RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemorative cooler
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/15/2012 2:56:44 PM
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Wanderlust4Mexico
Posts: 514
Joined: 12/4/2006
From: New Jersey
Status: offline
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Out of all my trips to Mexico this was my favorite and most memorable.
In 2007, my then boyfriend at the time and I, spent 3 nights at the Jungle Place in Chemuyil. It was such an amazing experience. The owners of this spider monkey preserve, Heidi and Joel, we're extremely welcoming and made us feel at home with them and their monkeys.
We spent an additional 4 nights at Cabanas La Conchita in Tulum. This place was just amazing and I would highly recommend it. They had a secluded beach front and an amazing free breakfast.
Some highlights of this trip include: climbing the pyramid at Coba, swimming in Gran cenote, driving all the way to Punta Allen, playing with baby spider monkeys, attending a great LG meet and great at Lol-Ha, the full moon party at LBV, and surviving 4 nights in Tulum with out electricity. We also discovered some good eats at Mamas Bakery in Puerto Morelos, Leo's in Chemuyil, and the Sunday BBQ at Casa Cenote. The biggest highlight at this trip was when my boyfriend proposed to me at the beach one night in Tulum.
I really can't pick a favorite stage! I love all three. I'm a super crazy type A planner. I get really depressed when I don't have a trip to plan and research. Of course being there is always fantastic, but can make me sad because I know it always ends sooner than I'd like. Looking back is great too. It gives me the chance to share my experiences with friends and family......and a chance to start planning my next trip!
All of this would not be possible with out LocoGringo!
We Have four more sleeps until our next trip. This time we are spending 7 days on akumal bay in the cannon house. And the best part is that we are taking our 18 month old daughter. I can't wait to experience akumal through her eyes.
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/15/2012 9:11:55 PM
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otpara
Posts: 838
Joined: 5/1/2008
From: Kansas
Status: offline
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It all started with me turning 40....um....29! :). I knew I wanted to take a trip, but where to start? I searched high and low never fiding just the right spot. Finally, someone mentioned LG and Akumal. At first I was leary. I mean really....Mexico???
We booked our first trip and then waited. I think out of eveything, that was the hardest....the waiting. Finally, the day arrived. Up at 3 am and at the airport by 6. Flight from KC to DFW, was great. However, the DFW flight would not be so lucky. After loading up and taxing out, we just sat there. We ended up having to spend the night in Dallas...with no lugguage. (NOTE TO SELF....carry on only after this).
Up early.....again! Head to the airport....again! Full flights, so we wait for a plane.....again! I thought we would never get to Mexico!!! But we did....exactly 24 hours later! And it was worth the wait!
I can't even tell you about the drive to ABR. Everyone said it takes an hour, but for us, it was 5 mintues and we were at the gate! We booked one day before the fire, but it didn;t matter to us. The resort was beautiful and exactly what I wanted.
We had great pans for the week. We planned on going to Playa, and Tulum. And I didn't want to miss the spider monkeys. I ordered maps from Map Chick and studied them, I made lists of everything and every place I wanted to go and explore.
But a strange thing happen once we got there......we never left the beach. Each morning, we talked about today being the day we would venture off. But no, the blue water, the great people and most of all the great company of my DH ended up to be all we needed!
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What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But what happens in Mexico, goes on Youtube!!
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/16/2012 1:14:18 PM
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PammieJean
Posts: 155
Joined: 2/13/2012
Status: offline
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Been to Mexico a few times. First trip was a girls trip to Cancun with a couple of co-workers. Someone else did the planning. (Now I know research leads to planning leads to reservation leads to anticipation leads to ahhhhhh.) Two things stick in my mind from that trip. First, I was at the restaurant and went to use a public restroom in the hotel. Seem to remember the stalls and doors were some sort of stone. Definitely remember that the lock on the stall wouldn't open when I was done. Only way out was to slide under the door. (Yuck. Time for shower.) Another day, was by myself in my room and had just showered. Walked out of the bathroom a la naturale (nekkid) and was quite shocked to see a couple window washers at my window. (Yikes!)
Last trip was with the hubby. We stayed at the Playacar Palace and chose to forego the organized excursions and do things on our own. Took the ferry to Cozumel for a day. Colectivo to Akumal for a day. (Our first time there and the reason we are headed to ABR in September). Colectivo to Aventuras. It makes me realize how much more comfortable we are down there. On our early trips, had to convince hubby it was no big deal to use the busses on Cancun. (It's one long, skinny island so how can you go wrong?) Now we do colectivos (thanks to boards like this) and are open to others' suggestions. Maybe ziplining is next!
