the catamaran and set sail for the
second part of the island, the Garrafon
Natural Reef Park. Here you can zipline, snorkel, kayak, relax in the infinity
pool, relax in the hot tubs and relax in
a hammock. We chose to do a lot of
relaxing knowing that we would be back
to work in two days time! We also went
on the zip-lines which this time went
over the sea as well as venturing on a
short walk. Our friends went snorkelling
and kayaking and said it was good but
not for “serious snorkelers”. We are not
by any means serious snorkelers but
decided this would be a good excuse to
explain our laziness for the rest of the
afternoon! As we set sail at 4pm, the sun
started to go down on our final evening
in Mexico and we were all able to reflect
on the wonderful holiday we’d had
over a few rum punches made by the
catamaran crew. Interestingly the flag
that flies over Cancun, viewable when
you sail into the port, is the size of a
premier league football pitch. I think this
is hugely symbolic of the pride Mexican
people have of their heritage and of the
love they hold for their country. Every
Mexican person we spoke to was so
kind, gracious and welcoming that it
was hard not to fall as in love with their
country as they were. There are of
course areas of Mexico that are not so
well loved and although I would still like
to venture to these one day, I think now
might not be the right time. It is hard to
escape the political unrest in Mexico at
present but the Mexicans we met tried to
with their determination to ensure every
guest in Mexico is a personal guest
of theirs.
On returning, the most common question
we have been asked is whether we
would go back to this hotel. The answer
put simply is no. This is not a reflection
on the hotel or area at all, but I have
always said I would never go back to the
same place twice. This was enforced
further by meeting so many people
from such diverse places at the resort
that I had never thought of visiting and
are now firmly on our “to-see” list. The
world is just too big! However, I would
recommend this hotel and the trips we
did to anyone who hasn’t been before
and is looking to relax, eat good food,
drink plenty of good alcohol and have
a real holiday. The kind where you
switch off, don’t check your emails and
enjoy the break! My only other tip would
be that when offered Mexican water,
remember your lime and salt!
By Emma Parrish
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