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WaterART'S Personal Trainer Trip Report

WaterARTS Fitness International's Personal Training Program in Akumal was a huge success. We had a small group but that made for lots of individual attention and extra training. It also allowed Julie Twynham, Educational Director of WaterART Fitness International to take advantage of the gorgeous surroundings and do some filming for her next training video and tips for her website. She used a local underwater videographer, Yibrán Aragón. She said he was second to none and she looks forward to returning to Akumal and working with him again. Just Imagine Vacation's, Lydia Linton Pontius, completed the Personal Training Program and will be able to use those skills with her groups. She also had a chance to get back to her documentary days by helping to film Julie's videos.

The group arrived in Akumal November 5, 2008 and immediately got settled and enjoyed the beach. That evening they had a relaxing meal at the Loncheria. They stayed at the Hotel Akumal Caribe's Ocean Front hotel on the third floor with the most magnificent views from private balconies. These balconies are designed so that you don't see the one next door, which makes them so private and wonderful. We highly recommend these rooms. I know some people say “why upgrade, I am never going to be in the room” – but the view is well worth the few extra dollars. Plus you are steps from the pool and beach.

Day two we started out slowly with a relaxing breakfast at Turtle Bay Cafe, and of course we had to stop in next door and do some shopping at Ixchel Boutique. By the way both Turtle Bay Cafe and Ixchel Boutique are selling Nancy Poor's hand-made necklaces, with money from the sale of these necklaces at Turtle Bay Cafe oing to help the local animals in need. Ixchel Boutique's money is going to help the Frida Khalo Telesecondaria Library. Both wonderful local causes. These make great gifts – but do as we did and buy a few for yourself as well!

After shopping we got started right in with our training. We left time for some fun in the sun and noodling in the bay. That evening we went to Chemuyil and had a great pizza at Leo's.

Day three we jumped right into our training after breakfast and spent the afternoon checking out Yal Ku Lagoon and Half Moon Bay, lunch at La Buena Vida. Since it was the first Friday of the month, Lolha's Happy Hour was a must place to be to meet old and new friends and watch the Robin's Shirt Contest. For dinner we headed to Cueva del Pescador.

Day four we started in on doing our assessments and set our own schedules that day. Some folks chose to stay in Akumal while others headed to Tulum to see the ruins and do some shopping. That evening we dined at La Buena Vida.

Day five we went over our assessments and enjoyed some more training. We dined that night at Lolha Beach Bar and had the most magnificent lobster pizza! We even got to see some of the Giant's football game on TV.

Day six was an absolutely amazing day. Thanks to the Poor's wonderfully generous hospitality, we were invited to film at their amazing complex. Complete with roof top pools, all with incredible views as well as an infinity pool at Casa Romero - if that isn't decedent enough they have their own private entrance into Yal Ku Lagoon. We truly didn't want to leave. Julie announced she found the perfect place for her 50th Birthday Bash! This property is ideal for large groups! It has everything. Our only dilemma was which spots to pick for filming, there were literally too many to choose from.

That evening we headed to Playa to shop on 5th Avenue and eat at Babe's. Of course you can't go home without some desert from Ah Cacao.

Day seven we wrapped up our training in the morning and spent our last day doing whatever we wanted to do. It was getting hard to say goodbye but by this time we had all agreed that we are doing another Wellness Week in paradise. We had Happy Hour at Lolha and dinner at Turtle Bay Cafe.

If you are a water aerobics instructor and would like to get your continuing educational credits in paradise join us next fall. We are planning a full week of Fitness and Fun in Paradise. We will be offering classes, workshops, walks on the beach, snorkeling, salsa lessons, yoga and more. Instructors are welcome to bring some of their class members and friends. If you book 10 rooms we will throw in your room for free! Book early and you can choose from Hotel Akumal Caribe or Villas Akumal's Casa Romero Complex. We hope to have a large enough group to utilize both locations.

Contact us for more information on this trip or any other group trip you might be interested in.

Get a sneak peek at the video we made.