26 JUL 2017: For those guests who say All Inclusives in the Mayan are all alike – talk about the Occidental at Xcaret Destination, and take note of the name change. As you know, this resort is now part of the Barcelo group. Those of you who sell it, should know it is better than ever. There has been a lot of money spent on renovations. The one that really impressed me is the wide path straight to the lagoon from the lobby.

For those who don’t, this is for your clients who want an “eco” experience, and there is no better place to get one than in a 757 room resort right next to Xcaret.

In fact, you can go through a gate and be right there. It is a five minute walk, or a pleasant gondola ride.

The “Unlimited Xcaret Experience package” is a truly awesome package.” said Mary from England. “I come back to my room and have a nap and then enjoy it again.”

Even on the resort your clients will see lots of wildlife, that is the ones with four legs rather than two.

On one of my trips to the resort, we were just going to bed, when I saw a tail gently swaying on the other side of the hedge. Quietly we got the flashlight and watched this animal wandering around. It turned out to be something, we’d never seen before, a Coati Mundis. He looked like a raccoon but with a magnificent long-ringed tail. He was the largest of the group, who turned up every night to entertain us. We spent hours on the balcony watching the local animal brand of raccoons and also the Agouti-sort of rat-like animal but with no tail. We hurried back to watch the nightly entertainment.

Yes, there were monkeys too, they were swinging through the trees early in the morning.

I also never miss the parrots coming to work in the morning. They live in the park next door, and come to work in the lower lobby from 9-5.

And no wonder there is so much wildlife. This large eco-property has its rooms and suites spread out amongst tropical gardens, dry riverbeds, and lush trees and plants. This is a property too, of pools – huge pools, with a spot to suit every taste. The lagoon is manmade, perfect for people with little kids as the water is perfectly calm, and the fish swimming around will delight youngsters. This is not the place for your clients if they want a long beach to walk on.

On my first trip to this property I followed a planeload of agents. We arrived late at night and it took a while to figure out where our rooms were. Signage and maps are much better now, and hopping on the shuttle is a great way to get to know other guests.

The adult’s only, natural rock pool has been renovated, not the pool, but the area around it. It has always been popular, but now it is even more so.

There are 11 restaurants including five à la carte. I love the buffet decor, very grand and very light and airy.

Overlooking the lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other, is a large covered lunch cafe. It too is a beautiful spot.

The Royal Section is a boutique hotel within the complex. It is intimate and guests get special service. It has its own à la carte dining room where no reservations are needed for Royal guests. The cliff-top ocean view both inside and out encourages guests to linger. One night the entire staff rushed over to hug returning guests. The two pools were a wow, and heated. There was lots of shade, and very attentive waiters, who even served us when we had a swim after dinner. As you know, that isn’t always the case.

The Royal Club lounge has free Internet. They’ll also provide a pillow topper if you want a soft bed.

During the cocktail hour, several nights a week depending on the season, there is an interesting, colourful Mayan show. The show brought oohs and ahh from the crowd when the Mayan boats slowly paddled through the lower lobby’s river. It is very well received.

The agents, again on this visit were very impressed by the wedding coordinators’ in the Romance department. A unique wedding venue is in front of the ruins of a Mayan lighthouse. The site is off by itself, and a staffer can keep unwanted guests away, so it won’t be invaded by men of a certain age wearing red speedos.

They will also do a Mayan ceremony, with an interpreter. It is directed in the original Mayan language, by the Mayan Shaman. The Mayan Shaman prays to the Great God Hunab Ku and to the directions of the Universe, asking all the blessings for this union. Songs, flute, sonata, drums and seashells compose the music of the ceremony, which lasts 30 minutes.

Cathy Savard from Voyages Belaro said, “I like this place so much. I haven’t sold it before, but I will. I’m not a beach person, I love the nature here.”