Conference or Vacation? Making the Most of Your Trip to Breathless Cancun Soul, Cancun Mexico

As much as Jeff and I have travelled we have never actually been to Mexico, not really. We did stop in Cozumel for a few hours while on a Carnival cruise. But to be honest I don't remember much about it, except it was super touristy. So it doesn't count.

I would never have imagined traveling to a place like Mexico for work. But here I am, selling travel (Sunshine Adventure Travel), which means of course we have conferences all over the world.

This was also our first trip post Covid and post having a child. So not only our first international trip to see how much the world had changed for travel, first time away from our daughter, it was also our first trip to Mexico.

Travel Conference

What happens at a travel company's conference? Mostly a lot of seminars and work with a little bit of fun.

We met with suppliers that will help us put together the best vacations for you. We met with Royal Irish Tours, G Adventures, Royal Caribbean, Playa Resorts, Hyatt All Inclusive, AMA Waterways, Collette and so many more! We learned so much about these suppliers, the trips they offer, how to best book them, but most of all made personal connections with the staff. This means that we are on a first name basis with the people who will be there to fix any issues you may experience while planning and enjoying your trip. This is likely the number one reason, I think, you should use a Travel Advisor, we just save you time 😉

We also got to experience rooftop dinners, fire shows, live dancers, roller skaters, musicians, and so much more!

Getting There

Jeff and I tend to take most of our flights from Detroit, flying Delta. So that is what we did for this trip as well. We find a decent, but affordable hotel, in the area of the airport, that offers an airport transfer (most hotels will offer this). We then park the car at the car park (at least one nights fee is typically included with your hotel), then settle in for the night. In the morning we jump on the transfer and are at the terminal within 15 minutes.

If you have been following us, you know we travel carryon only. So when we landed we headed straight for our transfer. We did book a private transfer, but you would not have to do this if you book with a travel supplier ( we can help with this).

*A word of warning when arriving at the Cancun airport. There is a section that is known as the "sharktank". When traveling through here it is highly recommended that you keep moving and be solid in your "no thank you". These people are trying to get your business. They will tell you anything they think you want to hear. Just ignore them and keep walking. Your true transfer service will have your name written on a board, and will be wearing the uniform of the provider, and will have the providers name listed. Just keep walking until you find them. Note this may be outside of the airport building. The whole process can be overwhelming. Just remain calm and have your transfer documents at the ready.

My final note on arriving at the Cancun airport is the bar. As soon as you get outside of the airport (Terminal 4) you will see the Margaritaville. This is a fun bar to hang out at while waiting for your transfer and people watch. However, you will pay big $$$ for your bevvie.

Hotel

For this conference we stayed at the Breathless Cancun Soul Resort and Spa.

This Adults Only All Inclusive is very hip. The high rise style resort sits on the beach front, note beaches are public in Mexico, with great views of the Cancun strip. They have 3 pools, the main rooftop pool is definitely a party. The main level pool is a bit quieter but still fun. The other rooftop pool is for preferred guests and has great ocean views.

The food here was fantastic. We never had a hard time finding something delicious. They have an great coffee bar, that is also well located in the resort, easy to find and get to when you need a pick me up. The coffee bar also has ice cream available. Drinks were good. We found there to be a lot of frozen style drinks and of course Tecate. Tecate is a Mexican beer similar to our Bud Light. You will not find straws at this resort so plan to bring some reusable ones from home.

The layout of the buildings can be a bit confusing at the beginning. Depending on which 'tower' you are staying in. Basically what you need to know is the main lobby is the middle of the two buildings. You will need to cross the lobby, or walk outside, to get to the buffet and some restaurants, coffee bar, and the other 'tower'. I would not consider this resort to be accessible as there is a flight of stairs to get from the lobby down to the main pool area. The resort itself is not very big. So you can definitely find your way pretty quickly.

This resort also has a small disco, for night entertainment. This is in addition to the pool parties, and absolutely amazing entertainment that is going on at all times around the resort. A highlight of this resort is the entertainment team. They are amazing! Every day has a new theme, and the decor, art installations, grounds, etc. are changed daily to match that days theme. If you are heading to this resort I encourage you to download the app so you know what the theme days are in advance so you can pack accordingly.

This resort would be great for Bachelor/Bachelorette's, honeymoons and couples trips. It is a good party scene, young, hip, and fun. Some things to point out;

The shower is a glass box that is open to the rest of the room, not ideal for traveling with friends and family. We spoke to some young guys there for a bachelor party and they said they all go down to the buffet while they take turns showering, for privacy.
Adult television will likely be playing when you first enter your room. Obviously you can turn this off, just know TV guide is not the default.

Heading Home

Before you head home make sure you have paid the Visitax. This is a requirement of the Mexican Government. It comes to approximately $32/person (at the time this post is published), and will keep you out of trouble with the Mexican Government. I think it is worth it. There are a couple of valid links to use make this payment;

Visitax

Travelkore

Concerns

Mexico has a bad rep. A lot of people have concerns about traveling to this destination and I don't blame them. I can understand the concerns and would never push someone to go somewhere that makes them uncomfortable.

Our experience in Mexico was perfectly safe. We never felt like we were in any danger. Generally speaking if you stick to the tourist locations, resorts, excursions you will be just fine. Don't engage in illegal behaviour and be mindful of your valuables (or don't bring them) and your surroundings.

Final Thoughts

This was my first "travel for work" event and I am looking forward to many more in the future. The conference itself was well run, I learned soooo much and met so many great people who have become valuable business connections and friends.

This resort is also definitely on my sell list. I have already quoted it a couple of times for clients heading to Mexico.