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PammieJean
(No ticker but planning on Akumal in September)
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/17/2012 9:45:46 AM
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turtlemom
Posts: 168
Joined: 1/11/2012
From: Fletcher, North Carolina
Status: offline
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Although we have had 3 shore excursions to Cozumel and one to Costa Maya from cruise ships, last week was our first trip to "stay" on the Riviera Maya at CRT. We came back with lots of memories, photos, sand in the luggage and dreams of retirement. Official trip report will be posting shortly (photos are already up in Picasa and thread linked on the beginning of the report), but here are a few of our favorite stories from the trip:
1) The day before we left, my husband, Joe, called Olympus Tours (part of our vacation package through Travelocity) to verify our flight time and number for pick up at the Cancun Airport. We do not have the easiest last name, and it certainly doesn't translate well to Spanish! So after several attempts, the guy at Olympus just went with calling us the "Josephs"
2) I have never snokeled before (usually sitting on the beach watching the little one while the DH and older boys go out). I really wanted to snorkel in Akumal this trip, so the DH took me out in the water at the resort to "teach me." When we were waist deep, I was getting ready to put my face down and we got swarmed by a school of silver colored fish with black outlines. My husband starts yelling, "Just put your face down, there's fish right here." I got so startled (this was my first time, you know) that I started yelling back, "I don't need to put my face in the water, I can see them right here!"
3) The DH got so good at asking for cerveza con limon, that all the staff at CRT kept asking him if he spoke Spanish (he doesn't)!
4) On my very first real snorkel outing, I saw five sea turtles, and lots of fish. And my husband almost lost his swim trunks because I was hanging onto his pocket the whole time so he could have hands free to swim and video!
5) After snorkeling in Akumal, we did a little shopping. At the little building where there are multiple vendors selling things (right by the basketball court), we were looking at some pottery when we hear a woman with a British accent singing about how she really needed a beer to the tune of "Bohemian Rhapsody." I don't doubt she did since she was there with one other woman and a whole herd of kids. The DH had put a few Coronas, a Pepsi and a couple of bottles of water from the resort fridge into our LG cooler, and we still had a cerveza left, so he "magically" appeared in front of her and said, "You asked for a beer?" offering her one of ours. She started looking all around, asked him where he came from and whether he was "Gabriel, the beer angel." We all had a good laugh over that one! Had a great conversation, told them all about LG since they were checking out our cooler, and emptied it out to make room for souvenirs to bring back!
We had a great trip, and can't wait to go back to make more memories!
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/17/2012 10:36:56 PM
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patgns
Posts: 108
Joined: 3/22/2011
From: Grand Junction, Colorado
Status: offline
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My story starts with a wedding. Marrianne and I were married Feb.26 2006. Feb.27 we are on our honeymoon, 5 wonderful days on the Riveria Maya. We stayed at the Iberostar Pariso Beach, We enjoyed a Tour of Tulum, my main reason for going to Mexico, a sunset Dinner cruise and a Snorkeling Tour, Marriannes main reason for a Caribbean Honeymoon. We went shopping on 5th avenue in Playa Del Carmin. We also wasted 4 precious hours at the Aventura Palace Hotel Time share presentation, We came home to snow!
We continued our Honeymoon Sept. 2008, 7 wonderful days on the Riveria Maya. Staying once again at the Iberostar Pariso this time the Del Mar side. We enjoyed a Snorkeling excrusion at Xel Ha, my main reason for going to Mexico (now it's snorkeling), a tour of Chitzen Itza, a snorkeling excrusion to Cozumel, where after the tour Marrianne and I decided to stay on the island a little while taking the last Ferry of the day back to Playa del Carman, then a Taxi back to the Resort. We came home to beautiful fall weather.
We continued our Honeymoon May 2011, 10 Wonderful days on the Riveria Maya. ( 5 and 7 days are just not enough, neither are 10) Staying this time at the Gran Bahia PrincipeTulum. We went on 2 tours, the Mayan ruins of Coba, Loved the Mayan Taxis there. and we went to Xcaret (1 day really is'nt enough there either). We took the Colectivo (we are starting to feel like locals) into Playa del Carman Twice the first time to go shopping (I had to see their Wal Mart) then 5th avenue. The second time to Modatelas Fabric store (because as you all know there are no fabric stores here in Colorado) we had a great time there they spoke no english we very little spanish they were so understanding, helpful and fun, 2 hours well spent. the rest of the time, snorkeling at Akumal, and I had to get a picture of the webcam at Lol Ha. We came home to summer.
Our Honeymoon is not over.
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/18/2012 12:26:34 PM
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durangotom
Posts: 225
Joined: 7/15/2008
From: Durango Colo.
