The Maya Train has forever changed the way tourists approach travel in the Mexican Caribbean since launching last December.
In a way, it’s greatly diversified transportation options in the region, where taxi monopolies operate and local buses cannot always be trusted to be on time.
Prior to the launch, we expected all lines to open simultaneously, but as you should know by now if you’ve visited Mexico since, that did not materialize.
Thanks to construction delays, the train is being inaugurated in steps, and service from Cancun to Palenque is the only one available.
Luckily, some progress is being made, and starting February 29, a second line will be added to the Maya Train, linking Cancun to this mega-popular beach town:
A Beautiful Laid-Back Town In The Caribbean
Playa Del Carmen is one of the trendiest destinations in the Mexican Caribbean.
Located only an hour south of Cancun, it is traditionally seen as a more laid-back alternative to the bustling resort city that captures nearly half of all foreign arrivals to the country.
While Cancun’s greatest strength is its all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts, Playa’s appeal lies in a youthful, full-of-character beachfront, with its hippy markets and a myriad of casual beach bars and well-frequented discotecas catering to a more diverse audience.
If you’re hoping to meet like-minded travelers or locals and chat over cheap drinks in an internationalized, safe environment, or simply relax on the white sands as you sip on some fresh coconut and admire the tropical view, this is the place to be.
Playa’s days as a quaint settlement on the shores of the Caribbean may be long gone since the first luxury resorts and American expats arrived some decades ago, but as it is much smaller than Cancun – 304,942 permanent residents against 888,797 – it can feel less chaotic.
With the exception of Quinta Avenida, the main pedestrian thoroughfare and busiest street in town, lined by restaurants, quirky art galleries, and souvenir shops, the town is relatively quiet, with verdant residential areas and endless miles of coast begging to be discovered.
Some of the top attractions in Playa are Parque Fundadores’ Mayan Portal, possibly the most beautiful gateway to a beach you’ll ever see, the club-packed Calle 10, your nightlife spot after sundown, and Mamitas Beach, where the white sands unfold along a turquoise ocean.
Why Is The Maya Train To Playa Del Carmen Delayed?
Seeing it is one of the trendiest spots in the Mexican Caribbean, it’s no surprise it’s been added to the Maya Train railway map, but like many Playa-bound travelers, we were negatively surprised late last year upon learning the route wasn’t opening as planned in time for the tourist season.
Since December, the only service available is westbound, traveling towards Merida, then down to San Francisco de Campeche, two of the most traditional colonial cities in Mexico, before terminating in Palenque, the furthest stop from Cancun.
Strangely enough, the most highly-anticipated route, the one traveling along the southeast coast of Yucatan, calling at the nearby leisure destinations of Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen itself, Tulum, and many more gorgeous beach zones, did not launch this winter.
We know as well as you do that waiting for ADO inter-municipal buses that may, or may not depart on time, or booking overpriced private transfers from Cancun International Airport can cause a lot of stress, especially when you’ve flown all the way to sunny Mexico for a relaxing vacation.
The train is set to make multi-destination trips across the Mexican Caribbean easier and safer to plan, as trains typically run on time, and the Maya Train in particular has been touted as one of the safest transportation modes in the world.
Regrettably, the wait has been longer than predicted, and this has led to some confusion among regular tourists who do not follow every single Maya Train development daily, and landed in Cancun only to find out some rail links are still unavailable.
From February 29, the long-delayed line is finally opening, at least partially.
On The Downside…
From this date onward, the train will depart from Cancun, calling at Puerto Morelos, before coming to a halt in Playa Del Carmen. For those hoping to continue the journey toward Tulum, however, the news isn’t nearly as exciting.
The other service was originally set to be up and running by June 2 at the earliest, coinciding with Mexico’s general elections, but as reported by local news outlets, a judge has ordered ‘stop‘ to an extension from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum.
The new blow to Maya Train enthusiasts comes after a number of environmental groups revealed cenotes and underground waters were being polluted as a result of the driving of pillars along the planned railway, and it’s unlikely construction will resume anytime soon.
