We’ve rounded up seven of the best beach dining experiences in the Caribbean. At these resorts, you can wiggle your toes in the sand, gaze at the sun setting over the horizon and dine like a gourmand.
Photo: Belmond Maroma
Tag Archives: Playa Del Carmen
Eco Boutique Hotels in Tulum
Spectacular beachfront settings with nary a high-rise in sight. Natural and sustainable materials that complement the landscape. Locally sourced food that is innovative and inspired by regional traditions. Sunrise yoga sessions followed by lazy afternoons in a hammock. If these sound like the ideal ingredients for a relaxing and inspiring beach vacation, then Tulum is for you, and these authentic and eco-friendly resorts are the place to stay.
Sanará Tulum
Soon after opening in 2014, this beachfront retreat became a highly favored holistic hideaway, and a magnet for yoga enthusiasts and teachers, who come to participate in Hatha and Vinyasa practices. The complex has just 19 rooms and suites, some beachside and others with jungle and garden views. Both the interior and exterior design of rooms and public areas seek to blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings of coconut and chit palms and complement the views of turquoise water. Interiors have dark woods that offer a dramatic contrast to white furnishings, walls and linens. A dream catcher hangs overhead to maximize dreamtime and trees grow through the roofs of buildings. The 10 Tamarind suites are just steps from the sea with private gardens and unobstructed water views from front decks. Some have outdoor showers and tubs set in private walled gardens. The Jungle suites are set around a Mayan-inspired rock stream garden, and some also include private pools.
Sanará Tulum’s Real Coconut restaurant is dedicated to the use of sustainably sourced ingredients to create mouth-watering dishes that encourage digestive wellbeing. Photo: Sanará
The heart and soul of the property is the Sanará Wellness Center, where a range of treatments is tailored to guests seeking deep relaxation, renewed energy or the resolution of any ongoing health issues. Traditional Mayan massages and healing customs are used to enhance nutrition, physical lifestyle and spiritual wellbeing. Co-owner Daniella Hunter was inspired to create The Real Coconut. This on-site dining venue focuses on plant-based foods and sustainable sourced animal proteins, and in keeping with the name, coconut is infused into many dishes. In addition to daily yoga practices, guests can enjoy beach time and water sports such as windsurfing.
Simple whitewashed walls and rich wood textures create a restful atmosphere at Sanará Tulum, which focuses on dual themes of wellness and self-discovery. Photo: Sanará
Nest Tulum
The ocean takes center stage at this boutique resort, which promises natural simplicity. The beachfront setting encompasses a collection of individually styled bungalows, suites and villas. Some are set right on the shoreline, where the sounds of the sea provide the background music. More guest accommodations peak from the beachfront landscape, or are cloistered fully in greenery, with garden and jungle views. Interiors feature a minimalist design, with whitewashed walls, found objects and one-of-a-kind handmade furnishings sourced from around Mexico. Unpaved walkways wind through the landscape, and hammocks are hung throughout the property.
At Nest Tulum, the shoreline is left in its natural condition, and guests relax on white sand in the shade of simple, thatch roof palapas that allow sea breezes to circulate. Photo: Nest Tulum
Outdoors spaces are designed to evoke a sense of cozy comfort. Day beds are scattered across the sand, and tables sit in palm groves or under the shade of a thatched palapa. The setting encourages beach walks and leisurely dining, followed by naps in sun or shade. The property’s Mexican fusions restaurant serves locally sourced foods from morning till 10 p.m., and the thatched roof bar offers Mezcal infused cocktails with a taste of tropical fruits. Guests looking to expand their horizons can explore via bicycle, as the pueblo of Tulum is just six miles away on a shaded bike path. More ambitious day trips include visits to Mayan ruins, cenotes and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
Open and shaded day beds line the beach at Nest Tulum. Guests have first choice on these amenities, but walk-on beach goers can also hire a bed for the day. Photo: Nest Tulum
Papaya Playa Project
What started as a seasonal pop-up gathering of creative individuals became a permanent fixture on Tulum’s beach in 2011. But the Papaya Playa Project isn’t just another oceanfront resort touting green credentials. Partnering with the Design Hotel group, the founders set out to establish a one-of-a-kind resort that would set the region’s standard for eco conscious design and operation. All resort structures were designed for minimal impact, which resulted in leaving some 93 percent of the original jungle landscape intact. Building materials and furnishings were locally sourced from sustainable materials, and some rooms are elevated as tree houses to leave the forest floor intact. The Project is a member of the Rain Forest Alliance, which serves to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods, and strives to preserve the natural beauty of Tulum. In July 2015 the Project launched a mission to begin zero emission and zero contamination to the community by June 2018.
A number of buildings at the Papaya Playa Project are elevated above the ground. This not only allows cooling breezes to circulate, it preserves the natural landscape below. Photo: Papaya Playa
The Project promotes a spiritual and healthy approach to living. Guests are provided with numerous ways to relax and connect with nature and relaxation, including daily yoga, tai chi and meditation sessions. Buildings are constructed in a traditional Mayan manner to usher in sea breezes and maintain cool interiors. Local traditional materials and textiles from various regions of Mexico are incorporated in interior designs. Private porches and plunge pools are included in cabanas and casitas. The Papaya Playa Beach Club features open air dining and relaxation spaces with ocean views, and menus inspired by Mayan and traditional Mexican fare. The Club’s beachfront amphitheater is a popular gathering spot for concerts, readings and lectures.