Status: offline
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Akumal Fishing Trip with Captain Luis Jr. 2008
Our first day in Akumal we were sitting on the Beach in front of Las Casitas. Captain Luis and his Son Luis Jr. keep their two boats anchored right next to the Casitas beach off the rocks. I saw him pull up and throw out these babies.
He did not have anyone fishing with him and started cleaning them. I went over to set up a fishing trip for the next day, he gave me a whole fletch of Dorado
We meet the next day to head out, I am a little nervous as the wind was howling and the waves were big!  Captain Luis assured me that although the water was rough for riding in the boat, but it was great for feeeeshiing!!
This was leaving Akumal Bay.
So we hung on with our best boating skills and had a great time. The first fish was a beauty of a Dorado.
The second, a lovely Sailfish, in the boat for a quick pic then back in the water.
The second another Dorado.
Many LG's have their favorite fishing guide, mine is Captain Luis and his Son. Both of them are lots of fun totally speak English and I pretty much always catch fish . I have been fishing with them for over 20 years, his son now has his own boat. They anchor right next to Las Casitas beach off the rocks. I usually just catch them coming in mid afternoon and set up my trip. They can also be booked through the Dive Center.
Most any restaurant will cook your fish for a modest price that includes sides. We choose LolHa, they cooked it 3 ways, Breaded/Fried, Veracruz style and in butter and garlic for two of us. With sides dinner was $5.00 each. So needless to say we drink a lot and ate desserts And leave a big tip for a great cheap meal. (That is of course if you don't count the $150.00 plus tip for the trip but hey it is the trip you pay for, fish are not guaranteed)
Looking forward to another trip in a few weeks
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/18/2012 10:47:31 PM
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frozeninsk
Posts: 47
Joined: 10/22/2010
From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Status: offline
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Two of my favorite trips have been to Akumal Beach Resort in 2011 and 2012.
The snorkeling from the beach is excellent. Have seen turtles, rays, permits, lion fish, squid, crevalle jacks, barracudas, eels, and countless fish. Having the whole bay to yourself in the morning is priceless.
Having great restaurants so close is an added feature you don't get at many other resorts. La Cueva del Pescador cooking our freshly caught fish has been a delight. Lol Ha and La Buena Vida for happy hours provide lots of giggles. Gynn'AK for lion fish tacos was excellent.
Discover scuba session with Natalie and Ivan was a great experience. Very safe and enjoyable introduction to the world of scuba diving. Has led my brother and I to enroll in open water certification.
Akumal Beach Resort has been the best part. Ocean front rooms where you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Restaurant right on the ocean. Great food. Wonderful staff. It is no wonder people keep coming back.
Looking forward to many more trips back in the future.
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/23/2012 6:18:07 PM
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barkdeb
Posts: 16
Joined: 8/30/2007
From: Erie, Colorado
Status: offline
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My Vacation Story:
1st Trip Five Years Ago to Akumal
Had never been to this area, but had heard great things from a guy we had sat next to a plane ride home from Cancun. Went to the internet - booked a condo on line - rented a car on line. We flew into Cancun on a red eye flight, picked up our car and headed south. We were so early that nothing was open yet to shop for groceries, so we sat in our car in the parking lot of the grocery store waiting for the store to open. The store opened and we had our first experience of shopping in the local grocery store in Playa del Carmen - we feel in love with it. Groceries in hand we headed for Akumal. As we drove in and we saw the arch for the first time we were so in awe of where we were. Loved the simplicity of it all. Found our condo with no problems - we were dead tired so we unpacked and crashed. Woke up hours later and we showered so we could head out for dinner. Things are not like home....lights are not on an automatic shutoff in cars....battery was dead. With broken Spanish we finally found someone to help us jump the battery and we were off. Have witnessed a turtle laying her eggs....wow! Have watched a nest hatch...it was truly one of the most special moments of my life!
Five years later and we are in love with Akumal, the people, the simplicity and beauty of the area. We go back every year and enjoy every minute of it.