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) himself conceded ‘section 5 south’, namely the stretch from Playa Del Carmen to Tulum, is ‘one of the most challenging‘ due to the nature of the terrain, and pushbacks on the part of environmentalists.
For now, trains from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen are going ahead, with an inaugural journey set for later this month and complete operationalization this spring.
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Now that most of us have our mojos back when it comes to traveling, there’s never been a better time to consider a totally new destination for the coming year.
Sure, Mexico is great, and Europe has many fascinating countries and hidden gems, but why not consider somewhere even more exotic?
One such destination for many could be Morocco.
Recently named one of the best countries to visit in 2024, this North African nation is one of the most culturally rich and historic on Earth.
With so much to see and do, it’s a treat for all the senses and will leave you wanting more.
So, here’s a few reasons why we think you should consider adding Morocco to your 2024 bucket list:
From the chaotic yet charming streets of Marrakesh to the blue beauty of Chefchaouen, or the historic and beautiful capital of Rabat, Morocco is a rich melting pot of culture influenced by Europe, the Arab world, and the indigenous Berber.
One unique aspect of Moroccan cities is their medinas. These walled centers are historic meeting and trading places for Moroccan people and are an easy way to sample the way of life here.
The medina in the city of Fez is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its colorful streets of incredible sights, sounds, and smells are the largest car-free urban area in the world.
Morocco is also a land of great craftsmanship: the city of Ouarzazate is famous for decorative carpets and rugs, Marrakech for leather, and Fez for its clay works.
The food is also one of Morocco’s great charms with many regional dishes such as couscous, tajine, rfissa and more.
Take some time to explore one of the wonderful spice markets in a city and you’ll quickly be drawn into the amazing cuisine here.
Underrated Beaches
Morocco is blessed with miles and miles of stunning beaches that are usually pretty quiet.
Perhaps the best-known spot is Essaouira, a sleepy seaside town that has long attracted free spirits from around the world.
It is particularly good for surfing due to strong prevailing winds that come in off the Atlantic.
Another great beach destination in Morocco is Sfiha, which is located on the country’s north coast facing Spain and is ideal for families.
If you’re seeking something more remote, the stunningly beautiful beach of Legzira will wow you with its dramatic rock formations that jut out into the ocean.
World-Famous Scenery
Morocco is home to the famous Atlas Mountains, which offer excellent hiking and other outdoor pursuit potential, as well as just being stunningly beautiful to look at or photograph.
Another unforgettable experience to be had in Morocco is to go on a guided trek through the Merzouga Desert.
This gateway to the Sahara is an endless canvas that is painted many different golden hues by the changing light – it’s also a great place to spend the night ion a bivouac and get unspoilt views of the starry night sky.
Strength in adversity
At the time of writing, Morocco had just about equaled the record number of tourists it has received in a year for the year 2023, according to reports.
From January to October in 2023, more than 12 million people had visited the country, which was more than the entire of 2022.
This is particularly impressive, considering the country suffered a tragic and very damaging earthquake in September.
It just shows how powerful the pull of this unique nation is to tourists around the world.
A Bright Future
A lot of investment is being made in Morocco from the local authorities as it seeks to elevate its position as a global tourism destination.
There are new shopping arcades in cities such as Casablanca and Marrakech, which host international brands and locally made crafts.
Serious investment has also been made into the country’s infrastructure such as road, rail, and city design.
Much of this will be increased in the lead-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup – Morocco will co-host the soccer tournament alongside Spain and Portugal.
Having gotten used to meticulously mapping out an itinerary prior to a trip, usually cramming it with activities and so much sightseeing there is barely room left to breathe, I often looked down on others who sought relaxation alone visiting Vietnam.
I wasn’t exactly keen on blending in with the crowd of holidaymakers sporting floral dresses and shirts in various floral patterns, fake tan on point as they flocked into the country with one collective goal in mind: lounging by the pool and basking in the sun for days on end,doing nothing.
