Good Morning, Globetrotters! I am back from the beautiful Yucatan, having spend 6 nights at the Adults-Only Excellence Playa Majeures. Is it just me, or does vacation always seem so short, compared to the anticipation of it arriving? Heads up, this is a lengthy review of the trip.
A wonderful week of beach, food and drink. Notice the lack of sun mentioned? Weather is always a fickle element. Major rain held off until our last night and departure day. The rest of the week was breezy and cool, kinda cloudy, with periods of sunshine scattered. When you travel, do not blame the weather for the necessary actions the resorts take. For instance, we were looking forward to the Fire Show in the open plaza, but rain forced the show to be modified. We saw an LED , choreographed light-show in the covered theater. The staff is always prepared for changes.
*** Back to Safety Protocol***The concern for many right now is , “Is travel safe? Are resorts safe”? Airports and Airlines are following strict guidelines. From non obtrusive (you may not even notice) temperature checks, to blocked seats in the waiting gate areas. Jet blue had “sanitation packs” available as you scanned your passport and boarding pass. Planes are calling boarding from back to front to alleviate some of the congestion in the aisles as passengers get settled. Masks are required to cover nose and mouth for everyone over the age of 2.Masks are required while transporting from the airport to the resort. Our driver offered us sanitizer solution before we boarded the shuttle. Upon arrival to the resort, our bags were sprayed and we were again offered sanitizer, before we stepped on the sanitation mats and entered the lobby. Once in the Club lounge for check in we were able to remove our masks. Masks are not required while on property for guests. At your checkin consultation you are asked if you prefer one of two different time periods for your daily cleaning, and one of two timeslots for your nightly turndown service. However, we did see some guests keep masks on while in public areas. All staff wore lower face shield coverings. Social distances was not an issue. It was very easy to be away from other guests. All loungers were set up in pairs by the pools and on the beaches with plenty of room between other sets. Sanitizer solution was located outside every elevator, all the restaurants and throughout the resort. Upon arrival into a room we found a welcome box with health amenities.
**Back to the review**I had the joyous pleasure of staying in an Excellence Club Junior Swim-up Suite. The pool was “private” to Club guests. It did not connect to the main pool. When guests went to grab a lounger or a drink from the exclusive bar, they were asked for their room number to verify status. I must say sitting on our own daybed, with extremely attentive pool Butlers, who left you wanting for nothing, is an extremely wonderful experience. Though, at times, one may get more Bloody Mary’s than wanted, when after the first one you wanted something sweeter, lol. When they notice your glass almost empty a new drink was brought without asking. The “Excellence Collection” mobile app is essential during these times. All Restaurant menus and daily activities are at your fingertips. The usual, printed daily, newsletter left at turndown service is suspended. There has not been any notice of it returning in the (near) future. Food at all-inclusive resorts, tends to be a hot topic. Many feel it is not up to par with what they expect. I did not think this was the case. I enjoyed every restaurant we dined at, though some were better than others. It is always a matter of opinion, just as it would be when you are home. The resort has 10 restaurants for all guests, and one exclusively for club guests. They are open on a rotating schedule. Breakfast can be found in 3 locations. And room service is available 24 hours. One thing I love, which is another “not for everyone”, is the dinner dress code. The indoor restaurants have a strict attire policy. I , for one, love to get dressed up for a fancy meal. They do not require evening gowns or tuxedos, but men should wear collared shirts and long pants. Women are little more lax, but no beach flops, or swim cover-ups. I wore flowing dresses and pretty sandals with heels. The outdoor restaurants are less formal, but swimwear is still not allowed at the dinner table. There are 12 bars on property, one of which is a club exclusive and one is a coffee bar. The drinks are far from “ watered down” and many bars offer some creative cocktails, along with the standard Cosmos, Manhattans and Margaritas. The barkeeps are engaging and entertaining. They want you to have a good time. Tipping is not required, but as in most locations, it is appreciated.
Please ask me any question about the property or destination. I want as many people to experience this brand as possible. I have stayed at both Excellence properties in Cancun. They also have a property in Jamaica, and two in the Dominican Republic.
Want to plan a family vacation? The Excellence Collection has two family brands, The Beloved and the Finest. The Beloved and Finest Playa Majeures are on either side of the Excellence Resort. There is also a Finest Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