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/27/2012 8:02:14 PM
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Turtle Chaser
Posts: 35
Joined: 4/27/2012
From: Blue Ridge Texas
Status: offline
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Hey everyone, We have been going to the Akumal area for about 20 years and LOVE it. Last year at ABR we met Rick, who was there for a month and had a rental car. He asked us if we would like to ride with him to Punta Allen, a remote lobster fishing village down the penensula south of Tulum. Fantastic! This was a road trip we had talked about taking for years. We knew it was a bit of a drive to get there, but, hey, we're from Texas; anyplace worth going can be a little bit down the road. After turning off the highway at Tulum, we hit the Bannana Road. Now, road is apparently very loosely translated from English to Spanish. It was a narrow, very rough sand trail with chuck holes so deep you can only creep along in low gear in lots of places. But, the penensula is sometimes less than a quarter of a mile wide with views of beautiful deserted Caribean beaches to the left and the inland sea to the right, When we finally arrived in Punta Allen, we found out May is not lobster season, so, we laughed and stopped in a beachfront cantina for a few Coronas. People were getting on a boat for a snorkeling trip and the divemaster told us they were going to a spot about 5 miles north. We were going that way anyhow, so when we got down the road far enough to see their boat offshore, we parked and walked down to the beach. The water was so clear it was undescribable. The three of us put on our snokling gear as fast as we could and pretty much jumped in. The water was shallow and clear and in just a few minutes we saw them..... an unbelieveable number of conchs covered the bottom. They were beatiful and alive. We got so excited. Each of was trying to make sure the others knew what they were seeing. It was like an conch farm. I have never seen so many in one place or ever seen one move. It was a once in a life time experience or should I say an adventure. My husband wants to go back and I tell him no. It was a once in a life time experience.
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Allison and Rene
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/28/2012 9:30:15 AM
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Fordx4man
Posts: 107
Joined: 2/29/2012
From: Hamilton, Canada
Status: offline
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7 days at Akumal Beach Resort, all i can say is 7days is not long enough..We arrived April 14th \12, the reception was very friendly and courtious with a complimentary drink.
We met several amazing people while at ABR and even a wonderful local, a cab driver named Moises. Moises offered us a great deal to visit 3 cenotes, ruins, a mayan village and shopping.the ruins at Coba were a must , a lot of walking but bicycles and trike taxis were avaliable. Aftere the walking through the ruins we opted for a bike taxi out. The view from the top of the ruins was amazing. Visiting any cenote is a must do for me,, relazing and interesting rock formations and stallag tites and stallagmites, But go early as we did to keep ahead of the incoming tours. Shopping in tulum was very interesting with almost anything you can think of to buy,,,,, and remember that bargains can be had if you haggle a bit..
At ABR the atmosphere is extremely friendly and relaxing ( you almost feel like family). Some days the 15 min walk down the beach would take 40 mins. with stops to chat with new friends and to get a refill at the moonrise bar. On one occassion we met a illionoise couple that were headed for a swim / snorkel. while chatting in knee deep water several angel fish gathered around us. Very cool.
Snorkelling at ABR is addictive, once you've snorkelled amongst the turtles and fish, you need to do it again and again, Yal KU lagoon is another snorkelling must do.
Akumal may be small in comparison to Playa Del Carmen but you can get in some shopping for trinkets or snacks or eat some tasty mexican dishes . Abr may not be a 4 star resort..It has a 5 star friendly staff and beach without all the lineups or people with much to do or see within walking distance. Some major must dos or sees such as explor, or gran cenote are less than an hour away
I'm stuck for words.......We've never been to Mexico (was advised By several not to go, even asked if we were crazy), After being in the Mayan Riviera Especially Akumal Beach Resort We are hooked and even though we've only been home less than a week we are planning our next trip to ABR
Thank you LocoGringos for the pre trip information,
The sun, sand, and ocean extremely relaxing add the calm friendly atmosphere of ABR.. one fabulous not long enough vacation
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 4/30/2012 6:36:20 PM
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dotblackwell
Posts: 199
Joined: 2/10/2008
Status: offline
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Last Dec. I won a week at Soliman Bay care of Locogringo, it was a blast. We fly in the end of the first week of Dec. 2011, rented a car from Avis and called Daveed our chef we hired to make us a welcome dinner. We arrive at Casa Corazon, absolutely gorgeous place, he whipped up a terrific fajita dinner for us and of course a pitcher of margs. We woke up to the lapping waves and sunshine, after a quick breakfast, Isabel came for our Spanish lesson. We had a wonderful lazy time, with meals made by Daveed and lessons every other day in Spanish. The snorkeling was great, and the relaxation worth every penny. I loved it so much that my husband found an outstanding deal at The Oasis in Cancun and we went back for a week during Xmas break. I am counting down the days until we get to ABR in June and the Grand Bahia to teach ZUMBA! Thank you Kay for everything!!!!! We have been traveling to Mexico for 20 years now and most of the time with locogringo guiding us!
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/5/2012 9:28:29 AM
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otpara
Posts: 838
Joined: 5/1/2008
From: Kansas
Status: offline
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Soooooo.....how do we know if we are getting a cooler? Just curious. :).
O.
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What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. But what happens in Mexico, goes on Youtube!!
