pool

A Guide to Outdoor Swimming Pools In Kansas

July 2, 2023 by Vanessa Whiteside 1 Comment

Kansas summers can be downright hot. One of the best places to cool off is at the public swimming pool, but which one is near you this summer?

Whether you’re interested in taking the family for a full day of splash-splash fun or want to cool down dip between sunbathing sessions, let this guide to the state’s outdoor swimming pools inspire your summer fun.

NORTHWEST KANSAS

CITY OF COLBY AQUATIC PARK

The City of Colby Aquatic Park (1610 S. Franklin) features a lazy river, shaded cabanas, two diving boards, and slides. Typically opened in late May, it hosts weekly Water Walking and Lap Swim sessions.

Colby Aquatic Park

WAKEENEY WATER PARK

Splash-splash in the sun at WaKeeney Water Park (716 N. 6th), located a short drive from Kansas Interstate 70. On occasion, the pool invites sun lovers for a Free Swim Day sponsored by an area business. The swimming pool includes a twisting waterslide, shallow water kids play area, and shaded areas for lounging poolside.

WaKeeney Water Park

SOUTHWEST KANSAS

GARDEN RAPIDS AT THE BIG POOL

Swimmers love Garden Rapids at the Big Pool (504 E. Maple) in Garden City for its massive size. Tubular slides send swimmers splashing into the water. It’s the first municipal pool in the Midwest to have a Spashtacular Slip Stream Slide allowing you to stand up as you slide down.

SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS

GREENSBURG CITY POOL

Located at 320 W. Garfield, Greensburg’s swimming pool is highly rated for its features that appeal to kids and adults. They keep the fun going when the pool occasionally hosts themed nights (Pirate Pool Party, anyone?) and night swims.

Greensburg Pool

ROCK RIVER RAPIDS AQUATIC PARK

In Derby, Kansas, Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park (1900 E. James) is a popular attraction for locals and tourists. It includes a zero-depth pool, lap pool, lazy river, and multiple slides. The Green Slide is a windy body slide with see-through features.

Rock River Rapids

LINDSBORG SWIMMING POOL

Need a place to cool off? The Lindsborg Swimming Pool (520 S. 1st St.) allows families to splash-splash starting June 1. A kiddie pool provides zero-depth entry and water spouts for children ages 6 and under. Diving boards, lap lanes, and open swim areas guarantee fun for the entire family. Don’t miss the 153′ waterslide, Thor’s Revenge.

KENWOOD COVE AQUATIC PARK

Salina’s Kenwood Cove Aquatic Park (701 Kenwood Park Dr.) is the place to be when you want “real surf, real fun.” Don’t miss a chance to enjoy the wave pool, lap lanes, spiral slides, and lazy river. When the summer swim season ends, they host a Pooch Plunge for dogs and their owners.

NORTHEAST KANSAS

SPLASH COVE

Get relief from summer’s rays in the cool pools at Shawnee’s Splash Cove (11110 Johnson Dr.). Bring an inflatable tube to float through the lazy river that leads you under arched waterfalls. The Mini Wave Pool, a 125-foot full-body slide, and an interactive playground featuring animal characters keep it fun.

Splash Cove

GARDNER AQUATIC CENTER

Gardner Aquatic Center (215 N. Center St.) is open daily for summertime fun, and admission is $2 less per person during Twilight Swim. Equipped with ADA-accessible amenities, it is gigantic in size. You can expect three slides and a curvy lazy river that leads to open swim areas with climbable equipment. Interconnected walkways traverse through the water park.

THOMAS A. SOETAERT AQUATIC CENTER

Opening day at Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center (13805 Johnson Dr.) is popular. Lines form around the building to gain entrance to the city’s swimming pool featuring towering slides, AquaClimb, diving boards, and an 8-lane lap pool. A lazy river, Bubble Bench, and interactive pool features entertain families during summer, making it a go-to spot.

Shawnee pool

LAWRENCE OUTDOOR AQUATIC CENTER

The Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center (727 Kentucky St.) draws fun-goers who want two water slides, a zero-depth children’s area, a diving well, spray mushrooms, unpredictable water buckets, and a lap swim area.

SOUTHEAST KANSAS

PITTSBURG AQUATIC CENTER

When the sun is out, the Pittsburg Aquatic Center (708 W. 9th St.) is open for business during the summer. Go for the diving boards, wide slides fit for two swimmers, and a gigantic swimming pool.