However, following a wearisome, exceedingly-long train journey from South to Central Vietnam, I somehow found myself grinding to a sudden halt in Cam Ranh, a coastal resort town and one of many stops in-between destinations during my action-packed, month-long adventure.
My next train heading North would only be departing four days later, leaving me no choice but to join the beachgoers in kicking back and unwinding for a change… in Vietnam’s fastest-developing tourism strip at that.
Why not, then, go all out and check into one of the area’s top luxurious resorts to see what the fuss is about? Little did I know that what started out as a personal experiment would lead to a complete re-examination of my idea of a ‘truly’ authentic experience.
Touted as the ‘most exciting’ resort in Vietnam – though we will get to that further down – The Alma straddles the East Sea coast and is a stone’s throw away from the Cam Ranh International Airport – only 15 minutes driving.
It doesn’t matter if you’re flying into Cam Ranh from other parts of Vietnam, from abroad, or you’re first arriving at the train station in Nha Trang, the nearest major urban center some 28 miles away: you’ll have no issue getting to The Alma.
Contacting your concierge in advance, you can easily arrange a private transfer from the airport or other departure points in central Nha Trang. From the city, the journey takes roughly 40 minutes, driving along a scenic coastline with views of the Nha Trang islands.
My First Impressions
The first thing that caught my eye approaching The Alma was how palatial and immense it looked from the outside, as the chauffeur drove up the road snaking around the resort’s 30 hectares. From the window, I had a glimpse of imposing hotel towers, rows upon rows of private villas, and a water park.
Arriving at reception, my luggage was collected by porters and the van door slid open before I even got a chance to reach for the handle. Stepping out of the vehicle, I was instantly greeted by the staff, who helped me up the short set of stairs leading to the arrival hall.
Even though Vietnam has been open for tourism restriction-free for almost a year now, with Cam Ranh at the forefront of the tourism rebound as a development zone, I didn’t feel like the resort was extremely busy, even though occupancy rates have been climbing steadily since May 2022.
The whole check-in process took place in a heartbeat, with no queues to be seen as attentive staff effortlessly waved incoming guests through, with whatever insignificant amount of waiting required made endurable enough with welcoming refreshers and wet towels to help us cool down from the heat.
Once I was handed my key and a much-needed map for navigating the property, I was shown the way to the buggy car park, where a driver awaited, my luggage already safely stowed. Next stop: my Oceanfront Pavilion.
My Beachfront Oasis
As the buggy drove past the long corridors of villas interspersed with green foliage, I finally got to appraise how big of a behemoth The Alma actually is.
After the fourth turn, I gave up trying to memorize the surprisingly-long route there, and I suddenly became very aware of the map I clutched tightly with one hand along with my own personal belongings.
We made it there eventually, and the sight of my temporary, not-so-humble abode made me automatically break a smile. Unbeknownst to me, I had been assigned a three-bedroom oasis bounded by a lush garden, dubbed the Oceanfront Pavilion.
One feature my attention was immediately drawn to was the fact that my room key came in waterproof, wristband form, making it much harder for it to be lost or left inside the room – I can’t tell you how many times I have locked myself out of my own chambers in hotels.
Hardly note-worthy, but as I would learn later, the wristband has a dual purpose: it can be used for purchases within the premises, being registered to your room and serving as your credit card during your stay. Shopaholics, beware.
Crossing the threshold, I was surprised to find a super spacious living room, daylight coming in from all sides, a dining table in its center, where a basket of exotic fruits and a welcome package rested beside a bottle of Chilean Mapu wine.
Back to the pavilion itself, it is big enough to host an entire group of friends or family, with three rooms and their respective individual bathrooms and TV sets, and an additional fourth toilet for common use.
The kitchen comes with a minibar, supplied with complimentary sodas, water bottles, crisps, and KitKat chocolate bars, though it is filled a single time on arrival only. Although I doubted I’d be cooking, I had a microwave and an electric stove at disposal, and a kettle and coffeemaker with an impressive tea and coffee selection to go with it.
