Boynton Travel Advisors

I want to first say we had an amazing time while we are visiting Cancun. Initially, I was concerned about the variety and amount of activities offered simply because the resort size was smaller and had less entertainment areas than the Hard Rock in Punta Cana. Needless to say I was very pleased…The resort is smaller but makes great use of its space by offering multiple activities in one area. Example the lobby’s bar was turned into a poker lounge one night, then another night they held bingo there. I really appreciated the smaller resort this year, it was easy navigation for the first time travelers that were with us. Especially, since we were in a different room category it would have been more likely to be assigned to different buildings and to be far away from each other if we were staying at a larger resort. I thought I would be able to compare this vacation to the last time we were in Cancun but honestly I can’t. It was a different resort and just a completely different experience both were amazing.

Things I really enjoyed

Ø Location, Location, Location!!! – this resort could not have been in a better place. It was in walking distance to great food and some really fun stuff. Only regret, I wish I had discovered it day one. Right down the strip not even a 10 minute walk there is a place called Aqua World they offer a variety of exciting activities everything from water sports to jungle tours.

Ø We were not only able to use room credits for tours and spa treatments but we also were able to use them to upgrade meals by adding a variety of food options and specialty wines. There were a couple of nights we ate at the Italian restaurant and Reggie added lobster to his meal, he said it was phenomenal. It was unclear to us if this was available at all of the restaurants on the resort. If it was available the tables were not set with the menu of options on them like seen in the Italian restaurant and the serving staff didn’t mention anything. So with that said the Italian restaurant is a must do!

Ø Although, not specific to the resort the dolphin encounter excursion was so much fun! The first time we were in Punta Cana a friend and I went to do one of these (my husband chickened out). It was just ok. The encounter was done in a lagoon, the water was a murky green color, algae was growing up the steps on the dock. This time was around my husband decided this was something he wanted to experience and it was much, much different. I am so glad I got the opportunity to experience this. The encounter was done in a salt water pool, it was clean, the encounter seemed much more personal (it could feel this way because they divided us into small groups), and the crazy thing is that I paid a lot less than I did the last time.

Ø The food offerings. Outside of the restaurants they had plentiful food options outside in the pool area and on the beach. They would set-up these food stations by the pool and at the bar each day the offerings were different. I absolutely love the variety offered. Most days we decided not to go to the restaurant for lunch because it wasn’t just the variety but it was good food being offered pool side.

Ø The staff greets you right before check-in with a cool misted face towel and handmade jewelry to welcome you. This was really nice and refreshing especially since we had been traveling all day. Late Thursday Night we drove to Charlotte for my nephew’s graduation that was on Friday evening, so early Saturday morning we were back on the road from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta to catch our flight.

Ø My husband and I generally use most of our resort credits for the spa services. We had gone a couple of times during our trip as you leave the spa ask that you rate your experience. Each time had been awesome so we decided to schedule one on the day of our departure. The last time was not bad, it was just average and since I rated it as such they insisted they repeat the massage with a different therapist. I tried to explain to them it wasn’t bad at all just not the best I’ve had while I was there. It was nice to know they cared about my experience enough to make sure I left with the best experience.

Ø There are a lot of warnings posted on the travel website about illnesses as a result of mosquitos bites we had absolutely no issues with bug bites at all. For some reason I seem to attract mosquitos but I didn’t have to wear repellent while I was there.

Ø Love the fact that elevators were available and conveniently placed throughout the property

Ø Select vendors on the premise (not all) charged your room for services and total is due at check out. This was really good for us, as it lessened the need to carry large sums of cash around with us.

Things found less appealing

Ø Even within the same category the room layout can be different than what is seen on the website – Example some may have the Jetted tub inside the bathroom which make the room appear to be smaller than expected. Also, when a jetted tub is in the bathroom in such close quarters it makes it a little bit harder to enjoy because the heat from the water has nowhere to escape to so it makes the room hot (I think we are just spoiled in this regard) we did ask for the layout that was on the website for that room category but it was unavailable until several days into the trip and they advise we would actually have to go through the checkout process then check-in again. I completely understand why but it just wasn’t worth the trouble as we were already going to be several day into our trip and just decided to remain in the room we had (room 618).

Ø Travel booked through a vendor is not considered eligible to earn Rock Royalty rewards L. Essentially, you will never be able to take advantage of this program if booked through an agency BUT believe me a travel agent is worth more than a rewards program. This is really unfortunate because once I find something I like, I am very loyal. On the other hand Riu will still allow participation in their loyalty program. It is based on your stays and not your method of booking.

Ø A room on a lower floor was not available at the time of check-in, so we ending up staying on the 6th floor. I wasn’t crazy about the layout of the room but the view from our room was spectacular! I loved the private balcony and the view it really was amazing.

Really, this vacation was great.. as always our pros outweighed our cons by a landslide! We are putting it on the list to do again.  

Delta Air Lines Flight 385 Depart ATLANTA, GA (ATL) 2:14 PM Sat 27 May Arrive CANCUN/ RIVIERA MAYA, 3:45 PM / Confirmation: N9MCNP Seat: 17B,17A

Delta Air Lines Flight 386 Depart CANCUN/ RIVIERA MAYA, 4:45 PM Fri 02 Jun Arrive ATLANTA, GA (ATL) 8:33 PM / Seat: 15F, 15E