Thanks everyone!

[happyholidayin]

Just returned from our Playa del Carmen and Tulum vacation. Already planning to go back. Unfortunately probably won't be until next March. I'll try not to repeat too much what others have already reported as far as accomodations, etc.

Our first 4 nights were in PDC as I was taking the open water part of my diving certification. Stayed in the north part of 5th avenue. Was quiet and close to cocoa and mamitas beach. Ate at some good restaurants. Had fun here.

Took the ADO bus to Tulum. No problem. Reasonable way to travel as my husband wasn't interested in renting a car. Arrived at NVR. Stayed in room 19. Viento Del Mar. We thought the room was just fine! Good view. Clean. Reasonably priced. The best part was the red cooler waiting in the room. Thanks so much westybchbum for purchasing it! We certainly made use of it. We were able to get a bag of ice daily from Casa Banana. Great bunch of gentlemen working there. The breakfasts were enjoyable and although we only ate one dinner there, it was very good as well.

Had a wonderful massage from Margo. Very nice meeting her. She encouraged us to take in the live music at Zamas. This unfortunately was probabaly the biggest regret of our trip. We did go down there for an early dinner and had full intentions of staying for the music. Unfortunately I had gotten some kind of bite or sting on my arm and although it wasn't really painful, it made me feverish and sick so back to the hotel we went.

For excursions we went to the Tulum ruins, dos ojos cenote to dive, and akumal bay to snorkel with the sea turtles. The sea turtles were something to see. We did bring along our snorkel gear then traveled there via taxi and collectivio. No problems and a very enjoyable day. We did go to the lagoon there as well but I don't think we'll go there again. Did see some fish,though.

Enjoyed our day in the Pueblo. Will spend a little more time there next time to check out more of their shops and restaurants. Had lunch there one day. Can't remember the name of the restaurant but it was good. Had some kind of shrimp soup and it was tasty. The shrimp were huge!

Had intended to eat at Hechizo's one night as I made reservations before we left. Had checked out the location one day when running on the beach. Didn't think it would be that hard to find again. That proved not to the case. We walked and walked for what seemed like miles. Asked at some Italian hotel/restaurant if they knew where Hechizo's was. They didn't seem to know but thought we went to far, so back we go. Still couldn't find the sign so asked at Be Tulum. They said we came too far, back about 200 meters. We went out to the hiway, which was pitch black by then. Came to a gate that was closed. Thinking that's probabaly where it was but not sure. Needless to say, we didn't get to eat there. Went back along the beach to Casa Violeta and had a nice meal there. Probabaly would of went to Zamas as it was saturday and we probabaly would of enjoyed the band. Oh well, we'll have to go next time for sure!

Other places we ate were La Zebra and Om. Also tried to go to Hartwood one night but it was closed. Again, that'll be something for next time.

Of course the absolute best part about Tulum is the beach. I don't think one truly appreciates it until your home, then it's like "I wish I was back there." Such a relaxing place!

The one thing that did surprise me was the demographics of the tourists at NVR. My husband and I are in our late 40's/early 50's. We found most of the north american clientele for this week were probabaly in there 30's. There was also many European families with small children. The children were well behaved and all. We just didn't meet as many people as we thought. My husband even read a book!

So again, thanks everybody for their reviews and westy for the cooler. Will certainly return!

[Roadbase]

How did you like diving in the Cenote? My husband just got certified and our dives this trip to Tulum will be his first since his certification. Our plan is to do a dive or two in Akumal one or two days, but if the Cenote dive was cool, we'd do that. He's worried that he'll feel claustrophobic and trapped. Did you feel that at all or are the really big under there? Thanks for your tips and trip report!

[happyholidayin]

Hi! The cenote dive was fine. If your husband is confident with his buoyancy control he should have no problem. I would probably do an ocean dive first though, just to get the feel for it. We went with another couple who were staying at NVR as well. The husband had completed his pool part but not the open water part of his certification and he got in the water but didn't continue. The wife had taken her certification about 6 years ago but hadn't dove since. She did have trouble with buoyancy control. Was stuck on the top a few times. If I was more experienced I would of pulled her down but that would of been like the blind leading the blind! My husband thought the dive master wasn't all the good. He didn't think somebody who wasn't certified should have there first experience in a cave. But having said that, I'm usually a big chicken and I thought it was o.k. For sure go to Akumal and see those giant turtles. Truly an amazing experience. I'm sure you'll love it in Tulum!

[minniemex]

So happy you had a great time!!

Just so you know for future ~ Hechizo is located south of Be Tulum in the Rancho San Eric compound.

[MarkHNH]

Arrived at NVR. Stayed in room 19. Viento Del Mar

Our Son and DIL are staying in Veinto Del Mar when they come down to Tulum with us in June. I'm glad to hear that you liked it. Any other comments or words of wisdom about the room?

[minniemex]

I stayed in Viento del Mar a few years back. Really nice room with a very nice view. Lots of stairs up but I just considered it my exercise for the day! They have since replaced the patio furniture there which I consider an upgrade. Just had hard wooden chairs before. No recliners.

Here are some pictures ~

View of side patio ~



View of divider between the two rooms on patio


View from patio ~



And one of the nicest things at Nueva ~ each room has their own designated parking spot!



Enjoy your stay!

[MarkHNH]

Thanks Minniemex. This is the kids first trip to the RM and we want them to be comfortable with their room. It sounds good by all reports.

[Margoinmexico]

Ok! Muy bien!!! Glad you had a good time....so, next trip, are you going to do more time in Tulum?

[manitou]

Thanks for the trip report. Sounds like you two were busy.
NVR is such a cool place.
We snorkeled at Dos Ojos many years ago. That was one long ass walk from the highway, partly because it was July and it was a bazillion degrees out.