Trip Review: El Dorado Royale & Akumal Snorkeling

My wife and I just got back from our vacation to the El Dorado Royale all inclusive resort on the Riviera Maya south of Cancun. We were very pleased with our entire trip.

The only reason we were able to go to the El Dorado Royale is because we found a really good deal through Funjet Vacations. We usually stay at a lower level of resort, but the deal we found allowed us to be pampered for a week at the same price we usually pay for other resorts.

I think we got such a good deal because the resorts in Mexico are still hurting for business. I don't know if it is still swine flu related or just a result of the poor economy, but the resort definately was not full.

The resort was nice and the food was excellect. There is no buffet at the El Dorado Royale which was a nice change from other resorts we have been to. We had no problem getting a table whenever we wanted to eat and the food was delicious.

The rooms were all suites and we enjoyed the in room hot tub. Again, we are used to staying at cheaper all inclusive resorts where the rooms are more like motel rooms so having a hot tub, nice balcony, and some other luxury touches in the room was really nice.

We don't mind having kids around when we go to resorts, but it was nice and relaxing being at a resort with no children around. It just gave it more of a romantic and relaxed feel throughout our stay.

The beach was good, but we were looking for good snorkeling. Someone at the resort told us we could take a $15 taxi ride south to the Akumal area to find good snorkeling with calmer water. It was a good tip. The snorkeling was really good and we saw some huge sea turtles. There was a surf shop where we rented life jackets for $5 all day.

We also took a day trip to Playa del Carmen, which was just ok. There is a nice long road full of bars, restaurants, and shops, but I would rather stay on the beach and enjoy the food and drinks at the resort instead of spending a day walking through a tourist shopping and entertainment district. Things did get better though when I found a good bar with all the NFL games on.

Overall, I was really impressed with the resort. I think I will try to take advantage of the situation the resorts are in and find more deals for later this year. I would rather take two or three vacations this year while the deals are good and the resorts are half full instead of taking two or three vacations over the next three years when the prices will be higher and it might be more crowded.