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/8/2012 12:45:57 PM
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panesh
Posts: 1470
Joined: 11/27/2009
From: San Rafael, CA
Status: offline
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The trip of a lifetime.
We took a wonderful extended trip in January and February of this year. I'm going to break it down into trip segments. There was soooo much to do and see. The first installment is Cancun/Valladolid. the trip was 26 glorious days traveling the entire Yucatan.
We landed in Cancun on Jan. 23 and spent the night at Suites Gaby, a nice place with very secure parking and only a block or two from a number of great restaurants. When we aren't going straight to Akumal we will stay in Cancun Centro for a night before heading out.
On Day 2 we went to Valladolid and checked into Hotel Colonial Aurora. What a wonderful place. Only a block off the main square, with a pool, very nice rooms, private parking (which is a premium in Valladolid) and a great rate, right around $50US. Valladolid is like a mini Merida with it's colonial architecture and colorful buildings.
Our visit to Valladolid included Ek Balam, Cenote Xkeken, a stop for puc choc and they just happened to have the 2012 Festival going on with a correda, lots of live entertainment, dancing and music.
This was just the first few days of our trip. More to come. I'll start another trip report thread for the rest. Hope this is good enough for a cooler!
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Heading back, can't get enough
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/13/2012 1:08:55 PM
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flipflopbirg
Posts: 235
Joined: 4/26/2010
Status: offline
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can't type..pics say it all! Love ya!
http://youtu.be/77VXeOhD-lE
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/13/2012 4:03:55 PM
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whitecat
Posts: 115
Joined: 7/27/2010
Status: offline
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I have had a lot of experience in Akumal and I am relatively new to the forums. I found it not long ago and wanted to post on how it used to be awhile back. My first time there was 1981 but I will post on a trip I made in 1985.
Being from Chicago I thought I was going to miss Superbowl with the Chicago Bears but I was mistaken. That day, staying at the bungalows the manager brought out a black and white tv and set it up under a small tent on the beach. You had to be careful not to trip on the 100 foot extension cord which led inside. Many people partying and a couple of unruly guys there, one of which got a punch on the face from another since he was so rude. The bungalows were $39.00 a night and remember that was winter pricing. Food was cheap and beers were also. Lol Ha was the place and I fondly remember the Caesar Salads being made fresh.
My real reason for being there was to be certified as a cave diver. This was still a young sport and I remember the instructors were big tequila drinkers. Study and dive by day and drink by night! There were no all-inclusives in the area. This came later. I have been going to the Yucatan for 40 years and if anyone can talk about how it has changed, it is me.
I still love the area and go back often but now you need more money. Modernization costs money! I have never in my life stayed at an all inclusive but I am going to try ABR soon. See you all there!!
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/13/2012 4:35:49 PM
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Vancouver Sundog
Posts: 5924
Joined: 10/1/2006
From: North Vancouver
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Just returned - this must be over a doz trips in the last few years - 2nd one this year - LG is great to book with
Here are some ABR improvements
1) The echo room (small room between the main bar and buffet) has had the ceiling removed, so it is open to the thatched roof. So much nicer. You don't hear the whispers of someone at the other end of the room – BIMI always had good gossip. Many great fish dinners - catch it yourself (thanks to Brad and the fish derby)
2) Lots of protect the turtles / bay signs in the rooms / on the beach
However they need to patrol those that take flash photos on the beach at night and add signs not to FEED THE FISH
3) AlaCarte signups in the towel room by the Snack Bar - anytime during the day although Alejandro booked our meal for us as he visited our table in the morning – although many miss Jorge, this man is wonderful
We only did one alacarte – Mexican with a flattened steak and it was quite good – enjoyed a 30th Anniversary dinner with my lovely SoSo with 12 close friends
4) Live bands - Latin band on Tuesday in the main bar / beach band at the Moon rise on Sat night wind permitting - a blast (of what I remember)
5) Buffets: Fish has been removed as the main entry for many of the nights although always available as a side dish – so sad as I always enjoyed it but likely due to tourists not liking fish in the Caribbean – go figure
Enjoyed Roast Beef, Arrachera steak skewers, Veal, Whole roasted chickens, Beef Burritos, and many excellent other meals
6) Room – We had bldg 6/2nd floor – new balcony screen / new toilet / LCD TV, the bed – even SoSo no longer requires foam pads – are we getting used to the hard beds or are they softer???
