Planning an international trip is so exciting, but it can also be stressful. Even visiting a country so close to the U.S., like Mexico, can be intimidating. You might be afraid of not knowing the cultural norms, not being able to speak the language, and trying to find your way around.
Of course, I always recommend using a travel agent. They can help prepare you for everything and ease your worries. But, it’s nice to have some idea of what you want, starting with your resort.
The Fives Oceanfront is part of a small hotel chain in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The Fives is a relatively new hotel chain. In fact, the Fives Oceanfront opened just a few years ago, in July 2020. Even though it doesn’t have a long history, The Fives already has a lot going for it! The Fives has 3 different resorts. One in Puerto Morelos (The Fives Oceanfront) and two in Play Del Carmen (The Fives Beach and The Fives Downtown). All 3 hotels are very unique to the other, and they all speak to different audiences.
This article will give you an overview of the Fives Oceantfront. The other two locations will be overviewed in separate posts.
The Fives Oceanfront
As mentioned earlier, this resort is the only one that is located in Puerto Morelos, which is 18 miles south of Cancun. It is actually right in front of Puerto Morelos Reef National Park. This barrier reef is part of the Great Western Atlantic Reef Belt. The Fives Oceanfront is actually the smallest of the 3 resorts, with 94 guest rooms/suites. This resort is located right on the beach. There’s no need to go to a public beach, so it can provide you with a more intimate experience if you are a beach person. You can order food and drinks on the beach. You can even reserve a private cabana (for an extra charge).
This is an all-inclusive resort, which also offers cheaper rates for accommodation only. The rates are pretty self explanatory. The all-inclusive rate includes nearly everything. All your food is included, even room service (with just a small service charge). Drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are included. However, there are some premium drinks that are not included. If you aren’t sure, just ask when you order. One important thing to note is that tips are not included. So, make sure you plan for tips! Then, the accommodation only rate, of course, is like a normal hotel rate that only includes your room.
The resort will give you a bracelet, like the one above, to use as your room and elevator key. The color of the bracelet also indicates if you have the all inclusive rate or not.
Even the in room drinks and snacks are included when you get the all inclusive rate. The refrigerator will be restocked every day!
Since this is a smaller resort, these different rate options come in very handy. As there are only 3 actual dining venues, you may not want to eat at the same 3 restaurants every day if you are spending an entire week there (then again, the food is so good at this resort, you may want the chance to experience every dish!). However, this is a good resort to stay in if you want to do a lot of excursions and exploring on your own. It is within walking distance of a little town area that contains markets and shops, as well as small restaurants.
The picture above is K’iin, the restaurant that is located on the rooftop terrace. This is an omakase style restaurant. Omakase means “I leave it up to you.” It is a dining experience based on trusting the chef to prepare a special dish for you.
The main room types include the junior suites and one, two, and three bedroom suites. The junior suites have most of the same amenities as the one bedroom suites, but everything is condensed into one large room. The one bedroom suites have a separate living and kitchen area from your bedroom. All rooms, except for the junior suites, have the option of a partial ocean view or a full ocean view. If you value privacy, I suggest going for a full ocean view. Many of the partial ocean view suites face other rooms that will be able to see your balcony, and possibility even into your room.
Speaking of balconies, all rooms have very sizeable balconies. You may find yourself spending a good chunk of your day on your balcony.
If you only have a group of 2, you may think you don’t need a separate living area and you’ll be okay in a junior suite. Depending on your tastes, that is probably true. However, make sure you compare prices. Many times, there is not much of a price difference between the junior suite and the one bedroom. Once you experience the one bedroom suite, you’ll wonder why you even considered the junior suite.
Above you can see a view from one of the ocean view rooms. This would be a full oceanfront view. As you can see, it isn’t right up against the beach. It is a little bit in the distance, but you do have an unobstructed view of the ocean.
There are 2 pools at this resort. One on the ground floor, and an infinity pool on the rooftop terrace. There is a spa if you want to pamper yourself, a gym, and different activities throughout the week. Activities throughout the week may include ceviche cooking classes, sunrise yoga, mixology classes, bike rentals, and snorkeling.
If you are looking for the traditional all-inclusive resort experience with multiple restaurants, pools, kids clubs, and buildings, this resort isn’t for you. If you want a resort that will keep your kids busy, this isn’t for you. Kids will likely get bored here, unless you are willing to keep them busy.
On the other hand, the Fives Oceanfront is the perfect resort for people who want a resort with an all-inclusive option but may not want to spend the majority of their time at the resort. The Fives lets you mix and match rates. This means you can do a couple days at the all-inclusive rate if you plan on being at the resort on those day, and you can book the accommodation rate for days you plan on being out all day. You can also book the all-inclusive rate all week if you just want a relaxing vacation, and you aren’t worried about staying busy all week. This resort will fit that need as well.
Overall, this resort is best for adults who want a smaller “boutique” hotel atmosphere, a quiet atmosphere and immediate access to the beach. If you fit this demographic, you will not want to leave!
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