Time Machine: Riviera Maya - Day 3-5, February 14-16, 2010

Warm sun, soft sand, at an adults-only all-inclusive resort with not a care in the world except you and your significant other...a perfect way to spend Valentine's Day.  Today started like the day before, with a late start to the morning and brunch at the World Cafe.  This time, we dressed in our swimwear with appropriate cover-ups to save a trip back to the room.  There were a couple of hours before the buffet closed, so the food was "fresher", with two omelette stations open.  I asked for two eggs overeasy, and the cook couldn't understand what I wanted.  At first she was going to crack the eggs into a bowl to prepare an omelette (they scramble the eggs by hand, not ladle out Egg Beaters), and I shook my head and pointed at the eggs, and then straight at the pan.  Eventually another cook came to help and we figured it out.  I tried watermelon juice this time.  Of course, I loaded up on papaya!

We decided to hang out on the chaises near the pool to mix things up a bit, but there was not a free space to be found!  Though, no one was in the pool.  Perhaps the drink service is quicker by the pool versus the beach.  We saw employees carrying kabob trays, push taco carts around, and walk around with foam ice chests containing fruit popsicles for the people lounging by the pool...that was a nice touch.  We were full from brunch so we did not partake in any of the snacks though a fresh soft taco was tempting.  After a few minutes combing the grounds, we found a couple of loungers away from the main pool that had an umbrella for shade, so we relaxed there for a bit.  The sun came out that day so it was a bit too warm outside of shade.  Babe disappeared for a little while and came back with great news...he found a perfect spot on the beach for us!  We pack up and head out there.  He wasn't kidding.  It was an unobstructed view of the ocean. :)

After resting for a bit, we took a leisurely stroll up and down the beach.  The beach in front of our resort is a lot better than in front of neighboring resorts, even though it's all one beach.  I think Secrets trucked in a lot of extra soft sand.  It felt like walking on concrete in front of the other hotels.  We passed by the volleyball court, and people were trying to get us to join in.  I was tempted just to be nice and social, but Babe shook his head.  I guess it was for the best, as we were on a limited time budget and it was just jungle ball.

When we returned to our stretch of beach, we noticed that there were two employees passing out red roses to the women for Valentine's Day.  One of the employees was dressed up like Cupid!  We didn't reach our chairs in time to receive a rose, but it was all right, as I didn't have a vase to put it in.  Another nice touch by Secrets.

We saw people putting up a wooden structure on the beach, dressed it with gauzy fabric, and set up a circular pub-like table on the sand.  I guessed it was a wedding, and I was correct!  The wedding party consisted of the happy couple and what looked to be her parents.  Now this is what I call a destination wedding, simple and sweet!  After they got married by the officiant, the people on the beach clapped.  They were served champagne at the table, followed by photographs.  The bride stepped into the ocean with her dress on!  What was funny was that during the photo session, this old guy insisted on taking a dip in the ocean in the background!  The poor photographer had to angle his camera not to have the man show up in the pictures!  No one was in the ocean at the time, and of all the places, he had to swim there.  I wonder if he knew what was going on?

The sun was starting to reach the horizon, so we headed back to the room to prepare for dinner.  There was a long line at the French restaurant (typical Valentine's Day fare) so we ended up trying the Mexican Restaurant "El Patio", which was by far the best restaurant on the trip.  Too bad we didn't come here earlier!  The food wasn't your usual tacos/enchiladas/burritos.  Babe had foie gras for an appetizer and I had a lobster soft taco.  His entree was pineapple and suckling pig, a treat for lovers of "pineapple and Canadian bacon" pizza.  I had something with mole sauce (I don't remember if it was duck or fish) but it was really delicious.  We also had exotic desserts ("foam" and sponge cake), plus the chef sent us a special Valentine's Day dessert which included a small heart-shaped cake and chocolate delicacies.  Sorry, I didn't have a camera with me tonight, nor was the lighting good for photos.  Too bad this was our last night at Secrets; I wanted to try everything on the menu because of the way it was described.  To satisfy your curiosity, I found pictures of the menu here and here, thanks to "Moe's Photos"!  I don't know you, but we're both Secrets alumni; thanks Moe!  I want to note that we were offered a "Valentine's Day Menu" at the restaurant, and nothing on the menu was even close to their normal fare.  Caesar Salad?  Regular grilled steak?  Creme Brulee?  I guess they were preparing themselves for overflow from the French restaurant.  I'd rather have their salad with "smoked Mexican grasshopper dressing".

It was our last night, so sad.  We really enjoyed being our stay here.  Three nights was not enough.  I think I could have stayed another two more nights.  After dinner, we returned to our room and on the way back, we passed by the open-air auditorium where there was a "Cirque"-type show going on.  It sounded like the venue was packed and lots of clapping, so it must have been good.  We hardly had time to take in these events.  I also heard that on Wednesdays, they offer "Secrets Idol", where the winner receives a free three-night stay back at Secrets!  I totally would've tried for it if I was there.  So there are things to do if you are so inclined.  (besides all-you-can-drink)

The next morning, we checked out and our private transfer back to the airport was close to on-time.  We had no problems with the flights, finding adequate overhead bin space for our carry-ons. (I still insisted on being gate lice)  We flew into Miami again, and since we had a couple of hours to spare, we grabbed some rolls at Sushi Maki.  It was pretty good for what seemed to be a chain.  Then the dreaded walk all the way to our 2nd plane.  That airport is definitely larger than it seems.  We make it back home around 9:30pm.  Just enough time to sleep and wake up in time to catch my early morning flight straight to work. :(  My life begins and ends at an airport.

In summary, Secrets is a perfect place to stay to spend some quality one-on-one time with your babe.  If you're looking for a place that has luxurious accommodations paired with gourmet dining, yet low-key (not snooty!), plus an awesome beach with no crazy drunk people running around, this is it.  Just let me know when you want to book and I can make it happen. :)