Saturday, November 9, 2013

Secrets Capri, Riviera Maya

When we were in Mesa two years ago we made the decision that we were going to start taking a vacation every year.  In 2011 we travelled to Hawaii and last year we visited Punta Cana.  This year we decided to go to Riviera Maya, Mexico for a ten day celebration of our 44th anniversary.  We stayed a Secrets Capri, an all-inclusive resort that is adults only.  We did not leave the resort at all.
 On November 1st we had a special, private dinner celebration for our anniversary.  It was a fantastic experience provided by Ivan, Antonio and Victor.  They made us feel really special.  
The entertainment team made sure there was never a dull moment.  Thanks to Alejandro, Jonathan, Alberto, Jorge and Denise for all the fun activities.
Just a few of the activities, (top) beer tasting (not really impressed with Mexican beer) and crazy games.  Bottom, daily water aerobics, tequila tasting and a class on making pico de gallo. 
On the first of November they had The Day of the Dead celebration to honor those who are deceased.  Each department of the resort made there own display for a contest.  Tradition is to leave food, beverages and other things the person enjoyed and the candles are to guide them to the treats. Some of the community displays were tributes to the famous like Elvis, Michael Jackson and others. It was interesting seeing what gifts were left for the departed. 
Some of the interesting animals we saw roaming around the resort.  We never did see the crocodile they told us was in the nearby swamp. 
Most days we had lunch at Cactus Club overlooking the Caribbean Sea.  Real tough to take:)
Of course a big part of an all-inclusive is the food and it did not disappoint.  There were four sit down restaurants offering Italian specialties, Asian specialties, steaks, seafood and a very nice buffet.  There was something for every taste. This was the meal we had on our anniversary.    
Another big thing is the evening entertainment and special celebrations.  Top left was the mariachi band that played at the Oktoberfest (go figure).  They also had a Halloween party and a perfect couple competition that we participated in.  There are no pictures but we did learn that tequila does make your clothes fall off:).  Top center is roboman and at right inside the balloon is juggling comedian, Karl Saliter, who was hilarious.  Bottom is the Cirque "Sensuality" Show and a great fire show. 
On Halloween afternoon the employees had a costume contest.  There was a contest for the guests in the evening.
Even with all those activities available this is what we did most of the day, lounge by the pool and soak up the tropical sun.  We did have a couple of days with passing showers and one that was a total rain out, but those helped to keep us from getting sun burned.
This is about half the pool with the swim up Manatee Bar.  We enjoyed this resort because it was much smaller than the others where we have stayed.
The pool area at night where the special buffets were held.
Even Nanc went into the sea water one day when it was very calm.
The beach area is pretty small because of erosion from past hurricanes.  On windy days at high tide it was really narrow.
We also had a couples' massage that included a wonderful hydrotherapy circuit.  It was a very relaxing afternoon. What a GREAT 10 days we had celebrating our anniversary!!