Hola!
Our family of 3 went on an all-inclusive vacation to Mexico this summer. We flew into Cancun and took a shuttle to our resort, Sandos Playacar (situated in Playa del Carmen).
This was a long awaiting vacation, and we haven’t travelled by air as a family since our return from Australia in 2017. Covid being the main reason for that. I wanted a vacation where I didn’t have to do anything for a week, and we got that. It is really hot to travel to Mexico in July and we knew what we were getting ourselves into.
The night before we drove to Pearson and stayed at the Sheraton. Watching the planes on the runway was a good way to start our vacation. Atticus was super excited and I think he hardly slept a wink. It was a long travel day the next day. The flight from Toronto to Cancun is 4 hours but then it is the waiting before and after the flight. Then the hour + shuttle to our resort. We finally made it to our resort just short of 12 hours.
Sandos Playacar
Sandos Playacar is rated as a 5 star resort but in reality I think it is more of a 4 star. I think if I were to go back in time to book this trip, I probably would have booked another resort. Of course we are here to make the most of our trip.
We stayed in a family suite. It was spacious for the 3 of us. Atticus loved the bunk bed. AC was cranked because most days it felt like 44C. And it doesn’t really cool down at night. July is the hottest month in Mexico. We knew what we signed up for. Room service 24 hours a day is a nice treat. We definitely had a few meals in our room.
This pool was just outside of our room with bar. There are about 5 pool areas on the resort. This resort is huge, so we can usually find a chair in the shade and lounge. But the pool was very warm, even though it wasn’t heated. Sometimes it was cooler to sit out. Cerveza por favor?
The beach was amazing!
Atticus loved swimming in the ocean the most. He loved the feeling of the waves and he was like a fish on these beach days. The gorgeous white sand beach was a beautiful sight. And there were lots of seating under palm trees and we had drinks served to us. Tequila shot or Margarita?
Waterslides were fun for Atticus for a few hours. We also did mini-putting, it was the hottest game played by far. We enjoyed treats and smoothies from the cupcake shop. Great little afternoon spot to chill at. We can choose buffet or 5 other restaurants to eat at. Nightly entertainment took place in the center of the resort, a different show each night. Did I say this place is huge? We walked most of the time but we relied on the shuttle a few times to get across the resort.
Playa del Carmen
Our resort was in a gated area called Playacar, with lots of homes that could be vacation rentals and resorts + it was only minutes to walk to a strip mall of local vendors, convenience store and Starbucks. Then it was a 5 mins drive to 5th ave shopping in Playa del Carmen. Lots of restaurants and shops, brand name and local vendors, to peruse. We did one excursion to Xenses park and I will write that in another post. 
I am grateful for this trip we had. I slept and read a lot (3 books). Lots of quality time with Paul and Atticus. We ate well and enjoyed a few cocktails. Swimming every day either in the ocean or pool was a good change of rhythm. But there is nothing like sleeping in our own bed after vacation. We were glad to come home.
