Sandos Caracol Beach Resort and SpaFollowing the example of the Mayans, who chose one of the most perfect spots in the world to develop their culture, the Sandos Caracol Beach Resort & Spa is ideally located on a large tract of land alongside an exotic jungle, surrounded by luxurious vegetation, where you can discover all the beauty of the Mexican Caribbean. Recently re-opened with new spacious facilities, the Sandos Caracol Beach Resort & Spa features a huge modern spa, including a sauna and thermal bath circuit, as well as a fully equipped gym with classes including yoga, spinning, Tai Chi and Pilates. This elegant resort and spa allows you to refresh and renew yourself when you need it during what can be a frenzied and amazing Grad Trip!
As an All-Inclusive, the Sandos Caracol Beach Resort & Spa includes all meals (buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and buffet dinner), plus snacks and dinner in specialty à la carte restaurants. Unlimited drinks are offered 24 hours a day. There’s also plenty to do, including tennis, water sports (boogie boards, windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, snorkeling, scuba practice in the pool), and an activity program of everything from beach volleyball to pool games led by a team of entertainers.
LOCATION:
The Sandos Caracol Beach Resort & Spa is strategically situated a short distance from Playa del Carmen and close to Cancun International Airport.
ROOMS:
The Sandos Caracol Beach Resort & Spa offers standard rooms with two queen size beds or one king size bed, full bathroom, A/C, satellite TV, radio alarm clock, telephone, mini-bar with mineral water and soft drinks, safety deposit box, and balcony with garden, jungle or pool view.
THE GRAND COCO BAYNestled on one of the Mayan Coast's best beaches, The Grand Coco Bay has everything you need for an amazing All-Inclusive Grad Trip experience: all day snacks, buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, two specialty restaurants (Italian and Mexican), pool bar, snack bar, sports bar, nightly entertainment, and more. Close to the attractions of Playa del Carmen, and with easy access to the many attractions of the Mayan Riviera, your stay at The Grand Coco Bay will most certainly be amazing.
LOCATION:
The Grand Coco Bay is right on the beach, 45 minutes from the airport and within walking to the picturesque village of Playa del Carmen and the ferry to Cozumel.
ROOMS:
The horseshoe-shaped Grand Coco Bay faces the brilliant blue waters on the Yucatan Peninsula. Hotel rooms have A/C, 2 double or 1 king bed, satellite TV, telephone, full bathroom, mini-bar with mineral water and soft drinks, safety deposit box, balcony or terrace with pool or partial ocean view.
One of The Best Beaches in the CaribbeanViva Wyndham Maya has on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. This All Inclusive 400+ room resort features an atmosphere of never-ending excitement thanks to a wide array of on-site activities. Boasting a culturally-inspired ambiance, a high-energy atmosphere and international accents on both food and service, the beachfront Viva Wyndham Maya is an excellent option. Lounge by the oceanfront pool or delight in an extensive variety of day and nighttime diversions. Explore the Mayan Riviera to find the ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza and the natural wonders of Xcaret and Xel-Ha. As night falls, Viva Wyndham Maya kicks into high gear with live performances, cabaret shows and thumping beats!
COCO BONGO
The newest version of this world famous nightclub is set to open its doors this winter and is sure to be the newest hot spot in Playa. With acrobats, performers, and a circus-like atmosphere, it is no wonder why… Coco Bongo was labeled as the world’s best nightclub by: CNN, MTV, and the E! Channel
BALI DISCO
With a capacity for over 2,000 guests, this exotic two-room club is located right in the heart of Playa del Carmen. Breakaway Tours will throw down one of the biggest events during your trip when it takes over Bali!
BLUE PARROT DISCO
Party under the stars and in the sand at Playa del Carmen’s only outdoor nightclub! Check out the world-famous fire show, and listen to the hottest DJs spinning your favorite tracks until the sun comes up.
SENOR FROGS AND CARLOS'N CHARLIE'S
These two restaurant bars are among the most famous chains in the world. They will have you dancing on chairs, singing karaoke and hitting the dance floor all night long with their laid-back party attitude. Be sure to get one of their famous Yard Cups for a great souvenir of your trip.
Xcaret
Xcaret Eco Theme Park is teeming with Mayan culture,
flora and fauna,
archaeological tours,
water attractions and offers the amazing
Swimming with Dolphins Tour. Located in
Playa del Carmen, Xcaret is proof that development, conservation, culture and entertainment are not opposing concepts.
Xel-Ha
Xel-Ha brings together the best of Mexican Caribbean nature in the Mayan Riviera. Xel-Ha offers the most spectacular natural aquarium in the world – allowing you to experience a real aquatic adventure. Explore this theme park and enjoy
adventure activities,
natural,
ecological attractions, and
water activities like diving or snorkeling in creeks, lagoons, natural wells and ancient caves fed by subterranean rivers flowing to the beautiful Mexican Caribbean Sea in the Mayan Riviera.
Chichen Itza
Chichen Itza, declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is the capital of the ancient Maya empire. Located in the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula, its majestic structures date back to 435 and 455 B.C. Here you can visit magnificent temples such as the Pyramid of Kukulcan, the most impressive temple in Chichen Itza. Renowned for its many tombs and its 91 steps, the iconic pyramid’s incredible architecture will stay with you forever.
