Welcome to Tower 23, what I like to think of as the solution to the San Diego dilemma. Trust me, like most “Zonies” (which is what San Diego surfers began derisively referring to the hordes of people from Arizona who crowded their beaches back in the ‘70’s, and we adopted as our own self description)  I love the place. It is that little slice of So Cal that has the most laid back nature with just enough urbanity and California chic. It also has coolness of the climactic sort which is why so many flee the Phoenix area’s scorching summer to chill on the beach there. This is what leads to the dilemma. There are great lux hotels in the area, but only one is on a great beach (The Del Coronado). The Del sits on the soft sand of Coronado Island which is a charming little upscale community that is a bit isolated from the happening scenes of the Gas lamp District and the hip beach towns south of La Jolla. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are the see and be seen urban places to be, but until recently they lacked an uber cool place to stay. Tower 23 has come to the rescue to scratch that itch and do it in a way that will satisfy the discriminating Generation X and Y consumer.

This is a boutique design hotel. Ultra modern design elements start with the structure itself which is white concrete, glass and polished metal. I stumbled upon this gem doing research for some younger clients who were looking for a beach stay in the area. I was struck by the overall look of the place, and decided to pop in for a site inspection on my next trip to the area. It was far more impressive in person! I was surprised by the artistry the designers applied throughout the property. When I visited there was only one suite vacant for me to see and it was a patio suite on the deck. When I saw the view of the PB scene from the deck I knew if I were to stay I would be paying up for beach front.

When it came time to do a family va-cay I let the 20-somethings pick the lodging in San Diego. I picked in LA and have already posted my review of Raffles L’Ermitage. We went from refined elegance on a quiet street in Bev Hills, to urban chic in the middle of the PB beach scene. I like the irony of doing crazy LA in a very subdued location and laid back SD at what has become THE happening place on the beach. None of us were disappointed in the choice despite having a 4 month baby in tow. She slept through all the hubbub coming from the packed bar below the balcony. All of us enjoyed being in the middle of the excitement.

The well stocked, and hipply appointed, bar at Tower 23’s excellent restaurant JRDN (I’d like to buy a vowel) is worth a visit even for those not staying at T23. Primp the hair and makeup girls and find yourself a stool, sofa, or table here, the place is packed with the best guys on the beach. Guys, this is where the hotties get dressed up to party and do so until late into the night. On weekends JRDN is the PB scene. It is the upscale alternative to the fun but down market “crab shack” hang outs. If you want a quiet sedate stay DO NOT go to Tower 23. If you want a room on top of the hottest bar in PB T23 is paradise!

The spacious bar faces the busy boardwalk in the heart of Pacific Beach with the beach, the blue Pacific Ocean, and the PB pier just outside the floor to ceiling windows. Sitting at the bar or in the lounge is a comfy seat on the boardwalk where you can watch the people walk, bike, board or blade by. Location, location, location!

My favorite place to dine was at the front outdoor tables where the scene just flows right by on the boardwalk. The food is widely acclaimed by critics. I liked the diverse selections with nouvelle leanings. Some old favorites are re-invented with creative flair. The quesadillas are packed with vegies and come with a really great guacamole. My second fav dining was via the 24/7 room service for breakfast. Generous portions, artful presentation and always well prepared no matter the hour. The coffee was outstanding! They serve it in a glass press and I must say it was strong but not overbearing and very aromatic.

The Deck is the place to kick back and relax. Although the pool is more of a fountain where one is invited to dip ones tootsies, there is ample room to find a chaise and lay back in the sun with a view of the Pacific. There is a great sofa conversation pit where a gas fire is lit when the air gets chilly. The amazing service extends “poolside.” Management here has done a great job staffing and training. Everyone we interacted with was friendly, helpful and hip. Service is attentive without being smothering, and all of the staff reflects T23’s cool vibe. For any “cougars” looking for girl friend getaway let me mention that all of the waiters are as tempting as the desserts.

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Do not even ask for a dessert menu unless you are ready to indulge (or are far better than me and my crew at resisting temptations). This pair of lovely selections disappeared in a flurry of spoons attacking from all directions. It was a good thing I had accomplices or I would have devoured the chocolate caramel cake by myself. It was even better than it looks!

No swimming, but you are welcome to cool off your tootsies in the “pool” or just sit nearby and listen to the soothing sound of the waterfall.

What a great place to sit and watch the boardwalk scene! Listen to the waves and watch the surfers hunt for the perfect crest to ride in a comfy chaise lounge. The sunsets are to die for and chair side service is always there for your every need.