An ocean front terrace at Papaya Playa Project showcases the resort’s approach to creating spaces that are both comfortable and in touch with the natural surroundings. Photo: Papaya Playa
Superior Soaks: Amazing Resort Bathtubs in Tropical Garden Settings
Whether it’s a cleansing dip after a day of adventures in rainforest and reef, or a relaxing immersion in preparation for a private candlelight dinner on the beach, a bathtub can become more than just a way to get clean. Here’s a sampling of amazing bathing experiences from around the world. So sink in and relax. A marble tub is the perfect place to refresh with a flower and herb scented bath after a massage at the award-winning Fern Tree Spa at Jamaica’s Half Moon resort.
Unique Caribbean Snorkel Adventures
Sure, you’ve explored the shore in front of the hotel, and maybe even signed up for a boat trip to a nearby coral reef. But are you ready for a snorkeling adventure with a wow factor and maybe some bragging rights? These adventures exist in places across the Caribbean. But though they can be thrilling, they aren’t dangerous. Here are five of my favorite Caribbean snorkel adventures that go beyond the usual reef tour.
Blackbeard’s Treasure Caverns, Norman Island, BVI
Legend has it that the infamous pirate known as Blackbeard once stashed chests of gold and plunder in the sea caves of Norman Island. But even those who doubt that tale would agree that the real treasure is the chance to snorkel into this trio of semi-submerged caverns, which are cut into a cliff face just south of the popular harbor known as The Bight. It’s suitable for all ages, because there’s always a hint of sunlight in the caves, and no branching passages. I’ve brought dozens of snorkelers to this site during charter trips, and usually give them a waterproof light so they can hunt for marine live in the nooks and crannies, and admire the purple and red patterns on the rock faces inside.
The caves at Norman Island are said to have once held treasures hidden by the pirate Blackbeard. Snorkelers can safely explore these mysterious caverns. Dale Harrison/Flickr
Bimini Road, Bahamas
Legends of the Bermuda Triangle meet tales of the lost city of Atlantis just off the shores of the tiny Bahamian island of Bimini. On the island’s western shore, a half-mile-long line of rectangular limestone blocks runs parallel to the shore. This unusual formation was first discovered by free diving legend Jacque Mayol, and in the years since, all manner of experts have speculated about the origins and purpose of the structure. Some say it’s the remains of a wall or a pier, while others have pegged it as a highway that was once part of the fabled lost city of Atlantis. I’ve explored this site on scuba dives several times, but actually enjoy it more when seen from above. When floating on the surface with mask and snorkel, you can make out the full extent of the formation in the clear waters below, and then form your own opinion on its origins.
A snorkeler descends in clear Bahamian water to examine the unique formation known as the Bimini Road. Some believe it to be part of the ruins of the ancient city of Atlantis. Photo: Atmoji Photography/Flickr
Great Blue Hole, Belize
The aerial view of Captain Jacque Cousteau’s Calypso floating in the center of a gigantic submerged crater in the center of a Caribbean coral reef became a world-famous image. This perfectly round geological anomaly measures more than 1,000 feet across, and plunges down to more than 400 feet. I’ve done deep dives into the Belize Blue Hole, but honestly, the most interesting sights are right at the top, where the shallow rim of the hole is ringed in growths of coral. It takes a two-hour boat ride from Belize City or one of the resorts on Ambergris Caye to get to Lighthouse Reef and the Blue Hole, but the reward is a chance to glide over the cliff-like edge of the hole into deep water, then spend time watching tropical fish among the corals. Keep an eye open, because there’s always a chance to catch a glimpse of large tarpon or reef sharks emerging from the shadows below.
The Belize Blue hole is a massive 400-foot-deep pit set in the center of Lighthouse Reef. The rim of the hole is covered in coral gardens that are ideal for snorkelers to explore. Photo: Kasia Kaczy?ska/Flickr
Dos Ojos Cenote, Riviera Maya
Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is riddled with cenotes, which are natural sinkholes in the limestone bedrock that fill with clear fresh water. Many of these cenotes are connected to underground rivers that form the longest underwater caves in the world. But you don’t have to be a bold explorer to enjoy these amazing places. With just a mask and snorkel, I’ve swum in dozens of these natural pools. Often, the walls overhang the water, creating a chance to swim into the twilight zone and discover marble-white stalactites hanging from the ceiling. A personal favorite is Dos Ojos Cenote, where swimmers can follow a set of guidelines through a maze of caverns that connect a pair of sunlit pools. You can explore for yourself, or hire a guide to lead the way.
The cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula are filled with clear fresh water. At Dos Ojos, snorkelers can swim through overhanging ledges that lead to stalactite-decorated chambers. Photo: Guillén Pérez/Flickr
Lac Bay Mangrove, Bonaire
This snorkel adventure is more about relaxation than excitement, but that doesn’t make it any less memorable. It begins with a trip to the undeveloped east coast of Bonaire, and a stop at the Mangrove Information Center within Lac Bay National Park. Here, you’ll sign up for a guided kayak tour that leads through the twisting channels that lace the mangrove forest. Once you reach a hidden bay deep in the reserve, you’ll have a chance to get out of the boat and wade in waist deep water. There’s not much to see out in the middle of the sand bottom bay, because the real show begins when you swim closer to the tangled underwater roots of the mangroves themselves. These roots provide shelter for numerous species of small and juvenile marine life, making Lac Bay the island’s primary fish nursery. If you are lucky, you might also be treated to a swim by from one of the bay’s resident snook or tarpon.
