Mahekal Beach Front Resort & Spa

Lo positivo

This was my first time staying at a tropical beach resort, so I don't have a lot to compare with, but I can say that I really enjoyed the somewhat rustic, camp-like atmosphere. The accommodations were at once comfortable and clean, but also felt very much as though we were surrounded by nature and that we were almost "glamping" under a thatched roof. One could very easily imagine themselves as a castaway who would return home from beach combing and find their bed made and fresh towels. I would not recommend for anyone, however, who is afraid of the sound of birds—either their calls or their flapping around the roof's foliage—or the presence of ants or geckos who are typically found in the tropics. Never myself felt bothered by them, but one's own need for airtight seclusion from nature is something to consider before booking. That said, I enjoyed the fantasy village in the dunes vibe, the smiles and greetings from every member of the staff, the location of the beach being a bit removed from the more busy sections of Playa del Carmen, and the best chicken tacos ever served to my lounge chair on the sand.

Lo negativo

I'm not a native Spanish speaker, though I understand pretty well. That said, there were quite a number of policies, rules, and bits of information that were simply, directly miscommunicated, and it wasn't because something was lost in translation. If you are not already bought into a package including meals at the resort, be sure to clarify that at the time you check in—different staff gave different answers about reservations and supposed discounts that come with them. This is also the only place on planet Earth I've ever been where Happy Hour is... a literal hour, and the 2-for-1 drinks are only good for the same exact drink—so you'd better hope your travel companion has the same taste, or you're having two of the same piña colada (which I don't recommend having twice in succession on one's own). The presence of wedding parties are also a drag as they can be held in what would otherwise be central common spaces of the property—not in a satellite event area. And a couple of sundry details would go a long way: nighttime lighting for the walking paths and much more clear signage for both way finding and unit numbers. It's a big property, and it is difficult to navigate once the sun goes down.