By Bob McCrea
“This place is so beyond that and will open your eyes to what All inclusive is all about. ”
Like most of you it’s been awhile since my last trip to Mazatlan, ok it’s been around 10 years, and so much growth has taken place.
My trip this time took me, 45 miles north of the airport, 60.00 round trip for 2, a 45 minute taxi ride, or taking the bus its about 4.00 a person and around a hour and a half.
Our end destination was the Emerald Bay RIU. 277 all ocean front rooms all inclusive resort.
Now if you have tried some of the all inclusive resorts with watered down drinks, and food that is so-so at best, and everything else is extra. This place is so beyond that and will open your eyes to what All inclusive is all about. From the marbled floors, friendly staff, you have swim up bar pools, and carts with wine and Tequila dispensers, to greet you everyday.
Open 24 hours a day with hamburgers, and sandwiches is the sports bars. A great place when the temps get a little warm outside, to relax in a very large and all the soccer one could watch on tv is a place to hangout.
Everything about Emerald Bay is first class, the room we had was a deluxe standard, it had a very deep tub in the bathroom which was large in it’s self. With the ceiling Fan and air conditioning you could make the room as cold as you wished. The sliding glass door led you out to a large patio over looking several pools and gardens below. Made for some great evenings watching some spectacular sunsets. Now for a guy who is happy at a hotel with a big 6 outside you can imagine that I found paradise.
In the room you have a refrigerator stocked with Beer, soda pop, mixers, and water. Above you will find an ornate cabinet stocked with 4 bottle ranging from Tequila, Rum, Whiskey, and Vodka. The first day we passed on all of it, being use to other all inclusive and having to pay extra. But this is a RIU Resort and it’s part of your package and they fill the bottles every 2 days. Also you will find they have a great health spa and all the massage’s you can handle included in your vacation.
Dining is another great experience, you have several dining choices, from the buffet that has the look at your better Las Vegas Hotels, marble and stainless room with white table cloths. The food was great and plenty of fresh seafood for those looking for fresh local fish and Calamari. The deserts were a class act, and if you want other dining choices, you have a Asian, Italian, and Mexican restaurants to choose from. My wife Sally and I didn’t find one we didn’t like and it was hard to choose where to eat. So you need to make plans early to reserve yourself a table. We have been on several cruises, but dinning here beats them hands down.
It’s hard to leave this resort to go out and explore, but shopping in the old Mercado in old town of Mazatlan was calling us. 10.00 taxi ride or 35 cents American by bus ride with many stops, but still fun. Now they have a newer shopping area, where you will find more modern shopping malls, Wal mart and store you will recognize from home. But our destination is the shop crowed Mercado, leather goods, clothing, shoes, to sheep and cow heads with many raw meats are found. The Mercado is just a couple blocks from the .Immaculate Conception Cathedral. in 1856, the Basilica de la Inmaculada Concepcion was built on the site of an ancient Indian temple.
Getting back to the RIU it’s time to lounge at one of the several pools, from one for the kids to a swim up bar with music and in pool tables. Speaking of kids, plenty of shows and activities for them. The evening shows were very lively and you even have dancing on the beach with a Bar b que night. If fishing is your way to have fun, they will set you up with a day trip, and if you wish their chef will prepare your catch.
Currently several large housing developments are being built 2 miles away, you can look out and see the new growth of Mazatlan, it is clean, and north of the marina you will another part of the shopping that are for the tourists, but for those who love to haggle and dicker it’s always the Mercado for me. The one mistake I can honestly say we made was we did 5 days, and next time we will be doing 7 days, and probably telling you that we should have done 10 days.
Mazatlan is known as the perfect beach resort town and for good reason. In Mazatlan you will find 17 miles of inviting sandy beaches, world-class resort east of the tip of the Baja Penisula, Mazatlan’s charming Mexican ambhotels, excellent watersports and beautiful golden sunsets. Bask on a stretch of the largest uninterrupted beach in Latin America, then take a stroll along the Malecon before a fabulous seafood dinner and exciting evening on the town.
Here are your dining options at the Riu Emerald Beach.
Breakfast
Full American Breakfast Buffet and Live Cooking Stations
Continental Breakfast
and Snacks
Lunch
Hot and Cold Buffet
and Live Cooking Stations
Pizza’s, Pasta, Salads
and Assorted Desserts
Beverages
Unlimited local and imported beverages available 24 Hours
Regularly restocked minibar and liqour dispenser available
Buffets & Live Cooking Stations
Special Evenings:
Themed Buffets
(3 times weekly)
Optional Dining
Reservations Required in Advance
Bamboo
Asian Restaurant
Buffet Style
Las Gaviotas
Italian Restaurant
Buffet Style
Tabasco
Mexican Restaurant
a la carte
buffet starters
and dessert
Formal dress required for dinner
Main restaurant:
Gentlemen:
no sleeveless T-shirts.
Long Trousers
Snacks Available
24 Hours A Day
The Riu Emerald Bay has 716 rooms. It has 3 swimming pools and an amazing beach.
The rooms come with bathroom with bath, Hairdryer, 110 V, Telephone, WiFi (charges apply), Central air conditioning, Fan, Minibar, Liquor dispenser, Satellite TV (flat screen), Electronic in-room safe (Laptop size 15”. Interior dimensions: H 20 cm / 7.8 in x W 37.5 cm / 14.7 in x D 34 cm / 13.3 in), Iron and ironing board and each have a balcony or terrace.
Rates at the Riu Emerald Bay start at $85pp per night right now. You can check rates and availability at www.interlinetravel.com and there are NO booking fees!
Kids under 2 are free and kids over 12 are considered adults. The rooms have a max occupancy of 3 adults and 2 children for a total of 4 persons in a room.
Airlines serving Mazatlan include:
From the USA
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Airlines
Sun Country
From Canada
Westjet
From Mexico
Aeromexico
Interjet
Volaris