Our Honeymoon in Mexico

Rory and I on our first day in Mexico // The lovely pool and snack bar by our room // Mexican Show in the evening // TEQUILA!!

Two months ago, we got on a plane, as a married couple, to Mexico on our honeymoon. I cannot believe we have been married two months already. Getting married was the best day of my life and our honeymoon was, without a doubt, the best holiday I have ever been on. We have never been to Mexico before and besides the long flight it was amazing and we would definitely go again. 

We stayed in the Bluebay Grand Esmeralda, which is a stunning 5* Resort and we would both recommend it to anyone. It is located in Riviera Maya in Cancun and is a short distance away from Playa del Carmen where you can go shopping, have dinner or go to CoCo Bongo! 

We booked to go to CoCo Bongo on the night before Rory's birthday; this was a massive mistake as we then spent his actual birthday in bed nursing a hangover!! CoCo Bongo was incredible though. I definitely recommend it. We went to the one in Playa del Carmen but there is one in Cancun. After speaking to someone who had been to both, they said they were both pretty much the same so we decided to go to the one 15 minutes away rather than an hour. If you do go, make sure you pay the extra $10 to go VIP. Totally worth it!

Swing bar on the beach // Shopping in Playa del Carmen // Chilling before our evening meal // TEQUILA!!

Our hotel resort was made up of eight buildings and we stayed in building six which was perfect and an ideal location. There were three swimming pools located around the resort and one (pictured in the first collage) was right outside our room! Neither of us have ever been to an all inclusive resort but I think we're addicted now! We're both massive foodies and having all you can eat food around the clock is dangerous! I came back half a stone heavier but it was my honeymoon and I enjoyed many cocktails! 

There were three buffet restaurants open for breakfast and lunch and just one open for dinner. In the evening, there were six a la carte restaurants which you had to book the day before. There were Mexican, Italian, Steak, Fish, Oriental and French. Our favourites were the Mexican and Italian and I think we ate at each one four times! The Steak House was ok but I wasn't a fan of the oriental or fish restaurant. 

Birthday cake for Rory // Sipping on water while I wait for my cocktail in the Mexican restaurant // Clearly loving life! // These big guys were everywhere and were not afraid 

During our stay, it was Rory's birthday. As the Mexican a la carte was his favourite, I reserved a table and specified that it was his birthday. They made him a special cake which was brought out by two waiters who sang 'Happy Birthday' and gave us some Tequila! We thought Tequila was a massive stereotype of Mexico but no, we were offered it after nearly every meal! 

The bridge to the lagoon which we could not use as it belonged to another hotel! // The beautiful lagoon (my camera didn't really pick up the green and blues. It was gorgeous) // Gazing out into the distance // Spread your wings!

10 minutes away from our resort along the beach was this beautiful lagoon. It was actually in front of another hotel who owned the bridge to access the lagoon but our hotel had an agreement with them and we could visit the lagoon but we had to swim to it rather than use the bridge. That wasn't a problem because after a walk in 30-40 degree heat, we wanted to cool off in the sea! The lagoon was totally worth it and we spent a couple of hours there. It was so beautiful and all the fish swam around our feet. Rory loved that but I have to admit, it freaked me out a little! 

Xel Ha // Hammock Island // My view from the hammock // Looking out over the water

An excursion that we booked to go on was Xel Ha, described as a natural water park/aquarium. There were two other places that were similar called Xcaret and Xplore but these were aimed at the more adventurous and it wasn't something I was up for. Xel Ha was absolutely stunning. We were able to go snorkling in the fresh water and we saw some beautiful fish. The fresh water met the salt water and where they met you could really feel the difference in temperature. It was bizarre! The salt water stayed at a constant 26 degrees or so and the fresh water felt freezing in comparison. We bought a waterproof disposable camera and took some hilarious selfies underwater! 

A natural pool // Biking up to the start of the river // My bike // The sea at the end of Xel Ha

There were also mountain bikes available and we rode through the jungle. To access the brakes on the bike, you had to peddle backwards. You can only imagine how long it took us to work this out! We were so confused! There was also a large area filled with Palm trees and a hammock between each one. It was so peaceful and relaxing they called it the hammock garden. I definitely want a hammock in my garden now! I can just imaging lying there with a great book and a delicious cocktail! 

I think this was a temple in Tulum // The temple with the sacrifice stone // The watch tower // A Mayan house

Another excursion we went on was Tulum which is a Mayan Ruins site. We had actually decided on Chichen Itza, which is inland, but after being told it was a four hour coach drive, we just didn't fancy it anymore! We decided on Tulum in the end as it is the only ruins on the coast. It was incredible seeing all the ruins and hearing all the history from our tour guide. We had an hour tour and learnt so many interesting facts and then we were free to explore. It was so hot though and nowhere to shelter so we headed back to the air conditioned coach and were grateful that it was only a half day excursion! We're really glad we went though and had that experience. 

CoCo Bongo! // It's SHOWTIME! // Phantom of the Opera // Elvis

I've briefly mentioned CoCo Bongo and that we went for Rory's birthday. CoCo Bongo is the club which is featured in the mask and is actually owned by Jim Carrey. It's a show and disco as the night was made up of short shows based around a musical, artist or film and inbetween the acts they play music and everyone has a good boogie! Rory and I thoroughly enjoyed it and we have completely different tastes. All of the acts were so talented and lots of practise had taken place. We upgraded our tickets to VIP as it was our honeymoon and Rory's birthday; this ensured we got our own table and we had waiter service to our table. The waiter was very efficient and we had a new drink before we had even finished our first. The drinks were very strong and we were very drunk! Haha! 

We both had a fantastic honeymoon in Mexico and we definitely recommend it to anyone thinking of going. When we reminisce, we just want to go back!  

Rachel x