Beach and Two Specialty Restaurants

It has been two days since I have written a blog post.  Main reason for not writing is not much exciting has happened.  This whole trip was about relaxing and enjoying the beach and sun.

This is exactly what we have done.

Every day we wake and put on our swimsuits, lather on the sunscreen, grab some beach towels and head to the beach where we either situate ourselves under a palm tree or get an umbrella.

We have lunch at the buffet and then back to the beach.

A few drinks.  And playing in the water.

Back to the room for a shower and usually a short nap.  A day lounging at the beach is tiring.

Dress for dinner and eat, wander around the resort, sometimeso watch the show.  But the shows are the same each week so we have seen them all.

Usually back to the he room by 11, even by 10 and watch some TV or movie from our tablet and then sleep.

The food here is higher quality and selection than the last resort.  The servers also have smaller sections so they are on top of things when it comes to beverages and clearing plates.

We dined the last two nights in the specialty restaurants.  First it was Krystal which is a fusion restaurant.

You can't wear shorts here and everyone looks nice here in their dresses and nice shirts.

The restaurant is not large and not every table is filled.  We are given a glasses of sparkling wine as soon as we enter.

Then when we sit we are offered wine, or beer.

A trio of appetizers comes out and it is just the right size.

For my starter I get a mushroom ragout served over a potato mash and a poached egg.  Very good and filing.

My entrée is a lobster risotto.  Beautiful dish, but the dish was way too salty and could only manage a few bites.  Actually I have found many items here to be overly salty.  It is a personal taste so others may find it fine.

Dessert was a chocolate cake with a cream sauce poured on it.  It was just okay, rather dry, the sauce helped but not enough.  Left half of it.

Last night we ate at the steakhouse.  If you remember we dined at the steakhouse at the Riu Jallisco and we ended up leaving early.

Tonight we again are offered a drink upon arriving.  Sat at a table for two and service is very good.  There are two servers, two assistants and the hostess helping out.

No waits for drinks or clearing plates.  These meals do feel special here.

Theyou serve a lovely Caesar salad with warm rolls.  Then comes a trio of ceviche of varying spices.  One octopus, one scallops, and one shrimp.

I get the sirloin steak and it is cooked perfectlyrics and very flavourful.  It is served with stacked vegetables, potato wedges and three side sauces.

For dessert a plate comes out with pastries to share.  A fudge brownie, tartlet, a chocolate truffle and a glass of hazelnut liqueur.

We really enjoyed the meal.  I can't get over how different the specialty meals are here compared to the Riu Jallisco.  There it was packed, noisy and service felt rushed and disjointed.

After dinner both nights we tend to wander around hand in hand for a short stroll. The resort isn't large so we can't go very far.  This is where I wish the resort was closer to some action so we could walk there.  Just to get out and stroll, see others and other scenery.

Both nights we are back in the room early.  We watch a movie - The Danish Girl that I put on  my tablet earlier.  We also watch the news from home and YouTube videos. We can also watch some of our favorite TV shows thru our cable providers app and TV on demand.

This has been our saving grace in the evening and thankfully this resort has free wifi so we can do this.

The resort is busier as it is the weekend but even when full it doesn't feel crazy. There are a few families here and it is lovely to see the kids.  Times sure have changed.  My parents never could afford to take us to a place like this.

It is Sunday morning when I am writing this.  We have just come back from breakfast.

One thing that is driving ,experience crazy are these small bugs.  I believe they are called midges or no seums that bite early in the day or at night.  They love me!  I must have 20 bites throughout my body.  I have antihistamines so I have been taking them to help with the itch and swelling, plus it is helping where I got stung by the bee.  Gee this trip is the trio of Vickie being eaten alive.

We are very relaxed and not sure what we will do today.  Not sure if we are back to the beach or not.  Maybe we should head out today and explore.  Stay tuned.