Traveling solo, I could have slept in a different room every night, but I instinctively paced towards the main suite, where I ended up dropping my bags in the end: the bed is impossibly large and soft to the touch, and I was sure it would accommodate three adults comfortably.
The upholstered tufted headboard is lit from behind with a soft LED strip set against a wooden panel reaching the ceiling, easily the most memorable element in the room.
Other than a bedside rug with triangular patterns, it lacks the usual abstract artwork and excess furnishing interior designers love to play with, but it does achieve the desired minimalist elegance as opposed to being just bare or lifeless.
Facing the bed, the TV set displayed the daily program and The Alma’s extensive list of amenities. Still inside the room, I particularly enjoyed the modern walk-in shower and the water pressure, so strong when it hits your back it’s almost therapeutic, as well as the spacious bathtub in the main suite, where most of the aforementioned Mapu would be consumed.
I travel light these days, especially in this post-COVID climate where luggage keeps getting lost, so I don’t carry an awful lot of toiletries around with me. Luckily, The Alma provided me with all the toilet essentials and then some, from a toothbrush and toothpaste to a hygiene kit and even cotton buds.
My favorite feature has to be my private pool facing the beach.
I’m the introverted guy who normally doesn’t go in the water and instead stays by the poolside reading or catching up with work, with both the shouts of children and my peers’ perfect bodies often inhibiting me, but even I couldn’t resist this pool’s gorgeous setting:
Of course, having it all to myself may have played a huge part in my sudden confidence boost, and boy, did I enjoy those precious little moments in complete seclusion and privacy as I bathed in my pool, a sea of shimmery blue for a view.
12 Pools Leading Down To The Beach
Not all pavilions come with a private pool, and surely not the hotel suites, but even guests in lower tiers will be spoiled for choice when it comes to swimming spots.
The Alma boasts a whopping 12 pools distributed along a wide corridor, which gravitates towards the beach from the hotel towers and main leisure complex.
The pools are not exactly distinct in nature, with a couple of exceptions. The first on the way down, the one closest to the recreation zone, is one of the largest and surely one of the most impressive, with sheltered sun loungers sitting on both extremes of the crystal-clear lagoon as if floating on water.
The one closest to the beach, where the largest poolside bar and swimwear shop are, is also bustling with activity.
With so many pools to pick from, besides my own private pool, of course, I never felt the need to leave in a hurry every morning to secure a lounger and a spot in the sun.
I spent the most time in the lesser-frequented pools, where I was able to bathe in peace, listen to the gentle ruffling of leaves against the wind, and busy myself with my book without the usual screaming and splashing on water.
If it’s saltwater you’re craving instead, the Alma encompasses an extensive stretch of sandy beach bounded by an azure, pristine ocean, which, unlike other parts of Vietnam, has been kept clean for the delight of guests.
The way down to the beach is lined with cocktail bars, changing rooms, and plenty of toilet facilities, which I appreciated as rushing back to my room anytime I fancied a quick change or grabbing a refresher would have been in the very least challenging, given the scale of the property.
World-Class Attractions
I have probably never seen a five-star resort as well-equipped and with a range of amenities and entertainment venues as wide as The Alma’s.
It has everything you’d expect a gated community to have: a mini market where guests can purchase beauty products or restock their minibar simply by tapping their wristband card against the card reader, varied restaurants on-site, a cinema, an American-style diner, a karaoke bar, a water park, and even a science museum where kids and adults alike can marvel at optic illusions and other entertaining experiments.
To put it simply, The Alma is the complete opposite of boring, and I found myself struggling at times to narrow down which activities were a priority on my to-do list before checking out.
As a cinema enthusiast, I regret that I could not fit a screening session in between my self-care and sunbathing time, but I had a marvelous time letting my inner child run wild, taking turns going down all five towering slides in the water park.