A snorkeler glides through a sand channel in the mangrove forest of Bonaire’s Lac Bay. The tangled roots of these trees create habitat for small fish and other marine life. Photo: Mangrove Information Center
Best Day Trips from Cancun and the Riviera Maya
Sun and sand; palm trees and margaritas; clubbing and spa time. These are the things that lure travelers to the resorts of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. But there’s much more to the region that is worthy of discovery, and for those who want to venture away from the beach and explore a wider swath of the Yucatan Peninsula, there are limitless opportunities to immerse oneself in the region’s deep-rooted culture and history. Moreover, this territory’s distinct beauty is so outstanding it’ll knock your socks…er flip-flops off! To get you started, here are five notable destinations that are an easy day or overnight trip away from Cancun and the resorts of the Riviera Maya
A Crossroads with Colonial Memories
Though it is the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the Yucatan, Mérida retains the eclectic charms of a Colonial era town. The narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town are lined with rows of multihued buildings, where horse-draw carriages share the roads with pedestrians. It is a town perfect for walking. Roadways intersect at thirteen lovely town squares, where lofty trees shade park benches, and historic monuments front Colonial cathedrals. Mérida has been named among the top places in the world to visit, and recognized as capital of culture for its lively music and cultural flamboyance.
In the center of Mérida, the Church of the Third Order is home to a massive crucifix sculpture known as Cristo de la Unidad, by contemporary Spanish artist Ramón Lapayese del Río. Photo: Juanita Rodriguez
Be sure to visit the Mercado de Lucas de Galvez, which is a lively indoor/outdoor market place that bustles with merchants, selling everything from jewelry and shoes to honey and flowers. The Plaza Mayor is a vibrant meeting place where locals linger at sidewalk cafes to enjoy traditional drinks, such as champola or sorbet. The city’s most alluring avenue, Paseo de Montejo, is closed to traffic on Sunday so residents can enjoy live music and a popular artisan market.
Bright Waters and a Colorful Past
It’s called the Lagoon of Seven Colors. This natural freshwater lake is fed by underground rivers that flow from mysterious blue holes that mingle to create a captivating palette of Caribbean blues and greens. On the lake’s western shore, the town of Bacalar is a hidden gem of thatched roof cabanas and quaint bed and breakfast-style retreats, and it is a town with an intriguing history. Linked to the sea by canal and river, it was settled by the Conquistadores in the 1500s, and became the most important trading port in the southern Yucatan.
The flow from hundreds of underground springs fill the waters of Lake Bacalar with clear fresh water, which is lit in many shades of blue and turquoise from sunlight reflecting from the sand. Photo: Juanita Rodriguez
Pirates came to plunder, prompting the building of Fort of San Felipe. This stone fortress still commands the waterfront. Behind the stone ramparts are well-preserved cannons, while inside is an impressive mural and plaques displaying the area’s fascinating history. Arguably the most intriguing exhibit inside the museum is a glass tomb containing the skeleton of an alleged Pirate of the Caribbean! Bacalar is a four-hour drive south from the Cancun area, but well worth the trip.
The Magic Place
It’s not just a saying. Izamal is magic. That’s according to the Government of Mexico, which has honored a small number of unique and especially picturesque towns across the country with the title of Magic Towns. What makes a town magical? According to the requirements for consideration, it must be small, scenic and with rich historical tradition. So why Izamal? Just enter the town and that question will be answered. The first thing any visitor notices is that the town is painted yellow… all the colonial buildings, the market, the huge convent, everything! The next things that stand out are the cobblestone streets and the iron lampposts that give the town a unique ambiance.
The San Antonio de Padua Convent at Izamal was built in 1561 by Spanish conquistadors and monks, using stones from a destroyed Mayan pyramid that previously occupied the site. Photo: Juanita Rodriguez
Called the City of Hills, Izamal may be the oldest city in Yucatán, dating back to the Classic Mayan period. Today the town is alive with three cultures – the ancient Maya, the colonial, and the present day bustling town. Izamal is a monument of color, history and pride that can be felt in its streets and buildings. Art, music, and gastronomy are all around you, and there is a lively town market. Among the locations not to be missed is the Government Palace, the Maya archaeological site of Kinich Kakmo, and the Franciscan convent built over the remains of a Maya pyramid. Izamal is a 45-minute drive from Mérida and a bit less than three hours from Cancun.
A Tropical Euphoria
Before Cancun and the Riviera Maya became an international resort destination, the coastlines of the Yucatan Peninsula were home to small, sleepy fishing villages. For a taste of the bucolic seaside charms of yesteryear, head to Holbox Island. Located 40 miles to the northwest of Cancun, and accessibly only by ferry, the island’s single beachfront town is a place of sand streets, eclectic eco lodges and pristine ocean views.
The thatch-roof bungalows of the Hotel Villas Delfines overlook a white sand beach on Isla Holbox. This eco-conscious property includes composting bathrooms and solar water heating. Photo: Juanita Rodriguez
The Caribbean Sea is the central attraction. The calm coastal waters are a favorite with paddle boarders, who come to explore the shoreline, or participate in SUP yoga sessions. Nature lovers head to the Yum Balam Biosphere to view flamingos, or snorkel with sea turtles and wild dolphins. From June through September, Holbox becomes the starting point for day trips to an offshore sand bank where massive yet harmless whale sharks gather to feed. Swimmers can don mask and snorkel for a life-list encounter with these gentle giants.