Older and Wiser - Hotel Change Is Necessary

That was a bust of a night.  Neither of us slept much.  Even with the new room we were waken throughout the night with sounds of partiers.  A group of young women screaming up and down the halls was the last straw.

In the morning we see our neighbors, a young family with two babies, for whom we heard not a peep from.  They too commented on all the noise.

I am up at 6 am, frustrated on how to remedy the situation.  I head to the lobby lounge with a coffee and write up my blogs from the previous days and wait for the Sunwing Rep. David to arrive at nine.

When he arrives I sit down and explain the problem.  He shows concerns and wants to fix the situation.  I ask if it is possible to change hotels.  I ask for the Riu Pacific Palace.  You see there are three Riu hotels here, all relatively close by.  The one we are at is the lowest and cheapest.  The Riu Vallarta is a bit higher up but we already know we don't want it from visiting it yesterday in the evening. Then there is the Riu Pacific Palace which is their most expensive and more stars.

He checks and there is availability and all we have to do is pay the difference.  So for $1,000 Canadian we can move for the next ten nights.  Done!  One thing we have learned is if we are not happy we have to fix it.

I don't really blame the hotel.  We did get a steal for the flight and hotel for two weeks for only  $1,500 plus tax for both of us.  That is all inclusive too.  We got what we paid for and I see why young people would come here cause a week was only around $500 plus tax.

While talking with the Sunwing Rep a family talking to the other rep also wants to move.  Hmm this could be a trend.

I compare the hotel to a week on a Carnival ship during spring break!  It is a good product for some but not for this couple.  I would not recommend it to friends my age either.

So it was key to fix it and thankfully we could.

We had to check out at 11 and the front desk was surprised we were leaving.  But when we stated all the partiers she noded and understood.  We got in a cab to the Palace which is only two blocks away (50 pesos).

Right away we see and feel the difference.  This hotel is very opulent.  Sort of feels Italian.  Very ornate.  Not really my style but heck for ten days it will do quite nicely.

We are handed a beverage and we check in.  They assign us a room on the second floor and we request something higher if possible.  They check and we are given a room on the sixth floor.... I believe there are only 8 floors here.  With a partial ocean view.  However the room won't be ready till 3 ish.

No problem they put our bracelets on and we are free to use the services till the room is ready.

We have our bathing suits on under our shorts so we grab some towels and head to the beach.

The demographics are very different here.  Mainly couples, some families, Canadians, Mexicans and some Americans, varying ages.  But no groups of 20 somethings or large families of 20!

The pool area is large and there is no blaring music coming from the speakers around it.  The beach is quieter and more space to spread out.

Here they even come around and take your drink orders.

We relax here for almost three hours and then head to the lunch buffet for a small snack.

Big buffet, similar food but a bit higher end.  Certainly not as crazy with the crowds. When we sit down we are asked if we would like a drink.  They bring us a bottle of beer instead of beer from a tap.  I get a whole bottle of Pepsi instead of a glass.

We wander around and look at all the venues.  Here there are four al la carte restaurants too and the menus certainly have higher end options.  We will try them out and report back.

Here is a link to the hotel http://m.riu.com/movil/en/paises_movil/mexico/vallarta-riviera-nayarit/hotel-riu-palace-pacifico/index.jsp

We head to the room and we are pleased with the view.

The room is large with a separate seating area.

Nicer finishes throughout the room.

Big bathroom with double sinks and jacuzzi tub.  A tub! That is rare in Mexico and I know as soon as I unpack I am getting into a bath.  Nice toiletries are provided where other resort had none.

Again stocked bar is provided.  Also coffee maker in the room.  We also get 24 hours room service too.  And there is free WiFi throughout the hotel including our room. Other hotel it was only free (unless you paid a premium) in hotel lobby.

Overall we are much happier with the room.  Oh and it is very quiet!

We will nap before heading out tonight for dinner in Bucerias.  Bernie has planned a nice evening out.

