Discovering the Magic of Club Med Cancun: A Comprehensive Review

Welcome to my travel blog! Today, I’m thrilled to share my recent adventure at Club Med Cancun, a vibrant and luxurious all-inclusive resort nestled on the stunning shores of Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Whether you’re planning your next holiday or simply love reading about travel, I hope my detailed recount of this experience provides both inspiration and practical insights.

Arrival and First Impressions

The Resort and Check-In Experience

Upon arrival at the expansive Club Med Cancun, I was immediately struck by the size of the resort. The entrance process was thorough, with a security guard checking a list of guests and ensuring a smooth entry. As the taxi driver dropped me off at the reception, I was warmly welcomed by a Club Med staff member. She invited me to sit down and enjoy a refreshing drink while she handled my check-in with my passport.

The reception area, though open and difficult to cool, had fans running and upbeat Mexican music playing, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Initially, it seemed like the resort was mostly populated by American guests, but I later noticed a diverse mix of nationalities, including English, French, and Spanish speakers.

Practical Tips: Using the Club Med App and Dress Code

An essential tool for guests at Club Med Cancun is the Club Med app, which provides schedules for activities, list of restaurant and bars, spa reservations, and other useful information. It's highly recommended to download and use it to maximize your experience. My only criticism of the app is that it does not have an inbuilt map of the resort.

The resort also has a suggested dress code for every evening. My arrival night suggested an all black attire. You could see that the majority of the guests tried to follow these suggestions.

Dining and Culinary Delights

Lunch at La Hacienda

Since my room wasn’t ready upon check-in as I arrived early, I was invited to have lunch at La Hacienda, the main dining area for breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. The variety of food was impressive:

- Healthy Options: Mixed ceviche, sushi, various salads, couscous, and quinoa salad.

- Vegetables and Fish: Tilapia, mahi-mahi, mussels, and shrimp.

- Meats and More: Pizza, pasta made to order, bread station, baby food station.

- Desserts: Large sweet selection, ice cream station.

- Drinks: An open bar with a variety of drinks.

I took my time sampling small amounts, given that it wasn’t long after my breakfast in my previous hotel. Everything tasted good, and particularly enjoyed the sushi and the ceviche. The mussels and shrimp were in slightly too salty sauce.

Accommodation

After lunch I was informed that my room was ready and that my luggages will be delivered. My room was comfortable and well-decorated, with modern amenities and minor signs of wear and tear. A standout feature was the bracelet key that also operated the safe, a high-tech convenience I appreciated. Toilet was separate from the bathroom which is ideal. High quality toiletries available.

Beach Experience

The resort’s beach is beautifully maintained, with white sand and a well-sheltered position thanks to a natural breakwater. While the opposite side had a red flag due to rough waves, this side offered calm and inviting waters. One feature I particularly appreciated was the freshwater shower close by, which is essential for rinsing off after a dip in the sea.

Encounters with Nature

During my stay, I had a memorable encounter with a raccoon one evening, which added a touch of adventure to my experience. The following morning, I spotted several iguanas, underscoring the resort’s rich natural environment.

Pool Area

While the main pool was on the smaller side considering the size of the resort, the stunning beach more than made up for it. There are two other smaller pools, but they are associated with specific accommodation areas. An insider mentioned that the small pool size is due to the resort being one of the oldest in Cancun, although it has undergone multiple renovations over the years.

Dinner at the Mexican Restaurant

My only dining experience was at the Mexican restaurant, one of the two specialty restaurants. The other one is a steakhouse. Being in Mexico, I chose to go for Mexican. This was booked at check in and I managed to get the last sitting. Before heading there, I stopped by the central hub area, referred to as the kiosk, where live music and cocktails created a lively pre-dinner atmosphere. I enjoyed a coconut margarita and listened to a talented singer engaging the crowd with classics like "Hotel California" and "Sweet Caroline."

At the restaurant, my table wasn’t ready immediately, so I enjoyed the breeze coming off the Gulf of Mexico. Once seated, I had a great view of the restaurant and the beach. The restaurant offered a family-style dining experience, and I got to try everything on the menu:

- Starters: Guacamole, backed melted cheese with chorizo, hot tortillas, tuna ceviche on a crunchy tortilla.

- Mains: Beef, salmon, shrimp/calamari, vegetable tortillas, chicken tortillas, and beef tortillas.

While the main courses were good, the starters, especially the tuna ceviche, stood out more. A slight disappointment was the limited wine selection, with only basic options offered without specific details.

Note: Specialty restaurants can be booked once per week-long stay. While the experience at the Mexican restaurant was enjoyable, I felt that once was enough since I tried everything on the menu.

Dessert Buffet: Dessert was a buffet-style affair with pre-made churros, cream-based cake, and rice pudding. While not extraordinary, it was a decent end to the meal.

Entertainment and Activities

Evening Entertainment

After dinner, I returned to the central hub area, now packed with people. I watched a fantastic show by Dance Evolution, featuring music, acrobatics, and a light show. The performance was followed by a communal dance, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. The night continued with a DJ playing disco-style music, perfect for dancing.

Morning Walk and Exploring

The next morning, I took a walk around the resort, exploring different accommodation blocks, including the family-oriented aquamarine area. I visited the tennis courts and paddle sports areas, encountering several iguanas along the way. The greenery and natural surroundings added to the resort’s charm.

Breakfast at La Hacienda

Returning to La Hacienda for breakfast, I was delighted by the variety of options, including pastries, waffles, omelets, and fresh juices. The comprehensive selection ensured a great start to the day.

Insider Tips and Future Developments

Insider Tip: Club Med Cancun may see some exciting developments in the future. Rumors suggest that a new Club Med resort might be built in Tulum, with the Tulum airport starting to offer international flights from July 2024. Whether this is coincidental or a sign of things to come, we’ll keep an eye on it.

Club Med Cancun offers a diverse and vibrant experience, catering to guests of all ages and nationalities. From the welcoming atmosphere and extensive dining options to the engaging entertainment and beautiful natural surroundings, it’s a place where every moment is filled with joy and discovery. While there were minor issues, like the limited wine selection at dinner and occasional connectivity problems, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive.

Supplementary Information

For those wanting additional information:

• Booking Tips: Ensure you book early for popular restaurants and activities to avoid disappointment.
• Family Activities: The resort offers a variety of kid-friendly shows and activities, making it perfect for family vacations.
• Local Exploration: Consider taking a day trip to explore nearby attractions and immerse yourself in the local culture.