You will pay a premium for a room with a view like this one from our deck. Was it worth it? I think so! Sadly there are not many full ocean front suites at Tower 23, and they fill fast during the summer. There are a good number of partial ocean views as well, but most rooms open to the deck or offer city views. The resort is intimate so the ocean view deck, and the boardwalk facing JRDN are steps away from every room.

Rooms are “pads” at Tower 23. This was our surf pad. Our room was directly above JRDN so even noisier than most pads would be, but I found it acceptable with the door closed the muted voices and music lulled me to sleep. This pad is also on the corner of the building facing La Jolla hence the great views in many of the photos to follow and the one above of the coastline.

Does size really matter? If it does to you than the rooms are the weakest link at T23. This is not a Virtuoso property, and those who expect the type of rooms found in that caliber of hotel would not be satisfied here. I found them very well appointed with high quality linens, duvets and a really comfy bed. There is not a great deal of space to move around in. Coming from the wide open spaces of our room at L’Ermitage the lack of square footage was quite a contrast.

Snacks and premium beverages were for sale in the snack shop and mini bar. I was tempted to buy one of the very cool caps or visors as well. Furnishings are simple, chic and modern. Wireless Internet access is FREE and available throughout the property. I was Tweeting from the deck overlooking the Ocean while I was there. Some of you more expensive luxury hotels please take note! For most of us Internet access is seen as a right or necessity not a privilege we should pay extra for! Bravo for that cool inclusion T23!

Bathrooms are small but very well decorated. All is sleek lines and modern fixtures throughout. Premium bath amenities are provided of course.

This optic light wall is not done justice by day. I kept forgetting to take my camera downstairs to catch it in all it’s glory! This backs the bar at JRDN and pulses with changing colors making the scene come alive at night.

There is no lack of space downstairs! The ample dining, drinking and lounging space is the attraction at Tower 23. If you are a stay in my room type it may not be for you. If you are a make the scene type welcome to your new favorite beach digs! Notice the wine wall in the background? Premium bottles are opened daily.

Tower 23 is particularly appealing to those in their 20’s and 30’s who want to splurge on a high end beach boutique that is all about design. Hip vibe, great service, Pacific views, and access to SD’s coolest beach scene is included in every stay. Great for Bachelor or Bachelorette trips, girlfriend or guys getaways and romantic trips for those couples who like night life.

Click on the first image below to enjoy a slide show of T23. Mouse over the pop up window and click the arrow to the right to advance the slides. Call Alliance Travel Partners to plan your escape to Tower 23 today.

Welcome home to Amresorts’ most unique and luxurious property. Zoëtry is a wellness resort concept and Paraiso de la Bonita is the first property under this exciting new luxury included brand. This resort is all about the Feng Shui. From a “director of wellness” offering numerology readings (I was told I think outside the box which seems pretty accurate to me) to yoga classes to a certified Thalassotherapy Spa offering anti-aging treatments and Mayan Temezcal ceremonies, a stay at this little paradise spells stress relief.

Paraiso de la Bonita translates into English as “paradise of the beautiful.” The resort was originally built and designed by an architect as a homage to his lovely wife. I found the look of this charming boutique resort striking throughout. Very bold colors accent eclectic art and furnishings. This is the only Amresorts property that is in the Virtuoso hotels program, and is rated five diamonds by AAA. The accolades are well deserved.

The minute one steps out of the private airport transfer one is greeted by breezes from the Caribbean Sea moving through the open air lobby. The soft sounds of new-age music and the many water features are your welcome. The helpful staff will soon know you by name which is one of the things I love about luxury boutiques. The lobby opens on to this water feature with the infinity pool and the blue sea beyond.

This Paraiso comes with a lush garden setting. The grounds are meticulously maintained and have a wonderful tropical paradise feeling. It is not a large property, and there are some other hotels not far down the coast, but it feels very private due to the clever layout and all of the greenery. All of the 90 large suites face the ocean with either a balcony or patio with plunge pool.

The welcome amenity is a bottle of Jose Cuervo 1795 Traditional. I am not a big fan of the low-end Jose Cuervo products, and I am a bit of a tequila snob (I live in a border state and have done much tasting of the agave products). I was so curious I had to look it up on the internet. It turns out that Jose was the first grantee of a license to distill mescal into tequila back in 1795. This is a special bottling of the best to commemorate that event which was the birth of the tequila industry. I opened the bottle. It was one of the best aged tequilas I have ever tasted. There was sea salt layed out in a spiral and a sliced lime to go with it. I have a new respect for the Jose Cuervo company.

This is the family room of my multi room suite named “Malindi.” There are no room numbers at this resort, as each room is named for a place that the designer had traveled to and loved. The design elements in each room are influenced by the country it is named for. Notice the leopard prints on the pillows?

