We got back from our pre-wedding honeymoon last night, and it was positively dreamy. I'm a little bummed that I didn't wake up to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore today. I thought I'd share my experience in case anyone is curious about what it's like to travel internationally right now (we went to Cancun.)
First, let me just plug all-inclusives again. I know that sometimes you're looking for an adventure, but if you just want to relax with your husband in a beautiful location, put your wallet in a safe for a week and not worry about what you're spending because everything is paid for (we budgeted for and took cash for tips), eat and drink whatever you want, and be pampered, all-inclusives are totally the way to go!
So anyway, here's what I noticed:
1. I was surprised that three of our four flights were completely full. I knew that AA was back to selling at capacity, but I was a little surprised the demand was there, and especially surprised to see many children and babies. The only difference was that everyone was wearing a mask, and the dystopian announcements about wearing face coverings to prevent infection in the airport were a little surreal. Flights did not offer food/beverage service. On international flights, they handed us a paper bag with a bottle of water and a snack upon boarding. Most people fully complied with the mask requirement, but the flight attendants did have to "correct" some people.
2. Once we arrived in Cancun, people were STREAMING into the airport (masks required.) Anyone with nothing to declare was waved on through customs, which was nice.
3. I didn't know what to expect once we got to the resort. I'd been to this location (Secrets The Vine) once before. I'm used to being greeted with a cold towel; this time, a masked employee gave us antibacterial toilettes. When we ascended the stairs to the property, employees handed us each a glass of champagne, so we de-masked at that point. Check-in had been streamlined. Instead of being seated, we stood at a counter I watched the employee disinfect, behind a sneeze guard, and checked in. All employees wore masks. Some guests opted to as well.
4. We learned at check-in that the 28-story resort was at 20% capacity. As such, only two of the six restaurants were open for dinner that night. The government had them capped at 30% capacity, and I guess they got more guests, because by night two, three restaurants were open for dinner. Some had two menus: one for themselves, and one for a closed restaurant. We had four restaurant options for lunch each day. The food was INCREDIBLE, and we had plenty of options. Every time we went into a restaurant, they gave us hand sanitizer. Menus were accessed via QR code (although you could get a hard copy if you really wanted one.) Silverware was handed to us via tongs.
5. Our luggage was sanitized before it was brought into the room. Our toiletries (which included hand sanitizer), remote control, and all glasses/cups were sealed with plastic.
6. I always loved starting my day with the amazing buffet, and I didn't know how that might change. It was awesome! Staples like eggs, bacon, waffles, and the Mexican specialty of the day were served by employees. All other food, from fresh fruit to cheeses to chilaquiles to potatoes to pastries to sauces were portioned in individual dishes for the taking.
7. Limited capacity meant that we had our choice of primo spots at each of the four pools as well as the beach, and also that the service was amazing. We were told by an employee that the resort employees 800 people and only 200 were back to work. They were clearly happy to be back, and we tipped as generously as we could.
8. Secrets resorts have activities 24/7. They still had yoga, water aerobics, Spanish lessons, tequila/wine tastings, dance lessons, and live entertainment each night. The only thing I noticed missing that they usually have was pool/beach volleyball. Also the gym was still closed. I wasn't really sad about it.
8. Generally, I would go on an excursion to see some Mayan ruins, go zip-lining, or something. We opted to stay at the resort to limit contact. It was perfect.
Overall, I felt way safer there than I do at home. Here's a picture:
