After a busy year, taking a real vacation to a tropical destination was exactly what we needed! A relaxing, mindless, one week holiday in the Mexican sun was just what the doctor ordered, and this vacation both relaxed and re-energized us!

El Cid Resorts

When booking an all-inclusive in the Cancun/Mayan Riviera region, the options feel overwhelming! We opted to stay in Puerto Morelos, and chose the El Cid resort complex: 3 distinct resorts that offer a mix of luxury and fun, for all ages. 

The best part about staying at an El Cid resort is you get access to the amenities of 3 resorts in 1. With 12+ dining options, infinity pools, rooftop pools, multiple bars and tons of activities including a pickleball court, spa, and live entertainment, there is no shortage of things to do.

We opted to stay at Ventus, as it felt like the best mix of both worlds; the second-newest El Cid resort, with mostly adults but still a lively atmosphere!

The original and biggest El Cid resort, perfect for families or large groups. This resort has a Kid's Club and a large family pool with waterslide/jumping rocks, and a swim-up bar.

The newest resort of the Marina El Cid family, for adults-only. Offering a modern aesthetic and quiet, intimate setting. This resort is just a couple minutes' walk from the others, however it is not beachfront—but the 2 rooftop pools make up for it!

Dining

The dining options at the El Cid resorts were spectacular. In addition to multiple buffets (with amazing food), there are also 7 specialty à la carte restaurants for dinner, which take your all-inclusive dining experience to a whole new level, thanks to chic interiors and curated menus.

Ranging from a teppanyaki steakhouse to fresh seafood at the marina to a delectable French dining experience, Just be sure to make reservations each morning in the lobby. The great thing about these restaurants is that despite having a specialty theme, there are still so many options from beef to chicken to fish to vegetarian dishes, no matter where you go. Our top favourites were Kobo, A'akat, and Île de France!

While lunch often feels like a repeat of dinner at resort buffets, Maria El Cid's "Mercado Dollores" offered a multi-national food hall experience, where you could custom order anything from poke bowls to fresh salads to greek gyros.

Not to mention the fresh wok station or the taco bar, it's safe to say lunch was one of our favourite parts of the day with the endless options.

For those who wake up early or need a little pick me up throughout the day, the on-site cafe "Aroma" had delicious, made-to-order coffee drinks (both hot and iced) and pastries/sandwiches. I woke up each morning bursting with excitement to grab my Chai Latte with Espresso and enjoy it in the sunshine before the rest of the resort woke up.

After a week of dining at a resort, it's not usually surprising to get a little sick of the food, but it's safe to say that with the range of dining we experienced, we could have easily stayed another week just for the food!

Things to do - inside the resort

From pickleball, to morning spin classes overlooking the ocean, poolside activities, water activities, an attached marina, evening shows & music—this place had everything. 

We spent a couple early mornings playing pickleball, or working out at the oceanfront gym before spending most of the day at the pool. Our biggest decision was "do we want to sit by the oceanfront infinity pool, or at the rooftop day club pool?". Then after a quick shower, we'd head out for a golden hour cocktail before dinner. After our meal, we would walk back past the convention centre garden to sneak a peek at the evening show.

What we did - outside of the resort

If you're looking to discover some local animals in the area, Croco Cun Zoo was a great spot to spend an hour with aligators, snakes, birds and more! You'll have the chance to feed and hold the animals, and take as many photos as you like in this guided tour experience.

Visiting a Cenote is a MUST! Cenotes are both spiritual and functional for the Mayan culture, as they act as both water sources and sacred spiritual portals to Xibalbá, the Mayan underworld.

We opted for a guided trip that included transportation to "Cenotes La Noria" as well as optional ATVing, horseback riding or ziplining! We chose to ATV, and it was fun! But the highlight truly is jumping into the beautiful cenote and spending time in the clear, blue waters. 

A catamaran cruise is one of my favourite ways to explore the ocean, complete with snorkelling and drinks makes for the perfect excursion!

Town of Puerto Morelos

The town of Puerto Morelos is a charming port town on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It's quaint and laidback, and boasts some original fishing village character. Stop in to browse the local shops or visit a restaurant for some local food! 

I recommend stopping by before sunset, and taking in the stunning views of the ocean and boats along the shore as golden hour hits for a spectacular sight.

I've stayed at many an all-inclusive in my life (I think about 12?!) and it's safe to say our stay at Ventus at Marina El Cid was one of my favourites by far. It felt luxurious but laidback. Relaxing but invigorating. Fun but restful. I can't wait to come back to this resort!