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If you live in a certain climate it’s that time of year when winter sets in. The skies are gray a little too often and you start to get a little tired of the cold, ice and snow.

Your mind starts to wander. Dreaming of the warm sun on your skin, soft ocean breezes and a fruity drink in your hand.

Shrimp at the El Cid Resorts Food Travelist
Shrimp at the El Cid El Moro

Mexico has been a quick, affordable getaway destination for many years. One area we hadn’t explored in Mexico was Mazatlán. Located on the Pacific Ocean this Mexican city supplies more than 30 percent of the food to Mexico. It’s also know as the “shrimp capital” of Mexico.

El Cid Resort

El Cid Resorts

One of the most affordable ways to travel is to choose an all-inclusive resort package. As you might suspect, they are not all created equal. Those of us who want to experience authentic local food may even avoid these type of places.

El Cid Resort

We certainly found that this was not the case while staying at the El Cid Resorts in Mazatlán. From the tropical cocktail handed to you on arrival to the fresh handmade tortillas at breakfast, beautiful dessert pastries and everything in between the was food local, authentic, plentiful, and varied enough to satisfy every palate. What if we told you that prices at this all-inclusive resort start at just $100 per night? Got your attention? Read on.

Fresh made tortillas at El Cid marina resort Mazatlan Food Travelist
Fresh made tortillas at El Cid Marina Resort

Many Choices

What’s really interesting is that there are three resort properties to choose from here: El Cid Castilla Beach, El Cid El Moro Beach, El Cid Granada, and El Cid Marina Beach. Each resort has its own unique features and amenities.  They are located near one another and conveniently reached by a shuttle bus.

El Cid Resorts in Mazatlan
El Cid Resorts in Mazatlan

If you choose the Club Elite inclusive package you can dine at any of the restaurants at all the El Cid properties.  Even if you don’t want to dine on authentic Mexican cuisine with over 15 restaurants to choose from you will find many delicious options to your taste.

Poolside snack at El Cid Resorts Food Travelist
Poolside snack of mushroom quesadillas at El Cid Resorts.

For an indulgent treat, stay in your bathing suit all day and enjoy the snack bars and cocktails from the pool. If you like fine dining in a casual setting reserve a table at one of the restaurants at the resort. Your choice of Italian, Japanese, Mexican, Argentinian cuisines and more await.

El Cid Marina Resort Pool and marina Mazatlan Food Travelist

Activities For Everyone

While food and drinks may be how we choose a destination we certainly like to find other ways to entertain ourselves once we’re there.

El Cid Resorts have plenty of beaches with water sports galore. Banana boat rides, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boards, jet skiing and more can all be easily arranged.

If it’s a family vacation you want the resort has a Kids and Teens Club full of activities to keep the young ones busy while you do some grownup relaxing on your own.

Golfing, tennis, and spa facilities are all available at the El Cid Country Club.

Of course, the resort can also accommodate wedding parties, conferences, family reunions, and other gatherings for just about any size party. While we were visiting, a gorgeous wedding took place right on the beach. Revelers were dancing under the stars enjoying a perfect Mazatlán evening.

More About the Food

One of the things that we enjoyed about Mazatlán and the El Cid Resorts was the abundance of fresh seafood. We dined at the La Marina restaurant and feasted on fresh shrimp, octopus, and tuna prepared in many different ways. It was wonderful!

Fresh Seafood at El Cid Resort
Fresh Seafood at La Marina Restaurant

Breakfasts were delicious buffets and ala carte menu items for every size appetite. Fresh juice smoothies were the highlight of many of our mornings. A favorite was a trio of Mazatlan Machacas made with beef, shrimp, and pork served with sides of refried beans, sweet corn tamale, and au gratin peppers.

Trio of Machacas Beef Shrimp and Pork at El Cid Marina Food Travelist
Trio of Machacas Beef, Shrimp and Pork at El Cid Marina

The only problem you might have is deciding what to eat and where during your stay at one of the El Cid Resorts in Mazatlán.

Fresh Fruit at El Cid Resorts Mazatlan
Fresh Fruit at El Cid Resorts Mazatlán

Abundant fresh fruit and Mexican pastries baked daily make it difficult to decide where to start.

