Trip Report Xpu Ha [Archive] - tulum, mexico forum

minniemex

10th January 2008, 07:37 AM

Xpu Ha

I thought I would do this day on a separate thread as it really isn’t Tulum, but Xpu Ha!!

We left Tulum at 12:30 and everyone there was great!! They helped to carry all our luggage out to the car and gave us both hugs goodbye!! It was really hard to leave!!

We stopped in Akumal on the way to Xpu Ha as our son had seen a Tequila set there he liked when we were there in April. So we picked it up for him for a Xmas present. When we got home we told him it wasn’t there anymore as they were remodeling the store. We then surprised him on Xmas. It was fun to see his reaction!! LOL As a parent it is always fun when you can surprise them still!!

We got to Villas Del Caribe, checked in and hit the beach!! Understand that they are now closed as reported by Gale a few weeks ago. I just went to their website again and now it seems they are opening some sort of hotel in the jungle?? The website is under construction, but here is the link for you to check - http://www.xpuhahotel.com/

I didn’t take a picture of the hotel this time, as I had one from last year –

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Tulum/DSC01043.jpg

Our room was second story, second one in from left looking at picture.

After checking in we immediately changed and hit the beach!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03462.jpg

We were alittle upset as the beach was very crowded and there was no place for us to sit. I mean all these people were not staying at the hotel, but they were all using the hotel chairs and lounges. This did put me off a bit, but really seems a mute point now doesn’t it?? I sent my husband back to the room to get the camera I forgot (poor dear, story of his life!! LOL) (He really does this because I can’t be trusted with the key!! ) It took him forever and when he returned it was without the camera. He said I had to come with him back to the room. Now I am thinking what the he$$ is going on?? Well, we get back to the room and there on the floor is our doorknob!! He said he put the key in and the doorknob fell off!! LOL!!! I mean this is exactly why he wouldn’t have given me the key!!
He wanted me to stand there while he went to find somebody to try and fix the problem. I am not a very patient girl, especially when you are wasting my beach time!! Long story short, they had a replacement door knob and we were on our way to the beach, a long half hour later!!

We got in the water and bobbed for awhile, really hot from our ordeal!!
We then decided to go for a walk south down the beach. I have to say, this is my favorite beach after Tulum – it is georgeous!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03464.jpg

Looking out to sea it looks as though we are going to get some more rain. Like I haven’t seen enough of it this trip!! It really didn’t infringe on our vacation, more like it decided when we were going to do things!! LOL! I knew Gales fav beach bar was lurking up ahead, so we pressed on!! Just as we got there the heavens opened up and it poured out!!

We hit the bar for some libation - at La Playa Beach Club on Xpu Ha.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03467.jpg

I guess we were thirsty!! Yes, rain makes you thirsty!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03470.jpg

We decided we were eating at CaféDel Mar that evening, didn’t want to spoil our appetites, so just ordered some French fries…… I know French fries, but they really are great on the beach!! Ordered a few more drinks to carry us through the storm and then all was bright and sunny again!!

La Playa Beach Club Xpu Ha beach

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03472.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03471.jpg

We decided to walk all the way to the south end of the bay – this is where the Club Tulum (looked in my notes, also Club Maeva) was that was bought now by Palace Resorts. It is really kind of spooky sitting all empty with the buildings still there. I don’t think they have done anything with the property since Dean. The property is starting to look rundown!! We didn’t see anyone there at all!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03473.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03474.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03476.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03479.jpg

Here is a picture looking up north over the whole bay –

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03480.jpg

A really great picture of the water and sky – too bad I miffed it bottom left!!

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03484.jpg

We returned to VDC and played in the water the rest of the afternoon. It started to rain again and all from the beach ran to the restaurant. We decided we would return to our room and balcony for some glasses of wine and some reading before dinner.

I love how the restaurant was so close and the ambiance was great!! The only open table was back in the corner by the wall of the Catalonia. I was barefoot and there was accumulated water on the stones and I swished my feet in it - a habit I have – feet & water go together!! LOL About this same time I realized Fred forgot the camera again so I sent him to the room to pick it up. Not too far!! LOL While he was gone, my feet started to burn!! I thought I was gonna die!! I got up and went down to the water to rinse my feet because by this time I was sure there were some sort of algae in the water I was reacting to…… it was horrific!! Has anyone else ever had this happen?? I keep thinking it was because the water was sitting in that back corner! My feet were alittle better after rinsing them in the water and scraping them with sand!! Thankfully another table opened up and I took that upon returning to the restaurant. My husband asks upon returning why did I switch and I had to tell him about the creatures that attacked me while he was gone, and next time would he please remember the camera so he would be there to protect me when I am being attacked!! That is his job after all!!