Heaven on the Water
You can only get there by boat. The sandbar known as El Cielo is a white sand shoal that lies about a half mile off the southwestern coast of Cozumel. A number of tour operators will provide the ride, and once there, passengers disembark to wade in the shallows, or swim in crystal clear waters. Stingrays are frequent visitors to the shoal, and the white sands are strewn with colorful starfish. It is the combination of these stellar-like creatures and the cerulean blue of the water that inspired the name El Cielo, which translated into a combination of the words “sky, heaven and paradise.”
A sailing catamaran glides over the shallow sand bank known as El Cielo. This is a favorite destination for swimmers, who can wade in the shallows among tropical fish, stingrays and starfish. Photo: Juanita Rodriguez
For an added dimension, visitors can don a mask and snorkel and venture out to the edges of the bank, where colorful coral heads rise from the sand, then become a massive reef as depths increase. Two of the island’s most popular snorkeling destinations— Colombia and Palancar—are just a short boat ride away. Many tour operators combine a stop at El Cielo with a snorkeling excursion to one or both of these reefs, which are home to turtles and a wealth of colorful tropical fish.
Best Mexican Resorts to Celebrate El Grito
Mexico celebrates its independence on September 16, a day known as El Grito de la Independencia – the cry of independence. It is a time of parades, fiestas and feasts. And visitors can get in on the celebration, as a number of resorts get into the spirit of independence with special banquets, entertainment and even fireworks.
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun
Independence Day celebrations center around the resort’s award- winning La Joya restaurant, where typical Mexican delicacies will be dished up at food stations throughout the restaurant, accompanied by a domestic open bar from 7 p.m. to midnight. Colorful entertainment will include mariachis and musical trios, along with the live broadcast of the “Independence Day Ceremony” directly from Mexico City.
Mariachi music livens Independence Day festivities at the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun, where the party will continue until midnight. Photo: Claudio Pellettieri/Fiesta Americana
Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive & Spa
Every year this Puerto Vallarta all-inclusive resort plans elaborate Mexican celebrations, which include ballet and mariachi performances. There is a buffet with Mexican cuisine, highlighting the delicacy known as “Chiles en Nogada.” This dish is a signature element of Mexican celebrations, encompassing the authentic flavors of Mexican fare with ingredients such as poblano chilies, picadillo, walnut-based cream sauce and pomegranate seeds, which are arranged to paint out the three colors of the Mexican flag: green, white and red. During the celebration, the staff will be dressed in traditional “charro and china poblana” attire, and there will be fireworks to end the evening.
Chiles en Nogada as prepared by the chefs at Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta. This traditional dish is a favorite entree at Independence Day feasts. Photo: Carlos Parra/Fiesta Americana
Live Aqua Cancun
This upscale adults-only property celebrates Mexico’s independence with a grand “Chef Parade” where the resort’s culinary team presents a delectable food tasting for guests to enjoy at the pool. Staff will also be dressed in traditional costume to interact with guests as they enjoy vibrant dinners and music during the festivities.
As part of the Independence Day celebrations, the beachfront pool at Live Aqua Cancun is visited by a replica of trajineras—a traditional Mexican canal boat. Photo: Diaz Ana/Live Aqua
Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun
Aside from mouthwatering Mexican gastronomy and treats at El Mexicano restaurant, Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun will host exquisite tequila tasting at the pool to educate guests on the nuances of this signature Mexican libation. Mexican independence characters like Miguel Hidalgo, Jose Ma Morelos, Josefa Ortiz and Ignacio Allende will also be present at the property to share Mexico’s journey to independence with guests. Other celebrations include a beautiful folkloric ballet performance in the main pool and a “Noche Mexicana” which will celebrate “El Grito de la Independencia.”
Fireworks light the sky above the Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun during the annual Mexican Independence Day celebration known as El Grito de la Independencia. Photo: Fiesta Americana
Bahia Principe, Riviera Maya
In the Riviera Maya, four picture perfect properties of Bahia Principe will offer plenty of opportunities to feel the spirit of Mexican Independence Day. Grand Bahia Principe Coba and Grand Bahia Principe Tulum cater to families, while adults gravitate to the Luxury Bahia Principe Akumal and Luxury Bahia Principe Sian Ka’an. During the day, beach parties will feature traditional Mexican games, activities, contests and a Charreria show. Charreria is a Mexican take on rodeo developed after the Mexican Revolution. Guests can take in the cultural display as horses visit the beach with cowboys and cowgirls in traditional attire. At Hacienda Doña Isabel, the fun will kick up in the evening. Hotel guests will gather for a Mexican party including festive décor, mariachi performances, folk dancing and a video mapping highlights of the events that took place in 1810.
On the beach at Grand Bahia Principe Tulum, riders known as Charros exhibit their horsemanship as part of a Charreria, which is a Mexican cultural event similar to rodeo. Photo: Bahia Principe
Grand Oasis Cancun
This premier beachfront resort will observe Mexican independence with a range of events that includes a Mexican Kermesse, or block party, which will take place by the pool and garden. This will be followed by a Mexican show and an Oasis company show. At 10 p.m. guests can then head over to the official “Fiesta de la Independencia” at the Oasis Cancun Beach Club, where there will be a DJ, go-go dancers and contests. There will also be a live stream of “El Grito de Independencia” that will lead up to the grand finale fireworks display.