Monday May 16

We wake to a good night's sleep.  We both agree we need a break from the beach today and the sun.  We decide to head into Puerto Vallarta today by bus.

The local bus runs around every 15 min.  Transit here is not like at home.  There are no schedules, cost seems to be fluid depending on distance, driver, type of bus, and well possibly the moon.  So go with the flow.  The bus is an experience and you need to have an open mind.  Plus the cost is cheap no matter what.  A taxi to town is reasonable around 200 to 250 pesos.  But the bus is around 23 pesos each.  Sure it will take longer but make sure to try it at least once.

We cross the street to catch the bus.  Here the bus runs in a clockwise direction.  From town north to Nuevo Vallarta, circling around and then further north up to Flamingos area where the three Riu hotels are then back out to the highway and then south to the Walmart and then Sheraton.

We just missed a bus so we wait for around 20 min for the next one.  Fare was 15 pesos each (could be different tomorrow). We get off near the marina and catch the Centro bus from there which was 7.5 pesos each.

While waiting for the bus we meet Jose who is on his way to work.  We chat with him the whole way.  I laugh and remember all day the story he told me about having bought property and that it is cheap here.  He pays for water but taps into the electricity as many of his neighbors do, for free.  No one says anything.  He says a few months back the electric workers came by and cut them all off.  But all the women in the neighborhood got angry and came out and screamed and threatened them because no one interferes with their Mexican soap operas. And they reattached them and haven't been back since.  Hilarious!

We get off right at the main square and visit the tourist office.  We gather some info about walking tours.  Which are held on Tuesday  and Wednesday.  We then walk along the Malecon across the river to the Romantic Zone where we stop and enjoy an iced coffee.

The new pier is done now.  Still remember them building this pier when we were here while on the Star Princess.  It sure is a beautiful pier.

Lots of lovely restaurants, bars and places to enjoy the beach here. 

But we are more interested in exploring and we spend the next two hours walking and seeing some areas we have seen before and some new areas.  Some things have really changed some things have not.

For lunch we head to the Langosta Feliz or Happy Lobster.  This place was recommended by some friends from our cruising world.   Big shout out to Bruce and Sharon for the recommendation.

We enjoy an amazing meal!  And quite reasonable. 

We walk away stuffed!  A short walk downhill to the main drag (note sidewalks here are not like at home, you need to pay attention) to the Sheraton hotel where we walk to the Mega store to pick up a few items. 

We board the bus to the Walmart terminal and then wait for the bus to Nuevo Vallarta.  The ride back seems to take forever and I am falling asleep.

Back at the resort I am hot and sticky and need a shower and nap in that order.

However the resort seems to have some new guests around us.  As we try and nap all we hear are people outside on their balconies partying.  Hooting, screaming  to their friends.  All of a sudden I feel like it is Springs break here.  Doesn't help that the resort is a U shape with the courtyard sounds bouncing off the buildings enhancing the sounds. 

Here is a shot of the swim up bar and trust me this is quiet.

After trying to nap for two hours we give up.  Sure I can tolerate day to day sounds but this is crazy.  There is even someone blaring their music on their balcony. 

We discuss our options and decide to see the front desk about changing rooms to an outside facing room on the south side. We move to a room on the third floor that faces out to an open field.  View isn't the pretty manicured lawn but it is much quieter.  Sure we still need to deal with the noise from the corridors but usually that is temporary.

After moving and unpacking (thankfully we don't have much stuff), we head to the lobby bar for a drink.  Both of us need it.

Dinner is down in the buffet around 9 pm.  The place is busy!  We have a problem getting a table and sit finally and enjoy dinner.  Again the buffet has many options and it is good and meets our needs but it is crazy busy.

As we sit outside enjoying dinner we can look up to the third floor near where our old room was and see some guys that have just arrived.  All young men who are jumping up and down screaming to each other on their balconies, smoking, doing shots (this is where the liquor dispensers in the room could be a problem).  I am glad we moved.  But we both note the dynamics of this place have changed considerably and we are not sure what to do.

