Sunday, May 29, 2016

My First Destination Wedding -- Day 1

Just returned from my first destination wedding at Iberostar Paraiso Lindo near Cancun, Mexico and had a wonderful time. Planned to fly down Saturday and get oriented, enjoy the resorts on Sunday while the wedding party rehearsed, celebrate the marriage of Amy and Mark on the beach Monday, and head back to the USA Tuesday. I learned that 3-4 days is probably the most I'd want to spend at an "all-inclusive" resort like this because being able to eat and drink whatever I want whenever I want is dangerous ... how much steak, lobster, champagne, and margaritas can you have, after all?

I'm not much for "queueing" and there was a lot of standing in line at airports on Saturday but once transported to the resort, I started digging the spectacular weather and how beautiful and well-maintained this complex of 5 resorts is.

Had a little trouble finding a place to eat lunch but finally discovered an international buffet that was open while they prepared my room. I'd packed a carry-on with bathing suit, towel, hat, sunscreen, cover up, etc. but the place was so big I couldn't find one of the many pools until stumbling upon this "Kids' Club" which was only 1 ft. deep for little ones, so the water was kind of warm but needed cooling off from the hot sun.
After checking into a nice room with a mini bar well stocked with bottled water, soda pop, and beer, I fortified myself to go looking for the beach and explore more of the property.
When I found it, it was beautiful and the waves were strong, there was a nice breeze, and the water was cool.
Iberostar Paraiso Maya did not just have buffets but also restaurants; while confirming my reservation at the French gourmet one, I bumped into the bride and groom-to-be, looking happier than I'd ever seen them look. Wonderful! We all enjoyed the restaurant, with this "Moulin Rouge" mural decor.
There's a reason you taste wine before it's poured; we got a bad bottle but once that was rectified, I enjoyed the pate, duck, lamb, and dessert and we celebrated my friend's milestone birthday, along with her daughter's wedding.

Travel-tired on my first day, I was ready to turn in. Had been prepared for the cute "towel animals" by reviews on Trip Advisor but still charmed by the elephant I found atop my bed before retiring.




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