The Grand Oasis Cancun stages an extensive Independence Day celebration that includes a traditional block party, live performances and a live-stream broadcast. Photo: Grand Oasis
Mexico’s Top Summer Vacation Deals
This summer, why not ditch the usual road trip or lake cottage and add some excitement to the season with a trip south of the border. Beachfront hotels all across Mexico are offering some sizzling seasonal specials, and now is the time to save and savor the sun, sand and surf.
CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
June is a great time to visit Puerto Vallarta. The winter crowds are gone and the summer rainy season is yet to come. And a great place for an impromptu getaway is at the CasaMagna Marriott. The hotel offers direct access to the golden sands of Salado Beach, and just across the street is the Marina Vallarta and its top- rated golf course. The hotel’s infinity-edge pool provides a relaxing oasis, with magnificent views of Banderas Bay and the Sierra Madre Mountains. In addition to four on-site restaurants, the CasaMagna offers the Ceviche &Tequila Bar, serving up more than 180 varieties of this iconic libation, including some made at an on-site distillery. After indulging, guests can detox and renew at the Ohtli Spa, where treatments and healing traditions are inspired by ancient Huichol healing arts. Save 25 percent with the Sand Dollar Vacation Package, which includes a $50 daily resort credit. Use promo code S29 that is valid seven days a week through December 22, 2017. Rates from $104.00 to $219.00 per night. www.Marriott.com
The CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort is close to downtown attractions and the Marina Vallarta, where guests can book sailing excursions and seasonal whale watching cruises. Photo: Marriott Puerto Vallarta
Thompson Playa Del Carmen
Mexico’s coolest beach town is still on the vacation hot list, and the hippest place to be is at the corner of La Quinta Avenida and Calle 12. There, in the center of Playa’s vibrant restaurant and trendy club scene, the boutique Thompson Hotel provides a chic oasis of downtown luxury, with a rooftop playground featuring an infinity pool, panoramic ocean views, luxury cabanas and two dining venues that include famed Manhattan culinary concept CATCH. Beach lovers can book into the nearby Beach House, a sister property with 27 oceanfront rooms, and exclusive pool, private cabanas and an oceanfront restaurant. Both properties are offering special summer packages: when you book in for two nights, the third night is on the house. Summer rates start at $200.00 per night for the Fifth Avenue property and $270.00 per night at the Beach House. www.thompsonhotels.com
After the sun sets, the rooftop pool deck at the Thompson Playa del Carmen is transformed into a nightlife hot spot, with DJs and live music keeping the party going. Photo: Thompson Hotels
Papaya Playa Project
The beachside enclave known as Papaya Playa has long been the hippest spot in Tulum, and the resort’s new casitas take the eco- chic vibe to a whole new level. Built from stone, reclaimed and recycled wood and a clay-like composite substance containing an extract of the chuckun tree, these spacious dwellings are furnished and decorated with items created by local artisans. Casitas set in the jungle are elevated on stilts for minimal environmental impact, and large front terraces, plunge pools and roof decks rising above the trees. Oceanfront casitas sit mere feet from the surf, with high ceilings and large windows to catch the sea breezes and sounds of surf and jungle. To promote these new accommodations, Papaya Playa is offering a pay for 4 stay for 5 promotion for stays between June 26 and September 17, 2017. www.papayaplayaproject.com
The new oceanfront casitas at Papaya Playa Project are equipped with air conditioning, but designed to take advantage of natural cooling created by sea breezes from the Caribbean. Photo: Papaya Playa Project
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences
This new addition to the Cabo resort scene sits on the best slice of beach on the cape. With a year-round swimmable beach and infinity edged pool with direct ocean views, there are plenty of choices for those who want to get wet or float and relax. Golfers will delight in the 18-hole Tom Fazio designed course, which is reserved for members and guests of the resort. The Chileno Bay Resort & Residences features guest rooms and multi-bedroom villas with plenty of indoor-outdoor space for socializing with your group. Phase II of the development has added a new collection of two and four bedrooms villas located in a secluded area of the property, which affords stunning and expansive ocean views. Through December 20, 2017, the resort is offering a third night free plus daily full breakfasts for two at the resort’s signature restaurant, COMAL. Use booking code AUBERGE. https://chilenobay.aubergeresorts.com/
Oceanfront villas at the Chileno Bay Resort are furnished with large day beds, and overlook a private swimming cove set within a coastline of dramatic rock formations. Photo: Chileno Bay
Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos
This is the place to be if you want to get in some serious tee time this summer. Rated by Golf Digest as one of the top 50 golf hotels in the world, the Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos All Inclusive Golf & Spa gives guests full access to the renowned courses of the Cabo del Sol Golf Club. The desert course is a Tom Weiskopt design in which each of the 18 holes is sculpted to complement the natural surroundings. The ocean course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design that stretches along a mile of craggy coastline. After a day on the links, you can schedule a different kind of wine therapy at the SOMMA Wine Spa, where treatments tap into the antioxidant properties of wine and grapes. Choose a champagne mud wrap or a wine massage. Reward yourself with a summer getaway and save 40 percent on travel from July 7 to August 12, 2017. www.lacoleccionresorts.com
The grounds of the 526-room Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos include six swimming pools, including an adults-only area with elevated ocean views and waiter service. Photo: Fiesta Americana
Mexico’s Best New Beachside Resorts
With plenty of sunshine, sand and blue waters, the coasts of Mexico remain among the hemisphere’s most desirable vacation destinations. New resorts continue to rise on traditional strands, but some of the best aren’t the biggest or the best known. For travelers seeking just the right touch of indulgence, seclusion and intimate luxury, these three just-minted properties are at the top of the list.
