Trip Index
Sorry fans for the LONG hiatus. Life did get busy for a while, but that was not the sole reason. When I come back from an awesome trip, I can't wait to write about it because I want to remember the experience and to share those feelings, photos and trip planning tips with my readers. I always research where I am going so that I know what to expect, both good and bad. Unfortunately, this trip was such a disappointment. It started out rather well, but a couple of days in, I wanted to go home. Shocking, isn't it? How can being away from work, on vacation at a luxurious all-inclusive, be a letdown? I couldn't believe that I ended up with an experience that mirrored the negative reviews on TripAdvisor. Those who know me personally will attest that I am a very agreeable person (some say too agreeable), usually keep a positive outlook, treat everyone with respect, and often give the benefit of the doubt when bad things happen. That's why it had taken me so long (8 months!) to write this piece, because its tone would be much different than previous posts. But Kaleb said that I have to be honest, and that the readers will appreciate it. So without further ado, here finally is my experience at Zoetry Casa Del Mar...
***
Since my parents were out of the country for Thanksgiving, there wasn't going to be a family gathering, so it opened up an opportunity for a trip. I had always wanted to try out
Zoetry, a "premium" tier of AMResorts properties (ie. Secrets, Dreams). The properties had consistent positive Tripadvisor reviews. I had such a great time at
Secrets Maroma Beach so I figured Zoetry would be over the top!
We booked a package through Pleasant Holidays, including airfare, hotel and transfers. The hotel rates were on sale, plus there was a $200 resort credit package, which was broken up into $100 for the spa (max $40 per spa treatment), $60 for "romantic dinners", and $40 for bottles of wine (max $10 per bottle). We flew US Air to Cabo (changed planes in Phoenix) in the "back of the plane". :) It wasn't a long journey; we arrived in the afternoon.
The package documentation didn't include instructions on the transfer after landing in San Jose Cabo airport and retrieving luggage; it just said to exit fully out. Will someone have our name on a sign? I searched the Internet for more information as I had never been to Cabo before, and read some forums but I still didn't have any solid info so I'd just figure it out when I got there. Upon exiting baggage claim, there were two automatic sliding door exits. One said "Exit to Terminal 2" and the other said "Group Exit" or something to that effect. I chose the Group Exit, even though it felt strange, and entered into another arrival hall. Then the fun part started, which I read up on. There were people wearing official-looking polos or short-sleeve dress shirts with lanyards around their neck intercepting travelers. These were timeshare salespeople and the package instructions did inform us to keep walking towards the "real" exit and to ignore them, but I stood around like I was lost, just to see what they would do. One asked me if I was looking for a transfer, to which I said yes, then asked which hotel. I told him Zoetry and he led us to a desk where I got a unintended glimpse of a clipboard with a timeshare resort form on the top before the desk agent quickly whisked it away. The agent asked for the hotel name again, and I started saying things like "I don't think I'm in the right spot" and so forth. The salesmen kept reassuring me that they would take care of my transfer, etc. I finally said "I think I should go now" and started to head towards the exit, and the agent yelled at me saying that I was wrong and to come back or I would lose my transfer, etc. It became antagonistic, which could cause unsure folks to return back to the desk, and they really made me feel I was in the wrong as I exited the airport. Now that I've experienced those salespeople, hopefully readers, you will keep walking straight out the door and ignore the sharks swimming around you. (Note: I am not against timeshares; in fact, I own several timeshares and they can be a great value if you know how to use them. Buy timeshares on the resale market and you can save a lot of money. Go to the
Timeshare User's Group website to learn more.)
The package documentation mentioned that the transfer was provided by Terramar. There wasn't a sign with our names on it, but we found a person with a Terramar shirt in the crowd holding a clipboard. He confirmed we were on the list, but needed to wait another ten minutes for passengers arriving on a later plane. Eventually everyone was rounded up and we headed across to the parking lot to our waiting Mercedes-Benz shuttle. It was spacious and clean.
Our friends Bernard and Annie who own a timeshare in Cabo told us that the ride from the airport to the tourist corridor was going to be a barren landscape, to the point where you were wondering if the driver is going the right way! They were not kidding. We passed by miles of undeveloped land.
The shuttle's first stop was at the Holiday Inn, which looked very nice. We were the second stop, Casa Del Mar. The other passengers in the bus were remarking how beautiful the grounds were and what place was this? There was a security booth controlling the gate into the complex. After we were checked on the list, the gates opened and the shuttle drove over cobblestones to get to Zoetry.
 |
| guard house |
|
 |
| We're at Zoetry! |
|
We tipped the shuttle driver a couple of dollars. The bellhops were surprised that Kaleb and I only had carry-ons, so we did not need their services. A host led us to a reception desk where we seated and received a welcome drink. After check-in formalities and an explanation of the resort and services by the desk agent, the host showed us around the main building, remarking that we were here during the best time of the year when it was breezy and not too humid. He then took us to our suite which was also in the main building, explained the amenities, gave us our keys, and left us to our own devices.
The suite was very spacious, tastefully furnished with lots of tilework, artwork and a beautiful view out the balcony. Bulgari white tea-scented toiletries were provided. There was also a welcome bottle of champagne and tequila.
 |
| half-bottle of champagne |
|
 |
| tequila |
|
 |
| entry artwork |
|
 |
| living room |
|
 |
| a Zoetry jute bag on the bed as a gift |
|
 |
| we have this same model TV at home |
|
 |
| Bulgari toiletries |
|
 |
| marble jacuzzi/shower combo |
|
 |
| one closet |
|
 |
| another closet |
|
 |
| coffee and tea service |
|
 |
| included mini-bar |
|
 |
| keys for room 111 |
|
 |
| the $200 resort coupons |
|
 |
| more artwork |
|
 |
| a toast to a beautiful view |
|
 |
| gorgeous sunset |
We decided to try dinner at the Beach Club. The place was certainly romantic with firelight and the crash of ocean waves in the background. However, as it got dark quickly this time of year, and with only the fire in the middle of the dining area and one candle per table, it was very dimly lit. The waiters carried flashlights to deliver the plates. It would have been nice to see the colors and plating of the food to further its enjoyment, as evidenced by the non-flash photos I took to avoid blinding adjacent tables. I'm sure this restaurant would be awesome in the summertime when the sun sets during operating hours.
 |
| firepit in the middle |
|
 |
| dining on the beach |
|
Every menu item contained nutrition information plus an added notation if it was a "healthy choice", gluten-free, or vegetarian, as it is Zoetry's mission to be a "wellness and spa" resort. Based on the reviews I had read, seafood selections were consistently good, so that's what we ordered most of the time during our stay. (makes sense since we are right next to the ocean!) The reviews describe the beef to be "chewy", so if you're looking for a steakhouse experience, I wouldn't recommend going to a wellness resort!
 |
| I think this was lobster salad |
|
 |
| chocolate mousse? |
|
After dinner, we left a tip on the table. Tonight's wait staff was friendly and provided us great service. Even though tips were included in the all-inclusive experience, we felt we should still leave a little something for them.
We headed back to our room and lit up all the tealights provided for ambiance.
Everything was so far so good! Looking forward to tomorrow, to see the beach and grounds!