Mexican Pastries El Cid Food Travelist 1

Desserts Galore at El Cid Resort in Mazatlan
Desserts Galore at El Cid Resort in Mazatlan

No meal is complete without a delectable dessert to finish it off. You better leave room to try them. With so many to choose from our waiter insisted we try them all! Not a problem if you A) are on the inclusive meal plan and B) bring your stretchy shorts, pants, or skirt.

El Cid Resort

Relax And Unwind

After all this feasting you will be able to relax in your comfortable spacious room for a great night’s sleep.

Check the El Cid website for the latest promotions. There’s a Mazatlán Deal going on right now! Save up to 60% off and 2 kids under 12 stay, play, and eat free! Those deals include inclusive Elite Accommodations plus a $1,200 USD Resort Credit Coupon Book. Rates start as low as $205 USD per night. Hurry and see their website for all the details.

More On Mazatlán 

While staying at the El Cid Resorts you’ll want to make time to explore Mazatlán as well. There’s plenty more to do, see and eat.

Freshly caught oysters on the beach, cruising the Malecon, one of the largest seaside walkways in the world in an open-air pulmonía blasting your favorite songs, shopping at bustling local markets, and taking an excursion to nearby Deer Island are just a few of the fun experiences that await you.

Sue was a guest of El Cid resort in Mazatlán. She was not financially compensated for this review. As always, all opinions are her own and reflect her experiences.

We’ll be bringing you more tasty tips on some of the Mazatlán, shops, and attractions you won’t want to miss very soon. 

Read more about my visit in Culinary Roots in Mazatlán, Mexico

THE QUICK BITE: Check out the El Cid Resorts in Mazatlán for a fantastic easy, affordable getaway this winter. Sun, surf, and sand await at this all-inclusive resort where delicious food and options abound.

If you dream about beautiful beaches, palm trees gently swaying, crystal blue waters, incredible food for a reasonable price, and a place just to hang out and relax, then Mahekal beach resort at Playa Del Carmen in Mexico’s beautiful Yucatan peninsula may just be the place for you.

Food Travelist Magical Mahekal Sunrise
Magical Mahekal Sunrise

Mahekal is the Spanish pronunciation of “magical” and that pretty much describes this place. Your first hint (aside from the breathtaking scenery) will hit you when you get to your room. Whimsical towel sculptures will make you smile if you’re not already.

Food Travelist Magical Mahekal
Mahekal Resort

The rooms have a personal hammock or two, so you can relax without even having to reach the sand.

Food Travelist Magical Mahekal Home Sweet Hammock
Home Sweet Hammock

There are two pool areas to soak up the sun and stay cool.

Food Travelist Magical Mahekal Beautiful Seaside Pool
Mahekal Beautiful Seaside Pool

One of the beachfront casitas even has its own plunge pool that opens up right to the beach!

Food Travelist Magical Mahekal Private Plunge Pool
Private Plunge Pool

The bar hosts happy hours where you’ll find the booziest cocktails ever sold at 2-for-1 prices. The reality is it’s more like 6 for the price of one, as the bartender is blissfully heavy-handed. Because your room will not have a telephone or television (by design) the bar area is a gathering place, which also has Wi-Fi and some computers if you absolutely must. You might even make a friend or two while you’re there.

Food Travelist Magical Mahekal New Friends
ANew Friend

The restaurant is exceptional, serving to please every palate. Eggs in the morning with a Mexican flare are fantastic.

Food Travelist Magical Mahekal Mexican Breakfast
Mexican Breakfast

And anytime is the right time for a little cerveza and chips!

Food Travelist Magical Mahekal Chips And Cerveza
Chips And Cerveza

You’ll never forget Mahekal or the sunrises and sunsets that you’ll see from the beach. If you’re looking for a beautiful, relaxing place with plenty to do nearby and outstanding food with a bit of fun, check out magical Mahekal in Playa Del Carmen Mexico.

THE QUICK BITE: If you’re looking for a beautiful, relaxing place with plenty to do nearby, outstanding food with a bit of fun, check out the magical Mahekal beach resort in Playa Del Carmen Mexico.