Once I tired myself of all the water play, I gladly retreated to Le Spa, the ultimate wellness center, for an hour-long deep tissue massage that seemed to release all of those knotty muscles I’ve earned from four years traveling as a backpacking digital nomad.
This was preceded by a 20-minute sauna sesh, and followed by some lounging sound-tracked by soothing, indigenous music, as I sampled freshly-brewed tea and eased into the delicious soreness of my post-massage, twisted-and-turned body.
Other non-clinical rituals I promised myself I would try in a future visit included a rejuvenating Collagen Radiance facial, warm stone therapy, foot rubs, and a Thai herbal compress, among others.
And Then There’s All This Food…
If you consider yourself a foodie, the Alma should definitely be added to your Vietnam itinerary. From the minute I stepped out of the buggy into my pavilion to the checkout three days later, the food basically didn’t stop coming, and it absolutely lived up to my not-so-modest gastronomic expectations.
Every day my basket of fruit was re-stocked, and between nibbling away at the complimentary morsels delivered in intervals to my room to gorging in a hearty buffet breakfast with hot dishes, French pastries, and freshly-picked exotic fruits every morning, I sometimes struggled to make room for whole meals at supper.
There are six eateries on site, though some of those would be clumped together in a single Food Court.
Inside, you can find a French bakery displaying fresh pastries and artsy cakes, a Vietnamese restaurant specializing in noodles, a tea shop, a Japanese food truck, and even a ‘Little New York’ where Western-style street food is served.
I sampled a few different things here and there during my three-day sejour, but somehow I kept getting drawn back to the Viet eatery in the Food Court. Once you try their flavorful spicy seafood noodle soup, you’ll understand why.
The two main external restaurants offer Western and Southeast Asian options.
La Casa is headed by a charismatic chef hailing originally from Puglia, and it’s where you’ll find an assortment of fresh pasta and other Italian dishes, while the beachfront Atlantis serves mainly seafood and local specialties.
If you’re staying at the Alma for a long weekend like myself, I would suggest you pay the Atlantis a visit for the first night, as it’s got great ambiance, with tables set in an external patio facing the beach, dimly lit by romantic lights, and the food is traditional Vietnamese with a haute-cuisine twist.
The seafood platter is bountiful and mouth-watering – I can’t tell you how many mini calamari cakes I gobbled in one go – and the accompanying seafood fried rice, made extra crispier with the addition of burnt garlic, was just lovely. Washing it down with ice-cold coconut water felt even better.
On the following evening, you can indulge instead in some classic Mediterranean at La Casa. For a three-course meal, I would recommend a burrata and prosciutto crudo appetizer, followed by a thin-crust pizza – any flavor of your liking – and canoles stuffed with pistachio cream for dessert.
You will probably have a favorite by your third night at the Alma, so you can decide for yourself which restaurant deserves a revisit.
From Our Family To Yours
The Alma is far from being a mere product of unrestricted development: it is giving back to Vietnamese communities and bridging the gap between foreign guests and hard-working locals in a way I couldn’t have foreseen or expected.
They are well aware of the surge in demand for more meaningful experiences and have partnered with local providers to bring guests closer to the local culture, offering a carefully-curated list of day trips and cultural activities.
Keen on understanding the complex dynamics of Vietnamese society, I opted for a cooking class in a traditional family home headed by a Vietnamese matriarch. We set out early in the morning, first stopping in the neighboring town of Cam Ranh, where the narrow streets are busy with trade.
You can find anything on these street markets, from colorful tropical fruits with unpronounceable names to live ducklings.
I was more interested in the fruit than anything else, especially after I realized how cheap dragonfruit is here and how sweet, juicy, and tastier it was compared to the imports we get in Europe.
After picking up a few bargains, we were collected by the driver and journeyed further inland to the rural outskirts of the province, where my cooking instructor awaited.
A stay-at-home mom, Mrs. Sen effortlessly moved around her fully furnished kitchen, reaching for condiments and being quick to fix my cooking mistakes before I got the chance to ruin lunch for all of us.