Andaz Mayakoba Resort, Riviera Maya
The Andaz Mayakoba’s mission is all about the region’s natural surroundings and local culture. For guests, this translates into a unique resort venue where accommodations fabricated from local materials such as limestone, wood and cane are tucked into a 590-acre oceanfront setting that preserves natural mangrove lagoons and other indigenous vegetation. The experience begins when guests arrive at a central reception area where a sculpted water feature mirrors the region’s mystical cenote reservoirs, and architectural elements frame sky and nighttime views of the stars in a tribute to the ancient Mayan traditions of astronomy.
The pool deck at the Andaz Mayakoba Resort is formed from native limestone, and trimmed with accents crafted from sustainably harvested local woods. Photo: Andaz Mayakoba
The architecture of the resort is inspired by the more than 200 bird species found at Mayakoba. The forms and curves of these birds are seen in the geometry of the roofs of the guestroom buildings. Panels and facades on the outside of the guestroom buildings reflect the glyphs and numbers used in Mayan numerology and calendars. Interior elements showcase traditional local craftsmanship and icons, with open layout floor plans overlooking clear lagoons, mangroves and resort gardens, or the Caribbean coastline. In addition to a secluded section of beach, the resort includes a beachside pool and a lagoon view pool.
Native greenery is framed by the muted tones of an oceanfront terrace at the Andaz Mayakoba Resort. Rooms are designed to take advantage of natural light. Photo: Andaz Mayakoba
Beach House, Playa del Carmen
The Beach House is the second Thompson hotel to arrive in the resort town of Playa del Carmen. The brand’s first, a 92-room property on Fifth Avenue puts guests in the heart of the lively shopping and entertainment district. In contrast, the Beach House exudes a private club sensibility. On-site amenities at the Beach House include an exclusive pool, private cabanas, and the acclaimed C Grill oceanfront restaurant. More opportunities await two blocks away at the Beach Club’s sister Fifth Avenue property, where the 30,000-square-foot rooftop deck offers an infinity pool, panoramic ocean views, luxury cabanas and Playa del Carmen’s hottest new restaurant, CATCH.
The chic, minimalist design of the Beach House creates an intimate oasis that is just steps from the beach, but sequestered from the bustle of downtown Playa del Carmen. Photo: Thompson Hotels
There are just 27 luxury suites at the Beach House, each with a furnished, private balcony and expansive ocean views. The mid-century decor focuses on locally sourced materials such as hand pressed Guadalajara tiles, native stone and whitewashed wood panels. Custom furnishings are complemented by an airy, relaxing color palette infused with rich Mexican patterns and textures designed to create a chic, bohemian vibe. Spacious bathrooms feature glass enclosed rain showers and select guest rooms feature Aquaspa bathtubs.
Rooms at the Beach House are finished in muted patterns and earth tones that complement rather than compete with the expansive ocean views. Photo: Thompson Hotels
Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Cabo San Lucas
The newest resort on The Cape occupies a prime piece of waterfront once home to the area’s most iconic destination. For more than a half century, the Hollywood elite made discrete getaways to the Hotel Cabo San Lucas on Chileno Bay. In December of 2016, an entirely new resort opened its doors on the site of this former landmark. The Chileno Bay Resort & Residences is a 29-room, boutique luxury hotel that also includes 32 contemporary three and four-bedroom beach villas. A centerpiece of the resort is the Rio pool, a 400-foot-long waterway that follows the path of a natural arroyo leading to the beach. Surrounding this waterway are poolside cabanas, an oceanfront hot tub, fire pits and a second family pool.
The 400-foot-long Rio pool at the Chileno Bay Resort is a centerpiece of the property, connecting ocean and desert along the path of a natural arroyo canyon. Photo: Chileno Bay Resort
The property is part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, which includes Auberge du Soleil and Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley and Esperanza Resort in Cabo. Buildings at Chileno Bay Resort feature warm natural colors and use indigenous materials designed to blend in with the surroundings. On the inside, there’s an emphasis on native stone and wood with earth, plant and sea tones. Villas have floor-to-ceiling windows and open floor plans to maximize ocean views, and broad overhangs and open-air spaces to create natural ventilation and enhance indoor-outdoor living.
Open floor plans and indoor-outdoor spaces at the Chileno Bay Resort are strategically configured to frame views of the dramatic shoreline and the Sea of Cortez. Photo: Chileno Bay Resort
Amazing Water Treatments at My Favorite Caribbean Spas
Whenever I visit a spa, I look for the unique treatments I can’t find back home or at just any spa. Among my favorites are those therapies that involve exotic ingredients, state of the art equipment and time-honored therapies that have roots in past cultures. These five resort spas break the mold by offering out-of- this-world treatments that involve water, steam and even ice.
Water Massage
Release physical and emotional tension with Jansu therapy at Belmond Maroma, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Watsu is an in-water treatment that resembles Shiatsu. You relax in warm, chest deep water while the therapist gently cradles you and works you through various dancelike movements that encourage relaxation and create a healing experience.
