Cancún is more than a spring break hot spot—the ME Cancún hotel is proof that this city still has a few hidden treasures. Located in The Hotel Zone, just 20 minutes from Cancún International Airport, and nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupté Lagoon, this Sol Meliá property boasts an impressive 448 rooms and suites and specifically targets a more distinctive, upscale clientele. The largest of the three ME by Meliá properties, the ME Cancún fuses local flavors with innovative style.

 

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Guests can enjoy the ocean in sunshine or shade at the Me Cancún

 

Numerous artists had a hand in decorating this stunning property just over a year ago, after an extensive renovation took place and transformed it from the original building, the Meliá Turquesa, which was built in 1990. Artist Marie France Porta’s work adorns the public spaces throughout the resort, including mermaids made of resin and alabaster dust for the hotel’s lobby. A similar installation of a chorus of mermaids overlooks the lagoon and welcomes guests as they approach the property. Celebrated Mexican artist Yuri Zatarain’s work is found in the guest rooms in custom-made wood-and-stone furniture pieces. His work is also featured in a small gallery on the lobby level.

The hotel is built like a pyramid, reminiscent of the region’s Mayan ruins. The sun sets on the lagoon side, which is also the side of the hotel that faces the street. The seaside rooms and suites overlook the property’s three pools, as well as the Caribbean. All rooms have a view of the sea or the lagoon. Standard room features include complimentary high-speed Internet, a 32-inch interactive plasma TV with DVD player, surround-sound speakers, an extensive DVD library through an “Everything is Possible” service, an in-room laptop safe, iPod adaptors and connectivity docking stations. Guests without iPods may request a preset iPod with more than 900 songs to use throughout their stay. Rooms feature organic, all-natural products by Aveda, which can be enjoyed with luxurious rainfall showerheads. Guests also receive a complimentary daily newspaper and access to the fitness center throughout their stay.

 

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A Deluxe Room at the ME Cancún

 

Exclusive Offerings
Your VIP clients will warm quickly to “The Level,” a group of 52 deluxe rooms and suites that offer private check-in, an exclusive lounge, a selection of aromatherapy amenities, Jacuzzis, complimentary cocktails and a continental breakfast, in addition to the standard amenities. The Passion Suites are the best rooms to book; these suites, along with the Loft Suites, feature a terrace with a Bali bed, perfect for enjoying the warm Mexican sun or for dining alfresco. All rooms can be booked over the GDS. (While most rooms can accommodate two adults and two children maximum, The Level is an adults-only floor.) Raul Petraglia, vice president and general manager ([email protected], 011-52-998-881-2600), recommends booking at least two months ahead or earlier if your clients are looking to vacation during the winter months or during holidays. Feel free to contact him for your most discerning clients, or contact Experience Director Johnny Sfeir ([email protected], 011-52-998-881-2600) for any special requests.

The ME Cancún YHI Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a day spent snorkeling, scuba diving or sightseeing. This 11,000-square-foot oasis boasts eight treatment rooms (including one suite), as well as three outdoor “eco-spa” cabins. (Outdoor treatments can be arranged upon request for those who prefer their massages on the beach.) Aroma-therapeutic massages, aroma hydrotherapy and facial and body treatments are just a few of the relaxing treatments you’ll find here. The signature Turquoise Spa Treatment features natural, finely ground Mayan blue corn, whole lavender and antioxidant-rich ingredients. Spa wellness appointments, day-spa rituals and salon appointments are also available. Book a massage ahead of time for your travel-weary clients; in fact, reservations are requested. Contact the spa director, Carlos Bauque, at [email protected] (011-52-998-881-2500, ext. 3108).

 

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Al fresco dining at the ME Cancún

 

Dining and Nightlife
ME Cancún prides itself on its world-class dining establishments: Salt, a Mediterranean bistro; Silk, a sophisticated Asian-fusion restaurant; and The Beach House, which features grilled specialties and local cuisine with a modern twist. Make reservations well in advance. If your clients are looking for nightlife, internationally renowned nightlife operators Rande and Scott Gerber—of Whiskey Bar fame—have partnered with ME Cancún and Maxim magazine to open the first Maxim Beach at the resort’s pool and beach areas. Here, guests can groove from sun-up to sundown. The Gerbers have also put their stamp on the vibe within the hotel, choosing the most hip world music to accompany guests’ experience in the lobby, the Rose Bar and even the elevators. When it’s finally time to call it a night, guests can enjoy offerings from the 24-hour room-service menu.

Guests need only walk 10 steps from the stairs to the ocean, but there is room to relax in the sand if you don’t mind people walking around you frequently. Otherwise, claim a lounge chair near the pool and enjoy the ocean breeze. If you’d like to see what else Cancún has to offer, head into town and enjoy the high-end shopping (boutiques abound from Bvlgari to Cartier, Fendi to Longchamp and Mont Blanc) mixed in with the local department, jewelry and souvenir shops, or dine anywhere from the local taquería to chain restaurants such as Bubba Gump Shrimp, Margaritaville, Hard Rock Café or Planet Hollywood. The resort is within easy walking distance of malls and entertainment venues, or a shuttle or private car can be arranged. Looking to venture a little farther out? Tours to Tulum, Xtapa, Xcaret, Isla de Mujeres and more can be arranged through the American Express concierge, located on property.

ME Cancún hasn’t forgotten the corporate or group clients: Five state-of-the-art meeting facilities and banquet halls boast 11,000 square feet of meeting space and can accommodate up to 450 guests. Outdoor dinners, cocktail parties and private events are welcomed and can be catered by ME Cancún’s signature restaurants.

For any request not addressed, contact the “Everything is Possible” department and the Experience Director, who can make past spring break trips to Mexico look like child’s play. The ME Cancún promises your discerning clients an absolutely unforgettable experience.