Our week in Cancun started out surprisingly in Philadelphia… where the storm of the century grounded our Friday morning flight. Instead of sipping margaritas at the beautiful Sandos Caracol Resort and Spa by noon we where shuttled to damp and dreary New Jersey for an uninspired night at Quality Inn. With one day of our 7 down, we were left hoping Mexico could make it up in the remaining time, starting at noon on Saturday.

Arriving at the resort was quite a milestone in our airport laden delayed journey so far and was marked superbly by a warm welcome and outstanding service. The concierge at the front desk checked us in and outlined our Select Club privileges at the resort (setting the stage for greatness all week.) Our luggage arrived quickly to our Royal Club Junior Suite where we spread out like royalty across our king bed, over sized patio with jacuzzi and the travertine clad bathroom suite and living area. Enjoying the view of the encroaching jungle from our patio was short lived as we prepared to explore the luxurious resort sprawling from our front door.

As difficult as it is to get to business before leisure, we decided to stop by the concierge again to make dinner reservations at the resorts a la carte restaurants. We could not have done this any sooner, though we were able to get reservations at the Oriental “El Templo” and Mediterranean “La Riviera” restaurants, the famed “El Gaucho” Steak restaurant was already booked well past our departure. Travelers be ready to make your reservations immediately upon check-in. The extra two minutes it costs you will certainly be made up for over a posh steak dinner over looking the ocean.

From this point forward our week was both exciting and relaxing at the same time. While our time at the resort was only interrupted by a half day excursion to Tulum and the surrounding jungle with Aventuras Maya, we learned a lot about getting the best out of such a beautiful resort.

First off, let me say, we booked our vacation at Sandos Caracol under Select Club status. It was by this designation that our experiences at the resort were so incredible. Fortunately it is not difficult to get this VIP treatment. By booking with Resort Rentals International, you have the exclusive option to upgrade for a minimal fee and enjoy the same benefits as the Royal Elite Club members.

While Sandos Caracol is home to many superb pools (with swim-up bars, submerged sunners, fountains and of course water sports) most of our time was spent lounging at the Select Club pool and bar or the Select Club beach and clubhouse. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of a large resort, both Select Club areas offered a quiet and comfortable retreat complimented by exemplary service, top shelf alcohol and stocked mini-buffets. While the large mattress style lounge chairs on the Select Club beach offered a plush spot on the beach, the air conditioned clubhouse with private pool table, bar and free internet access was a premium escape from the rays. Outside of the private areas of the resort were the exciting and lively main pool nestled against the long strip of white sandy beach, the peaceful adult-only pool and the Renova Spa, all of which offer a bounty of lounge chairs and refreshments for soaking up the summer-like sun and spirits. Be sure to be on the lookout for the Sandos Photo crew touring the pools with various wildlife (Iguanas, Parrots and Monkeys) for photo-ops.

For those vacationers who are looking for a more active experience, don’t fret, Sandos Caracol offers an incredible activity and event menu. The onsite Disco features live and DJed music and drinks each evening for those craving engaging nightlife. If dancing isn’t your thing, the Grand Theater offers a unique lineup of comedy and musical shows each evening (Michael Jackson being our favorite.) Daily activities hosted by the resort staff bring vacationers together at the main pool, while free rentals of watersports equipment offer individual adventures of all kinds. Finally a full fitness center and tennis courts are available for the athlete in everyone to burn some of yesterdays calories.

Dining is another amenity in abundant supply at Sandos Caracol. Each restaurant, cafe, buffet, bar and lounge offers unique (but familiar) cuisine. We spent most lunches at the La Laguna International Buffet enjoying the vast selection of food from plain chicken nuggets to an exotic locally prepared Ahi Tuna. Dinners options abound as the resort offers delicious meals at their Oriental, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean and Steak restaurants where carefully prepared and presented dishes uphold the excellence in service the resort demonstrates all around. While most all-inclusive menus are only good enough to curve your hunger, you will find yourself craving the next meal at Sandos Caracol.

Sandos Caracol offers an exquisite vacation experience for anyone traveling to the Mayan Riviera of Mexico. Surrounded by jungle and nestled against the white sand shore, its restaurants, pools, beach, entertainment and most of all service make this resort a great destination for any kind of traveler. Add to this the upgraded rooms, dining, service and clubs available to Royal Elite Members (and you by booking with Resort Rentals International) and Sandos Caracol Beach Resort and Spa offers a most memorable getaway from the everyday.