As you probably know by now, if you followed Travel Off Path during our trip to Israel, I’m not the most skilled cook nor the brightest student in do-it-yourself workshops. Granted, the prawn and noodle-stuffed rice-pacer rolls were quite easy to assemble, and despite being stuffier than usual and having unwrapped within seconds of being rolled in, mine tasted delicious nevertheless.
That’s the beauty of Vietnamese cuisine: no matter how hard you try to spoil it, it will still turn out great in the end.
Downsides
The Alma’s vastness and its endless supply of attractions is precisely what set its apart from other properties in the province, but it can feel like it’s too big of a property at times, especially if you’re looking for something a bit more intimate.
Unless you’re checking yourself into one of the hotel towers, which sit on both sides of the centrally-located leisure complex, you better pack some comfy walking shoes as you’re gonna need them.
From my pavilion, situated on the northern reaches of the resort, to the food court, bars, and entertainment venues, it took me between 10 to 15 minutes of marching every day. On the other hand, I did enjoy the peace and quiet that came with staying at a private pavilion, away from all the action.
Walking the extent of The Alma and taking in the nature along its stepping stone-laden trails down to the beach and the verdant corridors flanked by villas is indisputably part of the experience, and it turned out to be one of my favorite pastimes.
If the weather’s too hot, or you simply don’t fancy the long walk, you can call reception to ask for a buggy to pick you up or find the nearest buggy point near you and wait for the next one to pass by, though I would advise you to plan in advance if your activity is time-sensitive.
Getting to the water park, on the southern edge of The Alma, will almost certainly require a buggy, as the walk there can take up to half an hour or more depending on where in the property you’re staying. Yep, that’s how colossal it is.
Understandably, the WiFi may not be as stable across the entire property, particularly open areas away from the leisure center, but it is fast and reliable once you’re inside the rooms and main buildings, as well as recreational zones.
Regrettably, The Alma’s mobile app, which keeps you in the loop about relevant updates regarding your stay and any special events that may be taking place, was undergoing maintenance and too glitchy to use, but once those minor issues are fixed, I can see how it will further enhance the experience.
How Much Will An Overnight At The Alma Cost?
I have mentioned it a number of times before across my recent Vietnam features, but I still can’t wrap my head around how hugely affordable the country is – that is, when you’re earning dollars, British pounds, or any stable, strong currency.
Your tourist dollars will stretch the furthest here out of any coastal Southeast Asian destination, and the reasonable rates for overnight stays at The Alma is proof of that. With fares for a suite ranging from USD $127 to USD $212 for upcoming dates on Booking.com, it will hardly break the bank.
You won’t have your own pool, private concierge service, or palatial chambers, but you’ll still get the royal treatment and, of course, access to the resort’s world-class amenities.
If you’re feeling inspired and you don’t mind shelling out the dough now that you’ve traveled this far from home, fares for the oceanfront 2-bedroom Ocean View Pavilion start at USD $441. The bigger 3-bedroom, Oceanfront version sells for around USD $930 per night.
Was It Worth It In The End?
Albeit unexpected, my little detour to Cam Ranh and short-lived, experimental peek into the life of the wealthy, privileged few living it up in Vietnam proved an incredibly enriching episode. No pun intended.
It was a great way to see firsthand how fast-developing Vietnam is, beyond the classic rice paddies and rural areas, and how the bustling resort scene here has not only not proven detrimental to communities and their way of life but actively aided in its development.
Whether it’s arranging cooking workshops in a traditional family home, guided visits to flea markets, or other cultural immersions, The Alma is ensuring the wider province reaps the benefits of the tourism surge.
Although it was a short, intermediate stop on my way elsewhere, I actually wouldn’t have minded staying at The Alma a tad longer, so much so that I spent my entire sojourn dreading the moment I would eventually leave.
Travel Off Path was a guest at the Alma Cam Ranh in March 2023 during a month-long press trip in Vietnam. We would like to extend our thanks to the entire management team, and particularly Mrs. Amon (Mildred), Director of Marketing Communications, for her unconditional hospitality, and ensuring our guest experience was nothing short of remarkable.