I comment we got this amazing deal and I guess we got what we paid for. 

Sunday at the Riu

The day was spent at the beach in the same spot as the other day. What more can we ask for. We spend the day in the water which was actually rather rough today but lot of fun to jump the waves. A lot of people were Boogie boarding and there were quite a few kite surfers in the water.

One of my favorite snacks a bag for 20 peso.  Sort of puffstuff with lime and hot sauce 

Had a wonderful day of relaxation and a little bit too much sun perhaps. Still a few areas that we sometimes miss that are a little red especially areas like straps.

Tonight we have reservations at the steakhouse restaurant for 7 p.m. that is their first seating.

You know how you sometimes encounter that particular group of people and they seem to find you wherever you go whether on a ship or on land. Well we have that group here. There is a large group, it looks like it could be a large family or group of friends with their kids. They are about 30 people and just so happens their room is about 10 rooms away. We seem to hear their children screaming up and down the hall at least a few times a day. We see them around the pool, again the kids are screaming. We see them at the theater, again the kids are screaming. For some reason the parents do nothing. So we try to stay away from them as much as possible.

When we head to dinner we are met by Geraldo who was the host at the Mexican restaurant the other night who was very attentive. He sends us to a lovely table with an amazing view of the sunset. Near us is a large table set up. We both cringe thinking don't tell me that family will be here. Sure enough, and of course 10 minutes after 7 the family arrives 10 minutes past their reservation. Then they want to take pictures with the sunset. The poor waiters know they need to serve these people so that they can sit second seating.  By the time they all take their seats it is 7:25.

The sound level rises because of the group and we both feel like walking out. This is no longer a lovely meal with a romantic setting. But we stay.

Tonight's menu starts with a shrimp cocktail, then 2nd course is served - mozzarella sticks. There are no other options if these are not to your liking. The two course taste okay but nothing special.  Also at this restaurant you are given choices of entree.  Off the top of my head the options are: 2fish items, 2 steak options, chicken, hamburger and maybe something else. I ended up getting the steak.  The steak was good.  Bernie had the snapper and shrimp kebab.  He found it dry and ended up putting my chimichurri  sauce on it. 

We had ordered dessert but both of us are not enjoying this meal and the karge grouo is over powering, so we agree to just leave.

Now that we've had two dinners at the a la carte restaurants we can say we much prefer the buffet. The waiters are busy and it feels rushed. Food is so so, and prefer the items in the buffet.  It is nothing special and service feels chaotic.

So it is only 735 now what.

We are both concerned about how this resort is measuring up.  We decide to walk into Bucerias and get away from the resort for a bit.

Now I remind Bernie we did pick one of the lowest priced resorts.  You get what you pay for.  Sure it is not 5 star, we knew that going in.  Personally I would give it a low 3 star.  But that would be fine with us.  We accept the resort, the food, the room and the staff are great.  What is hard are the people who are staying here.

Even though there are a lot of locals here, it really is the people from the States and Canada that are the problem.  A cheap holiday to come and party.

As we walk into town I compare it to booking a cheap Carnival cruise during May.  You are going to get the party people. The ship will be nice and food good and crew will be great but the passenger make up will be the issue.

So we walk to Bucerias.  There is a road but then it turns into a path, which I would not recommend at night, then at the Royal Decameron (which we stayed at ten years ago) the road starts again.  It takes around 50 to 60 min to walk right into Bucerias.

I have always loved this little town.  Filled with locals the main square is a buzz of people.  

We get some ice cream and sit in the square.  A gentleman beside us who speaks to us (somehow we manage to communicate) welcome us and when he finds out we are from Canada commenrs about the horrible fires we recently had in Fort McMurray.  He said the Mexicans are very sad about this.  We thank him for that. 

Bernie has to get a churro from the street vendor.  Yum, hot a cheap.  

