Save Money by Using Freebies at Mexico Resorts
Take Advantage of All-Inclusives at Riviera Maya's Zoetry
Jul 19, 2009
When vacationing at all-inclusive resorts, it's easy to be overwhelmed by the posted list of "privileges." One way to get the most of every dollar is to develop a schedule early on to take advantage of the activities and freebies included in the price, rather than spending money on extras.
All-inclusive Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita, in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is only 20 minutes from Cancun’s airport but a world away from the crazy Cancun party scene. With 90 ocean-front suites, the resort focuses on wellness, social and environmental responsibility, and what it calls “endless privileges.” While the term is used loosely, there are enough privileges included at Zoëtry to fill a four- or even seven-day stay.
Endless Privileges at Mexican Resort Fall Into Amenities and Activities Categories
The all-inclusive privileges at Zoëtry can be categorized into amenities and activities. In the amenities realm is champagne and fresh fruit delivered to guest rooms daily, a welcome bottle of tequila (complete with lime and salt) waiting in the room upon arrival, a roomy handmade beach bag, unlimited gourmet and organic foods and beverages, and complimentary, unlimited worldwide phone calls.
Just enjoying the amenities can take up some time, but the list of included activities is long as well. A typical four-day stay schedule might include the activities below that have no added cost:
Sunday - Land in Cancun and Plan Your Caribbean Resort Stay
Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the resort before you unpack and unwind. Swing on the hammock on the private deck or patio while waiting for room service selections, champagne, and fresh fruit to arrive. After a quick nap, consult with the Zoëtry concierge for activities. Finally, head to gourmet La Canoa restaurant for dinner (try the lobster salad and filet mignon).
Monday - Yoga on the Pier and Shopping at Puerto Morelos
Start with breakfast at Ka’ax restaurant (Enjoy the fruit plate with cantelope, passion fruit, papaya, banana, watermelon, blackberries, strawberries.).Take a yoga class on the pier and then meet with relaxation guru, Charles Wills, for a free 15-minute wellness consultation. Visit Thalasso Center to make appointments for spa services and then catch lunch at the El Chiringuito open-air beachside bistro (try the Thai pizza). Board the open-air tour boat for a shopping excursion to nearby fishing village, Puerto Morelos. Dine at Ka’ax on the outdoor patio (try the shrimp).
Tuesday - Golf at Playa Mujeres, Tea Sipping, and Steam
Call early for room service and enjoy breakfast on the deck or patio. Then, play a round of golf at Playa Mujeres Golf Resort. Sit for afternoon tea time featuring live plant tea infusions and then participate in a traditional Temazcal steam-room ceremony. In the evening, dine at El Chiringuito.
Wednesday - Pampering at Thalasso and Sailing on La Bonita Catamaran
Enjoy breakfast at Ka’ax (try the breakfast quesadillas), and then take a Pilates class on the pier. Bask in a 20-minute outdoor massage at Thalasso, before heading inside for a Visia® complexion skin analysis and anti-aging medical diagnostic. Eat lunch at the outdoor sushi & ceviche bar. Lounge by the infinity pool and on the private beach. Take a cooking lesson and tour the kitchen at La Canoa. Meet for cocktails in the Library Bar. Sail on a two-hour sunset catamaran ride, and finish off the day with dinner at La Canoa.
Thursday - Leave Riviera Maya All-Inclusive ResortEnjoy a workout in the exercise room at Thalasso, and then take a dip in the salt-water pool at the spa. After packing, stop for cocktails at Hippos poolside bar. Say goodbye to new friends and head to the airport.
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