We traveled to Mexico for the second time but on this trip, we took our son for his first trip to a tropical shore.
This trip was a little different than our first trip to Cancun because my son and I traveled out a day before my wife and her sister did. We flew out of Detroit on an early Saturday flight and it was for the most part, uneventful.
My son had fun looking out of the window and as we began our final approach into Cancun international airport, I could see my son was getting exited. We did a good job hyping up the trip - or maybe it was because he got to skip school for a week!! Probably the latter of the two.
We taxied to the gate and in no time we were wheeling our carry on’s past the droves of tourists eyeballing the luggage turnstyles waiting impatiently for their bags. I stopped and turned toward my son and pointed out the scene and stated "see, that's why we do carry on’s". Even at 8 years old, he got it!!
So off we went, through the onslaught of time share preaching salesmen right through to the airport to hotel shuttle company, Thomas Moore Travel that we booked prior to arrival. Thomas Moore Travel is the official shuttle service for Royal Resorts and their services can and should be booked online prior to your arrival.
Thomas Moore Travel provided outstanding, prompt transportation and I could not be happier with the level of service and I highly recommend them. The Thomas Moore Travel drivers wear brightly colored shirts and are very easy to spot.
We were whisked out of airport property and were on our way to the resort. My son jumped right into the front seat which kind of gave me pause but I let him sit there anyhow. I figured he would get the best view up front so it was worth it.
I remember my son’s eyes were wide open and I got a kick out of seeing him take it all in and it kind of took me back to my "first look" and how hard it hit me that the tropics were like no other place in the world.
We had to stop at a couple of other hotels along the way but it didn't take long and it was no big deal. Exiting one of the hotels, a huge iguana crossed the road in front of us. You would have thought it was the coolest thing he ever saw. "Dad, look at that - it’s huge." I couldn't wait for all the other moments that were sure to come.
Arrival at the Royal Sands, Cancun, Mexico
We arrived at the hotel and were welcomed in. We had to wait in the dreaded front desk line but it didn't take too long. My son on the other hand could not wait to get his Caribbean vacation going and looking at that huge pool was killing him!!
We made it up to the room and we were both taken back at the size and quality of the room.
Dad look at this, dad look at that. It was hard to keep up with our son’s enthusiasm, but I completely understood it.
The view from our balcony was absolutely breathtaking with the waves breaking and the azul water was the perfect color. It was party time by the pool and we were both ready to join in.
And Then the First Problem Happened
As we exited our 6th floor condo and made our way to the elevator, my son had an idea. "Dad, lets race downstairs - you take the elevator and I will take the stairs". Something inside me told me it was a bad idea but or some silly reason, I let my son talk me out of using common sense.
I looked at the steps which were positioned right next to the elevator and figured "what could possibly happen" (that was clue number 2 that it was a bad idea!
But the rules were set - meet on floor 1 and the race was on. I took the elevator to the first floor and exited expecting to see a winded but victorious and excited young son.
But he wasn't there, and neither were the stairs. Some architect in their infinite wisdom decided to separate the steps at floor 2.
It must have gone something like I went back up too look while my son went in a different direction and there I stood, alone, in Mexico, less than a hour into a trip in a foreign country and I managed to lose my son!! My wife was not going to be pleased with me!!
But after about ten of the longest minutes of my life, we spotted each other and all was well.
So please learn from my admittedly bad decision, no racing in Mexico!! I decided we were not going to be out of each others sight again but if for some bazaar reason we did become separated, we chose a rally point to come back to and meet up. We didn't use the rally point during the trip but I sure wish we had it prior to our "race". Now the rally point is established before we check in anywhere.
Meal Plan at the Royal Sands
The Royal Sands is a bit different in its billing system, but in a good way. They employ a dual room key / credit card system.
All adults get a card that serves as an "account". All your meals, drinks, pictures, ect. Can be acquired by using the card. In fact, cash is not accepted during your stay.
At check out, you can pay with cash but I recommend a credit card for an accurate exchange rate.
