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Trip Reviews, Ratings and Comments - Trip Review - Aventura Palace Resort
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We stayed at the Aventura Palace August 16th thru August 21st, 2001. Over all, the stay was excellent. We were celebrating our anniversary, and wanted to stay somewhere romantic, and chose a place for adults, no kids.
As we exited the airport, we were escorted by Apple Vacation reps to our bus, bound for the resort. We were greeted by a cooler of Coronas as we took our seat. Nice start. We made stops along the route to other hotels, letting off other vacationers. The trip to Aventuras took about 1 ½ hours, as there were about 5 hotels we stopped at along the way. The luggage is arranged in the luggage bay according to the stops, and they were very careful about this, so not to worry. Enjoy your beer! The Apple rep also gave a little welcome speech and talked about what is offered at the hotel by Apple.
Arrival at the hotel was very pleasant, with a greeting accompanied by a glass of champagne! As we registered, and the clerk began searching for a room in the computer, we requested a third floor room, as we noticed others ahead of us were getting first and second floor rooms. We were able to get a third floor room in building 3, about 6 rooms from the end near the ocean. The room was nice, with a view of a pool area and ocean, too. The rooms are well maintained, with attention to detail by the maid service. We were never left with a want of anything. The room had a jacuzzi at the balcony door, and there is a large shower with a double bench seat. The hotel has its own reverse osmosis water treatment plant in a separate building. All the water is safe to drink. All their food is prepared with this water, and bottled water is provided everywhere, so don’t worry about getting sick. We were O.K.
The Restaurants: there are three. Mundaca is at the north end of the resort, with an ocean view when seated outside. We enjoyed our breakfasts here. This truly says ‘vacation’, as you savor your breakfast while watching the ocean. There is a variety of classic Mexican fare, as well as standard items of omelets, pancakes, and french toast. The Mexican fare consisted of sopes, empanadas filled with chicken, flautas, rice, beans, chilequillas, poblano peppers and eggs, and a great Mexican hot chocolate. At the main hotel lobby area, Ventana’s serves the same fare for breakfast. You can eat outside overlooking the grounds or the pool area. We preferred looking at the ocean at Mundaca’s. Our favorite restaurant in the evening was La Hacienda. It is only open in the evening, and the dress is formal, to them meaning no shorts, tee shirts, jeans or sandals. Everyone pretty much dressed up for dinner, ladies in dresses, men in dockers and a polo or button down. The service was exquisite, and the food was excellent. There are some regional dishes that should be tried, such as the Aztec Tortilla soup, or the chicken in Oaxacan mole sauce. There are always strolling musicians, or Mariachis in both La Hacienda and Ventanas. Mundacas didn’t appeal to us for dinner because it was always a Chinese buffet.
The service at the restaurants is always very good, so please.....tip your wait staff when they go out of their way for you, such as when they keep drinks coming, or handle any special requests. They work very hard and though we knew tips are supposed to be included, they are genuinely grateful when you recognize their extra efforts.
The lagoon is a nice place to lay out and sun. They have waiter service there that is very attentive. One afternoon, as we were baking in the sun, watching the waves crash over the break water, our waiter kept bringing fresh Dos XX on tap every 20 minutes. AHHHH ..... this was the life!! The pool area did not have wait service, but there are bars set up all around if you are away from the main swim-up bar. Food is also prepared at the main pool bar if you need to snack. Sun bathing sans top is allowed and was carried out by the majority of women at both the lagoon and pool area during our stay. There are also some areas at the north and south ends of the lagoon that are a little more private and less traveled by guests if that makes you more comfortable.
We have read complaints about the mixed drinks at the lagoon and pool and have to agree that they are AWFUL, but it is because they are served in plastic cups. We had the same drink from the same bar in both glass and plastic, and it is definitely the plastic causing this awful taste. The alcohol must be breaking down the plastic. They need to do something about this. All they have to do is watch the expressions of the guests as they take that first sip. I could have shot America’s Funniest Videos there. I was looking around for a hidden camera when I took my first sip!
Entertainment at the hotel is provided nightly, with a different theme every night. Our favorite was the Beach Party in the lagoon. They had a native fire dance on the breakwater with the blackness of the ocean as a backdrop, 2 buffet tables, bars, live band, and dancing in the sand! Very nice setup. You Limbo experts can win a bottle of top shelf Tequila! There is a disco party in the upstairs ballroom following all shows every night.
If you visit Mexico, learn a little about their history. We went on Apple’s Chichen Itza tour and it was first class, with drinks and snacks on the bus, and a very knowledgeable guide on Mayan history. They took us through the real Mexico, and we got to see life outside the touristy resort areas! The road to Chichen takes you through small towns, and you will see a different way of life. The first stop before the ruins was at a sacred well, called a cenote, at Ik Kil. It is about 50 feet down to the water via a spiraling cave that takes you to a large ledge, and the water is 600 feet deep! You are allowed to swim, and a life vest is provided. We took our swimsuits and recommend that you go for swim. It is an absolutely beautiful natural well, with layered rock formations, hanging roots, and waterfalls. Your time is limited to 25 minutes before you have to be back on the bus, so have your swimsuit on ahead of time and be quick, but enjoy this breath taking wonder!
Chichen Itza was remarkable. A lot went into the restoration. We bought a book there showing what it looked like in the early part of this century. Climbing the ruins was great, descending was not so great! The 52 degree angle of the small steps was scary but manageable. After the ruins, they take you to a great luncheon that also features food of the Yucatan region. After lunch, a show featuring children in Yucatan costume, performing a regional dance is shown. On the bus ride back, time is allowed for a siesta. A very nice tour!
We would definitely recommend this adult only Palace to honeymooners or anyone wishing a romantic, couples only place to celebrate. The Aventura Palace was truly paradise!!
Submitted by: Steve and Alice -- stevep1@aol.com
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