Ocean Coral and Turquesa

4.5-star all inclusive
Trip Advisor link
Our Cost – $973.00/person including taxes
Date – Oct 25-Nov 2, 2013
GirlsGetawayTips Rating – 3.5 out of 5

Another successful Girls’ Getaway excursion has come and gone.  Without fail, it was filled with lots of laughter and R & R, in other words, a fully successful strategic recovery.  Here’s our review of Ocean Coral & Turquesa based on our experience:

Flights & Airport Check-in

We booked through West Jet vacations. ‘Note to selves ‘- always try to book through West Jet.  We love the West Jet happy attitude!  You can check in 24 hrs. ahead (which you can’t usually do with charters).  All you need at the airport is your airline baggage and you are good to go – no line ups!  Of course we were diligent in making sure we only packed what was on our Ultimate Packing List.  The entire check in process was so stress free that we had lots of time for breakfast (with our traditional Baileys and coffee – GG Tip#1:  Baileys 100ml bottles).

We were picked up at Cancun airport promptly and whisked off to the 711 convenience store where we picked up our $1.00 USD Cervezas! (GG Tip #2, ask the driver to stop at 711 on the way – don’t get the beer at the airport bar/kiosk by the bus pickup @$6.00 each!)

It’s a short drive to the hotel, around 20 minutes max, but what a drive!  Everything you read about the road in other reviews is true, and more.  I have been in the jungles of the Mayan in a minivan to climb into a ceynote in the ground, but never experienced a drive like this.  The road had been washed out by all the recent rain so “they” have not been able to repair the road.  Water was literally running out of the jungle.  We were told by someone that their bus had to stop for a crocodile crossing.  It took an extra 20 minutes just to get down the road – and cab drivers charge a premium to drive down it.  Hopefully this will be fixed in the near future.

Hotel Check in

Check in went smoothly.  We were the only people in the minivan going to the hotel so no big lineups when we arrived, although we were disappointed that no one was anxiously waiting to greet us with a special drink.  When we arrived, it was pouring rain, but no big deal.  We were just so happy to be on vacation, we didn’t care!  Our room wasn’t ready, so we headed to the buffet for a bit.

Hotel

The facility itself is smaller, which is what we wanted. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and maintained.  There are 4 pools, numerous themed restaurants, and a wonderful spa and fitness centre.  It was a nice change to be able to walk from one end of the property to the other in under 15 minutes, and the resort was spread out along the ocean as opposed to back into the jungle.  The picture speaks for itself.  No matter where you are, you can see (or at least hear) the ocean.

Room

This year we decided to get a single room as there were only 3 of us.  We knew there would be a sofa bed and 2 doubles but we weren’t prepared for how brutal the sofa bed was.  The hotel sent over bedding and the staff really tried their best to make it comfortable but to no avail.

We tried to get another room, which would have been a supplement of $300 at time of booking.  GG Big Mistake #1.   That deal was only available when we booked.  Once we arrived, the cost of an additional room was going to be another $1000.  So, GG Tip#3, If there are 3 of you, book 2 inter-connecting rooms and split the extra for the supplement!

Our room had a great pool and ocean view.  The bathroom was a little strange in that it was fairly big with a separate door for the toilet and door for the shower, but the bathtub was out in the open, which is fine, but if one of the hotel staff comes through the door to fill the fridge, you are on full display.  We also could not figure out why the fan kept going off, until we realized it seems to be on a motion detector, so when we hadn’t moved during the night, it would automatically turn off and get fairly stuffy.

Food

No complaints in this department.  We hit the main buffet every morning by 7:30am and always managed to secure an ocean view table by the window.  It pays to be early risers.  On our way out at 8:30am there was always a huge line-up. There was a great selection of fruit and yogurt, as well as an omelet station that we visited most days.  (did I mention the morning mimosas – the only way to start the day at an AUU all-inclusive)

For lunch, we favoured the Villa Marina Grill, an outdoor poolside buffet with an ocean view – not as much selection as the main buffet, but more than enough to keep us happy and much better scenery!

For dinner, we ate at a different themed restaurant every night, and enjoyed each one – Mexican, French, Japanese, Italian and American.  Our favourite – which we enjoyed twice – was the French ‘Le Petit Creperie’.  It was located poolside, with candlelight and ocean sounds – AND the crepes were amazing.