We stroll around the square and town. It always amazes me how all the locals come out and families stroll.  Kids play.  Siblings take care of each other.  Although one change we notice more now are kids and adults are more consumed with their phones now.  Where just a few years ago kids did not have this option and played now they play on their phones just like at home.  Too bad.

It is around ten and we grab a cab back to the resort.  It is 85 pesos and that is much better than walking.

Back at the resort the theater show is still going on.  It runs until 11 but after that it is relatively quiet.  Except of course for the party people hooting and hollering. 

Evening at the Riu Jallisco

We showered and got ready for dinner. A big difference is evening wear.  No need for smart casual here, we head out in nice shorts and blouse for me and shirt for Bernie. Do I like this...well yeah, for now, but I also like dressing up for the evening too.  But I can do this on board too.  Some evenings on board we stay totally casual and dine at Horizon Court too.

We head to the lobby bar for drinks.  It is always interesting how every evening a strong wind kicks up and lasts until around 8 and thenot dies down again.  The wind is nice as it cools things down considerably.

Yes weather is lovely... hot!  Humid! Heck it was 28 at 11 pm!  But we have great air conditioning in the room (boy I keep wanting to call it a cabin - force of habit).

Down in the lobby bar we order drinks and it is lovely. The Mariachi band kicks into full swing just below us, it is so nice to be in Mexico.

Bernie encounters a lovely "WOMAN" who embraces Bernie.  Love it.

We head down to the buffet for dinner I can't say enough about how great the staff is. Everyone is smiling and helpful and very eager to please.

Tonight's theme is Mexican night and the buffet blows my mind. A meal like this at a restaurant wood cost a lot. Each food station looks beautiful. I took a lot of pictures so you could see it.

We start out with appetizers, lots and lots of seafood choices.

Tonight I try white wine and it is quite good. Bernie goes for the darker beer and says it is ok.

For our main course we try an array of fish pork beef and some were a hit and some were a miss. Overall it was very good. Sure some items could be better but most were great. Even if you don't like Mexican there were a lot of options. There were pastas, pizzas, burgers, fries and hot dogs and a huge salad buffet.

For dessert I get Baily over ice and Bernie gets a Spanish coffee made tableside.

We get a few items from the dessert Buffet one thing is the pastries are not to our liking I think the high humidity does not lend well to pastries.

It is now 9:30 and we head out towards the theater. Again it is Mexican night so there is a Mexican folklore show. It has already started when we show up and all the tables are occupied but we asked to join a couple who happened to be from Hundred Mile House in British Columbia.

This show was nice. They did encounter some sound issues but we're able to resolve it very quickly.  The show was nice.  They really work hard.  It is something to see if you have never been here before.  We enjoy chatting with the other couple, sorry I did not get their name. And we end up leaving before the show ends.  Just too many distractions with people getting up.  Similar to the Princess theater, that is why we always sit up front on ships because of distractions.

We stroll around the pools and we chat about the evening. Here is where we notice the biggest difference from cruising. Because we are at a resort the evening means either drinking in a bar and/or watching the show. There is a disco that starts later on though.

On a ship there is a lot more to do, you can see a comedian, see the Production show, go to Piano Bar Bar, do one of the game shows and of course Disco for dancing and there are numerous areas for live music. So far I would rule evenings are better on ships.

Tonight we decide to go back to our room and we watch the movie daddy's home that I put on my tablet.

Of course you can always leave the resort in the evening and do something in town which we will do at some point.

Overall it has been a great day and I'm glad you are following.

First Day At The Riu

This towel animal is what greeted us when we came back to the room.  Pretty cute.

We actually slept quite well.  I was a little worried because I often don't sleep well in new surroundings.   Also like many hotels in Mexico the corridors to all the rooms are open and the floor is ceramic, walls are stucco and the sounds carry like crazy. So you hear people here.  But I was proactive and put in ear plugs.

Well guess it worked as I did not hear a thing.   

