005.

You mention about doing an ATV ride at the resort. Is this something that is included in the AI package or extra $$$?

Also, you said you missed your jet ski reservation. Again is this something included in the AI package? I ask because the jet ski operations I've seen have always looked like first come, first served type of things not associated with the resorts.

Thanks

Karlla · 06-17-2004

Nerak936: It should take you directly to the albums through that link. I just tried it and had no problem, please let me know if you still can not access them.

Phil: No the ATV ride was extra, not real sure of the price but somewhere around $40-45 and it was for 1 1/2 - 2 hours long.
Yes the jet ski's were also extra and those were booked at a desk by the activity hut, same for the ATV ride. We were very dissappointed we miss the jet ski's, but leaves something for us to do next time.

Karla

amo_playa · 06-17-2004

I just tried that link too Karlla and it did not work for me either. It takes me to a page that explains what that website is and how to sign up and join. None of your pictures though!

Karlla · 06-17-2004

Sorry guys, try this link, it was working not sure what's happened.

http://community.webshots.com/user/rowanmcfarland

Nerak936 · 06-17-2004

Karlla:

Thanks for the new link - it worked fine! GREAT photos!! Thanks so much for sharing with us!

amo_playa · 06-18-2004

Yep, that definately worked that time!! Awesome pictures! Looks like the girls had a blast...!

06-17-2004	#1 (permalink)
Karlla toe in water Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Carrollton, TX Posts: 50	Barcelo Maya trip report June 2-9 Trip Report to the Barcelo Maya Beach Resort June 2-9 – 3 families, 2 going on the 2nd and the other joining us on the 5th. Ten in all, four being girls ages 9-11. Our family had been to the Barcelo last summer and liked it so much we decided to invite the other families. We have been to one other all inclusive just down the beach from the Barcelo, but found this one more family friendly. Day 1: We decided to meet at the terminal at DFW airport at 5:30am, our plane was to depart at 7:00am. The only thing I can say about this morning is the airport employees could have been a little friendlier. Maybe it was the early morning. My husband and I had on tennis shoes so they picked us out for a search and frisk session, seems the lady doing mine got great pleasure from it. Flight to Cancun was on time and uneventful until we landed, seems the auxiliary light came on indicating fire somewhere so for precaution they met us with fire trucks and left us in the plane until all was determined fine to de-board. Seemed odd we stayed in the plane, we could smell something but saw nothing. We were the only plane there so immigrations was a breeze, luggage was slow to come because of the earlier situation, then on the red light/green light wegot a red, so time for the rummage. Finally off to a big bus, at first we were really concerned, but only one stop at the Aventura Palace and then off to the Barcelo. We were at the hotel before noon. Check in went smooth, we got room 4311 and the Saunders were in room 4111. We each had reserved junior suites, mostly for the location of the rooms. I would have preferred a ground floor, but the guy at the desk said he gave us the best room in the house. They new it was the second visit for us so they gave us an extra ala carte ticket, champagne, some sort of liquor, fruit basket and rose petals on our bed. What a nice surprise!! We headed to lunch at Captain Morgan’s, we could not wait for that wonderful view. Our afternoon consisted of the beach and pool. We meet Abby from Canada, someone I met on the barcelo maya board. Never did run into the other 3 families that were there during our same time. Day 2: Hubby woke up and worked out with Michael, I went for a 45 minute walk around the resort. Left the kids to sleep in. Today we split our time between the beach and pool. Linda and I did water aerobics in the pool. The kids started pottery painting. Lunch at Rancho Grande grill. For dinner we went to the Steakhouse at Captain Morgans’. Food was pretty good, except our reservations were for 9:30pm and most of us were pretty tired and it was very hot that night, not much of a breeze. We were able to catch the last 15-20 minutes of the Moulin Rouge show, it looked the whole show was probably very good. Day 3: Once again we split our time at the beach and pool. Today the aerobics were in the ocean, this was quite a challenge, our calves were very sore the next day. The kids worked on there pottery painting again, I started painting a bowl, Shanna and her dad played basketball, Bailey and her dad played a game of chess. Michael and my hubby decided to do the ATV ride at the hotel; they had a blast and came back very dirty. Tonight was the Michael Jackson show, once again it was superb. Every one enjoyed it, even us for a second time. Tomorrow our other friends arrive. Day 4: Hubby, myself and Michael walked around the resort this morning. Saw a lime tree and a huge ant colony back by where the atv’s go. The other days they walked they saw some sort of rodent that hopped like a kangaroo but looked like a rabbit (at least I think that’s how they described it). Hubby got a massage and then we all went to greet the Rabe’s in the lobby. They beat us there but we quickly got the welcoming drinks and then we were off to lunch at Rancho Grande!! Spent most of the afternoon relaxing at the pool and beach. They got room 4179, but the next day changed to 4119 which was much closer to ours and the pool/beach. Day 5: Today was an adventure!! Michael arranged for all of us to take the catamaran snorkeling tour from the resort. We were scheduled to leave at 1:00 but left about 30 minutes late because the boat was late coming in from the first trip that day. I say it was an adventure because this was the roughest day of our stay. The swells were between 8-10 feet high (and I am not exaggerating). The waves came over the boat and up through the trampoline part of the catamaran. Half of us had taken Dramamine and the other half had not. As it turned out everyone was fine. Once we got to Akumal Bay it was time to snorkel. The water was sort of murky because of the heavy current but they were able to see several turtles, colorful fish and a barracuda that they said had a huge school of fish around him. I stayed on the boat with my 9 year old because she did not want to try snorkeling, which was fine with me, the entire area there is so pretty I enjoyed just being on the boat. It took us about 1 ½ hours to sail back with the motor going, we were all freezing and soaking wet but the whole adventure was great. We had to hurry back and get cleaned up because we had 7:30pm. reservations at the Spanish ala carte. The girls all sat at a table together and we adults had a table together. The waiter got the girls all pasta with Alfredo sauce and we all had the tenderloin with blue cheese sauce, it was very good! For dessert some had strawberries with cream and some had the tangerine sherbet with cheese mousse and caramel sauce drizzled over it in a sugar waffle cone (this was fabulous). Day 6: Today we all went to Dolphin Discovery, the 2 families that had not been before did the manatee, string ray and dolphin swim. They loved it. My family went to watch and I did some shopping in Puerto Aventuras. I loved this little town. We got back to the hotel around 2:30 and had lunch up at the buffet (many more choices here, but not the awesome view like the beach grills). We had reservations for the Jet Ski’s but got back to late so we will have to do them next time. We stayed at the beach and pool until sunset and then went in and clean up for dinner. Tonight was Seafood night, I this is my least favorite night, but several enjoyed it. By this time I am sick of food anyway so it really did not matter to me. Day 7: Michael took all the kids on an early morning walk around the resort, the rest of the adults were into sleeping late by now. The ladies and kids did water aerobics in the pool and then pretty much did nothing but relax at the beach. Late in the day the kids built a turtle sandcastle. Oh yeah, Linda, Cheryl and Mark had massages. Mark took my massage time because I was bruised on my back from the catamaran adventure, so I really did not want anyone messing with me. Mark did the ATV ride by himself at 4:00 today and he loved it as well. Tonight or the night before was the Miss Barcelo contest, we lost the men at this show, but we girls found it. Day 8: Last day!! The kids went on another early morning walk with Michael; I took a very long beach walk. We all were able to get late (4:00pm) check outs so we spent our day at the pool and beach until the last possible second. The bus picked us up at 4:15 and back to the airport for an 8:35 departure. We took off late but the pilot got us back into Dallas only 5 minutes after our scheduled time. After a stop by Jack In the Box we got home at 1:00am. Boy did that burger taste good. This was an awesome trip and we were glad we could spend it with our friends. Fun was had by all. And for those of you wondering no one got sick and we all ate whatever and some of us drank more than others but we were fine. I know one of the families even brushed their teeth with the tap water, but not me I am not that brave yet!! The only thing is next time our family would like 10 days, 7 nights just does not seem quite long enough. We saw several weddings set up on the beach but never saw the actual wedding. The workers are constantly fixing, repairing and grooming the grounds. I know there are other wonderful resorts in the area maybe some day we will try another, but for now we love the Barcelo!! One last comment, the food this year seemed a step better, I noticed all hot food seemed very hot and the cold foods seem cold. Several times the guacamole was out, but they quickly replenished it. Lots of supervisors around in the buffets making sure everything was being kept up. Service in the buffet and maid service was great; I do not think anyone had any complaints! I am sure I am leaving something out but this is definitely long enough. Thanks for taking your time to read it, for me this is a wonderful way to relive my vacation. Please feel free to ask me any questions!! I always find the boards so helpful for our trips and would love to help someone else out. Photos: http://community.webshots.com/scripts/controlPanel.fcgi