FORT SCOTT AQUATIC CENTER

Lifeguards on duty are ready to welcome you at Fort Scott Aquatic Center (8th and Main), where a kids’ play area, fun-loving slides, and diving boards are the showstoppers. The pool hosts private parties, swim lessons, and water fitness classes.

While this list consists of excellent swimming pools across the state, it does not represent all. Check with the town near you for the closest aquatic center.

10 Outdoor Activities That Make Lindsborg, Kansas Unique

May 3, 2023 by Vanessa Whiteside 3 Comments

Disclosure: Visit Lindsborg sponsored this post. However, all opinions are mine. I took the majority of the photos.

Lindsborg, Kansas, known as Little Sweden USA, is well-revered for its festival scene, art galleries, and eateries. The town, located on the Smoky Hill River, has various outdoor activities that make it unique. If you’re an outdoor adventurer, you need to visit Lindsborg.

Established more than 150 years ago, the town keeps me coming back for its long list of entertaining things to do, unlike any other town in the Sunflower State.

10 Outdoor Activities That Make Lindsborg Unique

1.) TRAILS

When the Kansas sun is shining, there is no better place to be than outside exploring. Lindsborg has free, ell-maintained trails perfect for getting one’s steps, biking, or dog walking (leash required!). Välkommen Trail is a converted rail bed that runs 4.25 miles. With various points of interest, I enjoyed reading about the town’s early history from the historical markers along the trail.

To view the route, download a colorful map with trail rules here.

A trail sign along Välkommen Trail near a Fredrickson Outdoor Fitness Park reminds users of best practices.

Look for historical markers with information about the town’s founders as you ride or walk the Välkommen Trail.

Not every small Kansas town can boast more than one trail, which makes Lindsborg unique. Meadowlark Trail, accessible at the southern endpoint of the Välkommen Trail, is a wide, 12.6-mile limestone trail with promising scenic views from what was once a Union Pacific railroad corridor. I appreciated the tree-covered shade at the onset of the route.

The trail will fully connect to McPherson by the end of Summer 2023. To learn a detailed summary of the trail, access TrailLink.

PRO TIP: Drive to the Old Mill Campground to park for free and walk to the Meadowlark Trail sign. The trailhead only offers enough parking space for two cars.

Rail-Trail — Meadowlark Trail’s surface is crushed stone, making for a comfortable walk or bike ride.

2.) CORONADO HEIGHTS KITE FLY

Open fields and windy conditions make Kansas the ideal place to fly a kite, and Coronado Heights (4200 W. Coronado Heights), northeast of Lindsborg, is an incurably scenic spot with views of Smoky Hills. The area is the site where it is believed Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his men explored the area in a quest for riches, which they didn’t find.

The town hosts the Coronado Heights Kite Fly! event every May, drawing kite lovers to test their skills. Wings of the World Kites & Toys sells demonstrates how to fly kites, and participants can also purchase kite kits at the toy store in town, Trollslända (135 N. Main St.)

3.) FREDRICKSON OUTDOOR FITNESS PARK

When you’re ready for a cardiovascular workout, Frederickson Outdoor Fitness Park is the place to do it. The fitness station adjacent to Völkammen Trail’s south trailhead is designed with equipment so adults can target workouts to improve their strength, flexibility, and agility.

The outdoor gym includes a shaded area that I found useful for stretching pre-workout or cooling down after a strenuous routine. I liked that the rubber surface was easy on the knees, a park feature adults will appreciate.

PRO TIP: Bring bottled water and a towel.

Installed in partnership with Lindsborg Community Heath Care Foundation and the City of Lindsborg, the fitness park aims to promote wellness for residents and visitors of all abilities.

The Fredrickson Family Fitness Park is named after the late Dr. Duane Fredrickson. a family physician, exercise enthusiast, and community volunteer.

4.) PUBLIC ART WALK

Participating in an art walk is one of my favorite ways to increase my step count. One of the best places to do it is along Lindsborg’s downtown area, where murals, Dala horses, and framed outdoor artwork dot the corridor. I discover a new artistic creation during every visit to Main Street, and I find the framed tiled mosaics stunning.

