HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN CANCUN/RIVIERA MAYA

Years ago, my husband and I decided to celebrate life's events such as birthdays, anniversaries and milestone events. Since then, trips to local and exotic destinations are how we plan to cherish one another and God's goodness.

Earlier we had celebrated my husbands birthday after Christmas-before/during New Year's in Fiji. This was the very first time he had spent his birthday in a 'warm weather'/tropical destination.

Because my birthday lands on the brink of summer (June 10th), I usually have the luxury of celebrating in a warm climate either at home or somewhere far away.

This year we chose to travel to Cancun and the Riviera Maya - the Le Meridien Cancun Resort and Spa and the Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa and Naturepark (a generous donation by Patricia Madrid-a prize she won during the Riviera Maya tradeshow in Sacramento). Since one is an 'EP' resort (LMC) - the other a five-star all-inclusive (HTR), we would be able to mix it up.

We had decided since we have previously visited this area and its' many tourist, historical and ecological areas - we would just enjoy the two resorts and what they have to offer.

We flew from San Francisco via Mexico City on Mexicana Airlines and arrived on my birthday

and were escorted to our room at the Le Meridien Cancun to the 'Club Level' on the sixth floor.

Later the resort concierge delivered fresh fruit and a birthday cake for us to enjoy on the

balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea to the left and the lagoon - with sunset to the right.

Guests may actually stay on any level, however 'Le Club' is a 'members only' section which offers a 'cold buffet breakfast' which consists of juices, coffee, fresh fruit and meats and cheeses.

It is a nice way to start the day overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea and many watched the FIFA World Cup soccer event on the flat-screen TV.

In the evening, hot hors d' oeuvres are served with premium drinks and can be a nice warm up to dinner or as we did - a complement to a full lunch at the beach-side grill- again as many watched World Cup soccer.

One day I ordered the 'Caribbean lobster' and I must say it was some of the best I've ever tasted.

Le Meridien Cancun also offers a 'full-service' spa, so my husband and I decided to have some

"me time" to refresh ourselves. As part of our package we paid $30-per couple for a full day use of the facilities.

My husband and I parted ways at the reception area and enjoyed the hot and dry sauna, whirlpool and cold plunge pool. Afterwards we relaxed in the outdoor spa/jacuzzi - a cool refreshing relaxation area in the warm Caribbean heat.

Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa - ADIOS!

We checked out and took a taxi from Le Meridien Cancun and headed to the Riviera Maya in a 40-minutes ride. It was interesting to notice all of the resort properties and tourist attractions that have sprung up in this area.

As we arrived at the Hacienda Tres Rios Resort, Spa and Naturepark, we noticed how it seemed as we were entering an ecological area - lots of greenery.

The reception was smooth and we were whisked to our room overlooking the entire property and the Caribbean Sea. We quickly decided to do a quick tour of the property and restaurants and decided to have lunch at the beachside 'Hacienda Grill'. I enjoyed the delicious sea bass and my husband enjoyed ceviche and battered shrimp along with 'top-shelf' margaritas. Then it

was "siesta time" as we layed by the pool and enjoyed the warm Caribbean sun.

Afterwards we visited the property's 'Il Forno Pizzeria' and were quite impressed with the selection and taste as we enjoyed pizza in our suite overlooking the property. Other guests partook in a "Mexican buffet'' for dinner in the courtyard with live entertainment.

After a buffet breakfast in 'Casa Las Islas'-where the resorts main dining takes place, we decided to explore the resort. I must say we did not visit the spa as we were on a limited schedule.

This day we decided to experience the complimentary 'Jaguar tour' which consists of a brief tour and a swim in one of the many 'cenotes' or caves - on property.

Because we did an afternoon tour, it was shorter than the normal two-hour tour. We were taken to an area, given a brief introduction and then assigned snorkel equipment. Our group then followed the gentle flow of the river to the sea. It was a cool refreshing experience.

Afterwards we parked ourselves by the pool and enjoyed a leisure afternoon.

On our last evening there, we decided to have dinner in the resort's Mexican restaurant, 'El Alebrije', as we were advised they served lobster. Although this restaurant usually requires a 24-hours advance reservation, we were allowed once we approached the concierge desk and advised we were departing the following morning.

The service, ambience and meal was all top-notch and a wonderful way to wind down from a lovely vacation - courtesy of our warm Mexican hosts.

WHAT A WAY TO CELEBRATE LIFE!