This is a true 5-star resort in an exceptional location along Mexico’s Riviera Maya region, South of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and just north of Tulum. We found that everything about it exemplifies being pampered and catered to by unfailingly friendly and well-trained staff. The resort was created with a strong eye for style and design, from its public spaces, to its many pool areas, to its stunning restaurants, to its large rooms. Even though it rained hard for short periods of time during our three-and-a-half days at the resort, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and can offer a few tips for future guests to maximize their time at the resort.
First, the layout. The resort encompasses some 5 three story-buildings, plus a main building that houses the lobby and most of the restaurants. Facing the main building’s entrance, buildings 1 and 2 are to the left, while buildings 3-6 lie to the right. We had the final room in Building 5; only the rooms in Building 6 were further away from the center of the resort’s activities. Since we enjoy walking, this turned out fine. We joked about how the forced exercise helped us justify the consumption of our calories at the resort. But if you prefer not to have to walk for 7-10 minutes every time you wanted to get to the main building, you may want to inquire about getting a room in a more centrally-located Building. Note that as an alternative to walking, you can always call the front desk and ask for a complimentary golf cart to come retrieve you and shuttle you around the resort
Note that the resort has several pools located throughout the property. So, for example, we had a very short walk if we wanted to hang out at the pool behind Building 6 nearest to our room. But at least while we were guests, that side of the resort was "dead" and the restaurant that is located there was not open. (Presumably, that restaurant is open when the resort is more occupied.) So, those who want to be closest to the action, including most of the restaurants, may have to walk a ways for that purpose.
Second, the setting and foliage surrounding the buildings differ a bit from each other. This means that a full ocean view room is generally going to be on the third floor of most buildings, but might also have that description for a second floor room in some buildings, while a partial ocean view room may be on the second floor of other buildings. In general, a garden view room is likely to be on the first floor. Note, however, that even some of the second and third floor rooms in Building 2 appear to have their ocean-facing views obstructed by palm trees and other foliage.
The difference in views can be substantial. We booked a partial ocean view room but were upgraded to full ocean view room due to my Honors Diamond status. (A similar upgrade may be offered if you are able to book through Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts or Chase Travel’s Edit program.) As you can see from the attached photos, the view is spectacular, both from the bedroom and even from the walk-in shower.
The regular (non-suite) rooms all appear to be similar in layout and size, regardless of view. The rooms are fairly large and functional, with a small seating area near the balcony, along with a small table and two chairs. The bathroom is long, with the toilet on one end, a large shower on the other, and a long vanity area in the middle with dual sinks and dual closets. Everyone gets space for their own clothes and toiletries. The room also has a mini-fridge, Nespresso coffeemaker, safe and huge flat screen TV. The balcony is large enough to fit two chairs, a small table and a small dipping pool to cool off. When you have a spectacular view from the balcony, it is very special to be able to dip in the water or just have your feet dangling in water while taking in the view.
The location of our room on the third floor of Building 5 provided a premium panoramic view of the ocean, beach and entire cove area, looking across to Buildings 1 and 2. One morning, I woke early to catch a nice sunrise from the balcony. And from the hallway outside our front door, we were able to catch the sun setting in the horizon over the top of the jungle. (see photos)
Our Honors status included the breakfast buffet at Arbolea restaurant so we took advantage of it every day. It is quite large, offering everything from fresh tropical fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, made-to-order eggs or omelette, breakfast meats, Mexican breakfast options (including chilaquiles), waffles and pancakes, various pastries, breads and bagels, deli meats, lox, fruit juices, Mexican hot chocolate, and much more. Some outdoor seating is available with great views of the ocean, or there are plenty of air-conditioned tables and seating inside. We tried most of the restaurants on-site and found them all very good. A highlight was the tasting menu at the resort’s signature fine dining Mexican restaurant, Autor. A bit of a splurge, but beautiful presentations, expert service, and delicious, creative food.
Prior to arrival, we were offered the opportunity for a paid upgrade to the Ceiba rooms in Buildings 1 or 2; these would also have included access to the Ceiba Club, a lounge area where a breakfast buffet, snacks and drinks would be offered throughout the day. Because I knew I would be entitled to the breakfast buffet at Arbolea, I declined the offer. I think the breakfast at the Ceiba Club is somewhat more limited than the buffet at Arbolea, and the Ceiba Club is not situated to offer an ocean view—a curious choice.
I was also offered the opportunity to pay an extra per person fee for every day of our stay to add the Taste of Tulum package, which turns the stay somewhat into an all-inclusive package—with limitations. We did the math and decided it didn’t quite work for us, especially since we were already getting the breakfast buffet included every day. But if you would have to pay out of pocket for breakfast, if you like to drink alcohol throughout the day, and/or if you don’t want to have to think about how much everything is costing you every time you sign a meal or drink to your room, then the Taste of Tulum could be a decent deal. Note that there are some exclusions from the package, such as the tasting menu at Autor and the hibachi grill at Kengai. But, I believe the package does provide you a substantial discount from regular prices if you wanted to engage in those dinners. You will want to do the math yourself to see if the Taste of Tulum package pencils out for you; keep in mind that (higher) resort pricing prevails at the restaurants there, but also that the food is really well prepared and there is a lot of variety offered at the resort.
All in all, we found this to be a classy, relaxed, gorgeous resort in a great location. Highly recommended, especially if you can book on points or at a good price point.
MX