We ordered Pina Coladas to drink –

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03486.jpg

I had the Chicken Pibil –

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03487.jpg

And DH had some more steak – forgot name of it – Arrachera I think –

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03488.jpg

Pictures did not turn out so good – sorry –

All in all a good meal and our last ever at

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2020%202007/DSC03493.jpg

minniemex

10th January 2008, 07:41 AM

Sunday October 21st

We had to get up really early this day to return the car and get to the airport, all for a flight that was leaving at 10AM –

Of course, when time is short, this has to be the best ever sunrise!! Makes sense, Murphy gets me again!! LOL Poor DH is packing and carrying everything to the car while I get my last pictures. I do so love him!! Here is one of my favorites for that morning – it was raining out and not raining out – just a fantastic sunrise!! I did a slideshow, will post the link for those who want to see it from start to finish – took 37 minutes (I told you DH did it all) –

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2021%202007/DSC01669.jpg

Here is the link - http://s86.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2021%202007/fb71bbe3.pbw

Finally we are on our way out to the highway

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2021%202007/DSC01703.jpg

Onto the 307

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2021%202007/DSC01705.jpg

As you all probably remember, we rented our car through Continental rent a car – cannot say enough good things about them!! We were alittle concerned when we arrived to turn the car in as no one was there yet – but we were early and finally after 10 minutes and before the time we said we were going to be there, someone showed up, we did the paper work and they drove us to the airport.

We had breakfast at the airport, wish we could have stopped someplace else cause it was bad!! It looked good, but was bland and had no taste. We ate at the new Margaritaville Airport Restaurant – I had a breakfast wrap and DH had the normal eggs.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2021%202007/DSC03495.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2021%202007/DSC03496.jpg

We shopped some stores, did not see anything we wanted or needed. Plane left pretty much on time. I got a few pictures taking off, really wanted to see Isla – got a picture, but it was through the clouds.

Cancun

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2021%202007/DSC01710.jpg

Cancun

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2021%202007/DSC01711.jpg

Isla through the clouds -

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2021%202007/DSC01714.jpg

It was a wonderful vacation even with all the rain and wind we had!! Home will be nice, but I could stay here forever.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Oct%2021%202007/DSC01691.jpg

Toni

10th January 2008, 07:51 AM

FITZ

10th January 2008, 10:43 AM

Thanks for the fun report!

Karen in OH

10th January 2008, 10:46 AM

Thanks Minnie for the Xpu-Ha report, beautiful photos. I remember when we first discover Xpu-Ha years ago when nothing was there except a little shack that sold beer and ice, it was the most beautiful beach I had ever seen. When we use to stay in Cancun one of our favorite things to do was to rent a jeep and head south on the then 2 lane road and we would just turn left at any dirt road we seen and follow it to see where it lead us, always to the waters edge, we would check it out then on the the next dirt road but when we stumbled upon Xpu-Ha that was it we spent the entire day there, oh and that was my first time swimming nude :o what a day! Thanks for bringing back those wonderful memories!
Karen in OH

beachreader

10th January 2008, 10:50 AM

Aw, Minnie, you made me cry with the stuff on Cafe del Mar. I'm so bummed I never got to eat there, and Karen, how cool that you were there before it was developed! I really wonder what's going to happen to Xpu-Ha. Since there are large private homes in the center of the beach, I doubt that part will be developed, so maybe it won't be too bad. If only they'd get another Cafe del Mar to eat at!

PhyllisB

10th January 2008, 10:57 AM

Wonderful pics and report! Your poor husband, LOL! you crack me up!!!!!!

XpuHa looks wonderful!

BP.

10th January 2008, 11:43 AM

I love it!! It all sounds fantastic. I like those aerial pics!

