It's been a long time since I've left a review, but Melia left such an impression that I want to share. Pros and cons of people are so subjective, so what bothers one may not bother another. I don't complain about seaweed like many do because it's out of the resort's control, and people are out there most of the day trying to keep it raked up. Yes, the pool is cold, but it's winter and the temps are low at night. I doubt the reviews in the summer months complain about the pool temperature.
The food, now that's certainly subjective. I never go to an AI and expect the buffet to be extraordinary. I can always find something I like, but I was a bit disappointed on days with the fruit. I expected it to be really fresh, but sometimes the mango was mushy and the melons were tasteless. I was also very disappointed there wasn't more fresh avocado. The guac certainly didn't taste like it should, again, in my opinion. Every night the buffet has a different theme for the menu, and the 2 nights I ate there weren't memorable. I'm sure I would have found something on Italian night or even Tex Mex, but we ate at the reservation restaurants all other nights but for the night we went to the Original Lobster House across and down the street a bit. Outstanding!
We were Level guests, highly recommend, so I'll start with the food truck. The quesadillas were bland to me. I do question my tastebuds from having COVID in 2021, though, where I lost all taste for 6 mos, so that could be a reason. The Mole beach bar had much better food. Many have raved about the burger, which I had twice, but thought it lacked seasoning as well. Again, could be my tastebuds and I could have asked for salt. The fries are just okay, and it's more about the main dish anyway.
Now the Fish House. I thought I'd want to eat there every night. My first experience was at breakfast. I had the salmon bagel. I couldn't eat it. It was stringy and didn't taste fresh. I never went back for breakfast, but I did go to the buffet for breakfast from then on and the made-to-order omelet was wonderful! Their green and red salsas were wonderful to spice up my food. I had dinner there 2 nights also, but it really didn't impress.
Mole. I wouldn't have thought I could enjoy it as much as I did. From the tortilla soup to dishes that had words I've never seen on a menu, I loved it the best by far.
I'm a beach girl, so I didn't spend time at the pool. Alejandro was like family to me. He could read my mind when I was ready for a drink and they were made exactly as ordered. I was impressed with the variety of alcohol. I didn't expect him to, but I left for lunch and our chairs were taken, so Alejandro and Diego brought 4 over for us even though I said we could do it. My adult son and GF liked the children's pool the best for its music and service. Next time I go I'll remember to reserve beach beds on the beach and/or adult pool just for a nice break from the sun; although our first day Alejandro pointed out that one was vacant and that we should use it, which we did.
Entertainment. We went to the Mexican Show only. The male performers are outstanding. The women were very good with beautiful voices, but it got repetitive. Maybe a change of costume might spice it up. Our first night we arrived it was karaoke night and missed it, but that sounded fun. We could hear the sax night on the grounds another night, but didn't want to go sit and listen to just one performer. There was often live music in the inside bar area that my adult children enjoyed, although Felipe was more the reason for them enjoying it, I'm sure.
Having our room key being on our resort bracelet was awesome! We had to call for help with our safe when we arrived, but they showed up in no time. The rooms are spacious and clean, as was the entire property for our entire stay, and I appreciated the robe and slippers. Housekeeping was exceptional. There were times we were in the room when they came, but one text to our concierge service and it was taken care of.
That leads me to our personal concierge, Alfonso. I can't thank him enough. He went out of his way every day to make sure we were happy and had everything we needed or wanted. He also helped give us tips when leaving the property. We rented a Jeep Wrangler for $115 for 24 hrs and drove to town for lunch and shopping, and then to more remote locations where the random beach bars were fun to visit.
I could go on, but this is already too long, but you could have stopped reading whenever you wanted. I just want to end this by saying my thanks again to Alfonso, Alejandro, Felipe, Diego, and the many others that I came across that I didn't catch their names. And a huge thank you to Manuel who I never got to meet in person, but he and I emailed when my trip was cancelled due to a snowstorm and helped me change my reservation so I didn't get cheated out of a day. I can't wait to see all of you again. I'll be back.
AR
IL
MX