7) Staff – fantastic as ever – and they of course supported the Library Silent auction totally – THANK YOU
8) Drinks: The Bacardi amber sum called Anejo is excellent – many found the Mango margs at the Moonrise and main bar rivals Lol-Ha drinks - we need to get them more shooter glasses - Boyd asked for 50 shooters one night and they had to do two sets
9) ATM at the back of the resort (behind bldg 3) – lots of cash and a small 27 peso fee
10) Entertainment staff: They have had 2 of 5 move on in the last few weeks so entertainment programs are reduced. However they did a Music trivia night rather than Bingo – our AASB group had a fantastic time (and won of course) with no heckling (we hate BINGO) - we also won both Mr Akumals
Did I mention the Black Diablo Sauce - The Texan girls loved it
This place just keeps improving
Sundog
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AASB 13 Done it - AAFB in the planning
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/14/2012 12:46:40 PM
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Macmaniac
Posts: 113
Joined: 1/19/2007
From: Vancouver BC Canada
Status: offline
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Flip Flop Birg posted the slideshow so I'll attempt the reporting part.
This was our 2nd time back to ABR since the new owners took over the property. It was great to see all our LocoGringo friends and share the experience of being in such a beautiful place.
It was nice to see that the upkeep on the place has improved. Everything seemed a little fresher and cleaner. The new colour or should I say non-colour took getting used to. We preferred the more colorful version. We stayed in building 6. The rooms were as remembered, hard beds with lots of pillows. That was okay though, by the time you hit the bed it was lights out anyway. My one complaint about the room was that the air conditioning was almost non-existent.
We were up early for breakfast every morning. The breakfast buffet was great, especially on bacon day. Scrambled eggs with frijoles on fresh tortillas or BLTs. You could also get a made to order omelet. The snack bar was an excellent source of nourishment during the afternoon. Akumal Macs, pizza, hot dogs or chips and guacamole. The dinner buffet never disappointed, we could find something we liked every night. That is when we weren't eating fresh fish caught by our LG buddy's. Thanks to Brad, Serg, Boyd, Bimmy and RJ.
The staff were great, friendly and attentive. It was nice to see all the familiar faces. I actually participated in some of the animation events and even won the title of Mr Akumal. It was fun to be a petty celebrity for a few days. I gave my wife the lovely pink shirt I won. I never used the 15 minute massage, which was just a way of getting you in the door and trying to up-sell you to the full hour.
I did have a negative incident at the Moonrise which was not the fault of the ABR staff but, the employee of the snorkel excursion company residing in Johnny's old kayak hut. I had left my towel and t-shirt on a chair at the Moonrise, when I returned to collect my t-shirt to go snorkeling both towel and shirt were missing. After checking with witnesses it was discovered that an employee of the excursion company had taken it, believing it belonged to one of their customers. I got the towel back but not the shirt. I reported the issue to Renato, he contacted the excursion company. My shirt was not returned but Renato gave me the choice of a shirt from the hotel store. It turned in to a great customer service story for ABR.
We had some awesome relax time on the beach by the Moonrise. Their were also some firsts for us, snorkeling at Yal Ku, a visit to the crows nest at La Buena Vida and a fishing derby.
Big hugs to DougSR for sharing his favourite place. It made Birg cry with happiness. (picture borrowed from Stacey)
Thanks to transport from our LG friends Boyd and Serg.
Having lunch with Boyd and Serg at La Palapa in Chemuyil was fun. The rooster in the yard next to the restaurant was a enjoyable surprise. http://youtu.be/da5-haLEWVE
The Tulum beach crawl was everything we remembered fondly from the first time. Right from the Donkey stop to Playa Azul's hammocks. It was a very fun day. Great big thanks and hugs to Alma and iTours for a fabulous day. We make sure to tell everyone we meet heading that way to check out Tulum and iTours.
Check out day proved to be a panic that ended with us getting an extra day in paradise thanks to Westjet.  It turned out our flight had been changed from 6:15pm to 12:50pm. I found this out in the lobby while waiting for our 2:15pm transfer. Needless to say we were not going to make that flight. After what seemed like a life but was actually a couple hours, Westjet gave us a full refund on our return fight. The refund was more than enough to cover the flight I booked on United and a room for another night. I actually made some profit on the deal. The ABR staff was great, we ended up with a room in building 5 and they even gave us another welcome drink and said Welcome Back. It really helped to relieve the tension. USA Transfer were totally understanding and rescheduled our pick up on very short notice (the driver was already on his way) for the next day with no extra charge. Once all the necessary calls were made and things arranged we headed back to the Moonrise to a surprised group of friends. It was an awesome extra day, like adding another day to your life.
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You can never learn too much.
Open Mind required.
