A United Airlines Flight Attendant Travel Blog/Review ~ Óleo Cancún Playa ~ Mexico

/_assets/bVVjamZ1UjVOa0lZeEw3WVFlTmhYUT09

"Hi!!! I’m Kimberly, @KimmieFlies! I am an International flight attendant, travel blogger and photographer! Wanderlust runs deep in my blood as my parents started traveling with me when I was just three months old! I grew up with a love for discovering, exploring, and experiencing new things both in my backyard and around the globe. I love to share my travel blog experiences, tips and tricks I learn along the way to help YOU have an incredible trip! My husband and I try to get out of town once a month, or at least 12 weeks a year, to explore this beautiful planet and share our tips and adventures!!! I hope you enjoy this blog, and weather near or far, never stop exploring!"

Read about my latest trip to Cancun below and the beautiful Óleo Cancún Playa Resort!

You can then see how to book the same special airline and industry staff discount deal I did at the bottom of the blog.

/_assets/Qk9LNXliOG1qVDFzUWt1RVQvWXJpdz09

Everyone seems to listen to what Flight Attendants have to say and recommend as we get to travel the world and experience so many hotels! We love to 'Spread the Word!'

/_assets/azlmZVVIbFJjYzI3dHRhY3ZtZUdWZz09

/_assets/OUhyYmZ3dFZ6ZU12VHQzazFkTmxBQT09

/_assets/cmhJZWM2cWJteEtUNFRxUzBsd0hoUT09Bienvenidos a Cancun! 

From the moment you land in Cancun, it just feels like “vacation”. The aircraft door opens and you immediately feel the humidity on your skin, the smell of coconut in the air, and the positive vibrations of people on vacation! From international arrivals, exit through customs and immigration, and walk straight out of the airport (past the tour sales and time share desks) and into the beautiful tropical air.
  
/_assets/VmhTRWJjdDVGTkZXMzR3OHgwcUFIUT09

One of the first things you see is the Margaritaville Bar! ​If you already have your hotel transportation set up (which I highly recommend doing) keep going past the bar and the beer cart lady (oh, Mexico), and head to your pre arranged pick up location.

/_assets/ZHFHL1JJWXRNSld5UElrWUZER0h2dz09

I would recommend getting a certified Taxi, or setting up transport with “Supershuttle” in the arrivals lobby. 

/_assets/UC91M3pqNDhlZFZCNisrdVJmME0xdz09

We booked our hotel-airport transit 24 hours before our trip via STAFF TRAVEL VOYAGE for a great price, and received a private SUV to take us to and from our hotel.

/_assets/OUhyYmZ3dFZ6ZU12VHQzazFkTmxBQT09

/_assets/U0p0Vk1PY0JuMVl4aVl4TEIvdXcxQT09

My husband and I have been to Cancun about 7 times in the past 10 years. We love it. We love Cancun and the Rivera Maya so much we actually got married at one of the resorts here. While there are hundreds of resorts that can meet a variety of needs and desires, this trip, our Resort of choice was the beautiful, all inclusive boutique hotel  “Óleo Cancun Playa”. Since this trip was impromptu and quite short for us, we wanted something close to the airport so we didn’t have an hour drive to and from our hotel. The Óleo is the perfect spot, on the south end of the Cancun peninsula, a quick 20 min from the CUN airport. 

/_assets/WXI1YjlWVHVveDVsSXhXM0FOQzBtUT09

/_assets/OUhyYmZ3dFZ6ZU12VHQzazFkTmxBQT09

/_assets/SENtZzFtTTF6K1BDa1VuKzZSZEorUT09

One of a kind bohemian chic hotel!

