What a fantastic experience!
Upon arrival we were greeted with a glass of champagne and a cool, scented towel. The bellhop, Gerardo, and the concierge ingratiated themselves with us very quickly and they pleasantly escorted us to our room.
The room defined elegance. The decor calmed your senses with shades of whites, beige and cream. The room's balcony opened onto a pooled terrace with a view of the blue-green ocean in the distance. The marble bathroom exuded class and style with bath products by l'Occitane. And while the commode was somewhat open, it retained it sense of privacy through well placed glass. The shower's rainforest head evoked a spa-like feel and its multiple shower heads met the needs of differing preferences. The king bed afforded many good nights of rest - not too hard, not too soft. A mounted LG flatscreen boasted numerous movie channels and the blue ray player helped us continue our P90x workouts.
We quickly settled into a routine.
Each day began with breakfast at La Aroma. The hostess greeted us by name every morning and offered us a choice of table. French press coffee, juice, mimosas and a wonderful European-style buffet followed - all included with the stay. The buffet featured fresh pastries, ripe fruits, yogurts, breads, meats, cheeses and daily themes of a tropical variety. The polite staff continued to look after you during the entire breakfast – pouring coffee, placing napkins and helping you to your seat.
After breakfast, we headed to the well-equipped gym. Jorge, the trainer, maintained the facility quite well – it was impeccable and clean. The hotel spared no expense here with weights, machines, bands and yoga supplies. On our first day, we enjoyed the complementary yoga class on the beach hosted by Ramses.
Energized by the workouts, we sauntered down to the beach. Here the resort truly shone bright. White sands and lush landscaping opened up to green and blue warm waters. Palapas and wooden beach beds completed the vision of paradise. The beach concierges, Diego and Marcelo arranged your towels and attended to your every need. After a few minutes in the sun or upon return from a walk, the concierges would offer cool, iced towels.
As the morning pushed to midday, we retreated to the pool and the fabulous Isla Grill. Surrounded with large sunbeds and palapas, the infinity pool offered pleasant fountains, a hot-tub, and a swim-up bar. Wifi access permitted laptop use to check-in and download new reading materials. Even though we were visiting as a couple, we liked the idea that the resort allowed families while still maintaining it’s relaxed environment. To this point, the pool, while not as busy during the day, did enjoy a more family oriented atmosphere in the late afternoons.Situated above the pool, the Isla Grill commanded a fantastic view of the waters and of the distant Isla Mujeres. Here, lunch began with fresh tortilla chips and varied salsas (each day). The attentive staff, Fernando and Alberto were prompt and pleasant. Menu choices ranged from Lobster Fajitas to Fish Tacos (incredible!) to Gazpacho Andaluz to Grilled Fish.
When daylight faded away, we went to the spa. And what a spa it was!
The facility itself, with its billowing curtains and panels of marble reminded us of a Roman bath. Every treatment began with the Agua Viva session - guided by Therese - one hour of water therapy completed in a circuit of hot, cold, hard, and soft. From steam to sauna to ice massage to cold plunges and bubbles. It ended with a neck massage on a warm stone table.
Post Agua Viva, we were ushered off to our manicures, couple’s pedicures, facials and massage treatments. Everything was done well and with attention to detail. Maria, and her spa staff, shone through – Selene, Luciano and the rest all did a fabulous job.
After our relaxation therapy, we topped off the night with a fantastic dinner at La Aroma. We chose to eat every meal at the resort’s high-end restaurant. The chef’s prepared every meal to a high standard – they were all exceptional and exquisite. Carolina, Eric, Marcos, Raul, and Joel greeted us by name every night and were friendly and helpful in attending to our needs in a relaxed manner. While the restaurant boasted many incredible choices (Roast Duck, Lamb Chops, Lobster, etc.) we wanted to try all of the items on the Mexican menu such as Lobster Tamal (Lobster Tamale), Mixiote de Cordero (Rack of Lamb in a Maguey leaf with Chipotle sauce), and Chiles en Nogada (Chile stuffed with Pork, dried fruit and spices). If you can tolerate spicy, the Caldo Tialpeno earned a place in our heart.
In the late evenings, we either sat under a palapa and listened to the ocean or we walked around the beautiful marina and admired the yachts and sailboats.
When it was time to depart, the bellhop arranged for our bags to be picked up and a delayed checkout was never discussed. The resort just assumed you are a part of its care until you leave its doors. And even then, they send you off with a surprise to enjoy on your trip back home.
Over the course of our stay, we watched as management went about their days ensuring that everything was perfect and every system was running smoothly. Nothing was missed. It was simply over the top.
Our compliments go out to Jean Francois and his ability to put together such an incredible experience. We’ll be back.
