My first impression of Temptation was about a year ago when we met Mario Cruz and toured the resort. The facility had been newly named and the property was being renovated. This time my husband and I stayed for five nights and I am here telling all of you to book a trip to Temptation as quickly as possible. Once the word gets out about this place the availability will disappear.
We were greeted by Mario who is still the contact at Temptation. He has since been promoted to corporate PR director but is still heavily involved with the entertainment program and remains our Fit Bodies, Inc. contact for the pros. Mario sees the immense value of our program and is instrumental in making it successful at this resort. Pros must contact him right after booking to create a schedule based on their specialties. This and the flyer must be completed and sent to him at least 2 weeks before travel. I was excited to see a picture of the pro and description of the program at the reservations desk. Once you check in, the concierge meets with you to describe the property. She told us to make reservations in the morning for the three gourmet restaurants that take them. You can make up to three days in advance. There are other restaurants that don’t take reservations such as the buffet and Margaritas. My first night in Mexico warrants a Mexican dinner and I was not disappointed. I love the cheese and cheese appetizer with chorizo and mushrooms. You have to eat it quickly while it is hot. The blackened grouper was out of this world and the service was impeccable.
Even though the music in the disco down the hall was pulsating, I got a good night sleep and started the next day in the usual fashion. I threw on my running clothes, and headed out the front door to the paved path that goes from one end of the downtown Cancun strip to the other. It was me and all the Mexican elite athletes. These guys take it seriously and most have their own trainers getting them ready for a marathon or ironman or both! After my run I popped into the gym which is located on the second floor overlooking the pools and beach. No wonder it was pretty empty. It was tough to be inside with a view like that. I rolled around on the ball and did some yoga and then met Larry for breakfast at the buffet. I enjoyed the view there of the sexy pool where almost all the chairs were taken by 9:30am. The music was cranking and the activities had already begun. The swim up bar was busy already and the conversation and laugher permeated through the walls of the restaurant. Breakfast was great. I love that I can have Mexican food for breakfast too! I also realized I much I love guava. OK, I must admit the coffee is better in Jamaica and the DR but the ala carte restaurants all have espresso and their doubles fill up the coffee cup.
We were on the road all day and got back just in time for our dinner reservation. By the way, guys, you need to wear trousers and close toe shoes to dine at the gourmet restaurants. The guests at this resort were all nicely dressed, very impressive. Dinner was at Il Piacere and we were blown away. The ambience was romantic. The walls are rounded and one is solid rock with water cascading down. Crystal and china adorn the tables. You can order off the wine list for an additional charge. The prices are low and the selection is impressive, although their house wines are very nice as well. Ask for David and have the Mayan coffee just for entertainment sake. The servers light the liqueur and pour it over a peeled orange.
The Village Wok which is their Asian restaurant was very good as well with a variety of Thai, Chinese and Japanese dishes. It was a bit more casual but very nice and it is right on the beach.
I recommend taking a jacket or wrap because these restaurants are nicely air-conditioned. So was the room but it makes for good sleeping. Speaking of the room, there is a hair dryer and nice products so leave you own things at home and make more room for shoes! There is a coffee maker and a stocked refrigerator with juice and colas. They also bring you a big bottle of water each day.
Our room was near the quiet pool. It was very nice with its own swim up bar and jets in the pool. The only difference was that activities were not generated there at all.
One evening we went to the Paty’O bar (named after the owner). I saw people there just coming off the beach to those already dressed for dinner. It opens at 6 and serves appetizers like seared tuna, smoked salmon and much more, and they specialize in martinis. It is furnished with love seats, chaise lounge and high tops. The bar is thick granite. Can you tell yet that I was impressed with this place?
As the pro you will be teaching between 8 and 11 each day with Saturday off and you help design the schedule based on your specialties. Everything from yoga to Zumba works here.
I could go on but I will leave you with this… if you are single, married, traveling with friends, in your 20’s, 30’s 40’s 50’s, 60’s 70’s or 80’s. If you like to party, and if you like to relax in quietude – this is the place for you. Yes, ladies can be topless at all three pools but it is not clothing optional. I did see someone lose at strip arm wrestling but they did eventually tell him to put his pants back on. A girl won by the way.
So pack your bags and head to Cancun. Temptation is minutes from the airport. Mario, Vincent and the rest of the Temptation Entertainment Cast will treat you like royalty and you wont want to go home.