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/14/2012 6:16:00 PM
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kezwie
Posts: 68
Joined: 1/21/2012
From: Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
Status: offline
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My husband and I have been going to Mexico since 2006. This summer will be our 6th trip. Every time we go we always have a new experience and find something new to fall in love with. On our first trip, we fell in love with Isla Mujeres and its fun vibe. Who doesn’t love zipping around a pretty little island on a moped? If that doesn’t spell fun, I don’t know what does. Our second trip, we discovered Tulum and its beauty. Another trip took us to Xel-Ha, where we really enjoyed the snorkeling and scenery. Another trip found us going to Coba and climbing Nohoch Mul. Nothing like the view from the top, along with panic attack about going back down! Somewhere amongst the trips we visited Xcaret and Chichen Itza too.
Last June was our first time staying in the Akumal area- we went to the Barcelo. We fell in love again. The area was beautiful. The weather was not! It rained the majority of time we were there. Lots of rain! We were determined that it would not spoil our time. We dodged rain drops and went shopping. We swam when the sun made its brief appearances. We spend a lot of time eating and then at the bar relaxing. We read in the lobby. We slowed down. The rain really was a beautiful thing. My only sadness was that we didn’t get any snorkeling in! The water was too rough and murky to see anything. On our last morning, we got up and went for one last walk, and the sun came out. The water was flat. We walked the beach and saw two rays from the shore, along with lots of fish from the pier. Oh how I wanted just one more day!!!
This year, we are headed to ABR. I am so looking forward to the snorkeling and the sea life…
I really think that my favorite thing about vacation has to be all of the great memories made over the years. Thinking about how that strong sun feels... or that sea smell when you come out of the airport...or the sound of the crashing waves as you doze on a beach chair…or how that night breeze feels on your skin as you go for a stroll…
Mexico has become a feeling for me. It’s a happy thought throughout the year about all of those wonderful memories. And then looking forward to making even more memories…
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/15/2012 9:04:42 AM
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Bob in Milw
Posts: 3044
Joined: 8/24/2007
From: Milwaukee , Wi.
Status: offline
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AASB 2012, from what I remember............
Hola,
We just returned from our 24th trip to Mexico. This time we stayed at the ABR for the fourth time. As usual we loved our stay there. It's all about location, location, location. Of course all the wonderful friends we met there had a lot to do with our enjoyment. This was our third time hooking up with the AASB group. What a fun loving, partying group of people they are. We love you guys, and look forward to vacationing with you again next year. We were lucky enough to have a direct flight from Milwaukee to Cancun which only took about 3 1/2 hours. When we arrived at Cancun airport and came down the escalator to immigrations we were very happy when we saw there was not one single person standing in line. Being that we were sitting in the front of the plane we were the only ones in line. We breezed through immigrations in less than 2 min. grabbed our bags off the carousel and got a green light at customs. Ran past the timeshare hawks and found the van that was to take us to the ABR. We had the driver stop at the 7/11 on highway 307 to pick up a cold six pack of beer for the ride.
Arrived at the ABR around three o'clock, checked in and ran to the moonrise bar to meet our friends. When we got there Beachey made a presentation to Adrienne with a hard hat he made for her to commemorate her accidental fall at last year's AASB. We all enjoyed a good laugh and proceeded to drink and reminisce old times. Went back to the room showered and changed and came back down to the moonrise for the beach party that night with a live band. Had a blast dancing and drinking with all my LG amigos and amigas.
Sunday morning I went out snorkeling and then proceeded to just hang out by the beach and chill out. I was planning on doing this more often while on vacation but as usual I crammed two weeks of activities into one week. Oh well, still enjoyed every minute of it.