But the art doesn’t need to be limited to only the downtown area. Everywhere you look, it seems like the community celebrates the arts. Look up, check around the corner, walk through a courtyard, and keep your eyes peeled when visiting a park. From wrought iron arches and wood carvings to painted Dala horses and stained glass windows, you’ll find more than one reason to walk the town on foot.

PRO TIP: Lindsborg Art Council hosts Makers Street twice per year. The interactive art walk highlights local artists’ work in shops and galleries and often features music, live performances, and delicious food.

Outdoor art — The second Friday of the month, Main Street in Lindsborg becomes an interactive art walk event, Makers Street.

dala horse — Can you spot each addition to the entire herd of wild data horses in Lindsborg? Pick up a Wild Data Scavenger Hunt sheet inside the Travel Info Center next to Blacksmith Coffee Shop and Roastery.

5.) MAXWELL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Considered one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Geography, Maxwell Wildlife Refuge (2565 Pueblo Rd.) offers guided tours where nature lovers can admire views of native prairie and wildlife. To locate the park from Lindsborg, drive to Roxbury, north of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, by 6 miles. Then drive south to Pueblo Road on 27th Avenue (Roxbury intersection, red blinking light) you will then see the park’s signs.

During the 45-minute covered tram tour, visitors view elk, birds, bison (look for baby calves from March through May!), native prairie grasses, and wildflowers. The area is located on the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, the same area Native Americans and Kansas settlers traveled. Reservations are required three days in advance, and you should review the Tour Calendar before reserving your spot.

PRO TIP: Bring a camera with a telephoto lens to capture clear images of the bison from a distance.

tram ride — Photo courtesy of Visit Lindsborg. Guided tours provide shade from the Kansas sun or rain, plus extraordinary views of the plains. Tour prices are $15/adult, $7.50/child aged 11 and under, and free for children aged 3 and under.

6.) LINDSBORG GOLF COURSE

Discover a hidden gem while road-tripping is the best. Lindsborg Golf Course (1541 Svensk Rd.) is a tucked-away 64 acres, 9-hole municipal course you need to play. Featuring one water hazard and some hilly fairways, the course is easy to moderate in difficulty with tee boxes for men and women. If it’s 55 degrees or warmer, the course is open from 9 am-7 pm.

Taking to the links is a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors while getting exercise at an affordable price. The manicured tee boxes and fairways are in good shape, and the golf cart paths are easy to maneuver. Golfers can purchase balls, tees, snacks, adult-only beverages, or bottled water to fill a cooler inside the clubhouse.

PRO TIP: Check the Weekly Specials calendar to take advantage of discount fees. For example, you can play 18 holes and get a golf cart for $16. Wear soft spike golf shoes or tennis shoes.

golf ball — Open to the public and club members, the golf course plays host to tournaments, scrambles, and invitationals.

golf course tee box — The 9-hole municipal course includes a water hazard and a few hilly fairways.

7.) BROADWAY RFD

Imagine watching actors and singers perform at the park while you relax in a lawn chair, enjoying a summer breeze on a starry night. Broadway RFD (located at Swensson Park’s band shell) is the longest-running outdoor theatre in Kansas. Offering guests quality performances, it’s a special opportunity to appreciate live community theater.

Past productions date back to 1959 and include many well-revered shows, including Oklahoma, The King and I, South Pacific, and Music Man. Ticket sales start in early June and can be purchased online. The ticket prices are affordable, and kids ages 4 or younger get in free.

PRO TIP: Don’t expect a paper ticket. Your name will appear on a guest list at the gate.

band shell — Photo courtesy of Visit Lindsborg

8.) HEMSLOJD QUADRICYCLES

Why not cruise through town on a quadricycle to see the sights while burning calories? After inducing a delicious ice cream cone from Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream, I needed an easy workout. I found renting the two-seat quadricycle simple at Hemslojd Swedish Gifts (201 N. Main St.). A 4-seater Limo rents for $15/30 mins or $24/1 hour. The 2-seater Junior (pictured below) rents for $9/30 mins, $15/1 hour.

You can stroll the downtown area and surrounding paved roads like a car. The quadricycle provides a leisurely way to explore the town without breaking a sweat since both passengers peddle, and only one person steers.

PRO TIP: Consider using hand signals to indicate your intended turns.

quad bike — Made in Europe, the quadricycles are peddled cars providing a rolling town tour.

