We are going to Club Med Cancun for my parents’ 50th Anniversary. My understanding is that mixed drinks and tap beer are free throughout the resort. Wine, premium liquor, bottled beer (I believe) is an extra charge. I looked at their wine list and it is serves as a great argument to stick with mixed drinks.

However, we all like wine with dinner and corkage is only $10 per bottle. As such, we intend to bring our own (traveling from NYC).

My question is any advice with respect to (i) the Club Med experience, (ii) wine and drinks at Club Med, (iii) traveling with wine to Mexico in July, or (iv) anything else helpful.

Thanks,

Neil

We went to Club Med Turks and Caicos in 2005 and had a great time. In order:

i) overall it's a good experience. I hope you guys are all high energy, as the staff surely is. There is always something to do, from performances, to snorkeling, so figure out what you like the best and plan for it specifically. We did the resort diving certification so we could spend a few days scuba diving. If you've never been I'd highly recommend it! It's not cheap, but definitely an amazing experience (our guides were very good, too).

ii) At the Turks and Caicos Club Med, the wine options were pretty bad. So bad, in fact, that we didn't drink much wine! That said, there was a private dining place that had a wine list (wines cost more as you mentioned). Again, the list wasn't anything to write home about and wines ranged from $35-60 (I believe). Also, the food was good at the Turks and Caicos Club Med...lot's of Conch salad, fried conch, conch soup, etc which we enjoyed. Be sure to take advantage of the bar during the day while at the beach! It's free and a great place for a daytime (or nighttime) snack!

iii) No idea! I wouldn't worry about packing it in luggage, should be OK temperature wise for a few hours. Just let it rest in a cool spot in your room for a day or so before opening.

iv) Use sunblock! Defying others advice may cause you to be very uncomfortable during your stay (happened to me my first time to Puerto Rico. DO NOT drink too much the night before scuba diving.

V) ENJOY! Definitely nice to take a trip and not worry about dinner plans, sightseeing, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by Neil K.:
(iii) traveling with wine to Mexico in July....

You're permitted up to 3 liters per person duty free. If you chill the wine well before packing, and put them in a styro shipper as checked baggage.........I'm thinking you'll be OK.

PH

Check to see if club med could arrange for a small fridge in your room if it does not already have one. This way in case of delays taking off, etc you can cool them back down.
Have you considered purchasing wines when your down in cancun outside of club med (If I recall there was a nice wine/liquor shop near the cancun oasis and your likely to find a few items you cant get here.

I took a case of Champagne, in a suit case to Cancun Club Med years ago. Somehow got it through customs with no duty and me and my buddy had girls around us every evening. Wanting Champagne.

quote:

Originally posted by Lakersguy:
I took a case of Champagne, in a suit case to Cancun Club Med years ago. Somehow got it through customs with no duty and me and my buddy had girls around us every evening. Wanting Champagne.

LOL! Sweet! Wish I'd thought of that!