A Winter Getaway with the Roaming Gnome

I think it’s safe to say that everyone is aware of my affection for Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula, and the Riviera Maya. And let’s be honest, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a single thing not to love about the area. The warm turquoise waters and pristine beaches, the friendly and welcoming culture, the unassuming luxury and abundance of coconut drinks… Sorry, what was I saying?

Oh yes – the Riviera Maya is truly one of my all-time favorite destinations, and I’ll be headed back December 19 – 22 to spend a few days soaking up the sunshine. (Happy holidays to me, indeed!) I’ll be sharing my travels via Twitter and Instagram, but you could always join me, if you’re so inclined!

I’m headed to the Barceló Maya Grand Resort, which is actually a beautiful complex made up of five distinct properties:

• Barceló Maya Palace
• Barceló Maya Tropical
• Barceló Maya Colonial
• Barceló Maya Caribe
• Barceló Maya Beach

While I’m in the Riviera Maya, I also plan to visit the Occidental at Xcaret Destination All-Inclusive in Playa del Carmen, just to keep things interesting. I’ve planned out my itinerary by day, but I would love to hear your recommendations for my visit – you can share them in the comments below!

December 19

After taking an evening flight on the 18th, I plan on and turning in fairly quickly so I’ll be well rested for the intense relaxation I’ll be enjoying. After a leisurely breakfast at whichever of the many on-property restaurants catches my fancy, I’ll be off!

• I’ll start this trip off right with a trip to the beach – sun, sand, and tropical drink in hand!
  After lunch, I’ll spend the early afternoon sunbathing in the private pool attached to my Swim-Up Premium Suite.
• Thoroughly rested, I’ll hit the beach for some volleyball, then make some new friends with a fun round of bowling.
• Before dinner – I’ll take a peek at the resort mall and gift shops – I hear the B-Fashion Store has everything I might need to get dressed up for a night on the town.
• Dinner at Tokyo Restaurant – with world-class cuisine everywhere you turn, this was a tough pick, but this spot came very highly recommended!

December 20

I’ll be up early again to explore the property and the many attractions it offers, including:

• Pirate’s Island Water Park to try my hand at surfing! I can’t say that hanging ten is my strongest suit, but I’m willing to give it a shot. In the event that catching a wave isn’t in the cards – I’ll catch a ride down one of the many waterslides.
• Spa for a dip in the hydrotherapy circuit, then get my heart pumping with an afternoon workout at the fitness center.
• Massage by the adults-only pool at Barcelo Maya Palace.
• Attending a wedding at Playa Azul. Now that’s the way to get hitched – if I ever were to find a wanderer as wise and adventurous as myself, you can bet we’d tie the knot here.

December 21

After the wedding festivities (I can’t help but overdo it with one too many rounds of the Cha Cha Slide) I’m planning on taking it pretty easy today:

• First up – a visit to the Beach Club for a dip in the ocean-view, adults-only pool, followed by a snooze in a hamaca over the white sand of the cove. (Obviously, I’ll want to pace myself – no sense in wearing myself out!)
• I think I’ll order room service while I relax, enjoy the view from my room, and rest before the afternoon’s activities.
• Getting some fresh air and exercise in the afternoon with at least 9 holes of golf at the perfectly-sized mini golf course.
• I’ll head out for an invigorating hike to explore the Mayan Ruins – there’s a splendid view of the ocean for those who trek to the top!
• When I return to the property, I’ll swing by the playground for a spell – you never know when the urge to conquer a slide will strike.
• I’ll grab a casual dinner at the SportBar, before I head to the Maya Show – where I hear they’ve got a special welcome ceremony planned!

December 22

For my final day here in paradise, I’ll be up early again to experience all I can before I head off on my next adventure. Today, I’ll take the Trajinera Ride to Xcaret Park, at the Occidental at Xcaret Destination All-Inclusive in Playa del Carmen.

• I’ll hit up the Flamencos Pool jacuzzi to start my day at Xcaret Park, followed by lunch at the Snack Restaurant.
• Check out the view from the balcony in a Deluxe Room, then monkey about with the local wildlife in the Monkey Area.
• One more quick gym session to work off some of the world-class cuisine I’ve treated myself too (as they say, balance in all things!)
• A last celebratory beverage to cap off a wonderful vacation before I check out in the afternoon and head to the airport.

I hope my little getaway will inspire you to wander off to your own paradise sometime this winter. Until later, my friends!

The Roaming Gnome

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