“You’ve got to be kidding me!”
That is what I kept saying to myself when I first looked out over the beautiful grounds of the Barceló Mayan Beach Resort in Cancun, Mexico, location of this year’s USANA Growth 25 Trip, a reward for those who have increased their business the most in the last year.I don’t even know were to begin to describe the beauty of this place. From the mesmerizing aqua waves rolling over the fine white sandy beaches, to the extensive network of deep blue tiled pools, to the 3 specialty restaurants (French, Argentine and Caribbean), to the luxurious yet comfortable rooms, this place has it all. And since it is an all-inclusive resort, you can have as much of it as you’d like.
Welcome to Cancun!
As each member of the Growth 25 arrived they were greeted by Kevin Guest, Belynda Lee, Shawn McClelland, Michelle Merriwether, Jeremy Lunt, Marilee Chisholm, Jamie Bahn and Ivy He. Hugs, handshakes, and hellos were exchanged and I could tell that each of them were as impressed as I was at the grandeur of the place. They were then taken to a private lounge where they checked into their rooms to get ready for that night’s festivities.That evening Amanda Fawson, who could not attend the event due to her expecting a baby any day now, had a festive Mexican fiesta planned for everyone on the beach. Traditional Mexican decorations were made into centerpieces on every table with the backdrop of old haciendas surrounding the scene. A mariachi band played while the Growth 25 took photos out on the beach with the setting sun. After a group photo, everyone made their way to dinner, selecting from the authentic Mexican entrees prepared for them.
Just as everyone was finishing up the main course it started to sprinkle. The light rain felt nice in the warmth of the evening but soon the heavens really opened up and the sprinkle turned into a deluge. Everyone was forced to take shelter on the balcony of a nearby suite. Fearing that everyone’s evening had been ruined I was pleasantly surprised to find Michelle singing Beyoncé to the soaked but still lively group. As most of them had finished eating, the group dispersed back to their rooms. But a few with their hearts set on dessert made their way to the resort buffet to finish up.
The Man With The Plan
The next morning began with a brief but informative meeting. Kevin wanted to take some time to go over the direction, plans and goals he has for USANA over the next 5 years. Everyone was able to ask questions and give their opinions as Kevin went through his presentation.After the presentation, everyone returned to the beach were they were split into teams. Each team was given some plastic pipes, rope and inner tubes and were told to build a boat. Each team also came up with its own cheer. The cheers varied from fight songs to drunken love ballads about being floaters not sinkers.
Soon the whistle was blown and the construction commenced in a furry of activity. Each team was focused on building the most seaworthy craft. Not even the return of the monsoon rains could dissuade them from their task. The sun returned as time expired and the boats were completed. The teams then carried their scrappy ships to the water’s edge where a member of each team was assigned to race into the bay to a designated spot and then returned to the beach. A few boats turned out not to be as rugged as designed and were keelhauled. Other teams were disqualified as they did more walking along the sea bed than paddling, but everyone had a good time.
That night everyone was treated to a Caribbean-themed dinner complete with a steel drum-tapping reggae band. It didn’t take long for a conga line to form on the dance floor, headed by Michelle, of course. The food was delicious, the music was great, and everyone got to sing happy birthday to Jim Robbins to end the night off right.
Adventures Await
Saturday morning began with the attendees separating into three groups. They had their choice to go swimming with dolphins, exploring the Maya ruins of Tulum or riding ATVs and waverunners. Swimming with the dolphins was an amazing experience. These smart marine mammals were trained to let you give them kisses, hold onto their dorsal fins and pull you around in the water. At one point two dolphins would put their noses on the bottom of your feet and propel you around like superman in the water.Going to the ruins of Tulum was an interesting look back into this ancient culture. Tulum is the site of a Pre-Columbian Maya walled city. The ruins are situated on 39-foot tall cliffs, about 30 minutes north of the resort. Tulum was one of the last cities inhabited and built by the Mayans, it was at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries and managed to survive about 70 years after the Spanish began occupying Mexico. Tulum is one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites.
Everyone I talked to told me that they had a blast riding the ATVs and waverunners. The ATV tour wound through trails cut into the jungle passing though muddy puddles and sandy dunes. Many of the riders had little experience with ATVs so there were a few minor bumps and bruises, but everyone came away with a smile on their face and a story or two to tell. Riding the waverunners was exciting as they sped through the rolling waves of the Caribbean. The guide led the riders trough the openings in the coral reefs to get to open water were they could really cut loose and have some fun.
That night everyone was treated to a Chinese buffet complete with Asian decor and chop sticks (forks were available for those of us unrefined folk who prefer to eat their food rather than chase it around our plates with sticks). At dinner we celebrated the birthdays of Lisset, the very recent fiancée of Michael Callejas, and Rick, Leanne Grechulk’s boyfriend.
After dinner Alexander Denk brought a few strong ladies up to show some tips and poses used in body building competitions. There was also a “tequiler,” who is an expert in tequila. He brought several different samples of his agave-based liquor and many had fun deciding just which one was their favorite. A little bit of dancing spontaneously broke out which, I’m quite sure, had nothing to do with the free tequila samples.
Sun and Fun
Sunday was a free day and everyone had some time to relax (or recover from the night before). Many spent the day laying out at the pools, frolicking in the tide, or shopping in the many little shops of the area. Dr. Wentz would certainly approve of the amount of vitamin D that was absorbed.That night was the gala dinner. Everyone donned their fancy attire and met in the resort lobby not sure what to expect. After a bus ride through a bit of rugged jungle, some tiki torches appeared. A closer look revealed a Mayan warrior standing next to them. One by one several different characters began to emerge from the thick jungle canopy. Everyone had a great time posing with them as they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
Before long, a conch shell sounded and the characters dissipated back from wherever they had come and we were directed down a dark path. Dramatic uprights lit the jungle vines and trees along the path as the characters reappeared along the path to tell their story.
The path then led to a rock-walled hut. Standing in the ornately carved entrance you could see a spread of tables with the name of a guest at each of the place settings. A classical guitarist serenaded us as we found our seats. A delicious five-course meal followed but the real treat was the conversations everyone was having with their new-found friends, reliving the adventures of the past few days.
Just as everyone had finished their meal, one of the Mayan warriors appeared and beckoned that we follow him. We were led past a cenote to a clearing up ahead. Comfortable couches were arranged around a sandy stage where the warrior was burning incense in a clay pot. When everyone was comfortable the show began. The Mayan history was told along with an explanation of their belief of their connectedness to the universe. Dancing, chanting, and even a little fire eating was performed in immaculate costumes to the hypnotic beat of drums.
As the performers finished, everyone was left in awe of the show. It was incredible, but even harder to believe was the idea that this amazing trip was now coming to a close. A few tears were shed as everyone hugged and said their good-byes on the way back to the resort and in the lobby. Contact information was exchanged along with wishes of good luck for the upcoming year. After everything they had experienced here everyone is determined to make it back for the 2012 Growth 25 trip to the Dominican Republic.
And so as they were conducted back to the airport and eventually back home the heart and soul of each member of the Growth 25 has been warmed by the Caribbean sun at the Barceló Beach Resort. They will not soon forget the fun and camaraderie they’ve experienced here. The invitation is now open to everyone. Won’t you join them in 2012?
For a complete gallery of 2011 Growth 25 photos, please visit USANA Photos on Smugmug.
Source: What's Up USANA?