/_assets/WjFoTWZtL0pzMG9GdkNMYU12YjJodz09

/_assets/QVNhRk5DVlN5MWhXZ0Y1SEEzYzF2UT09

/_assets/WjFoTWZtL0pzMG9GdkNMYU12YjJodz09

Checking in

Upon arriving at the Óleo Cancun Playa, we were immediately swept away into a relaxing paradise. This 4.5 Star All inclusive boutique resort focuses on minimalist luxury and an unforgettably relaxing experience. The Óleo concluded a complete renovation in 2018, and looks and feels like a brand new resort. The light and airy reception area resembles a gigantic white seashell, with glass walls offering sweeping views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

/_assets/V0hIaXM5M1Urc0JmRnlZa0VxcUVVZz09   /_assets/MUlWeEZoK09ia2lzUHBCamROaGZKdz09  

This hotel was designed purposefully, to create an ambiance of relaxation and highlight the natural beauty of the azure water and white sand beaches that Cancun is so famous for. Check in at Óleo Cancun Playa is unlike anything Ive ever experienced. At most hotels, check in is composed of long lines in reception, lugging you bags around awkwardly, and waiting forever to get your room. Not at Óleo.

When your car pulls up, the smiling bellman kindly takes your bags to your own personal sitting area in the lobby and offers you a beverage of your choice. On first glance, the highlights were the swim up bar, stunning spa, and acclaimed Japanese restaurant. With our luggage nicely handled and a drink in hand, we relaxed and enjoyed the view as the staff came to us and brought us the check in paperwork, grounds map, and explained all of the amenities the hotel. 

/_assets/YUYvbVVKRlgvaVVJVUdpaW9GOWZydz09

We were at our hotel, champagne in hand, ocean views as far as the eye could see within 45 min of our flight touching the ground.  If that isn’t Mexico Magic, I don’t know what is!

/_assets/WjFoTWZtL0pzMG9GdkNMYU12YjJodz09

/_assets/SG1nT2grL3NyenM0QlRTSU1TZyt1QT09

/_assets/OUhyYmZ3dFZ6ZU12VHQzazFkTmxBQT09

Sleep

We were then quickly whisked off to our room with the assistance of the bellman, as he showed us to room. The rooms at Oleo are divided between three towers. We were in the tower that is the farthest south. When we got to our room, I was so surprised and delighted to see balloons decorating the walls, a beautiful birthday desert and a bottle of champagne with a “happy birthday” note from the hotel. 

In addition, because we booked our room though Staff Travel Voyage (an awesome website with incredible resort discounts for airline and travel industry employees), we received one room class upgrade that put us in the 180 degree ocean and lagoon view junior suite. We had a small picture window facing the beach, and a large balcony with a sweeping 180 degree view stretching from the sunset over the lagoon to the length of the Cancun peninsula. White sand, turquoise water, and rolling waves as far as the eye could see. Simply paradise!

/_assets/RzY0Y0Z3NWxiTVZUbXhBNEZabXFjQT09

All inclusive technology has come a long way in the past 15 years since I first started coming to all inclusive resorts. Gone are the days of clunky plastic wrist bands and trying to find spot to stash your room key when you go for a swim. Óleo uses a sleek and comfortable, nude colored nylon wrist band with a small rectangular “charm” attached that acts as your room key. It’s a simple, worry free system that enhances the “relaxation” experience the hotel is so keen at providing. It’s a small detail, but a wonderful touch.

/_assets/dmdValRsN2ZGbTdWRmVPb2VSS2N6UT09

/_assets/OUhyYmZ3dFZ6ZU12VHQzazFkTmxBQT09

The True Art of Swimming!

/_assets/bFV0R1EwQVdTUmNDMHVrbVAwbHk0Zz09

/_assets/WjFoTWZtL0pzMG9GdkNMYU12YjJodz09

If you are a lover of infinity swimming pools with Jacuzzis and swim up bars Óleo Cancun Playa is the place to stay! This might have been our favorite spot at the resort.

/_assets/a3ZtSUF5UmFWbENiaUkyenJoeU5KZz09

Slide into the crystal clear, blue water and swim up to the fully stocked bar. Top shelf and name brand alcohols available on request. We loved making up fun cocktails with Don Julio, Mescal, or Campari as we were chatting with the bartenders.  The house beer on top is XX Dos Eques lager or amber, and the house champagne is delicious!

/_assets/SjQrVlZoOTdTUjIrM1UvZHNCNTNWUT09

Hang out at at the pool deck and swim or walk up to the bar all day from 10-8. It’s the perfect location to socialize and meet new people, or participate in fun activities run by the staff like pool volleyball. If you prefer to pass your days on the beach, rest assured that there is a designated server that will happily bring your drinks down to the sand. While the pool at the Óleo Cancun Playa isn’t huge, its the perfect size for the petite boutique resort. Even at the busiest time of the afternoon we never felt over crowded.

