Adventures in Cancun & Riviera Maya

I recently spent seven days frolicking around the vibrant coastal area of Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico. After spending a week in Denver and Vail earlier this summer, I was ready for the ultimate tropical vacay and that's exactly what I got.

I landed in Mexico at noon on a Monday, ready to take on a full week of galavanting at various hotels across the AMResorts brand. Since I had never stayed at this brand of properties in the past, I was excited to experience all they have to offer.

To paint a full picture of the week, I visited 10 properties over the course of seven days. It was really fun to see the differences in each brand - Secrets, Dreams, Zoetry, Breathless & Now - and how they each have something unique to offer guests. I was lucky enough to experience staying at four: Secrets Akumal, Secrets Maroma Beach, Secrets Playa Mujeres and Secrets the Vine. Each property was lovely - you just can't beat the service in Mexico - and far exceeded my expectations. And the best part, my best friend Jill joined me from St. Louis.

First Stop: Secrets Akumal

There's not much I love more in life than a good quality all-inclusive resort, so I was as excited as a kid on Christmas to arrive. After an hour trek that felt like a lifetime, I made it to my first destination: Secrets Akumal, known for white sand beaches, clear waters, and SEA TURTLES.

I was greeted with a glass of champagne and escorted to a private check-in area for preferred guests where more champagne, Mexican cocktails, snacks, and massage chairs were waiting.

After getting a quick lay of the land, I was escorted to my swim-out suite. Not too shabby of a place to call home for the next two days! The room itself was stunning - complete with champagne and strawberries that were quickly consumed. Our suite had the biggest circular bathtub I've ever seen, was decorated with beautifully embroidered Mexican textiles, and made complete with a fully-stocked mini fridge and Nespresso machine.

After settling in and adjusting to island time, we ventured out to one of the pools for the some fun in the sun. It was full of wedding parties, honeymooners, and couples. We received quick service poolside and in true Mexico fashion, ordered a round of margaritas before making some new friends at the swim up bar, Manatees.

Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the room to get ready for a welcome cocktail party and group dinner, which turned out to be one of the best meals I've ever experienced. We were taken to a private area in the chef's kitchen (the same kitchen where they filmed the Top Chef finale last year) for a 6-course Mexican pairing dinner. After being escorted down a long, dark hallway filled with dry ice fog, we met the chef and were able to watch him and his team carefully assemble each dish. My favorites were the Jicama Salad with Tuna, Perseus Nebbiolo Sangiovese (side note: I was pleasantly surprised by all of the Mexican wine we had throughout the week!), and of course, Chocolate with Truffle Oil dessert that they made directly on the table.

On day 2, I woke up early for a solo walk on the beach and quiet stroll around the hotel to take pictures. The property is only a few years old, so everything feels very new, clean, and modern. The grounds are absolutely beautiful - impeccably landscaped and a photo opp around every corner. It's no surprise that I was the first in line for breakfast poolside at Oceana (only open to preferred guests). Talk about breakfast with a view! I ordered a coffee, smoothie, fresh orange juice, omelette, bacon, and fresh fruit. Did I mention I love all-inclusive life?

Later that day we ventured outside of the resort for an excursion to Tulum to see the ancient Mayan ruins. It was MUY CALIENTE, so we opted for a very speedy tour. The ruins themselves are beautiful and well preserved. Fun fact: Tulum was one of the last cities that the Mayan people built and lived in, so there is tons of rich culture and history to soak in. We didn't take advantage, but you can take stairs from the ruins down to a private beach to swim and relax.

We got back to the hotel and rushed to get ready for small group dinner at Himitsu, the pan-asian restaurant where they put on a show and cook the food in front of you (very similar to Benihana). Champagne, sushi, miso soup, and fried rice - I was hungry and it was delicious.

We were feeling frisky after dinner so hit up the Rock Show, which was very entertaining, and also made a quick stop in Desires for a night-cap. Watching drunk honeymooners dancing was also very entertaining.

We checked-out the next day, so made the most of our last morning at the property and set out early for breakfast. After grabbing a snack and an almond milk latte at the Coco Cafe, all of our dreams came true when we stumbled upon a build you own mimosa bar. Due to my excitement, I failed to take a picture though there is evidence below. :) We found a relaxing swing to enjoy our mimosas before our last meal at Market Cafe, an international-style buffet with endless options. With a selection of breakfast items, fresh fruit, Mexican food and guacamole, a healthy corner, and dessert, there is literally something for everyone.

Overall, this adults-only property was amazing and the service was top notch. I could definitely get used to turn down service twice a day (!!), a glass of champagne waiting around every corner, and 24-hour room service. There was even a secret compartment where they can drop off your room service, which came in handy for our late night orders of burgers, quesadillas, and french fries (Jill and I just can't quit that late night eating habit we developed together in college).

Next up: Secrets Maroma Beach! Coming soon.

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If you've never traveled to Mexico, you may find it useful to prepare for going through customs on your way in the country:

Arriving at Cancun International Airport (CUN)

Bring a pen! You'll receive immigration forms to fill out on the plane. They are fairly simple and straightforward, but if you have trouble just ask the flight attendant or someone sitting around you for help.

When you exit the plane, a customs agent will typically be standing around to quickly glance at your form to make sure it's properly filled out before you get to the customs line. Follow signs to customs and get in line (pro tip: don't go strait to the line that everyone else is going to. There are typically shorter lines on the ends that Americans can also enter. Just look for signs or ask an agent.)

Have your form and passport in hand ready to show the customs agent. They'll ask if you're traveling for business or leisure and will take one part of the form and give you one part of the form. Make sure to keep this in a safe place! It's a complete pain to leave the country if you lose this portion, and you have to pay $50 to get a new one.

Head to baggage claim to collect your luggage, then head to the exit. Keep your passport and customs form handy, as they'll look at both again. You'll push a button to exit. If it's green, keep going. If it's red, you'll be sent to a different line where they will do a quick check of your luggage.

Exit the airport and head strait outside. You'll be inundated with taxi drivers, time share reps, people selling things, etc. Just ignore them and look for your pre-arranged transportation sign.

You can't go wrong with AMStar DMC for airport transfers. We used them throughout the week and always felt very safe and comfortable. They even have plugs to charge your phone! And shoutout to Alejandro who helped me practice my Spanish speaking skills. I'll be a pro in no time.

Trip in partnership with AMResorts and International Group Sales, Inc.