A new $500 million mega golf resort is set to open in Texas next year – which is currently the largest resort under construction in the United States of America.
The resort will go by the name of Omni PGA Frisco Resort, and is owned by Omni Hotels and Resorts – who currently operate hotels and resorts throughout 23 U.S. states – as well two properties in the Canadian cities of Montreal and Toronto, and one in Cancun, Mexico.
Credit – Omni Hotels and Resorts
And, there is no doubt that once complete – and open for business – Omni PGA Frisco Resort is going to instantly become one of the top hotels and resorts in and around the city of Dallas, Texas.
So, with their new – and highly anticipated – mega golf resort due to open in Texas in the Spring of 2023, here is what we know so far about the latest addition to the portfolio of Omni Hotels and Resorts.
Where Is The New Mega Golf Resort Located?
The new Omni PGA Frisco Resort is located in the city of Frisco – which is around 30 miles north of downtown Dallas, Texas
What Should We Expect From The New Mega Golf Resort?
There is no doubt that once complete – and welcoming guests through its doors – Omni PGA Frisco Resort is sure to not disappoint.
Credit – Omni Hotels and Resorts
Not only will the resort feature 500 luxury rooms for guests to choose from, there will also be two 18-hole championship golf courses on site – which can be enjoyed by all visitors.
Here is a list of what guests can expect when they step foot onto Omni Hotels and Resorts’ incoming mega golf resort:
Credit – Omni Hotels and Resorts
500 guest rooms and suites
10 four-bedroom ranch houses
three swimming pools – including a rooftop infinity pool which is only available to adult guests
a destination spa – which is set to feature 20 treatment rooms, a steam room and sauna, a Spa Café, as well as a private swimming pool for spa guests
13 dining outlets
indoor and outdoor meeting and event space – which is set to span over an area of 127,000 square feet
Lounge by Top Golf – which offers the opportunity to play golf on one of Top Golf’s high-tech driving ranges, whilst enjoying the comforts of a lounge serving drinks and snacks
an extensive entertainment district and retail village – which is set to feature a variety of shops, as well as a selection of dining and drinking options
Credit – Omni Hotels and Resorts
an outdoor stage – which is set to host a variety of different events, including music concerts.
This Resort Is Sure To Excite The Golf Enthusiasts
As already mentioned, the new resort is sure to impress those who have a keen interest in playing golf – as Omni PGA Frisco Resort is to feature three golf courses on site, including two 18-hole championship courses and a shorter 10-hole course, as well as a golf performance center.
This basically means that visitors will have the opportunity to play 46 different holes of golf during their stay at the resort – which have all been designed by golf course designers, Beau Welling and Gil Hanse.
Golfers will also be able to work on their putting skills on the resort’s two-acre putting green.
And, we can certainly expect ‘big things’ when Omni PGA Frisco Resort begins welcoming guests – with the president of Omni Hotels and Resorts, Peter Strebel, having this to say about the company’s new mega golf resort:
“Residents of Frisco will have access to some of the most extraordinary golfing facilities in the country, not to mention fabulous dining, spa, and more.”
Those wanting to get a sneak peek at the new mammoth Omni PGA Frisco Resort can do so by clicking here to watch a short 5-minute video – and clicking here to check out an online brochure featuring some eye-watering images of the spectacular golf resort.
Credit – Omni Hotels and Resorts
When Is Omni PGA Frisco Resort Due To Open?
Although no specific opening date has been revealed as of yet, Omni PGA Frisco Resort is expected to begin welcoming guests through its doors in less than twelve months’ time – in the Spring of 2023.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
A new mega theme park is set to open near the popular tourist hotspot of Cancun – in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.
The news comes at a time when Cancun is already welcoming huge numbers of tourists by the day – with hotels in the most popular vacation spot for American tourists almost fully booked for the summer months ahead.
