Flew into SJD, where we got out of the plane on the tarmac. We then hopped on a bus to get to the main terminal. Thing is, the distance from the plane to terminal was only 20 meters, so feel like we should have just walked.
Immigration was fairly easy (they just stamped our passports, and then after baggage claim we submitted a form that was filled out on the plane (although that form was in Spanish since they’re an out of English forms, so had to use Google translate in the air). They also had an interesting random sampling screening system where you press a button, and green meant you didn’t have to do anything further).
After leaving customs, there were a bunch of agents lined up trying to sell excursions and collect information. Apparently you’re not supposed to really entertain them, and just head for the airport exit.
After exiting the airport, totally felt the vacation / beach club vibes. After meeting our transportation person (from Transcabo), we had to wait (which I think is a thing so we can buy drinks nearby), so I got a whisky sprite that was right beside the transportation hub. One thing to always remember (especially outside the restore) is NOT to include ice with your drink (water might not be good for your stomach).
The resort was about 20 minutes from the airport (we stayed at Marquis). For this resort, all you needed to do is say your name and room number to enter (there are no bracelets).
The room itself is pretty nice. Definitely good for two people. Room service is also great (which I’ll talk about through various portions of my posts). One thing to note for next time is that for being here for 4 days, I should have brought at least 40 $1 bills. (Tipping is 1 to 2 American dollars).
For Thursday, we ended up chilling only in the resort. For the afternoon and evening, we chilled at the main center bar (Suspiros), and got a bunch of appetizers like quesadillas and nachos, plus lots of drinks. I also taught the group to play Play 9.
For dinner we watched a fire show (2 out of the 5 people were really good, and they were playing some good psychedelic music in the background). During the fire show there is a buffet. The ribeye and the pork ribs were probably the best, plus the fettuccine pasta.
We ended the night by touring each others room (they all look the same, except someone had a king size bed instead of two double beds).
Some extra things to note that in Mexico a double and full bed are actually different sizes. Also, in a resort you should say it’s your anniversary so you get free things like champagne and chocolates. Lastly, looks like booking though Amex you get special this things like a separate WiFi (regular WiFi is a bit slow. Ended up mainly using my data plan).
One thing I did to end this night was order room service. Got the shrimp penne and a banana split (but didn’t have ice cream, it’s was a brownie thing). Shrimp penne was good, but not the banana “split”).
fyi, here is the website with all their amenities:
https://marquisloscabos.icemain.com/ICEWEB/#/home