Monday there were eight of us that took a guided snorkel trip to Dos Ojos from ADS. When we got there we met Big Serg and Boyd who drove there in the car they rented. It was beautiful. When we returned I hung out at the moonrise and made up for lost time. LOL
Tuesday went snorkeling again in the morning and then we had the fishing derby in the afternoon. Big Serg, Boyd and myself were in boat number one. Doug, Lulu and R.J. were in boat number two. Brad, Sundog and Rob were in boat number three. The new reigning champions of 2012 are Big Serg, Boyd, and Bimmy. We caught three mahi-mahi around 3 feet long, a barracuda around 4 feet long and a sailfish around 5 feet long. The captain cleaned all our mahi-mahi along with another one that Doug's boat caught and I brought all the mahi-mahi fillets back to ABR and had the cook prepare them for our dinner that night. They set up a table for 30 of us in the private dining area and had to bring in more tables because that wasn't enough. Besides all the fish that we ate we could eat off the buffet if we wanted but most of the people were chowing down on the fish because they tasted so good. That night they had a Cuban band playing at the main bar. We all danced and drank and had another great evening together. I was supposed to go diving on
Wednesday but I was feeling rather hung over so I walked down to ADC and told Natalie and Ivan I wasn't feeling up to diving with them because I had been drinking in excess the last couple of days. They congratulated me on making the right decision,LOL, and I told them I would dive with them on Friday. That afternoon we had the silent auction fundraiser for the library. Beachey ran the show and did a fantastic job of it. Some of us helped him but he was the main man, thank you Beachey. It was a huge success, we raised $1,640. After the fundraiser I hung out at the moonrise till they closed.(Do you notice a pattern developing here? LMAO)
Thursday morning went down for breakfast and had a large breakfast and drank plenty of juice and water to hydrate myself because today we are going on the Tulum beach bar crawl. We all walked in together waved at the WebCam and walked over to where the vans were picking us up in front of the super Chomak. We had plenty of bottled water in our cooler for the beginning of the crawl and bought a six pack of beer for the long walks between bars. LOL The vans stopped at the tequila store on highway 307 so we could purchase some tequila and watch Dougie give the donkey a can of beer to drink. Funny stuff. We then went to iTours to pick up the T-shirts and proceeded to Tulum beach. It was approximately a 3 mile walk with six beach bars to stop at along the way. No broken bones this year. LOL On our return to the ABR we all jumped in the pool and Sundog played cabana boy again this year bringing us trays of cold beer to the pool. Thank you Dog. I actually went to bed at a reasonable time that night knowing I was going to be diving in the morning. Friday woke up went down for breakfast and just chilled out on the beach waiting to walk down to ADC to go diving. I met Yaki Jaki's husband Scott to dive with again this year. We enjoyed a beautiful dive together. I knew I wasn't going to be diving as much as I usually would because there would be a lot of drinking going on on this vacation. However, even just one day of diving is better than no diving. Knowing that Saturday morning I was to head back to the airport,
Friday evening was going to be another drinking evening. Hung out at the moonrise waiting for my friend Badger to show up and closed that bar with him and Bosco then proceeded over to the main bar and don't remember a whole lot of what happened that evening. LOL.
Got up Saturday morning finished packing, went down for breakfast and made a couple of sub sandwiches to take on the airplane and proceeded to hug and kiss all of my amigos and amigas goodbye. I hope to see all of you again next year. Every year I meet new friends from LG and the family just keeps getting bigger. I love you all.
Peace, Bimmy
< Message edited by Bob in Milw -- 5/17/2012 1:15:36 PM >
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"Take only pictures and leave only bubbles"
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RE: Post Your Vacation Story and get a LG 2012 commemor... - 5/15/2012 10:42:12 AM
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Isla Chica
Posts: 5383
Joined: 5/20/2006
From: South Carolina
Status: offline
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I had the BEST girl's vacation ever last September!!!
I met up in the Atlanta airport with my BFF, Anna; she flying from Birmingham, AL and me from Columbia, SC. We arrived in Cancun, JUST missed the bus so grabbed a couple of beers to wait for the next one. Got off in PDC, negotiated a cab to Akumal for $20 and found The Reef on HMB easy peasy, due to the Google Earth photo of the backside!
#1: As we were walking onto the property, we naturally went to see the ocean first, and WHAT did we see? YEP! Baby turtles were rushing out of a nest to sea! I got a photo of the last 3 with my cell phone! A Sign of things to come!!!
#2: The condo was PERFECT! FANTASTIC views and location smack dab in the middle of HMB. Loved being able to snorkel out the front door! Thanks so much to whoever made the snorkel map of HMB! I loved, LOVED the area named "The Labyrinth"!
#3: One of the 1st nights, the guard came to wake us because a turtle was laying her eggs on the beach, just the next building over! WOW!!! So glad I bought the Turtle Safe flashlights! I gave one to the guard (along with some cash!)
#4: Akumal Bay & Turtle City!!! Anna & I saw a HUGE turtle almost immediately after entering Akumal Bay. With 2 huge remoras attached! We saw at least 20 more in various areas, plus fantastical fish and BARRY! He chomped at me under a boat (he was almost as long as the freaking boat!), and boy did I do the backpedal!!! We didn't want to get out, even after an hour or two! She said to me, "Now I know why you're crazy over snorkeling!"
#5: Walking back to the condo from LBV late one afternoon, we saw tracks against the wall of a condo South of ours a bit. As I was telling Anna that they looked like sea turtle tracks, we spied her! Several folks were standing back, as she was hunting for "the spot." When she found it, up against the patio of the north unit. we passed on by thru the water.
#6: La Cueva was yummy, as was Lol Ha! LBV was just so-so, and the drinks there were disappointing.
#7: We will give them another chance, hopefully this year!
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