Who are you most likely to do a getaway with?  Your boyfriend/husband? Your best girls?  Whomever you are planning an escape with this winter do I have the perfect trip for you!

Transat Holidays whisked myself and several other journalists to Mexico to experience their luxury packages.  By luxury I mean flying first class, priority service and baggage, and staying at the finest properties the Mayan Riviera has to offer. 



Arriving at the airport, we were picked up in a private shuttle (standard when you purchase this luxury package) and taken to the Excellence Playa Mujeres.  I've been on my share of all inclusive vacations, but this hotel is by far the grandest, with the most impeccable service I've had yet.

Check-in at the hotel was completely painless:  a glass of champagne and snacks in their private club suite and best of all, no tacky plastic bracelet.


There are no words for the suites at this resort so I'll let the pictures do the talking:

A four poster king-sized bed, a private jacuzzi tub with a view of the ocean and a chilled bottle of champagne and fresh fruit plate upon arrival.

A room with a view!  My private balcony faced the ocean.

Allow me to introduce the second level of my suite: 

A private pool, outdoor shower and two king sized lounging beds just for me!  I'll admit I jumped on them like a kid.  A few of the girls on the getaway admitted to a little nude sunbathing on theirs.

The private club members only beach was one of my favourite perks. 


Not only were we serenaded by live music (which included a sexy Spanish guitar), the beach concierge remembered specific details about me and other guests, ordering my favourite drinks on arrival and helping me select the perfect lounger.

The food was quite good - especially for an all inclusive resort.  Aren't we all used to just putting up with the food when we go away? This was more of an indulgence. 

Beauty Expert Bahar Nirmwalla ate herself into a food coma at their new Indian restaurant.

Of course we went to the spa and it was every bit as wonderful as the best spas we're used to back home, except the treatment finished with chocolate covered strawberries and champagne at no extra charge. 

There were many excursion opportunities but I'll admit I played hooky from a few of them so I could enjoy the resort instead.  (What's the point of staying in paradise if you're just going to pick up and leave?)

A Caesar in a real glass on the beach, thank you!

Janine Falcon of Beauty Geeks and Bahar were my let's skip the catamaran/booze cruise buddies.  The pool seemed like a better idea.

When you go to an all inclusive, are you the type that likes to just lie by the beach and the pool doing as much nothing as possible or do you like to do get out and explore?  I am most content to enjoy the resort and there is precious little that can pull me away from the ocean.  But if you prefer a change of scenery, there is no shortage of things to do.  Such as golfing.  I don't golf.  Do you? 


The course is stunning, but it comes with a few challenges.  Such as the wildlife. 

When he turned towards us with his mouth open even wider it seemed like a good time to leave.

I do recommend a trip into town to do a little shopping or have a dinner off resort.  Why not buy a painting or…

...a Mexican wrestling mask?

We did visit other resorts but all agreed the experience at the Excellence Playa Mujeres was so superior, the rest didn't stand a chance.  Even if one of them did go to the trouble to personalize my toilet paper.

I think you'd be surprised to learn how much a vacation like this costs per person for one week.  Guess!