The town center of Puerto Morelos, a 10 minute walk from Rancho Sak Ol, is a mere three blocks wide, its centerpiece a square where everyone in the village gathers in the evening, children playing, climbing the jungle-gym and laughing, a grown-up soccer game on the sand by the water in front of swaying masts of fishing boats, young girls strolling past young boys, pretending to ignore each other, adults chatting and carefully keeping a watchful eye on everything that goes on. It is a mellow, peaceful place, rimmed by a lovely wooden church, tiny local stores, a handful of very good restaurants and a small handicrafts open air marketplace. Handcarved masks and figurines, hammocks and colorful blankets, flowing mexican dresses and shawls are just a sampling of the things you will want to bring home from the craft booths where you can sometimes watch the artisans hard at work creating new exotic Mexican and Mayan wares. Puerto Morelos is bordered by the sea and every morning the village fisherman board their small wooden boats and head out to the deep blue, making their living as their ancestors have done for hundreds of years. Fish in the local eateries is as fresh as can be, bought directly from the seaman as they load the dock with their daily catch.
Puerto Morelos is located between the bustling resort filled Cancun and funky-artsy Playa Del Carmen. The coral reef is only 1000 meters from shore, the second largest in the world, terrific for snorkeling or diving and easily reached by boat. A car rental is recommended to fully experience all the wonders outside town. There are mysterious Mayan ruins in all directions, fresh water caves - called Cenotes - to snorkel and explore and dozens of other places to visit and enjoy during your time in the Yucatan. The ruins at Tulum are an hour's drive from Rancho and perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, a glorious view for the Ancients! After your tour, take a drive on the back roads of the town, check out the cabana inns and have a seaside lunch at the tres chic Zamas. Driving along sandy side roads, pulling up at roadside food stands, following the trails of the majestic Mayans, swimming in sacred caves and discovering the long facinating history of another culture is a wonderful vacation indeed!
Being busy people at home, I think our favorite day was when we walked to town, picked up homemade tamales and other goodies, bought tequila and beer and brought it all back to our room, where we cuddled on our hammock, eating and sipping and reading and gazing at the sea - utter perfection! |
Engulfed in our busy lives, we yearn for quiet contemplation, waves lapping at the shore, palms rustling in the breeze, being wonderfully alone with each other... I cannot imagine a more ideal location than Rancho Sak Ol. Whether you decide to hold your intimate beach wedding here (with only 13 rooms, the word "intimate" is key), or intend to stay for your romantic honeymoon that's truly away from it all, you are sure to be delighted by this tiny slice of Heaven on the Yucatan Peninsula.
