We were on a fully-paid-for work vacation in Mexico, an incentive we earned from making our 2023 sales goal.
Our accommodations were chosen by one of our Directors, who did the research and read the reviews, before deciding on Pueblo Bonito Blanco for its scenic views.
This is one of 3 sister properties, and staying at any gives you access to all: including their pools and restaurants. However, we only visited Pueblo Bonito Rose as it was right next door, and their restaurants were within walking distance from the beach. The other property required a drive out to and reservations for their more formal restaurants. But honestly there was plenty at Blanco with 2 restaurants featuring different menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus different options and timed menus if you ordered food on the beach front and as room service.
As the name suggests one property was painted white, and the other pink to differentiate between the two. It was decorated lavishly with patterned tiled floors, cast iron chandeliers with tapered candles, and fresh cut flowers in crystal vases. Only the narrow elevators revealed the true age of the resort. With wide steps and larger strides I took the stairs going up and down to get some exercise in. Our stay was all-inclusive and I intended to take full advantage food and drink wise.
Checking in at the front counter, you are given wristbands. They are permanent fixtures on your hand for the duration of your stay. They signify your all inclusive status and give you access to regular food and drink items with a tap. The tap is not to pay, but to record what it is you are taking in by room. There are also premium options to have you reaching for your wallet, but I am a true believer of maximizing my all inclusive experience, so kept to the basic listing. Although the rattlesnake infused tequila had me tempted.
Our room was a full suite with its own toilet bathroom, shower washroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room, and patio. My coworker and I had to share a suite, but with a fold out sofa bed she offered to take the living room. I was appreciative, as I value my personal space and alone time, and thought the two beds in the bedroom awfully close to one another.
The unit as a whole looked bright in white, accented by ocean blue and sunshine yellow. Blue lines and waves painted on the walls, a royal blue couch covering, sky blue throw pillows and seat cushions, and blue and yellow in the bedding and drapes to match. It felt very resort home, giving you cottage comfort.
Not that we had time or an opportunity to use it, but the kitchen included a sink, a toaster, coffee maker, built-in heating coil, and mini fridge. And the cupboards were stocked with cookware, dishware, and cutlery.
I did end up using the dining room table on our last day. I thought it would be clever to order some dishes for room service and to pack them into zip lock bags to have on the plane. After all it was a 5 hour direct flight home, but a meal would not be included despite it hitting typical dinner time 6-7pm when we would be in the sky.
Sadly I did not think this plan through. We were leaving in the afternoon, so when I ordered room service it was during breakfast hours, and those were my only options. Whereas I originally envisioned ordering their cheese burger and club sandwich which would have packed well.
More on this bizarre meal planning and the food we had at the resort in a separate post.
The best view was out of our top floor patio. Whereas the Rose hotel was more receded inland and packed full of smaller rooms that leads your view to be the communal pool. Our Blanco hotel faced the Bay with an overview of our smaller pool area, surrounded by palm trees, and the ocean’s waters in the background.
A view I enjoyed so much that when the sun went behind the buildings one night, I would find myself there instead. I grabbed some tequila at the outdoor bar and brought it back to my room, ordering myself their Snack Movie Board from room service to enjoy perched out there. A cold meats and cheese platter with salami, pepperoni, turkey ham, pork ham, cheddar cheese, provolone cheese and goat cheese, assorted nuts, pita bread and onion and pepper jam. Perfect for grazing and sipping with a stellar view.
Although as much as possible I was out on the beach working on my tan. My goal was to have it noticeable that I was out of the country and enjoying the sun. And that I did achieve returning a bronze goddess for my efforts.
I found the sun hotter in Cabo, with less winds, and you felt it too. Determined to tan I laid under the sun without lotion or shade and 30 minutes uncovered got me 5 shades darker. I eventually slathered on some lotion and took refuge under one of the many golf umbrellas that can be erected upon request. This service, alongside adding a side table for food and drinks.
Every morning, as a group, we woke up early to claim one of the beach chairs by the water. All lined up behind rope. This was to have a barrier between hotel guests and all the aggressive vendors hawking their wears.
From jewelry, hats, and dresses, to glass blown decor and serve ware. All carried on the back of these merchants as they walk up and down the beach. To their credit they get tourist sales, so continue to promote their goods to the chagrin of those trying to relax. I started declining them politely and eventually just ignored them, despite their compliments, whistling, and cat calls. It was so incessant.
There were also tent cabanas for daily rental, but seeing as they were covered in bird feces, this was a no go for me. So I just posed for the photo.
I themed my beach drinks to the tropical and the frozen with blue hurricanes, piña coladas, Miami vice, and frozen margaritas.
While as a work group we ordered rounds of tequila, served as shots in plastic sauce containers with limes wedges.
On top of the whole collection of tropical drinks and highballs you can also order food to have on your beach chair. Something I deemed necessary considering how much you are drinking.
On the table we had Grilled Chicken Quesadillas with guacamole and refined beans. The Shrimp Cocktail ate more like gazpacho with the shrimp pieces drowning in a cup of cocktail sauce and avocados.
Another day we had artichoke pizza and spicy hot wings, which I paired with beer. I found this easier to eat and more enjoyable beach side. The food only available here and not by the pool.
We only spent time in the pool to play volleyball, alongside other resort guests. We had the ability to participate in matches at both side by side sister hotels.
The beach orders were my favourites meals of the trip thanks to the setting, although I was impressed by the restaurant offerings. We visited all our options twice for different meals, so I felt I got a good shake of things. But that recap will be on a separate post.
Every night there were fireworks for the sake of celebrating where we were. A small showing that made our stay all the more special.
Being conscious of my gains and all the work I put into working out, I made an effort to sleep early, so that I could wake up and go to the in-house gym early. I did this right at 6am daily, when they were advertised as being open to the public. Although, on each occasion I had to notify the front desk of my desire to use the facilities, and wait for them to send member of the maintenance team to open it and turn on the air-conditioning.
This wasn’t the most state of the art gym, but it had enough equipment to get the work done. This included an elliptical machine, treadmill bike, and a series of weight lifting pulleys, plus a bar with weighted plates. Plus plenty of mirrors on the walls to check your form and to take in your progress.
Every morning, after the gym, I would go out and watch the flamingos. They were loudest early in the day, trying to get food from the caretakers.
Next to them, koi pounds and the sounds of trickling water.
Guests were also joined by a couple of iguanas calling the hotel’s backyard their home. They too were out here trying to catch some sun.
There were also numerous birds trying to find their next meal. Daring at either of the two outdoor, covered restaurant patios.
Overall a great stay at a well themed resort. I just wished that we had more time to enjoy down time.
