A dear girlfriend of ours we’ve known since childhood (my husband since grade school, me since high school) turned 50 last year and she wanted to celebrate in Mexico, at an all-inclusive resort she and her husband had stayed at a few years prior, Excellence Riviera Maya. Seemed like perfect timing, end of March, beginning of April, when the seemingly unrelenting winter is still hanging on in NH. So we were all in.

The resort is gorgeous. Getting out of the transport car from the airport we arranged for, we were greeted by the bellman who welcomed us “home” and yet another nice man held out a silver platter with warm cloths, moistened with a lovely scent. He then motioned for us up a set of stairs, atop which was a beautiful portico leading to the most breathtaking, huge wooden doors we’d ever seen. As in 2-3 stories high. But no knob, no handle, pretty much no way to open them. As we got closer, hubby says, “I wonder how we get in…” To which, the nerdy girl me quickly replied, “I bet they’re automatic… Welcome…to…Jurassic Park” And right at that precise moment, the doors swung open to reveal the gorgeous lobby, with yet more staff members greeting us with “Welcome Home”, complete with champagne. After check in we were guided toward the Martini Bar where we awaited the bellman to escort us to our room–which was immediately.

We booked a swim up suite, which I can’t say enough about. Ground floor, beautiful private patio, steps from the lazy river pool. After unpacking and freshening up we took a short walk to familiarize ourselves with the lay of the land and figure out dinner plans. Ate at the Lobster House, one of many restaurants–everything was phenomenal. After another walkabout, we chose an early turn-in, since we’d been traveling all day. Besides, vacation is a marathon, not a sprint, and we had 9 days.

Each day we chose the buffet breakfast, where there were more options than you could imagine. Greeted with “Buenos dias, may I offer you a mimosa” every day did not suck! Then off to the main pool for a full day of sun, swim and day-drinking. Each day there was entertainment of some sort. Swim up bar, as well as an additional bar where you could also get snacks and brick oven pizzas. And in case that wasn’t enough, waitstaff to come by with offers of bottled water and drink service if you’d like. Many of the restaurants offered lunches, varying from menus to buffets. And an oceanside option, Las Olas, that had themed lunches each day, buffets with waitstaff to ensure you never went thirsty. Amazing.

Each evening, we chose a different restaurant, none of which were disappointing. A steak house, Chinese, with the option of reserving a Japanese hibachi, authentic Mexican–complete with a mariachi band, whose harpist was the Jimi Hendrix/Eddie van Halen of harpists, sweethearts we convinced to sing Happy Birthday to our girl (which they happily obliged, in English and Spanish!) and tequila ice cream…you heard me. A beautiful French restaurant, a tapas place, a sports bar and Indian. More options than we had time for, although we did do Mexican twice. Did I mention tequila ice cream?

A few evenings for dinner they hosted theme nights with buffet service, grouped tables and entertainment. Mexican night was spectacular. The decor was phenomenal, the food delicious and authentic and entertainment to round out the festive atmosphere.

And each night there was some sort of show or entertainment. One night was a silent party, where we got headphones playing different music. So much fun! Also a hoot was to once in a while take off the headphones and listen to the different groups of people singing along to different songs. Another night was a fire show–amazing. Another night was a circus-themed show which was very cool. A Michael Jackson tribute show that was extremely impressive. And one night there was a hypnotist. I went up on stage, but, alas, I cannot be hypnotized. My husband insists it’s my stubbornness–I maintain it’s my inner strength and leave it there.

One day, at the recomendation of our friends, we walked up the beach to a neighboring town, Puerto Morales. It was worth every step. We grabbed lunch at a great little place that sat atop one of the shops, a place the locals frequented, and it did not disappoint. Tableside guac and fish tacos to die for. A tequila menu as long as the food menu. A great find. We explored the shops, and found a gorgeous little church. It appeared as though the town center was undergoing some refurbishments, so hopefully there’s more to do there now. Upon returning to the resort, our swimup came in very handy. In we went and paddled around the lazy river until it was time to get ready for the evening.

Many a night we spent out on our sunbed, stargazing and enjoying the beautiful view we had of the spa building, all lit up, with huge curtains billowing in the breezes, as we listened to the music in the distance.

All in all we loved this resort. So much so that we’ve booked a trip for Excellence Punta Cana for a certain momentous birthday for me. Stay tuned…