January 6, 2005

Iberostar Message Board

Our family of 5 stayed at the Maya from Dec. 29- Jan. 5., two adults and 3 boys from 13 - 23. The resort is truely beautiful in terms of architecture and landscpaping and always immaculate. The beach is picture perfect with waves that are better than a roller coaster, but watch out for the coral patches as they are hard on the toes. We were amazed that even at this peak time nothing was ever crowded, except at the New Years Eve Bash. The breakfast buffet by the lobby has great fresh juices: watermelon, papaya, banana, as well as the usual varieties. The diced fruit bowl was also a wonderful way to start the day. The bacon was the best we have ever had. Great selection of well prepared food. We enjoyed the grill on the beach that offered surprisingly delicious grilled steak, chicken, pork chops, hamburgers and hot dogs as well as salad stuff and chips and cheese. The guacamole was the best and we smeared it on everything. The drinks at the beach were great to wash away the salty ocean. I loved painting bowls and plates on the beach by the Del Mar. The guy touches up your creation to make it look really professional. It is my best souvenir. If your kids want henna tatoos get them on the beach by the DelMar. We had one done in Playa that wore off by the end of the day.
The waves were HUGE each day so no chance for snorkling. My husband loved the massage on the beach - $45 for 30 min. For New Year's Eve the buffet offered vats of cold and grilled lobster as well as anything else you could possibly think of. Truely fabulous. As for the specialty restaurants we loved the Gourmet where the presentation is as memorable as the food, the Japanese which is great fun, the Italian with great lamb chops, and the Cajun with the famous coconut shrimp. The Steak House was disappointing with the mushy baked potato and shriveled corn on the cob which I think is due to a lack of understanding on their part of just how we Americans make those items. The steak was ok and the blooming onion was fine. We had no problem getting into any restaurant or switching when we changed our minds. The menu at the Mediterranian looked really bad and it was always basically empty. The concierge told us to go there if we liked seafood but when you look at the menu it is largely odd fish dishes prepared it novel ways. The Fondue Restaurant is now closed due to lack of interest. You could always make a meal out of the appetizer and dessert buffets if you did not like anything on the menu. We very much liked the food and we are picky eaters!
Room service was good, hamburgers, pizza, hot dogs, salad and a few desserts. Slow often times but good. Our maid dervice was spotty, one day only with numerous calls to the desk. No chocolates, wash cloth animals or turn down service in our room. It seems that any frustrations we had were due to the difference in cultures and expectations. No big issues just different standards. Most of the workers do not speak any English which does not help.
Playa Del Carmen offered the best prices and selection for Mexican goodies. The big bottle of Kahlua for $8 and beautiful opal and silver jewelry for 1/3 of what they wanted at the airport, if you barter. Airport prices are ridiculous on most everything. If you buy from the vendors at the resort who set up at night, you can get your items for 1/2 of what they ask if you hang in there.
The tours offered by Funjet and Apple are very expensive for what you get. The resort offers much to do so you can be more than adequately entertained there. We had an amazing time and will return. If you are rigid and demanding you will get frustrated as this is Mexico and people and expectations are different. If you can differentiate between what is a big deal and what is a detail you will do fine. Great place, great food, good people and breathtaking location.

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