*TIP I have to tell you about... when you are arriving at the airport. There will be A LOT of people bombarding you to get a cab from them. Keep walking and look for the signs that say COME TO THE MOST AWESOME MUSIC FESTIVAL EVER! 😁 JK, if you booked ground transportation through our connections, then head straight thru the double doors to the outside, and look for your sign that has the Warren Hill Jazz Festival logo on it.
Here is Warren showing you the double doors to walk through in the main terminal... 😊 After you go through customs and get your luggage just walk through these doors to find your transportation just outside.
You will see a sign like this outside 😎 this is your transportation to take you to the hotel. Please make sure it has the Warren Hill’s Cancun jazz festival logo on it.
But first, I like to grab a beer for the car ride to the hotel at the stand just outside...Get the party started!
TIP: This Festival is going to be HOT! HOT! HOT! and I don't mean just the music! :-) So I'm here to help you plan for your perfect tropical getaway. Check out my tips below on how to avoid the heat (or relish in it😎) and how to make the most out of your time in Cancun...
How to make a beach first aid kit:
You never know what can happen at the beach. From sunburns to dehydration! So, here are a few items to make sure you have in your kit:
Band Aids/ Antibiotic ointment/ Antiseptic Spray/ Hydrocortizone ointment/ Tweezers/ Scissors/ Sunscreen/ Lip balm/ Pain Relievers/ Allergy Meds/ Tums/ Pepto Bismal/ Imodium/ Wipes & Tissues/ Baby Powder/ Hand Sanitizer/ Baking Soda (make a paste with seawater for jellyfish stings)
Spray bottle/ fan (to stay cool)
*Tip ~ Reminder ~ Be sure to bring you own sunscreen, aloe vera and medicines. The mark-ups for these items are high when traveling abroad.
First of all, It's very warm in Mexico and you have to prepare for the heat...
1. Definitely pack lots of white clothing - my favorite color for warm weather! Bring on the linen, sun hats and bathing suits! And don't forget the sunscreen!
2. Drink lots of water! Even though it's humid, you have to make yourself drink - ok not just water - I mean, drinks are included, so have fun! Just be careful, you may not even realize how much water you are losing through sweating. Stay hydrated!
3. I like a Spray fan (to stay cool)
4. Swim in the ocean often!
5. Wear a really big sunhat like this one in the photo (ha ha) 😂
Or you could just wear jeans and a t-shirt like Frieda! 🤣
What to pack for an all inclusive beach resort:
Beach bag/ Sunglasses/ Hat/ Flip Flops/ Ziplock bags for seashells etc.
Books/ magazines/ iPad to read at the beach/ Playing cards
Sunscreen/ Bug Spray/ Aloe Vera/ Lip moisturizer
Bathing Suit/ wrap/ Cover Ups
Small First Aid Kit/ Meds/ Aspirin/ Ibuprofen (See list above)
Cosmetics/ tweezers
Toothbrush/ Toothpaste/ Brush
Sneakers/ Sandals/ Heels
Dresses/ Capris/ Blouses/ T-shirts/ Tanks/ Shorts
Pashmina/ Wrap
Passport/ Drivers License (TIP: It’s always a good idea to keep these important items in your safe when traveling) 💵
PJs/ Socks/ Undergarments
Camera/ Chargers
Snorkel Gear
Jewelry (leave the good stuff at home)
Snacks for plane
TIP: pack a backpack for day trips
These are the 2018 exchange rates... People often ask, “CAN I PAY WITH U.S. MONEY?” US dollars are a second (unofficial) currency in Playa del Carmen. However, the official currency is Mexican pesos and most everything will be priced this way. Exchange rates are constantly fluctuating, but figure about 17 pesos per USD, 12.5 per CAD and 19 per EURO. Almost all shops will accept USD, but will rarely give you the bank's exchange rate.
In any flea market type souvenir shops, prices are negotiable and merchants will often expect you to bargain. At any brand name stores, convenience stores and department stores, the prices are as advertised.
No vacation is complete without Shopping!!! Playa Del Carmen is so much fun! Olivia & I shopped till we dropped! 5th avenue is one of the most famous Playa del Carmen streets. Lined with shops, cafe's, gelato shops and restaurants. This main strip is a pedestrian walkway that runs for about 3 miles through Playa del Carmen. It's located 1 block west of the beach. So much fun! *TIP: To avoid being overcharged when travelling by taxi, agree on a fare before entering the vehicle. (Someone at the hotel can help you translate and negotiate the fare)
*TIP: Haggling is expected at market stands, not in the shops.
FOODIE ALERT!!! Oh you are going to be very happy because the hotel has so many great restaurant options to choose from, and you can even choose 24 hour room service if you just need to chillax. :-)
A couple of our personal favorite restaurants at the hotel are:
ZEN is Asian-Fusion and has Hibachi tables. The chefs are entertaining and the food is delicious. TIP: order a hot sake 🍵 🥢
IMPANEMA is a Brazilian style steakhouse, All of the meat selections are brought to your table and sliced in front of you. It's all you can eat - so come with an appetite!
Room Service is also included🥂
Oh, and did I tell you there's a fully stocked bar right in the comfort of your own room? I'm telling you - these rooms are right out of "MTV Cribs"! Each room contains an in-room hydro spa, satellite LCD TV and Hard Rock liquor dispenser.
TIP: it really helps to know a few key words or phrases in Spanish. Just try it - it’s actually kind of fun! Here are a few important Phrases and their pronunciations: Hello ~ Hola (O La) Yes ~Si (See) No ~ No (Noh) Please ~ Por Favor (Pohr fah-VOHR) Thank You ~ Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) You're Welcome ~ de nada (DAY Nah thah) No, Thank You ~ No, Gracias (noh ~ GRA-see-ahs)
Now that you are living like a rock star, time to get pampered like one too! Let me just say... The Rock Spa is amazing! I've had massages all over the world and I was not let down here! I had one of the best deep tissue massages ever! You can choose from an extensive menu of massages, facials, and body treatments at the spa that will make your stay at Warren Hill's Cancun Jazz Festival even more lavish. See you at the spa! :-)
She’s been working on her abs! 😂
Fun day at beach - now ready for some music!
TIP: Make sure you pack air plugs in case the music is too loud 🙉
P.S. Remember the resort is all-inclusive! What does that mean? Drinks are on me! ha ha ☎️