Vancityjo
Another amanzing stay with something for everyone!
Our 4th time back to this resort! We are an adventruous family of four (with two teenaged girls) who have lived in a few different coutries and travelled extensively. We usually "self cater" and don't enjoy most large resorts but this Club Med is so consistenly good and such an easy vacation for us versus the "work" of our more adventurous travels in Europe, Morocco and Vietnam that we keep coming back. Everyone is always happy here and so sad to leave
The pros:
-the weather! Have never had a single grey day in four years
-the beauty-such a gorgeous spot and lovely sunsets
-the beach, clean and warm but do be aware that there was a shark (or possibly croc?) attack a couple of years ago. We still swim but stay close to shore
-the staff! So great! I play all of the sports and like to do alllll of the things. The tennis pros (especially Dylan and Luna) are always top-notch and have taught me so much. patient and kind and lots fo fun. From beginners (like me) to advanced there are lots of opportunities to play and lean. The fitness leaders are also marvelous. This year I went to Samantha's classes every day and she always had something fun and challenging for me to do. Friendly and knowledgeable and it is so nice being able to work out under cover but outdoors with a beach view.
The bartenders at the beach are always friendly and ready to make whatever you need , from coffee to cocktails. Dining room staff are so prompt and kind. Front desk staff was so much more helpful this year and housekeeping did a marvelous job or keeping our room organized and tidy!
-the grounds and common areas are beautiful and were always immaculate
-the variety of activities available-I finally got to try the trapeze and they were all so encouraging that I can't wait to go back. Our daughters also had a great time with Jennifer at Zumba and water aerobics!
-more security-I appreciated that there was a bit more of a security presence-with two teenaged daughters it was nice to know that they were being monitored a bit if they went to quieter areas of the resort after dark-the teenagers didn't love it but our group of parents certainly did!
-other guests-we always meet so many great people here and appreciate the smaller size of this resort and the types of activities that make this possible. Meeting people doesn't feel forced but if you participate if any of the sports or start up a conversation at the bar or in the dining lineup people are so interesting and kind
-the food-not always perfect but usually pretty good. A great variety of salad and fruit choices. Mexican night always the best! If you are in to dessert, bread and ice cream you'll be overjoyed!
-the iguana sanctuary in the middle of the resort!
The cons:
not many!
-if you are in to a really luxurious room this is not the place for you. The rooms are nice enough and kept clean but are defintely in major need of a facelift-our a/c was noisy, there is a large space all the way around the entry doors meaning that both light and noise passed in from outside. Our mattress was quite old and yellowing, the elastic on the fitted sheets was giving out. Towels with loose threads. Areas of the room that needed painting. The soap dispensers don't work very well. The shampoo and conditioner are not very nice (we usually bring our own now)
-the wine! Oh my! Soooo terrible! I don't mind an inexpensive wine (there are so many out there that are great) but the wine here is some of the worst that I have ever encoutered. It really is a crime.
-the sit down dinner at miramar-I always wish that these were better but every year the food is not as good as at the buffet. It is nice to be served but the food is never very good. The Miramar breakfast is ok but you have to be very patient. The male server (oops can't remember his name) is always great but if you get anyone else you often don't get what you asked for or it takes a reaaaaaallly long time.
Thanks again Club Med Ixtapa! We love you!