Sandos Caracol Eco Resort All Inclusive

Sandos Caracol Eco Resort boasts a beachfront location overlooking the Caribbean, on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen. This All Inclusive resort has a huge selection of bars and restaurants, a kids’ club, an aqua park, a spa and a fitness centre. And if that wasn’t enough they also organise water sports and nature activities. Some of the 955 rooms are within the Adult Only Select Club wing, that’s home to a swimming pool and a private beach area with a clubhouse.

No trip to Mexico would be complete without exploring the jungle. Sandos Caracol offers numerous different once-in-a-lifetime experiences to allow you to do just that. The guided eco tour teaches you the secrets of the mangrove and about Mayan culture. Are you Instagram obsessed? Join the photo safari and come back with hundreds of snaps of exotic birds and trees. Maybe you’ll even spot a coati. If you don’t want to walk, you can join a bike or kayaking tour. You’ll also have the chance for an open water swim or to get away from the other guests on a romantic boat trip for two.

The aqua park is split into three areas - one for the toddlers, another for kids between 110 and 140cm tall (with five slides) and another for everyone else (with seven slides). Access to the park is one of your All Inclusive perks. Kids that prefer to stay dry can make new friends in the play area or show off their creative side in one of the organised arts and crafts activities.

La Laguna is the hotel’s main restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving an extensive international buffet. To get a feel of the local tastes and smells you may choose to start the day at Las Mascaras, with its wide selection of colourful Mexican dishes laid out in a room decorated with Latin American artwork. Adults can make a more formal start to the day at La Jungla with its a la carte menu including omelettes, smoked salmon, eggs cooked the way you like them, and exotic fruits. Return here at lunchtime for clam chowder, portobello burger, Milanese chicken, lemon pie and much more.

In the evening you’ll be spoiled for choice. Las Mascaras reopens for dinner (except Saturday and Monday). If it’s a nice evening you might head to Salvia for grilled specialities served by the beach (except Thursday and Sunday). There’s also four a la carte options. Steak lovers won’t want to miss out on a dinner at Fogo de Brazil (closed Sunday). If you’re more into seafood head to Los Liros for sea bass, oysters, octopus, tuna, shrimps and more. For a taste of Japan head to El Templo (closed Sunday) to sample the sushi. Pizzas, pasta and risotto are dished up at Toscana (closed Monday). Please note table reservations are required for El Templo and Toscana.

In total Sandos Caracol has six bars catering for the needs of all guests, whether you want to relax in the lobby with a coffee and pastry, a cocktail at the swim-up bar or enjoy a beer while watching the sport on the big screen. In the evening you can sit back and enjoy the entertainment at the theatre bar. The programme includes Mexican night, Beauty & The Beast, a circus and a fire ceremony based on a Mayan legend.

If you’re bringing the family you can choose between standard rooms, superiors, suites and penthouses. Superiors include a king size bed, while suites include two showers and two toilets. They also have bunk beds for the kids. If you’re staying in the Select Club wing you’ll find sparkling wine and fresh fruit in your room on arrival. Book an Adult Only penthouse suite for your own Jacuzzi® on the terrace.

Sandos Caracol is located 65km south of Cancún, where you may choose to explore the Maya archaeological sites. You’ll also be 65km north of Tulum, a former Mayan port city that gives you the opportunity to get a sense of their identity and culture. For those especially interested in learning about history, a full day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza is also possible. If you’re feeling adventurous you might decide to go zip-wiring above the rainforest in Tulum or snorkelling in the Great Mayan Reef.