06-17-2004	#3 (permalink)
Phil in Ottawa life=playa Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Ottawa, Ontario Posts: 619	Couple of questions Hi Karlla, Thanks for the nice trip report We are thinking of trying the Barcelo in 2005. You mention about doing an ATV ride at the resort. Is this something that is included in the AI package or extra $$$? Also, you said you missed your jet ski reservation. Again is this something included in the AI package? I ask because the jet ski operations I've seen have always looked like first come, first served type of things not associated with the resorts. Thanks

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06-17-2004	#2 (permalink)
Nerak936 Cat-Lovin Nerak Bead Lady Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 18,615	Karlla: I tried that link to your photos but I'm not sure how to access your photos..... how are you listed there? Great trip report!!!!

06-17-2004	#4 (permalink)
Karlla toe in water Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Carrollton, TX Posts: 50	Nerak936: It should take you directly to the albums through that link. I just tried it and had no problem, please let me know if you still can not access them. Phil: No the ATV ride was extra, not real sure of the price but somewhere around $40-45 and it was for 1 1/2 - 2 hours long. Yes the jet ski's were also extra and those were booked at a desk by the activity hut, same for the ATV ride. We were very dissappointed we miss the jet ski's, but leaves something for us to do next time. Karla

06-17-2004	#5 (permalink)
amo_playa toe in water Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cow-town, Alberta Posts: 49	I just tried that link too Karlla and it did not work for me either. It takes me to a page that explains what that website is and how to sign up and join. None of your pictures though!

06-17-2004	#6 (permalink)
Karlla toe in water Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Carrollton, TX Posts: 50	Sorry guys, try this link, it was working not sure what's happened. http://community.webshots.com/user/rowanmcfarland

06-17-2004	#7 (permalink)
Nerak936 Cat-Lovin Nerak Bead Lady Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 18,615	Karlla: Thanks for the new link - it worked fine! GREAT photos!! Thanks so much for sharing with us!

06-18-2004	#8 (permalink)
amo_playa toe in water Join Date: May 2004 Location: Cow-town, Alberta Posts: 49	Yep, that definately worked that time!! Awesome pictures! Looks like the girls had a blast...!

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