And, the announcement that there will soon be a new mega theme park opening in the state of Quintana Roo is sure to attract even more tourists to Mexico – with the country expected to welcome as many as 40 million international visitors this year.
Just a week ago we reported that Marriott is also set to open a new all-inclusive resort in the city of Cancun – which will include its very-own water park, as well as more than 1,000 hotel rooms.
What We Know So Far About The New Mega Theme Park
What we do know so far is that the new mega theme park will go by the name of Malltertainment – with the complex set to become a great spot for family and friends to enjoy time together, and boast a variety of entertainment options to choose from.
Here are some of the features that visitors to the new mega theme park – Malltertainment – can expect to find:
an amusement park
an ice rink
a go-kart track – which in fact is set to be the biggest in the world
a 7,500-seater auditorium
a hot air balloon attraction
There are also plans for the theme park to feature an area of 80,000 square meters of water – which visitors will be able to enjoy – however, at this present time it has not been confirmed whether this will be an actual water park or another water-based attraction.
As well as the above mentioned features, visitors to Malltertainment will also be able to choose from a number of restaurants options on site, as well as shops and other amenities which are sure to meet the needs of all of those who enter its doors.
Who Is Behind The ‘Malltertainment’ Theme Park Project?
Palace Resorts is the company group behind the Malltertainment project, with their new theme park complex set to open right next to one of their biggest – and one of Cancun’s most-popular all-inclusive hotel resorts – the Moon Palace Cancun.
The company behind the construction of the Malltertainment theme park is Gicsa – a Mexico-based real estate development company.
And, if the news that visitors to the Moon Palace Cancun will soon be able to enjoy a day-trip to the new nearby theme park complex, Malltertainment, wasn’t enough – there is still a huge amount of entertainment that the Moon Palace Cancun, itself, offers visitors.
That is because the all-inclusive hotel resort offers thousands of rooms, several swimming pools, as many as 16 on-site restaurants to choose from – as well as a luxury spa, fitness center, tennis and basketball courts, a selection of bars and clubs to party the night away in, a children’s playroom, and much much more.
It is also the perfect choice for golf-lovers – with the Moon Palace Cancun not only being a stone’s-throw away from the 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, but the resort itself also offering visitors the chance to learn golfing tips and techniques at its very-own Moon Palace Golf Academy.
So, the news that there is soon to be a new mega theme park opening in the area is no doubt going to attract even more visitors – with millions of tourists already having enjoyed all that is on offer in this hugely popular part of the city of Cancun.
Palace Resorts currently own eight hotel resorts – which are all situated along the beautifully-stunning coastline of the Caribbean sea.
Here is a list of the other hotel resorts owned by the Palace Resorts group:
Beach Palace Cancun
Sun Palace Cancun
Cozumel Palace
Playacar Palace
Moon Palace Jamaica
Moon Palace The Grand Cancun
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun
Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos
Where Will ‘Malltertainment’ Be Located?
Malltertainment is set to be located right next to the Moon Palace Hotel – which is situated in the Mexican city of Cancun – along the Riviera Maya.
How Big Is ‘Malltertainment’ Expected To Be?
The new theme park complex – Malltertainment – is set to cover an area of 250,000 square meters – which is around 2,690977 square feet.
How Much Is The Project Expected To Cost?
The new mega theme park project – Malltertainment – is set to have an investment of in excess of 100 million pesos, which is more than 5 million US Dollars.
‘Malltertainment’ Joins The List Of Other Theme Parks In The Riviera Maya
Malltertainment is not the first theme park to be built in the area of the Riviera Maya, with the Caribbean coastline – which runs along Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula – already offering a variety of theme park-based attractions to visitors.
When Is Malltertainment Expected To Open?
Although an opening date is yet to be announced for the Palace Group’s new mega theme park – Malltertainment – visitors should certainly not expect it to arrive anytime this year (2022).
However, once completed – and fully open for visitors – the brand new attraction is expected to open up as many as 5000 job opportunities – which is sure to be great news for the local economy.
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