The state of Quintana Roo in Mexico has more reasons ahead to celebrate, as do visitors who prefer all-inclusive resorts. We’ll take a look at one such property that is preparing to open in Puerto Morelos this month and another that debuted in August, as well the unveiling of an extensive redesign at the iconic property that introduced the concept to the region. We’ll also report on some others that have added, expanded or upgraded accommodations and amenities.
Set on the coast between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, the soon-to-open Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort has 290 luxury-designed suites ranging from 575 to 2,854 square feet — all of which have a private balcony. This newest El Cid Resorts property also has an expansive full-service spa, a 2,088-square-foot fitness center, two infinity pools, a 3,675-square-foot main pool with children’s areas, two adults-only Jacuzzis, gourmet eateries and five wedding venues.
Restaurants at Ventus at Marina El Cid include Île de France for French fine dining; Mercado de Dolores, serving seafood, Thai, delicatessen fare and other cuisines; Pizzeria II Peccato for Italian dishes; Maiz for authentic Mexican cuisine; Wok Asian Cuisine; Sea Place; and Fresko, with light menu options such as salads and paninis. Dessert-and-coffee aficionados can indulge themselves at La Crêpe and Aromas. There are also three lounges and bars.
Ventus guests also have dining privileges at the five restaurants next door at sister property Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort.
Amenities and services at the Ventus include El Cocay Spa, which has a temazcal (Mayan-inspired steam bath experience), along with traditional healing remedies and massage techniques. Hydrotherapy facilities and oceanfront massage cabanas are also available, along with a sauna, a hair and nail salon, and a boutique that sells Ventus’ signature scent.
Also onsite, the resort has a main pool with a children’s area, infinity pools and a tranquil adults-only area with two Jacuzzis. For activity seekers and adventurers, kayaks, paddleboards, boogie boards, beach volleyball courts, Hobie Cat rides and wind surfers are available. The Ventus’ full-service marina has 120 slips for yachts and other boats. Baby-sitting services are available, along with Kids’ and Teens’ clubs.
The Seadust Cancun Family Resort opened in August in the hotel zone. Built in 2006 as the Great Parnassus Family Resort, a change in ownership brought extensive upgrades as part of a multimillion-dollar renovation. Enhancements were done to all 505 guestrooms, the Fun Casino Bar and the Karaoke Bar, plus additional updates to the family-friendly offerings, including a new 245-foot zip line, 20-foot-high rock-climbing wall for kids and Treasure Island Water Park.
There are also 11 restaurants, a like number of bars and a theater hosting live shows. Guests staying seven nights or more are eligible for the Wednesday afternoon Cancun Queen lagoon cruise, which includes lunch onboard.
The relaunch of the iconic, pioneering Club Med Cancun Yucatan began this summer, with redesign and renewal slated for completion in 2018. All existing rooms across the property will be renovated by the end of 2017 and Aguamarina family units will be increased by an additional 60 rooms (30 Family Club rooms and 30 Family Deluxe rooms) by July 2018.
Those seeking a private luxury retreat may opt for the resort’s brand-new Jade 5-Trident space, with a revamped bar / lounge and pool deck, as well as renovated rooms with innovative and high-end wellness experiences. Jade’s 37 deluxe rooms and 18 suites now have Bluetooth sound system and the suites all have a Skinjay shower capsule system. Jade guests also have exclusive access to an oceanfront infinity pool with luxe cabanas, premium Wi-Fi and room service from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Also, a private concierge service enables priority bookings for amenities such as the Club Med Spa by Comfort Zone (at extra cost) and specialty restaurants.
Club Med Cancun Yucatan’s enhancements include the Jade 5-Trident space, which has 37 deluxe rooms and 18 suites.
Club Med Passworld, for teens 11 to 17 years of age, has been relocated to the active section of the property near the trapeze, archery and waterskiing areas.
Enhancements to the main pool deck include renovation of Las Velas pool and beach bar and a new outdoor theater. The property’s new restaurant, Taco Arte Beach Lounge, opened in July. It specializes in Mexican cuisine. with a contemporary menu of reinterpreted traditional dishes focusing on local culinary specialties, complemented by a new curated wine cellar.
The Estancia, an Argentinian grill, has a brand-new extended oceanfront terrace. The newly renovated The Hacienda, a buffet-style restaurant, serves international dishes as well as local Mexican fare. All three are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
This past summer, Paradisus Cancun Resort completed a $2.6 million renovation, which transformed 135 Royal Service Ocean View Suites to now have an open-air concept. The ocean can now be seen from every angle of the suites. Each suite is now equipped with 50-inch HDTVs, along with espresso machines and tea service. The suites’ new design palette was inspired by the environment that surrounds the hotel, mirroring the ocean views and tropical landscapes.
In December, the resort will begin the second phase of the property refresh with new Royal Service Lagoon View Suites and a private Royal Service Solarium. In addition to the new suites, Royal Service guests at Paradisus Cancun now have access to the new, exclusive Dead Sea Treatment at the property’s YHI Spa. It consists of a magnetic facial spa treatment infused with black pearl powder, pure oils and plant extracts.
La Colección Resorts’ Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun is also in enhancement mode. Guestroom upgrades in all three towers include new decor, security features, redesigned bathrooms and faster Wi-Fi. At sister property Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive & Spa, new dining concepts include Sonne Club, an adults-only infinity pool area with Jacuzzis, cabanas and a lounge area, plus a bar and grill. Also new is the beachfront Chulavista restaurant providing both indoor and outdoor seating. And a new beachfront pergola and terrace, Veranda Flavors Boutique, will offer beef, lobster, shrimp and fine wines at a surcharge.
Through April 6, 2018, La Colección’s new Sunny Winter Credit Promotion lets guests earn resort credits ranging from $200 to $1,000, based on the amount of room nights booked or type of room reserved. Credits can be applied towards spa treatments, fine-dining, premium wines and more.
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