9.) LINDSBORG SWIMMING POOL

A nearby sand volleyball court is ideal for adults to combine physical fitness and fun.

PRO TIP: View the admission prices here.

swimming pool — Photo courtesy of Visit Lindsborg

10.) YOGA ON THE BRIDGE

I can’t think of a better way to practice mindfulness while exercising than performing yoga. Lindsborg resident Tricia Clark hosts Yoga On the Bridge for people of all experience levels. The Runic Yoga session starts by gathering at the rune stone at Riverside Park (near the covered pavilion) and walking together to the Völkammen Trail bridge. The views of the Smoky Hill River are breathtaking, and the sound of chirping native birds relaxes you. With each guided move, your flexibility, energy, and balance improve.

The $5 session takes place on Mondays at 7 pm. To join a session, contact Tricia by email at tclark@bethelks.edu.

PRO TIP: Wear comfortable workout clothes or yoga attire.

BONUS ACTIVITIES

The town’s parks offer explorers a multitude of opportunities to get some exercise. Swede Sk8 Park is designed for daredevils who want to skateboard, trick bike, rollerblade, or use their scooter. It is located adjacent to the Välkommen Trail and adjacent to Kansas Street.

Swensson Park is home to tennis courts and a basketball court. You’ll find athletic courts, horseshoe pits, and playground equipment at Riverside Park.

Disc golf is a popular sport for outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas, and Bethany Lutheran College’s 9-hole course (340 E. Swensson Ave.) is a no-cost way to play a round. Over 2,000 feet of course, golfers can catch glimpses of gorgeous sculptures on campus. Each hole is a par 3; grass tees and open spaces make the course approachable for beginners. To find Hole 1, walk to the Northwest corner of Gregory Hall.

Another highlight of the course? After the game, you’re within walking distance of Birger Sandzén Memorial Art Gallery (401 N. First St.). Visitor parking is available at designated areas on this map.

Have you heard of geocaching? A treasure hunt using an app to locate a hidden container, participants can enjoy the free outdoor activity at various places in Lindsborg. To start, visit geocaching.com to route your path using coordinates and clues.

Considering staying overnight to take in the rest of the town? Check out my additional post, The Best Way to Spend a Day in Lindsborg, Kansas, aka “Little Sweden, for plenty of things to do, from dining to exploring art galleries to shopping.

Summer Fun Activities in Derby, Kansas

June 20, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 6 Comments

Updated March 27, 2023

Disclosure: The City of Derby sponsored this post; however, all opinions are my own. All of the photos were taken by me.

It’s time you found your happy place this summer in Derby, Kansas! A 20-minute drive from Wichita, the town has many options for keeping the family entertained. I suggest adding it to your summer day trip bucket list.

I’m taking the guesswork out of travel planning for you and breaking down a full day of exciting things to do during your visit. From visiting area attractions to shopping and dining, I’ve created a list of must-have experiences for visitors of all ages.

FARMERS MARKET

Nothing makes my heart pitter-patter more than a stroll through a farmers market on a Saturday morning. At the Derby Farmers Market (512 E. Madison Ave.), you will find seasonal produce, tables stacked with honey and salsa jars, Kansas-raised meat, and hand-crafted gifts. The market operates from April through October on Saturdays from 8 am-12 pm.

Like me, I know you’ll appreciate the variety of vendors and the acoustic live music as the backdrop at the market. I introduced myself to the owner of Sargeant’s Berry Farm and chatted about the seasonal vegetables for sale. He was just the person I needed to talk to about zucchini. As a gardener, I learn the best tips about tending plants simply from conversing with farmers at the market.

Once you’ve stocked your reusable bag with Kansas-made products, I recommend taking a walk around Madison Avenue Central Park and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. If you’re a parent with kids in tow, visiting the like-new playground is a must.

Watch them as they gleefully cross a suspension bridge and crawl through jungle gym equipment. Before packing up the car with the kids, make sure they see the two-story waterfall and life-sized chess set located adjacent to the play area.

DERBY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

Let’s continue the fun! Our next stop is the town’s historical museum, a treasure of finds. Wait until you see what lies inside one of Derby’s oldest buildings, a school built in 1924 that is now listed on the National Historical Registrar! The Derby Historical Society Museum (710 E. Market) invites visitors to travel through time by touring classrooms converted into thematic exhibits. Fifteen rooms are stocked with contributed artifacts, and the hallways display special collections.

