A truly unique resort in the heart of the Mayan jungle!
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort stands apart from the myriad of resorts lining the beautiful beaches of Riviera Maya. What sets it apart? They didn’t clear land to build this resort, they built around cenotes, mangroves, Mayan ruins. It is literally built in the jungle.
All about the experiences!
This family friendly resort in Playacar boasts 40+ activities that you won’t find anywhere else by simply walking out of your resort room. Eco tours across suspension bridges where you learn about the wildlife and trees of the jungle around you. Snorkling in a beautiful large cenote, a river through a mangrove with various fun experiences, sensory experiences offered by the spa, exploring Mayan ruins, a waterpark, a lovely beach with all the usual water sports, tennis courts and several pools of course. The main pool has a swim up bar and another pool in the family section has entertainment and music during the day and the adult only section has a large quiet pool.
A cenote is a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. Especially associated with the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, cenotes were sometimes used by the ancient Maya for sacrificial offerings.
Wildlife!
The mission of this resort and the entire hotel chain is about preserving nature and the culture of the locations their resorts sit in. They built this resort in the jungle and the animals that called the jungle home, still do. In addition to the animals native to the land, spider monkeys, iguanas, birds, coatis, turtles and more… the resort rescues animals that are in danger. They have donkeys, pigs and other rescues. Helping the caretakers feed the animals is one of the activities kids can partake in.
Nature!
My favorite experience at this resort was swimming in the cenote. We took and snorkel tour then were able to just lounge in the cool water. This water is refreshing! The resort boasts 7 cenotes, but only 4 are considered swimmable. Honestly, you’ll want to stick with the main cenote off the lobby, it’s large and maintained to keep the water circulating. A sacred cenote is off towards the ruins and hidden away, the spa uses it, but we did find people in it one day. A cenote in the Select Club section by building 60 is also swimmable.
Culture!
The resort has entertainment nightly and is focused on the Mayan culture. You can watch fire shows and ceremonies and participate in a survival game too. It’s great for the whole family. For something romantic, couples can take a private boat ride in the Jade river or enjoy a couples massage surrounded by the jungle.
Accommodations!
You’ll find the best of both worlds at this resort with a family section and their adult only section called Select Club. On my trip, my room was in the Select Club close to the adult only pool and restaurant. There is also a Select Club area on the beach with some special amenities.
Newly renovated Eco superior and family rooms feature bunk beds and are very nicely appointed.
Royal Elite is family friendly, but offering perks as well with their own beach area and private pool and restaurant.
Time to Eat!
There are plenty of options for food at Sandos Caracol. The usual buffets, an Italian restaurant, Teppanyaki, Brazilian, Mediterranean, and a Steak & Fish restaurant. Of course the usual snack bars and options. A favorite of mine was the restaurant catering to the Select Club, great breakfast here too, mix of buffet or a la carte.
A special feature of this resort that is unique is their vegan restaurant. I am not vegan, nor will I ever be and normally would never have chosen to eat here, but I have to say, it was really good. It a great choice for something different and of course, it’s all-inclusive so you have nothing to lose. Don’t feel full, go somewhere else and eat more! I will say, this was a meal I did feel full from, more so than any other. It was surprisingly delicious. Give it a try!
Kid Friendly!
There is plenty for the kids to keep them entertained. A massive waterpark, all the animals and fun eco activities, a kid’s club, pools, beach… By the center of the resort, you walk through another great spot for kids to get to the main pool and beach. Here you’ll find a bar and pool tables, ping pong, tv’s with sporting events, etc… and while the kids are having the time of their lives…you can hit the spa!
Sandos Caracol Eco Resort is a truly unique resort where you can swim in a cenote, explore Mayan ruins and culture, view wildlife in the wild and still enjoy the usual all-inclusive resort benefits of the pools and beach and kid’s club, etc…It’s the best of both worlds! I am looking forward to bringing my kids here as I know they will love it.
Contact your preferred A Time to Treasure Travel agent to book this resort.