/_assets/OUhyYmZ3dFZ6ZU12VHQzazFkTmxBQT09

NUUP Spa Cancun Playa®

If you’re looking for a more private experience with a HOT Jacuzzi, warm and cold plunge pools, and an infinity pool with breathtaking views, I recommend you visit the spa.  Access to the spa facilities, showers, sauna, steam room, and water treatment pools is included with any spa treatment. 

/_assets/S2VPQmhuazdQL1RMd3l1Z3c5NFh3Zz09

Spa treatments are an extra charge and range in price from $32 with many special services available for kids as well. To book these service contact the spa directly.  While we didn’t have time for a massage on this trip, we did opt to pay the $15 per person for 80 min access to the private spa pools and facilities. The spa infinity pool feels like a private paradise.  It is tucked into an ocean view terrace, one level above the regular pool deck. It is the perfect atmosphere for deep relaxation. There are zero gravity chairs near the pool under the shade and sun, as well as a  few classic beach lounge chairs on the grassy knoll in front of the pool, offering an unobstructed ocean view.  While the main pool is ambient temperature, the spa also features four smaller pools ranging in temperature from about 104 degrees Fahrenheit to a cool 62 degrees.

/_assets/QkFWRFh2aGpJV3Rqd1JlaVhyd1FwZz09

As is Mayan tradition, you are encouraged to go from hot to cold, completely submerging yourself in the varying temperatures. The facilities also include a steam room, sauna, hot and cold showers all on the pool deck, so you can share the experience with your significant other. This was WELL worth it, and we will definitely do it again on our next stay as well.

/_assets/eXlsTDlFcXo1UXR4L01ZREQ4eGEwdz09

/_assets/OUhyYmZ3dFZ6ZU12VHQzazFkTmxBQT09

/_assets/QXc2TnJTQ0NHc25OVGEzN3RNWjhxZz09

/_assets/WjFoTWZtL0pzMG9GdkNMYU12YjJodz09

The Beach 

As a Southern California native, I love nothing more than spending a day swimming in warm, crystal clear ocean water.  Cancun and Riviera Maya hotels and resorts can be hit or miss for the beach. We’ve stayed in gorgeous resorts with beautiful beaches that had shallow water lined with razor sharp coral or super strong rip tides and under tows that left the ocean unswimable. I was happy to see that event though the majority of the beach was “red flagged” for rip tides, there were two “yellow flag” zones in front of the Óleo were you were free to swim under the watchful eyes of the lifeguard.

/_assets/SzdQNXBhNWhQL09aQVRYQ1BDWk5jdz09

The sand in Cancun, is pure, clean, soft seashell perfection! Just be warned that it is actually illegal to take sand and seashells out of Mexico, so enjoy the sand while you’re there, and leave it on the beach. 

While my husband and I love body surfing and playing in the waves, I know that many people are uncomfortable in white water. It was nice to see people of all ages, of all swim skill levels able to enjoy the warm Caribbean Sea and the beautiful beach. There are two primary relaxation areas on Oleo’s beach. An area straight in front of the hotel with white lounge chairs and shaded canopy’s, and an area just to the left with brown lounge chairs for the “Inspira”guests. The hotels free wifi connection is also available on the beach.

/_assets/Y3VnbGFzMW9iR0RBK2taZVBxK1Q4QT09

 In addition to the lounge chairs, the soft, white sand also offers plenty of space if you don’t happen to find a chair you like. We spent most of our time on the sand, moving to the chairs just for a few hours for a change of scenery and some shade. I have to take a second and talk about the Cancun sand!!!  It’s absolutely spectacular!!!  The sand here is primarily composed of minute pieces of broken sea shells which gives the beach a pinkish white color. The sand is clean and soft, and absolutely wonderful to exfoliate your skin and roll around in.