Tulum
Discover one of the most beautiful archeological sites of the Mayan Riviera – and the only one overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. A walled fortress, it is believed that Tulum was once one of the main ports of the Maya civilization. Temples include "El Castillo" – an amazing structure built on a cliff with spectacular views of the coast.
Breakaway Tours Olympics
Every year, Breakaway Tours hosts a school-versus-school Olympics day on the beach, with an opening ceremony you don’t want to miss. Tournaments include Touch Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Sand Wars, and Beach Volleyball. The winning teams will receive bragging rights and VIP Treatment for the week.
Before Leaving CanadaEntry Requirements
Breakaway Tours would like to inform all 2008 passengers that THE USE OF A VALID CANADIAN PASSPORT IS MANDATORY FOR ALL BREAKAWAY TOURS 2008 TRAVELERS.
Please ensure that you have your passport well in advance, as it may take up to three months to receive.
For further information or a passport application please visit
http://www.ppt.gc.ca
Note: Mexico no longer requires notarized permission for travelers under the age of 18.
Baggage: For baggage allowance, please visit the website of the airline you are flying with.
Airport Check-in
All
Breakaway Tours passengers are required to present themselves at the airport counter of the airline indicated on your ticket a minimum of 3 hours prior to departure time.
Arrival in CancunAt the Airport
Once you have cleared customs and immigration, Breakaway Tours destination staff will greet you at the airport and assist you with the transfer to your hotel. Look for the Breakaway Tours logo!
Hotel Check-in
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be directed to the Breakaway Tours hotel check-in information meeting. At this time you will be given the rules for the week, general hotel information, identification bracelets, and your room keys.
Leaving CancunHotel Check-out
Hotel check-out is at 11 a.m. the day of your departure, or 4 hours prior to your departure time if before 11 a.m. (For example, a 10:30 a.m. departure requires a 6:30 a.m. check-out; a 2 p.m. departure requires a 10 a.m. check-out.) All hotel guests sharing a room must present themselves as a group to the front desk to have their hotel bracelets removed. Guests will not be allowed to board the bus transfer to the airport without confirmation of their hotel check-out.
Airport Bus Transfer
A bus transfer to the airport will arrive at your hotel 3 1/2 hours prior to your departure time. If you miss the provided transfer you are responsible for your own transportation to the airport.
Airport Check-in
All Breakaway Tours passengers are required to present themselves at the airport counter of the airline indicated on your ticket a minimum of 3 hours prior to departure time.
Important InformationFlying Time
4 hours from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, Halifax, Edmonton, and Vancouver
Airport
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Emergency
Most hotels provide 24-hour health care services with specialists and nurses. The best way to deal with an emergency is to ask your concierge for a doctor or dentist. Notify your destination staff of all emergencies, as they are there to assist you.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Mexico. English is widely spoken and understood in most tourist areas.
Banking
Banking hours are normally between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays only. Please check at your hotel for the nearest branch. Most banks have ATMs that allow you to withdraw funds from your Canadian account. Look for the Cirrus or Maestro logo on the back of your card.
Currency
The official currency is the Mexican Peso. Traveler’s cheques are honored by most hotels and stores. US dollars are both widely accepted and recommended.
Credit Cards
Credit cards such as Visa, American Express, and MasterCard are widely accepted.
Tipping
In Mexico a 15% tip in restaurants and bars is the norm. It is also common to tip bellboys and maids. The better you tip, the better service you can expect to receive.
Water
Tap water is not recommended for drinking, but can be used to brush your teeth. Please drink bottled water. Water served in bars and restaurants is safe to drink.
Legal Drinking Age
The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years.
Population
Approximately 1 million.
Voltage
Standard 110 V – same as Canada
Time Zone
Cancun is on Central Standard Time year-round. When it is noon in Cancun, it is:
2:00 p.m. in Halifax
1:00 p.m. in Ottawa, Montreal, London or Toronto
11:00 a.m. in Calgary
10:00 a.m. in Vancouver
Long Distance Calls
The best way of placing long distance phone calls is by using a pay phone. Long Distance calling cards can be purchased at most stores and sometimes at the hospitality desk in your hotel. Avoid using the phone in your hotel room as it can be extremely costly. Ask your destination staff for assistance. Breakaway Tours recommends the use of TELMEX PHONE CARDS.
Shopping
Breakaway Tours recommends that you visit the traditional Mexican markets in the hotel zone of Playa del Carmen where it is common to bargain for great deals.
Public Transportation
The local buses are a very convenient and economical way to get around town in Playa del Carmen and operate 24 hours a day. Taxis are readily available, Government-controlled in Mexico and reasonably priced. We strongly recommend that you confirm the fare with the taxi driver before entering the taxi. All Breakaway Tours hotels have a taxi price board either in or just outside the lobby area where you can get an idea of reasonable prices.
Sightseeing
Optional excursions are a great way to enhance your Breakaway Tours package. Choose from a wide variety of activities and excursions available at your destination. For more information, please consult your destination staff or your Breakaway Tours Savings Passport.
Emergency Numbers
Local Police: 011 52 998 884-8073
Airport: 011 52 998 887-0088
Tourist Assistance: 011 52 998 884-8073
Immigration Information: 011 52 998 884-1404
Canadian Consulate: 011 52 998 884-3716
For all other phone numbers, please contact your hotel operator or available destination staff.