Even with the stress of an extra 4 days until we could book a return flight home, El Cid was relaxing and beautiful. July is a little too hot though.

We had an amazing time at this all-inclusive resort! Here are some of the highlights:

We signed up for the Platinum Package at the Ventas Ha and would highly recommend that everyone do this! Part of the package includes butler service. Ask for David and Marcelino! They were amazing. They provided us with even more than we requested from dinner reservations to umbrellas to any snacks we wanted to be placed in our fridge. They were also available to give us a golf cart ride if/when needed. They suggested where to go for dinner, nightly activities and live music.

We were blown away by the service from everyone at the resort and shocked that anyone would give less than 5 stars. Before purchasing our package, we read reviews in which people complained about "having to walk across the vast resort" and "waiting in long lines". First of all, we decided to walk everywhere even in the July heat. We would undoubtedly have missed the animals that we encountered while walking on the tree-lined sidewalks.

The resort was amazing and once we walked it once or twice we found it easy to navigate. The pool party atmosphere can be found at the Marina Pool. Lots of kids, entertainment and fun to be had by all ages. We didn't have kids with us so we chose to go to the other pools, including the pool near Mercado. The pool by the Macondo Bar had an amazing view of the ocean. You couldn't walk 100 yards at this resort without finding a bar! At each pool there are several servers that ensure your cup is never dry! Bring $1 bills so you can tip them for the incredible service they provide.

The buffets are good. However, if you visit the Mercado for lunch you arei n for a treat. They have everything - hamburgers, fresh ceviche, Chinese food, salads, shawarma, crepes, so many different kinds of fish and so much more. The Aromas cafe next door has incredible coffee drinks and desserts. Get the ice cream!!

Make dinner reservations! You can't go wrong with any of the restaurants. We had amazing food at Ile De France, La Marina, Tratoria D' Gulio and Kobo. You have to go to Kobo, the chefs are very entertaining and the food is delicious. The salad bar at Alahambra is wonderful and a great way to start your meal. Make sure you try the Tiramisu at Tratoria D' Gulio!

Taco night on Thursdays is awesome. You get to enjoy tacos, Flambeed coffees, and various other treats. There is live entertainment including a mariachi band!

The live entertainment on the other nights is also amazing. There is a daily schedule of events including which bands are playing in different locations. You must go to Waves in Ventus Ha and the Ruf (adult pool) for a drink. The bartenders are the best!

If you are in to massages you have to get one while you are there. The Cotay Spa is beautiful!

Our room was great and the cleaning staff did a great job. Our only complaint is that we were placed next to a family with small children that started screaming at about 7am each day. I would suggest families with kids be placed away from couples.

Great place, great food, awesome service - ask for David and Marcelino if you decide to do the Platinum package at Ventus Ha!

WOW~ !! what a fun week. we loved the awesome service from Marcelino our butler. He was attentive, efficient, responsive professional and so very fun to talk with. As was David our night butler. All of the staff were friendly and fun. They treated us like family, not just another guest at the resort, which I found refreshing and made our trip that much more memorable. I would definitely stay here again!