We decided to try a condo instead of all-inclusive this time because we wanted to stay longer (3 weeks), and chose the Del Sol Beachfront 3-bed/3-bath condo because of everything it offered. Our group included 8-19 yr old kids, a young married couple & us -the parents. Staying in a condo to save money meant cooking ourselves vs. the all-you-can-eat & drink, (which also has it's obvious allure when travelling as a group). This was a different & we still had a great time!
The location & view of Half Moon Bay was terrific. Beautiful sun rises every morning. Like others, I almost want to keep it a secret. Snorkeling right out front. It is close to everything if you don't mind walking a bit or riding a bike around. We liked the exercise & the bike rental was a plus! "The Buena Vida Restaurant" is just down the road and had great food & staff, with a lot of variety at decent prices. -Happy Hour between 5-6pm :). There were other restaurants in the area but we didn't try them because we all loved the casual beach vibe of "The Buena Vida". There were a couple little stores nearby for the basics like ice, beer, snacks, etc... Yal-Ku Lagoon (calm inlet for amazing snorkelling) is located at the north end of the neighborhood, while Akumal Beach (too crowded now) & the mini Pueblo are located at the entrance. We would ride bikes to the actual Pueblo over the Hwy & buy fresh produce & meats from the little vendors there & prepared most of our meals ourselves. We did enjoy a couple meals at "The Taco Maya" in the Pueblo too. My husband even got a great haircut & shave at the hair salon/barber there. A few times we rode the "colectivo" (vans located by the highway, 30-40 pesos/person) to Playa del Carmen, Puerto Adventuras & Tulum for groceries at the Walmart or Super Chedraui. Then we'd take a taxi/van (300-400 pesos) back to drop us off right in front of our door. There are also a couple smaller stores/grocers near the Akumal Beach entrance that sell a bit of everything in a pinch (Super Chomak, Oxxo, & El Pueblito).
The condo itself is 20+ years old but is pretty well maintained for it's age. Comfortable & clean. We enjoyed the "Hacienda" style accommodations. It is laid out real well & has all the amenities you need with air conditioning throughout the unit & Wi-fi. A larger group still has privacy thanks to the additional bathrooms. A 5-gallon jug of purified water is provided as needed. Daily maid service is available, although we only used this service 1 time/week. Beach towels are provided with a 1 time refundable deposit. (We did get the odd septic whif and gurgle from the bathrooms, but were told by others staying in different condos that is not uncommon because of the septic systems. Maybe this is an indication for maintenance/pumping? Air conditioning units varied room to room, 2 dripped, 1 in Master only ran on high. -We didn't complain & it wasn't a deal breaker because it worked.)
The sandy beachfront right in front of the condo is a good size and still felt pretty private thanks to some trees, which also provided necessary shade and spots for hammocks. Loungers & Adirondack chairs were also available (although a couple loungers were in dire need of being replaced). The entrance to the water is rocky & we were grateful for our water shoes. But this didn't deter us from swimming, snorkeling & paddle boarding! Just watch for coral because it is a shallow bay. Some days the current was quite strong. We had some calm days but mostly waves. We explored much of the Bay and saw lots of beautiful fish, a turtle, rays, etc...
(We had some minor issues with beach maintenance & staff but addressed this directly with management, who reassured improvements would be made to meet standards set by neighboring private condos that did their work quickly & discreetly early in the mornings when necessary ;) .)
Our maid Maricela, was very nice & did a great job. The front desk was always friendly & accommodating. Heidi & Joanne were also very helpful with booking & answering questions. We had a wonderful and relaxing holiday. We love the Mexican people, their culture & the Mayan Riviera. Half Moon Bay was a delightful treat. I'd like to return here with the whole extended family sometime!
Thank you Del Sol Beachfront Condominiums & Hotel. Our family loved staying here.
Sincerely, Yolanda & Family
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