Cancun, Mexico April 2018 Azul Beach Sensatory

Azul Beach Sensatory, our destination to the south in an attempt to get a break from the cold Calgary winter. The hotel, located on the coast within walking distance to Puerto Morelos - a sleepy village just south of Cancun- provided the necessary reprieve.

One of the first employees to welcome us was this hawk presumably used to keep the local seagulls from congregating.

The hotel was all about the pools/pool bars, and beach. A series of statues punctuated the area separating the two.

I admit to a certain restlessness which limits my ability to lounge around the pools. A trip couth to the Coba ruins was exactly what was needed to break the boredom. While it is not the largest of the ruins in the area, it did provide an opportunity to explore.

The main pyramid at the ruins was open to allow tourists to climb and get a spectacular view of the area. The once adjustment made to the initial design was the attachment of a rope to minimize the numbers of tumbles experienced. The steps are incredibly steep, uneven, and slippery even when dry.

This is the courtyard seen at the other major ruins in the area. The stone hoop on the edge of the inclined wall is a goal. The villagers played a game where the object was to bump the ball into the hoop. Winner looses his head. It was quite an honour, similar to playing politics today.

Another day trip took us to a local lagoon frequented by reef fishes and tourists. Elvie

Reef fish can be seen in the deeper areas of the pool.

Of coarse, freshwater is also an option for swimming - in particular is the bar is the destination.

Hawks and frigate birds are not the only locals that liked the hotel. Iguanas were also lounging in the sun.

Stopping by a local beach lead to us witnessing a sweet sixteen party's photo op.

Finally, a few hours were spent at the beach at the hotel, playing and swimming. The hotel staff were incredibly risk averse, and lectured me as a result of my meandering outside of the bouys marked zone. It should be noted that the water depth was between 3 and 5 feet most of the way to the reef - some 100m off shore. When we went snorkeling on the reef as part of a tour, I was also lectured when I doffed my life vest. LESSON - Do not take formal tours to the reef. Having said that, there was a spectacular array of fishes in the reef, from barracuda, parrot fish, yellow fin tuna, to permit fish and the typical small colourful fishes typically associated with the reefs. It is a must do if you are in the area.