Relaxation begins as your walk down the long outdoor corridor to the Kinan Spa. The spa is aligned with the stars to create positive energy flow, treatment rooms point east and west and offerings include authentic Mayan treatments. Photo: Maroma
At Maroma these sessions are called Jansu and take place in an isolated area far from the center of the resort. Here in the mediation pool, your therapist will guide you through movements, stretches, twists and even submerge you for brief moments. Opt for a mid-day treatment just after the sun has warmed the pool, when sunbeams dapple the water’s surface.
At the Belmond Maroma in Riviera Maya, Jansu treatments involve an immersion in a pool of warm water, where a therapist guides you through a series of relaxing movements. Photo: Ingrid Rasumussen/Maroma
Cleansing Steam
Cleanse body, mind and spirit in the steam of a Temascal treatment at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St. Lucia
Embraced by the majestic valley of the Pitons, the Rainforest Spa is secluded in 100 acres of tropical rainforest. Tree house gazebos become treatment rooms; each reached by wooden walkways and spaced for ultimate privacy.
Built of local materials, the seven thatched roofed tree house treatment rooms offer complete privacy and a connection to the natural surroundings within the rainforest of the Pitons. Photo: Sugar Beach
The on-site earthen steam room is inspired by the traditions of the indigenous people of Mesoamerica, who used steam ceremonies to purify the body and improve health. You’ll sit in a circle around a mound of hot rocks that are periodically doused with water to produce steam. Some people have visions; others just relax, as the treatment can be very cathartic. After a stint in the hot, moist heat, you head for a cool shower and drink liquids and juices to replenish lost electrolytes. Most people note that this treatment induces some of the best sleep.
The Rainforest Spa at St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach resort draws on the healing traditions of the indigenous people of Mesoamerica, using cleansing steam to relax and detoxify the body. Photo: Sugar Beach
Rain and Mist
Transport yourself to the rainforest of Thailand as you experience the Rain Walk at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
This Asian-inspired spa brings centuries of Eastern healing wisdom and knowledge to each of its treatments, which are based on the traditions and techniques of Thailand. You could spend your entire stay experiencing a different therapy each day, but the Rain Walk is unlike any other.
Treatment rooms are set out over a peaceful fresh water lagoon where relaxation comes easy. Here, at Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Thai trained therapists deliver Asian inspired treatments in absolute tranquility. Photo: Debbie Snow
This extensive treatment can take an afternoon, as it includes eight unique hydrothermal therapy experiences. You begin with a walk on a pathway of river stone, where streams of water flow gently down from above. It’s immediately relaxing and takes your mind to another level. You’ll then move from room to room to experience even more unique sensations. There is the eucalyptus steam chamber, a summer storm chamber, a brine fog, and a chamber of ice fountains and cool winter rains. Treatments follow a sequential flow that culminates with an immersion into a vitality pool where water jets create gentle acupressure.
The Rain Walk experience at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba culminates with an immersion in the vitality pool, where water jets create the aquatic equivalent of an acupressure session. Photo: Debbie Snow
Not Just a Shower
Splish-splash away with a Tropical Rain Splash in the Silver TAG shower at Sense spa at Tucker’s Point on Bermuda.
The Sense spa at Tucker’s Point offers all of the world-class treatments you would expect from a Rosewood Resort. Treatments also incorporate natural materials found on the islands. Honey and sugar cane are used to exfoliate; cedar oils to relieve tension and stress; and papaya to nourish the skin.
At Sense spa at Tucker’s Point, Bermuda, patrons are enveloped in a soothing and cleansing spray delivered by the 18 separate water jets of the Silver TAG shower. Photo: Debbie Snow
You can add the Silver TAG shower to any spa treatment, or opt for an experience such the Bermuda Triangle, which is geared toward those arriving after long flights. You begin by entering the chamber where 18 showerheads massage you from top to bottom, both cleansing and relaxing the body. You then move to the massage table for a rubdown with aloe freshly plucked from the garden and end with a citrus inspired facial. You can come back the next day just for the shower, or combine it with another treatment.
Spa guests at Tucker’s Point can enjoy a private space along the calming reflection pool before and after treatments. Opt for a Rum Swizzle and enjoy the cocktail as part of the signature manicure and pedicure. Photo: Debbie Snow
The Colors of Relaxation
Receive the effects of crystal healing and color therapy at Cambridge Beaches on Bermuda.
The resort’s private and secluded setting is conducive to canoodling, but it’s not just for couples. Singles will also love the pool area, the four beaches and the many options for treatments at the Ocean Spa.
Soothing crystalline illumination sets the mood in the Experiential Suites, which are a signature element of the Ocean Spa, in Bermuda’s Cambridge Beaches resort. Photo: Debbie Snow
A signature element is the Experiential Suites, which provide a four-stage journey of color, temperature and moisture. Chambers allow each guest to enjoy private spaces as they move through a steam room, cooling mist room, rainfall shower and sauna. Along the way, glowing crystals set the mood as they change colors to invoke a sense of well-being. The whirlpool, relaxation pool and lap pool are also available before or after the experience. Many of the Ocean Spa Experiences are longer treatments that also include a stint in the Experiential Suites. Couples can partake in a Sauna Ritual where they exfoliate each other with sea salt before retiring to their couples massage.