Julie in PA

10th January 2008, 12:12 PM

Great trip report - love the pics of Xpu Ha - I am hoping to get there this trip. FYI - my DH doesn't trust me with keys either; however in his defense I must say I don't blame him. :D

firecop680

10th January 2008, 02:19 PM

Love the trip report! We stayed at the Aventura Palace 2 years ago (I know...YUK!) and that place was shut down then. I don't remember what hurricane wiped it out but, it thrashed that place really bad. It was a cool place to walk around at a couple of years before that.

jvhaas

11th January 2008, 09:14 PM

Aww, our first trip was to Club Maeva Tulum, and now look at it! I'm sad it's going all Palace. Oh well.

minniemex

12th January 2008, 04:16 PM

I have really enjoyed your reports and love the pics. I noticed that your ticker is counting down to the Maldives. I have had that on my to do/to see /to go list for a while, but not sure I will get ever get there. Please take lots of pics, post a report and all of the particulars . How you are getting there etc.

I enjoy reading your posts and replies. Thanks and happy travels. Toni

Glad you enjoyed it!! It is so much fun reliving the vacation thru a trip report and now it is on the internet in perpetuity!! I definetly plan on a trip report when I return!! I still cannot believe I am going - has been a dream of mine for quite some time!! We are traveling with our friends from England, so it should be a blast!!

minniemex

12th January 2008, 04:19 PM

Aww, our first trip was to Club Maeva Tulum, and now look at it! I'm sad it's going all Palace. Oh well.

I never made it there and it was always on my list too!! I was so disappointed Palace bought it!!

austxdan

14th January 2008, 08:00 AM

Great pix and report minnie :) -

One question tho. That first pic after takeoff (near the end) you said 'really wanted to see Isla'. Was that really Isla Mujeres? If so that little island sure has changed in the three years since we've been there. :eek:

Your pic really looked more like some of the hotels on the Cancun strip. Perhaps that first one was Cancun?

Dan

minniemex

14th January 2008, 08:08 AM

austxdan

14th January 2008, 09:15 AM

Only the last one was Isla, the others were Cancun...... thanks, I have edited so no more confusion!! LOL

Whew:cool:. My first thought was "What have they done to Playa Norte?"

Dan

SoKaliBeachBoy

14th January 2008, 09:49 AM

Yet another "TRIP REPORT"........! I am so struggling with mine...... but I promise to get some more up today.... the picture loading thing is just too time consuming!

Wow... :eek: what great parents... picking up a"tequila set" for their kids.....!

I'll be putting up my Esencia thoughts soon (ya right!) as it was in the XPU-HA area and I have to agree that after being down on the south end of Tulum the amount of people walking around those parts was kinda not what I was looking forward too........

Nice to hear someone else on this board discovered the magic of these beaches some years ago...... congrats on your first "naked swim"....! ;) I remember those beach huts with beer, chips and snacks..... and of course the skinny dipping bohemians and laid back vibes.... not anymore.

The only thing naked one might see there today is Beachreader nude parasailing up and down the coast.... not even I would attempt that...!:D

P.S. No doubt.... stay away from the Margaritaville at the airport as we were delayed an hour and decided to eat dinner there... after all the good food we had that ruined almost everything..... bad cuervo gold drinks as well. :(

AdGuy

14th January 2008, 11:05 AM

Really nice, Kayt. Thanks for sharing! :)

beachreader

14th January 2008, 12:49 PM

P.S. No doubt.... stay away from the Margaritaville at the airport as we were delayed an hour and decided to eat dinner there... after all the good food we had that ruined almost everything..... bad cuervo gold drinks as well. :(

I agree. That Margaritaville is a huge disappointment. I'm a secret fan of the TGI Friday's at T-2, I've had a couple of outstanding burgers there, but this Margaritaville was terrible.

If I end up in that terminal again, I'll stick with the little food court. They have a Johnny Rockets and a Guacamole Grill (where I had decent Mex fast food once at T-2) among others.

firecop680

14th January 2008, 12:56 PM

I agree. That Margaritaville is a huge disappointment. I'm a secret fan of the TGI Friday's at T-2, I've had a couple of outstanding burgers there, but this Margaritaville was terrible.

I have to admit that on the way home I need some sort of hamburger also. I haven't ever wasted my time with Margaritaville. :D

SoKaliBeachBoy

14th January 2008, 01:54 PM

We got some fries at the Carl's jr or was it BK.......? They were almost $4 !!! Had I known our flight was going to be delayed I would have eaten there....