Traveling the Sac-Be 2011: Part 1

by Lydia Linton Pontius

Editor’s Note: This is a trip Lydia and I took with our son and his girlfriend, soon to be wife. Though the road trip was 8 years ago, much of the information is still valid, especially in the Costa Maya. We also think the piece is of interest from a nostalgia point of view.


At least once a year we take off on the sac-be and visit old friends and make new ones. We use these trips to write articles and reviews, and to take videos, as well as to keep a finger on the pulse of what is new, or what new places there are to explore.

This trip it was my partner/husband, Mike, his son, Matt, and Matt's friend Lisa. This trip had the usual requirements, but it was also to celebrate Mike's 60th birthday. His son Matt had been as far south as Xel-Ha in 1998 when we took a family vacation to Cancún. Mike had not been down to the Costa Maya since 2001. Lisa had been to Cancún as a young teenager, staying in the Hotel Zone and seeing sights such as Xcaret.

I was excited because I knew that the changes, or things that didn't change, were going to be exciting. Seeing things through new eyes always gives me a renewed appreciation, and I see things I would ordinarily miss or take for granted.

I had been in Akumal for several days attending a WaterART Fitness training program, so I hopped in the car and drove up to Cancún to meet the family. I sat outside the terminal sipping my coffee and talking to the two cats that kept me company. They were on an early flight and the airport was relatively quiet. With the two men being over 6 feet tall, there was no problem spotting them.

We had to make one quick stop to get a larger car. The arrangements were made ahead of time and EasyWay had us off and on the road in no time. Heading south on 307, the first shocker is the size of Playa. For Matt, it was a tiny fishing village with dirt roads when he saw it. For Mike, who travels more frequently, it was the new fly-over that impressed him. We were heading to Tulúm but decided we had to stop for lunch at Akumal, so Matt and Lisa could see our home away from home.

We stopped for lunch at Lol-Ha and the kids had their first peek at that Caribbean blue water. Cheers with a cerveza and a quick bite to eat. We ordered, among other things, the lionfish tacos—which if you have never tried lionfish, you don't know what you are missing. The lionfish literally are speared fresh by the owner and her family!!

Off to Tulúm for a quick visit to that beach. I chose Ziggy's Beach for a walk on the beach and a margarita at El Bistro's swing bar! We were so impressed last year with this place that I had to return even if it was just for a moment. The vista, the atmosphere and, most of all, the pleasant staff make it so inviting. It is a great place to spend an afternoon, even if you are not staying. Great public facilities and we highly recommend it. Renovations are almost complete at the Cabañas Tulum.