Even though school may be out for kids during the summer, they will get a kick out of rooms devoted to education (be sure to check out the report card in the case!). Adults will appreciate the historical value of the curated items in rooms celebrating 19th Century history, the military, and ancient artifacts.

Everyone will gain a new appreciation for how their ancestors lived from one of the finest collections of artifacts in the state.

What makes this museum special? It has more unique and hard-to-curate items than I’ve seen in a Kansas museum. For example, they don’t just have one antique typewriter or camera – dozens of all sizes and colors. I told everyone I’ve met since I visited the museum about its impact on me. And I must admit, the more I learned about the town’s history, the more I wished I had gone to school in Derby. “Go, Panthers!” I’ll return to the museum with friends and family in tow.

Open April through October on Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm, admission to the Derby Historical Society Museum is FREE. You better carve out at least an hour of your afternoon to tour it. The friendly volunteers (many of whom grew up in Derby) are more than willing to take you on an impromptu tour, or you can enjoy the museum at your own pace on a self-guided tour.

PARKS

It doesn’t truly feel like summer until you spend time exploring one of Derby’s picturesque parks. The town has more than 403 acres of parkland, 20 developed parks, and 14 green spaces. Their newest addition, Decarsky Park (1600 Line Drive), is worth the short drive to the edge of town.

The dog park and ballpark are in pristine condition featuring four playing fields, concessions, a dog agility course, a dock launch (watch dogs jump for toys into the pond!), and shade structures. Find out more about what you can expect at the park here.

During my visit, the park hosted youth softball and baseball tournaments. With every crack of a bat and roar of the crowd, the atmosphere erupted with a competitive spirit. It was a good day to visit the park for the first time. The energy was infectious, and it was certainly a place to enjoy the sounds of summer.

If you’d rather stay closer to town, a visit to Warren Riverview Park (321 W. Market) promises a good time. Opened in 2018 on the banks of the Arkansas River, it defies your expectations. The four-acre park features kayak/canoe access to the river, covered shelters, a 15-foot ropes course, rentable event space, and public art. View park details here.

LUNCH

By now, you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite. Locals know that Madrocks Restaurant & Sports Bar (1821 E. Madison Ave. #100) is a smart choice for lunch or dinner-goers searching for a tasty meal. They serve housemade steaks and burgers using Yoder Meats, fresh salads, deli sandwiches, and mouthwatering pizza.

I devoured tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders on King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls served with perfectly crispy tater tots. Seated in the cool air conditioning while enjoying a scrumptious meal was just what I needed to escape the summer heat.

An excellent place for groups to gather, play sports bar games or partake in karaoke on Thursday-Saturday, Madrocks is also known to host live music occasionally. Multiple TVs make watching the game easy, and the sports bar includes a pool table, Golden Tee, and pinball.

The restaurant and bar are locally owned and veteran-operated. Check their Facebook page for details.

FIELD STATION: DINOSAURS

With a new energy boost, you’ll be ready to jump in the car and drive to Field Station: Dinosaurs (2999 N. Rock Road). The adventure park is a world-class family attraction with limitless possibilities for fun. After purchasing tickets, visitors enter via basecamp to start the expedition. Upon check-in, you will receive a trail map and expedition schedule (shows), and each child in your group will be gifted a passport to have stamped at six stations.

You can expect to see over 40 full-size, animatronic dinosaurs on 10 acres of walking trails. You get access to 30 theatrical shows, games, and activities for one admission – no extra charge! Admission to the park also includes a round of Jurassic Golf on the 18-whole course, which is also sold separately if you’d rather only golf during a visit to the park.

Touring the park is an immersive experience. Where else can you walk amongst life-sized prehistoric creators and hear their natural sounds? Don’t miss visiting all of the activity stations. Each one keeps novice paleontologists learning and engaged.

Kids will love the Fossil Dig Site, where they can unearth prehistoric fossils and dinosaur skeletons. Bigger kids and adults will find the T-Rex Feeding Frenzy interesting as they learn about the Scientific Method to study the eating habits of the creature. Tip: Pick up a Scavenger Hunt at Dino-Bites and return it to Dino-Bites for a prize.