We woke around 7 am and Bernie went and got espressos down at the sports bar, which is open 24 hours and has drinks, espresso machine, and snacks.  Sort of an International Cafe.  

We both sat on the balcony and watched the sun come over the hotel.  The birds are singing.   I write up my blog and enjoy a relaxing start to the day.

We head down to breakfast at around 9 and what can I say about this buffet but WOW.  You name it they have it.  I love that they  have lots of Mexican dishes but also all the standard Canadian/US items.  

The pancakes alone had pancakes, waffles, crepes, French toast  (2 types), fried bananas,  a few different fruit toppings too.  The fruit selection is plentiful and Bernie gets a huge plate of papaya commenting at home this would cost a lot and not be as fresh.  

The area is huge and we'll spread out.  Reminds me of the selection on the Royal Princess but bigger.

We take a seat outside where a server comes by and takes our drink order.  Bernie gets his coffee and adds cream then remembers when in Mexico he prefers it black.  I asked for a latte but got a mocha, or at least I think it was one, but not my thing so just left it and went to get the Mexican hot chocolate  that they have brewing in a big pot.  One of my favorites and often get the chocolate to take home to enjoy at home. It is yummy.

People commented in trip advisor about all the birds.  Yes when you eat outside birds will come.  A couple a few tables away got their food, put it on the table, then went to get something else.  Well the birds called their friends and they had their own buffet. There are a lot of seats inside without the birds.  

Didn't get one today but they were serving Mimosas.  

After breakfast we went to the lobby to make a reservation for the steak house tomorrow.  There was no line at all and we easily got one for Sunday at 7.  This hotel's a la carte restaurants serve their meals at either early or late seating.  

We also spoke to her about our darkening drapes and them not closing and being about two feet too shortired of closing together.  She will take care of it.  And boy does she.  When we return to the room about an hour later housekeeping is cleaning the room and a supervisor is here fixing the drapes.  Very impressive.

I forgot to say we dined at the Mexican restaurant last night.  We asked during their first seating if they could accommodate us and they said sure no problem for second seating.

The appetizers are served buffet style with cold and hot stations. Tons of items to choose from and really this could be a meal in itself.  You choose from the menu your entree.  

I got the steak and Bernie had the chicken.  Both were a little disappointing.  Also trying to get more wine was hard as the waiters are busy as they get all their tables at once.  As the meal progressed service improved as tables cleared for the evening.  

A big shout out goes to the guy at the door.  He was great.  First with accommodating us, then he came and cleared our dinner plates and talked me into an after dinner liqueur.  

Dessert was buffet style too and again great selection.   

Back to today.  We meet up with David from Sunwing at his desk.  There are two reps there and David welcomes us.  Asked if everything is good with our room, bed, towels, pillows, etc.  All is good. 

We ask a few questions.... 

Where do we catch the local bus -- right outside across the street.  Bus goes one way into Nuevo Vallarta and heads north past our hotel then turns and heads to the main highway where the Mega store is and continues to the Walmart stop where you transfer to downtown.  Cost is 3 pesos.

What other Riu properties can we visit as Puerto Vallarta has three -- we can visit the Riu Vallarta anytime but can only eat lunch there.  

David is very helpful and so friendly.  A definite asset to Sunwing.

We change into our swimsuits and hit the beach.  There are a lot of loungers that you can move to the shade easily.  

And this is where we stayed for hours.  Swim, read, chat with others, swim, sun, walk, drink... repeat.  

Lunch was at the restaurant near the beach and then back to the lounge chairs.  

I think we can get use to this.  

Back in the room we shower and Bernie naps while I finish my book.  

Life is good. 

If you have any specific questions about this resort or Puerto Vallarta just ask.

Flight and Transfers

We took Sunwing Vacations, which is a charter company.  The flight was a direct one, leaving at 9 and arriving at 3:45 -- note there is a two hour time change.