The food choices were outstanding and the drinks were fantastic.
Grounds at the Royal Sands
The staff of the Royal Sands went to great effort in keeping the property looking great. But that may have been in part because it is a time share. We are not owners of the time share but we were guests during our stay.
We observed several maintenance projects going on in an effort to maintain the quality of the property. The maintenance crew seemed to be very concerned as to not disrupt the guests experience. I have been to other resorts where this was not a concern of the staff and it did prove to be bothersome and distracting.
Beach Quality at the Royal Sands
One of the best features of the property has to be their quality beach area. The management has clearly went to extremes to take great care of their section of the beach. The sand on the beach is very fine and very deep.
This combination makes for perfect sand castle making conditions and if your kids are into that sort of thing, then you will have no problems keeping them entertained for hours. not to be left out, the Royal Sands in Cancun has plenty of Palapa's on the beach for the parents to relax under.
Beachside drink and food service is also available and the wait staff is very quick to take care of you once they see the service flag placed in front of your palapa.
Activities For Kids
The Royal Sands has a great kids program, one of the best we have ever encountered, and has devoted an area near the main pool for kid’s games, arranged activities, a craft area, and much more.
They have clearly thought out the fact that their young visitors need more than just the beach and a pool to keep them occupied.
The Royal Sands has devoted certain staff members that clearly enjoy working with kids and they go out of their way to arrange and supervise fun, safe activities.
Arts and Crafts at the Royal Sands
One of the kids favorite features of this resort was the arts and crafts area. This covered area provided hours of fun taking unpainted ceramic figurines, bowls, iguanas, lizards, ect.. and hand painting them.
Once the hand painting was completed you could leave it overnight with the staff of the arts and crafts area.
The staff consisted of local school age kids that were studying art. The staff would then "touch up" your work and fire the piece in an oven creating a glaze over the piece.
Roll over the image to your right with your mouse. As you can see, the end result was an inexpensive item ($12.00 for this bowl) that is transformed into something you would pay good money for in a regular store, with the added satisfaction that you created something very nice. The quality product a person is able to create makes for a wonderful souvenir from the trip.
Day Trip to Isla Mujeres
One of the days on our trip, we decided to travel by boat to the nearby island of Isla Mujeres
(Island of Women). For a small fee, you can take a nice relaxing 45 minute ferry ride over to the island and explore the many shops and beaches on the island (this day trip can be coordinated at any hotel you stay at in Cancun).
We decided to rent a golf cart because we wanted to go to the end of the island where we found out about a nice snorkeling spot. After arriving on the island, we were taken by taxi to the golf cart rental area.
The golf carts are in good shape and I highly recommend renting one for a much better way of getting around on the island. Just beware of the speed bumps!!
The speed bumps have a tendency of sneaking up on you. Picture this, here you are driving along in a rented golf cart in a third world country. You are trying to focus on your driving but you also want to take in the scenery and enjoy a great island experience.
All of the sudden as you are traveling along at 15-30 mph, up jumps a speed bump directly in front of you about 40 feet in front of you. Good thing these golf carts have decent brakes but it still can make for a wild ride, especially for your back seat riders.
If I were a local on Isla Mujeres and i needed a little free entertainment, i would simply get a beach chair and a cervesa, park myself near one of the many speed bumps, and wait for the Gringo stunt driver talent show to begin!!
Lunch at Jax Bar and Grill
After our tour on the golf cart, we had lunch at Jax Bar and Grill. This is a Texas themed streetside restaurant that also faces the beach and offers some of the best conch fritters I have ever tasted.
If you like fish, try the Grouper - Mucho Bueno!! They offer a generous kids menu and our picky eight year old loved it. Their sidewalk seating also offers a great place for people watching.
In conclusion, The Royal Sands is a quality place to stay and I highly recommend giving it a try. Because this is a timeshare, you will be approached by staff wanting you to sit in on the presentation. A polite no thank you was all we needed to give and we didn't have any other problems in that area.