I was impressed by each employee’s enthusiasm for teaching others about science, and the employees that led the shows were highly engaging. Seeing families singing and dancing along at the Dinosaur Dance Party was refreshing.

To learn more about the park, its hours, and upcoming events, you can visit their Facebook page or Instagram page for details

DERBY PUBLIC LIBRARY GATHERING SPACE GALLERY

Let’s escape the summer sun and head indoors! Art lovers will appreciate the volume of talented work on exhibition at the Derby Public Library (1600 E. Walnut Grove). As you walk into the building, you immediately see prints and paintings.

During my visit, I admired abstract artwork, photography, and drawings by local artists of all ages. While all of the pieces were remarkable, I appreciated one, in particular, tucked away in the back of the library of the musician Beck. All of the artwork was for sale and modestly priced.

If you plan on staying in Derby for longer than a day, note their events calendar which often includes activities tailored for kids and teens. To view the library’s hours, visit this page.

ROCK RIVER RAPIDS

Just when you think you’ve experienced the best of summer fun in Derby, there’s one more place that promises excitement – Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park (1900 E. James)! More fun awaits just around the corner and down the street from the library. Families can dip in the Zero Depth Pool, relax on the Lazy River, or test their endurance in the Lap Pool.

Can you say it’s summer until you’ve launched yourself down a water slide? The aquatic center has multiple slides to select, and the newest one, the Green Slide, has twists and turns that get your heart racing.

Although outside food and drink are not allowed, attendees can purchase tasty treats from Ollie Snack Shack. If you want a place to store your belongings, you can use one of the lockers if you provide your lock. You don’t have to worry about bringing a chair, as the park has rows of available lounge chairs. You can also sun yourself on a towel on the grassy lawn like others I saw enjoying the space.I visited the pool on one of the hottest days on record in Derby. It was the best place to wind down and relax in the shade near the water. It made for great people-watching, too! Everyone was smiling and enjoying the day. If you want to learn more about Rock River Rapids Aquatic Center, the premier water park in South-Central Kansas, view their hours and events via their Facebook page.

Derby offers countless places to enjoy the summer. Whether you’re walking amongst dinosaurs, splashing in the pool, or enjoying a delicious meal indoors, it’s certainly worth the short commute from Wichita.

I’d love to hear if you’ve visited other places in Derby that promise a good time during the summer. Please leave your suggestions in the comments below.

Experience Sun Palace: A Couples-Only Resort in Cancun, Mexico

May 25, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside 2 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my links at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for information.

Exceeding a guest’s expectations is what all-inclusive resorts in Mexico do best. If you’re searching for a locale where the sunsets always wow you and the resort amenities are stunning, look no further than Sun Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico.

Having visited several all-inclusive resorts, Sun Palace Resort sets itself apart because it prides itself on luxurious accommodations in a couples-only setting. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you are treated like their only guest, a feeling you quickly learn to appreciate.

Whether you’re an “I don’t want to leave the resort” kind of traveler or an “I like to adventure off the resort and return to luxury” kind of traveler, Sun Palace has everything you’re looking for and more. I prefer during a vacation to take each day at my own pace, and Sun Palace Resort caters to that kind of whimsy.

LOCATION

Located along the resort strip overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea, the resort is a short 15-minute drive from Cancun International Airport. You can easily get to the resort by shuttle van, a much-preferred transit method, versus taking a bus.

The room’s balconies face the ocean, so you’re perfectly poised for breathtaking views from your balcony or pool lounger.

ACCOMODATIONS

The rooms defy your expectations. Blonde marble floors stretch from wall to wall accented by dark wood finishes. Every room has a complimentary full bar (liquor included!), a jacuzzi spa, a walk-in shower, and a spacious balcony.

There’s no need to pack extra toiletries or hair styling tools since the bathroom is stocked with everything you need. The closets are large and come with two plush robes and slippers. Need to lock away your passport, cash, or jewelry? You can use the secure safe located inside the closet.

We were pleased to find our Deluxe Ocean View room decorated especially for us as we celebrated our 10-year anniversary. Heart-shaped balloons adorned our room, and rose petals were strewn along our bed. A bottle of chilled champagne, two glasses, and chocolates awaited our arrival!

At Sun Palace, you can expect to be treated like every day is a celebration.