Well I expected the plane to be full, and it was, I expected snug seating and it was, it would definitely be very uncomfortable for someone who is tall or overweight.

I was just so happy to get to sit next to 8 month old Vincent and his parents.  Not having kids means I need my baby fix every so often.  The parents (sorry did not get their names) are travelling for the first time to Mexico and this is baby's first trip. Vincent was excellent during the flight.  Not once did he cry.  Sure he fussed for a bit but after a bit of attention he settled down.

I enjoyed playing and holding Vincent and giving Mom a break.  Just what I needed and it made my flight.

Sunwing did serve sparkling wine, mimosas or juice to start.  I took the mimosa and probably should not have.  They then came around with food.  Our choices were a pastry or egg sandwich.  I chose the pastry and was handed a packet of cookies.... hmm. But they were so yummy that Bernie gave me his.  Bernie got the egg sandwich and took a few bites and left it.  He thought it was grosse.  But I should add he usually dislikes breakfast sandwiches anyhow so it has to be darn good for him to enjoy it.

They did show a movie - Joy - and I watched it and it was okay.

Oh I forgot to add Sunwing allows you one free checked bag.  We each brought one 25" bag that weighed just over 30lbs.  Boy not having to pack evening cruise clothes really makes a difference.  We are gone for two weeks and a couple we checked in with had one overweight bag and they are going for only one week.  But I bet they will look amazing.

Once we arrived in Puerto Vallarta  we walk down to the tarmac and catch the shuttle bus to the airport (only a few feet away).  The heat hits us immediately and we are so happy.

We have our custom forms - yes more than one.  You each need to fill out a form (remember the bottom part) and then there is a different form that is one per household.

When you arrive at the terminal you go thru the customs line and they stamp your passport and rip off bottom form which ends up being your tourist card that you need to give when you leave Mexico so don't loose it.

We get our bags and then join a large queue to go thru the final customs process.  The one where you press the button and pray for green light.  Green means proceed, red means your bags get examined.  It is totally random.  We get green.

Here is the best tip for arriving here.  Once you clear customs you need to walk, put your blinders on, just walk right outside, do not engage anyone that is trying to get your attention.  Ignore offers of taxis, rides, tours etc just walk.  I know you are polite but trust me keep walking.  These people are all time share sellers and not what you need now.

Right outside the door is our representative from Sunwing and they direct us to the many coaches that will take us to our hotel.  Each bus has the hotel name on the windshield so just find yours and get on.

David our Sunwing guide introduces himself and provides necessary information about the resort and the city.  He also will have desk hours at the resort if we have any questions.  Love this...they use to have a presentation the next day with this info. This is much better as we are a captive audience.

David also goes over some tours that are available.  Again great marketing.  David is funny and knowledgeable and makes the ride enjoyable.  I will meet up with him tomorrow  as I do have a few questions.

We arrive at the hotel and we get our envelope and our all inclusive wrist bands are attached  to our wrists.  We have a room on the fifth floor that is a standard room.  It certainly  will meet our needs as a couple for two weeks.

The bed is two twins pushed together, which is fine.  The bed is hard but again I think we will survive.

Large bathroom/closet area.  One thing to take note is the shower is a stall that is open to the open bathroom layout so it is fine if you are with your partner a little awkward if you are with a friend or family.

Liquor dispenser with four types of booze.... I believe tequilla, vodka, gin and rum. The fridge is stocked with lots of water and sodas.  These are replenished often.

Yes the room smeals musty as reviews often commented on but this is the tropics and this is standard.  I did bring a candle for the room.

The balcony  is a good size, about three times the size of a ship's balcony.  Love the drying rack it has.  Very practical.

The view is into the courtyard with palm trees and the fountain.  As I type this I hear all the bird.  Ahhhh

Our darkening drapes don't close entirely, about two feet short.  Will see if someone can come and fix.

For now we are on vacation.  We put on our bathing suits and head to the pool.

Thanks for following.