/_assets/MkdZY3BRekZsTmpjbzRxQ1VwUXhJZz09

/_assets/OUhyYmZ3dFZ6ZU12VHQzazFkTmxBQT09

The Food!

Let’s talk about FOOD!!!  All inclusive resorts can go two ways; Delicious or disappointing. We ate and drank at every restaurant and bar at Oleo and were impressed by every single one. On top of the outstanding quality, there are food and drinks available for 24 hours a day at the Óleo.

The Azul restaurant offers international cuisine in a casual buffet setting. The buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, all with beautiful ocean views. We loved the breakfast here. El Botanero is the casual pool side lunch area open from 11:30 to 17:30.  I wish we had a casual, fun restaurant like this where I live! Sweeping ocean views, hand crafted drinks, friendly and fast service, and delicious freshly prepared snacks and lunch.

/_assets/c1QrdE5GZmRuQWhEdFN1cU5aMXJQQT09   /_assets/TDU2Q0lJbVhocCtmSW5GSlJFU2ZvQT09

Al Mar is the Óleo’s Mediterranean fusion restaurant and one of the two “reservations required” restaurants. The dress code here is formal casual, basically just no flip flops allowed.  the Mediterranean has a fresh menu with local and seasonal ingredients that frequently rotates.

/_assets/VWRrMzdpazAvd2wvbCtwbFZvcWxrZz09

Hakka is the other reservation only restaurant. They do three seatings every night. At 18:00, 20:00, and 22:00. Be sure to make a reservation at this restaurant as soon as you check in to ensure you can partake in this esteemed Japanese  gastronomic experience while you’re at the Óleo. This exclusive seven course meal prepared by chef Antonio Chavez Encizo marries fresh local ingredients with high end imported Japanese products. This is not just a dinner, it is truly an experience.

/_assets/RmxFaDN5UDdCejY2MWxGeFhtQjcrdz09 /_assets/Ri8zRFBOdlFROWxhOEZxdkE5M2d6dz09 /_assets/ajJWNGNMY3BjNHdpNi8yQk83dVNlZz09 /_assets/WTBmSzdYOXhCSmJ4R1czZW14WjJCZz09 /_assets/a0ZpRVljSGo2b3ZwY0gwSENrLzR0dz09

For a pre dinner drink, or evening night cap, be sure to check out the Lobby Bar. Open ever day from 11:00 to 1:00, this bar has it all. If you’re looking for the more high end drinks, you’ll find them here. If you’re dying for a Frappuccino or vanilla late, there is a Starbucks in the Lobby. While specialty Starbucks beverages are not included, there is a certain all inclusive menu for the “Inspira Suite” guests.   

/_assets/OUhyYmZ3dFZ6ZU12VHQzazFkTmxBQT09

A Few of my short Videos!

/_assets/WjFoTWZtL0pzMG9GdkNMYU12YjJodz09

The Summary!

The Óleo Cancun Playa was absolutely wonderful. The simple lines, the incredible views, the sparkling pool... it was a dream. With all the things we loved about this location, the thing we loved the most was the staff. Everyone here goes out of their way to offer superior customer service.  Compared to the mega resorts, the Óleo’s boutique vibe offers a personalized VIP touch, and an escape from massive crowds.

All in all I would HIGHLY recommend the Óleo Cancun Playa to my friends and family and would come back in a heart beat. I think couples, families, or friend groups celebrating a special occasion and looking to spend quality time together would adore this place.  It’s not over run by rowdy spring breakers, and while there are families with young children, they were mostly young families that seemed to be enjoying spending quality time together.  You can interact and be social, making new friends and participating in activities, or you can keep to yourself and have some quiet time enjoying the company of the person you came with. The next time I’m looking for a tropical, relaxing escape that’s a quick direct flight from most major international airports...My husband and I truly celebrated my birthday in style at the Óleo and will definitely be back!

/_assets/cnpsUzI1TDRlOEJzMkZSV0F5MC83dz09

/_assets/WjFoTWZtL0pzMG9GdkNMYU12YjJodz09

CLICK HERE for the Óleo Cancun Playa deal I booked at Special Travel Industry Employee Rates!

/_assets/UnZpQlZNOWl6OG1TUmhBejE5bEJWdz09