Take my advice. Upgrade your room. The accommodations of a deluxe or presidential suite are worth the extra charge. Our room was as large as a small apartment, and the view was unmatched by any I’ve seen in Mexico thus far.

You’ll find that your pace slows down upon arrival to paradise. There’s no rush to make it anywhere. Pull up a front-row seat to the best sunrise you’ve ever seen.

As far as amenities, the room comes with a small kitchenette space that includes a fully stocked refrigerator, snack drawer, liquor bottle dispensers, and coffeemaker. It’s all included, so enjoy it! Should you crave a snack that your room doesn’t include, call room service.

Do you love to unwind with a spa treatment? Look no further than your jacuzzi tub in the middle of your room. Open the complimentary red wine and enjoy the bubbles.

DINING

I can’t stress enough how impressed I was with the dining options at Sun Palace. The menu options, the flavors, and the presentation were top-notch! This resort doesn’t just provide a buffet where tourists gather every day for breakfast and lunch (Aurora Restaurant), but it includes multiple reservation-only restaurants on the premises, such as Thai, Feugo, La Tratto.

Expect your dining experience to take one to two hours. Be sure to also make a stop at the lobby cafe. You can order ice cream or crepes there at any time.

Available 24 hours a day, the resort promptly delivers exceptional room service. We ordered breakfast to our room nearly every morning to watch the sun rise over the ocean while enjoying plates of bagels and lox and steak and eggs. You can even order from a late-night menu that includes all the foods you crave, from nachos to sandwiches.

Sometimes when you visit an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, some foods and condiments don’t taste quite the same as they do in the States. That is not the case at Sun Palace! We were quite impressed.

Should you get hungry while lounging poolside, grab lunch from the taco cart (a popular choice!) or order a sandwich or small pizza at the Snack Bar. If visiting the Bar at Sun Palace indoors, a comfy spot for happy hour, you can order tapas and appetizers to nibble on while waiting for your dinner reservation.

The bartender will make you anything you want from their full bar.

THINGS TO DO

Whether you want to unwind with a spa treatment or leave the resort for an ocean excursion or seaside adventure, there is more than enough to do!

We reserved a couples massage at Awe Spa, where we had access to cold and hot plunge pools, herbal steam rooms, and comfortable lounge beds before and after our spa appointments. Don’t forget to use your resort credits when booking spa treatments!

If you’re an adventure seeker, simply visit the concierge desk to discuss the off-resort options, from scuba diving excursions to sailing. We took a catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres via Cancun Sailing, which I recommend if you’re comfortable at sea and want to take in the view while someone else captains the boat. Our experience included adult beverages and lunch.

Once back at the resort, you have a multitude of entertainment options. The staff hosts various nightly activities, from trivia nights to musical performances. The Bar at Sun Palace is the place to be every night if you want to participate in group games or just kick back and relax and watch others interact.

Don’t forget to tip your bartender! I recommend bringing at least $40-50 in single bills on hand, depending on the length of your stay. (I learned that the bartenders rotate the property every couple of weeks, so they share in the heavier foot traffic in different resort areas.)

Of course, you’ll want to dip in one of two pools (or both) when you’re not sitting near the ocean, taking in the sound of the waves. The service is prompt no matter where you claim your beach chairs. I recommend grabbing a couple of magazines or towels to claim chairs before breakfast time.

Check which areas are available to you based on the color of your wristband, which is most of the resort, even if you don’t have diamond status.

SISTER RESORTS

Take advantage of your ability to visit the sister resorts of Sun Palace during your stay. We took a resort shuttle to M oon Palace so the guys could play a round of golf while I lounged by the pool. A family-friendly resort, expect to see areas dedicated to kids, including a wave pool and playroom.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting a new perspective on the resort life while relaxing poolside. Moon Palace caters to your every need. Other sister resorts include Beach Palace and The Grand at Moon Palace. However, check with the front desk clerk to discuss which ones you can visit with your wristband status. You can eat and drink at any restaurant or bar when visiting the other sister resorts.

I do not doubt that you will enjoy your stay at Sun Place. From the moment you enter the lobby, prepare to be transformed into a paradise. Let the future travel planning begin!

Of all the resorts I’ve stayed in Mexico, this one is my favorite thus far. If you love traveling to all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, you will also appreciate staying at Barcelo Premium in Puerto Vallarta. Be sure to click on this link to learn more from one of my past travels to the resort!