Originally, Mark and I planned to get in a little bit more snorkeling, but I got burned on my lower back and the back of my legs, so snorkeling didn't seem as appealing. Instead, we lounged about in our room, slowly getting ready. I hung out a bit in the hammock, which was nice in the morning. The kids that play in the pool weren't outside yet, so I could still hear the ocean and birds instead of kids yelling and loud pool music playing.
Checkout was at noon, so we had a couple drinks before doing so. Turns out, we got a little pass that allows us to keep eating and drinking on the premises. Oh well!
Mark and I decided to try and save a little and walk from Cozumel Palace to the ferry. Turns out it took about 30 minutes in humid heat. Ugh. Sweaty and tired, after buying tickets, we just sat instead of doubling back for treats at Starbucks.
The ferry was WARM but luckily I fell asleep for most of it. I'm not sure how Mark did, but I think he got a little siesta in there as well.
We arrived in Playa Del Carmen, still sweaty and tired. I had found on Tripadvisor forums, that Iberostar has a shuttle, but forgot to write down what those times were for pickup. Oops! So, Mark found us a taxi and we zoomed to Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso.
Many other hotels had big entrances on the way, but still Iberostar was amazing. It is a giant resort! There are different hotel levels (Grand being of course, the grandest!) and our taxi pulls through these red iron gates and in front of this huge atrium entrance. We received cool, scented towels to refresh and a drink while our passports were processed for check in.
Next, one of the staff gets us onto a golf cart and seriously rushes around the Grand complex, zooming around corners and circles. He lost our snorkel gear along the way with the fast twists and turns, so we speed back to find them.
Our room is a corner spot with an outdoor Jacuzzi. It faces the ocean and immediately I though, why did we even bother with Cozumel Palace!?!
The end of the room,which opens up to...
This gorgeous view, but wait.. turn to the right and...
Oh hello amazing view and an amazing place to view it!
We have a personal butler who showed us the room and explained the complex, plus a concierge service with any reservations or other needs.
Me, sitting in my fancypants!
Mark and I walked out to the beach (our room is on the 3rd floor) and saw that a wedding was going on! Super small and cute, which reminded me of Keith and Kenna's beachfront wedding almost 2 years ago. Awww. :)
We toured some of the complex and made it back to our room to change for dinner.
Mark made us a reservation for Toni's surf and turf restaurant.
We each ordered a yummy seafood soup, Grand Paraiso seafood platter, lobster tail and beef filet, and dessert. I also had a café latte and BURSTING after eating all that.
It is pretty late (almost 10pm) so off to bed to get up early and get in these all-inclusive activities! :) Woohoo!
(Geckos on the walls!)
Love, Mr. and Mrs. Frilles!
P.S. I'm sure Mark would love to make sure everyone knows - I got my first bug bite today! One on my arm, then another one on my neck. The score is almost even. :)
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