Pool

As mentioned earlier, the four pools were spread out along the ocean, between the shoreline and the actual resort.  It was a treat to be sitting by the pool and have a great view of the ocean at the same time.  We spent most of our time at the ‘quiet’ pool which was close to our room, but there was always the option for a little more excitement and partying if you wanted to hit the swim-up bar / activity pool.

Beach

Was not good.  Don’t get us wrong.  We read about the seaweed and that did not deter us at all as we bring our floaties for the ocean!  Unfortunately, the tractor that cleans up the seaweed “mulches” it back into the beach.  We were in the ocean twice and both times came out covered in so much cut up seaweed it took us quite a while to shower off and clean up our floaties.  As a result, we spent most of our time in the pool which was not a problem since we could still enjoy the view and sound of the ocean.

We went for a walk to the little fishing town of Puerto Morales which is about 45 minute to the right of Ocean Coral.  There are a few hotels along the way, including a nudist hotel (and be prepared to walk through their beach up close and personal…).

The areas where there are no hotels have lots and lots of washed up garbage (water bottles,  plastics).  Definitely not the beautiful stretch of beach found a bit further south down the coast.

Spa

The day after we arrived, we  awoke to a tropical storm with sideways rain.

‘Spa Day’!!  Off we went for facials, massages, water circuit, steam room – one of our best spa days yet.  Hot neck towels on comfy recliners in a candlelit room was a nice touch after the massage. They had to tell us it was time to leave and escort us out, or we would still be there.

Excursion – Day trip to Cozumel

In the middle of the week, we booked a day trip to Cozumel, which is something the AAU’ers have talked about doing for the past few years.  This was a great day, beginning to end – and extra special for one AAU’er who was celebrating a birthday.

We departed the resort in a minivan at 8:30am (back up the road from hell) to meet up with our guide and tour group in Playa del Carmen.  Here, we caught the ferry to Cozumel, and after 20 minutes of rockin’ and rollin’, we arrived at the port.  We then boarded our open air jeep and headed off for a tour of the island.  First stop was Punta Sur Ecological Park which was amazing.

There were miles of untouched beaches and natural landscapes, quite a contrast to the developed shoreline we just came from with one hotel after the other.  We visited a Mayan Ruin, climbed the 127 steps of the Celarain Lighthouse to take in the spectacular 360 drgree view of the island & ocean, checked out a crocodile reserve, and spent a heavenly hour and ½  at a gorgeous private beach (delicious BBQ lunch & cold cervezas too!)

Then off to a Tequila factory – didn’t think we liked Tequila, but the real thing is a whole different ballgame.  Sampled a variety of flavors which were quite delicious, and apparently, this Tequila does not give you the hangover of the less authentic versions.

Enjoyed more of the wonderful landscape on our drive back towards port, and made our last stop at a pier where we boarded a small boat to head off on our snorkeling adventure.  After maneuvering by two huge cruise ships, we stopped at our destination and prepared for the dip into the ocean.

This was a first time experience for one AAU’er, who had a permanent death grip on her partner for the whole swim.  Definitely one of the highlights of the day.

Once off the boat, we made a mad dash to the main street to power shop for 15 minutes and then back on the ferry to head to the mainland.  The trip back was a little rough, but cervazas delivered to our seats and live music by an awesome band were a great distraction.  Once we made our way back to our resort, we headed out to the Mexican restaurant where we finished of the day – and one of the best birthdays ever – with a great meal and delicious Spanish (make that Mexican) coffees  made with much showmanship right at our table!

 

Entertainment

We only hit the auditorium once during our stay, and ended up leaving early – need I say more.  But honestly, who goes to an all-inclusive to check out the amazing talent – go to Vegas if that’s what you’re looking for.  However, top marks for the party they put together in the lobby on Saturday night.  We burned a few calories off on the dance floor, which was packed all night.  Great band and DJ.

On our way to our snorkelling tripDeparture

This is the least favourite part of the vacation, but all went smoothly – other than the final drive down the road from hell.

Summary

Would we go back?……. No.

Did we have a good time?…… No, WE HAD AN AWESOME TIME!

OK, gotta go – time to start checking out potential destinations for next year.  Any suggestions??!