The tiered infinity pool at Cambridge Beaches overlooks Morning Beach, the resort’s Zen beach. Guests have space for swimming laps or relaxing to the sounds of the water falling. Photo: Debbie Snow
Best Private Pools in the Caribbean
Resort pools can be spectacular. Unique designs, water features like fountains, waterfalls and cascades are all designed to wow, and infinity edges that meld into the ocean are breathtaking. But there’s nothing like your own private pool to jump in whenever you have the desire. The private pools at these Caribbean resorts offer up a bit more space than the typical plunge pool allowing you room to splash, kick and immerse in any way your heart desires.
Royal Isabela, Puerto Rico
At first glance, you might think you were in Scotland or Ireland when you survey the rolling green hills that cascade down to blue water. But you are in one of Puerto Rico’s finest resorts, where a collection of luxurious casitas sits terraced along the cliff tops overlooking the Atlantic. The hotel is set within a 1,800-acre golf course community, so there is plenty of open space to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. Each of the 20 casitas has a private pool and terrace to take in the outdoors and view the starlight nights.
The casitas of Puerto Rico’s Royal Isabela resort sit on a wooded hillside overlooking a magnificent golf course and the Atlantic Ocean. Each includes a private deck and pool. Photo: Joann Dost/Royal Isabela
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, St Lucia
This collection of British colonial-styled cottages and villas are tucked away in a glade of tropical foliage on slopes near the base of the Pitons. Over the years the property has changed names and received upgrades, but the villas still stair step up the hillside, each with its own pool hidden from the next, but with views of the Pitons. Here your private outdoor space has a covered area to retreat from the sun and take an afternoon nap between dips in your pool. Call for a ride or take a stroll down the hillside to the sugar white sand beach, experience the tasting menu at the Great House and succumb to a tropical treatment at the Rain Forest Spa.
Cottages at St. Lucia’s Sugar Beach resort open to expansive private terraces that include a pool, sun lounges, al fresco dining nook and a sheltered cabana ideal for afternoon naps. Photo: Sugar Beach/Viceroy
Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Situated among the canals and cenotes of the Riviera Maya, the Banyan Tree is all about water. The resort’s front entrance is a giant lily pond. Dining and lobby areas open to additional waterways and ponds. Suites are either adjacent to the canals and channels or overlooking the waterway that carries guests to and from the beach via launches. Here you’ll find villas with complete privacy where you can float the afternoon away in your private pool while the fragrance of frangipani fills the air. When a need arises, attentive service is just a call a way.
Water dominates at the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, where suites set in lush natural foliage offer private pools and terraces. Boats carry guests to the beach via a central canal. Photo: Debbie Snow
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
Much more than rooms, the Royal Collection Pool Suites at Spice Island are sanctuaries from the outside world. A private door leads to your walled terrace where day beds, an outdoor dining area and a private pool awaits. These pools are large enough to do some serious splashing about, and maybe swim a few strokes. The suites are also exceptionally large, covering up to 1,500 square feet including living room and private cedar saunas. Once you are ready to face the world, Grand Anse Beach, the longest stretch on the island, is just outside your door.
Spice Island Beach Resort offers three types of private pool suites. Shown here is the Royal Collection Pool Suite, which features the largest water feature. Photo: Spice Island Beach Resort
Le Toiny, St. Barts
Hotel Le Toiny is located on the uncrowded southeastern corner of St. Barts. This boutique property offers 14 villa suites tucked into a 42-acre hillside garden overlooking Anse de Toiny beach. Each villa provides dramatic and direct ocean views and has its own private pool, which is heated during winter months. Inside the one-bedroom villas the coastal theme continues with a décor in beige and white, accented with warm brown that brings in the palette of the hillside and the beaches below. Simplicity and sophistication blend easily, and guests are pampered accordingly. When it comes time to socialize, head to the oyster shell bar overlooking the half moon shaped pool to share an appetizer and sip champagne.
The one-bedroom villas at Le Toiny open onto private terraces set high above one of the best beaches in St. Barts. The adjacent private pools can be heated for comfort. Photo: Le Toiny
Sandals LaSource, Grenada
When ensconced in your elevated private sanctuary, you may never want to leave. The one bedroom Skypool Villa not only offers private butler service but also a personal mobile phone to summon everything from meals and snacks, to floats for the pool and buckets of ice with cold champagne. Your pool offers up enough space to kick to the end and when you want to take relaxation to another level, there is a private Jacuzzi to slip into when the moment arises. Eventually, you may want to leave your retreat to head down to Gin Beach. This pink stretch of sand is one of the best in the Caribbean.
The Skypool Villas at Grenada’s Sandals LaSource include not only a large private pool, but also an adjacent hot tub. Guests have a direct number to a personal butler. Photo: Sandals
Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia
Your private pool becomes an extension of your suite, as the fourth wall of each room at Jade Mountain is omitted to provide cinematic-quality views of the Pitons and Caribbean. Right before your eyes the morning golden sky lights up the mountain range, and come sunset the pink and blue fill the sky and light bounces off the hillside and reflects in the sea. Small wonder many honeymooners start their life journey with a stay here. Each villa has a unique color scheme and design, but full living room, bedroom and pool open to the splendid scenery. With no phones, no television and absolute no distractions, this resort knows how to provide sanctuary to guests seeking ultimate seclusion.
Hillside rooms at Jade Mountain Resort are left open to the elements, ushering in sea breezes and grand views of the coast and the iconic Piton peaks. Private pools perch on the edge to heighten the drama. Photo: Jade Mountain