The suites are very large and very well appointed. This is looking back at the desk area. There is a balcony with a sliding glass door to the right of the picture. There was another balcony in the bedroom area and both overlooked green landscaping and the blue Caribbean Sea beyond.

I told you the suites are large! The bed was very comfortable with high quality linens. Notice the African inspired accents which included spears, masks, and elephants. Not what I expected in Mexico but very cool. I saw another room with Asian accents and it all seemed to work very nicely in each suite. The decor throughout is eclectic with tropical, African and Asian elements mixing with local Mexican and Mayan touches. I thought it made for a colorful and interesting property. A design purist may find it off-putting.

The bathrooms were large and inviting. The tub was so big it seemed to be inviting a party. The ground floor suites had a private outdoor garden shower in addition to the large one inside. Modern glass double vanity with ample space to unpack made it a very usable bath experience.

Here is the sea view from one of the two balconies my suite included. The open doors carried a delicious breeze into the room that was a great accompaniment to the room amenity. I love an ocean view suite, and at Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita every single suite has something for me to love!

Seating or a hammock for however you want to enjoy palm trees swaying in a tropical breeze as the blue Caribbean Sea murmurs in the background. Crack a book, order a cocktail or snack and enjoy!

I liked almost everything about this resort. The food and service were superb. The setting was lovely. The look of the place was what I liked best. This is one of two statues that greet guests entering the open air lobby. I loved the way this photo came out with the contrasting colors.

Arty water feature just off the main lobby is a cool accent that adds to the tranquil spirit of this wellness resort.

Waiters walked on water to provide drinks and food poolside.

Frog statues livened things up in the infinity pool with a playful spray of water. It is not a large pool, but it did not feel crowded at all as the resort has a limited number of suites (it was near capacity on my stay).

Despite a rather hectic pace, I found reason to smile frequently. I was quite happy to be setting sail on the private catamaran at Paraiso de la Bonita when this photo was taken.

We enjoyed a relaxing sail along the coast as the sunset over the shore and the waters of the Caribbean. The resort in this photo is Secrets Silversands which we had visited earlier on the trip. The director of entertainment was a delight and he particularly was found entertaining by the ladies in our group. All of the crew were friendly relaxed and helpful on the sailing. It was a highlight of the trip and I will suggest it to my clients who go and enjoy the water.

This was the colorful hallway that led to my suite. Notice the privacy gate which was keyed to my room key if I wanted to be left alone. Being the gregarious sort that I am, i left it open.

Natural wooden columns and wood beam “vigas” on the ceiling. This photo doesn’t do it justice, but the floor is a very detailed mosaic of stone and tile.

This is the outdoor section of one of the two formal dining rooms. “La Canoa” features “cuisine de los soles” or food of the suns. It was a somewhat spicy blend of Caribbean, Asian and Mexican cooking styles. I enjoyed the meal we ate here very much. Ingredients seemed fresh and herbs and vegetables featured prominently.

This is one of the many mural covering the walls of “Kaax” which serves authentic Mexican food. I did not have the opportunity to eat here, but I loved the artwork. There are also a sushi and ceviche bar (I enjoyed some of each poolside and it was very good), and a grill for your dining pleasure.

This is the beautiful spa pool. Out schedule included “free time” the morning of our departure day. I got in a cab so I could do site inspections at two luxury resorts I had not visited before. While I was gone the other agents were treated to a surprise free treatment in the spa. Judging from the relaxed and smiling faces a saw upon my return, and the many favorable reports I was regaled with, I think I can safely say that the spa at Zoëtry is excellent.

High touch service, “endless privileges”tm, excellent cuisine, huge rooms, ocean views for all makes this a very desirable boutique resort. I plan to return as soon as I can fit it into my schedule. My only very minor complaint is sea grass. The beach is fine white sand, and it is easy to swim out all along the property, but off the beach a few yards there is mostly a sea grass bottom. It did not interfere with my use of the beach, but made the water appear somewhat dark from above. Those expecting that bright turquoise one thinks of when pondering the Caribbean. As this was to me a minor annoyance, it would not keep me from choosing to stay here again.

For some travelers who have a certain sensibility for style, architecture and design the very colorful and eclectic approach taken at Paraiso de la Bonita may not be to their liking. It is in places very busy. The use of elements from different cultures could be found distasteful to some eyes. It would be easy to see if this would apply in your case by looking at my photos. I thought it was a very attractive and unique property.

Click the first image and mouse over to the arrow to advance to the next image in the pop up slide show:

Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort and Spa is an interesting property. Unlike most of the properties I visited on my FAM trip, this resort is in an almost suburban setting. it also is a mid rise tower and not a low slung resort. There are a number of other midrises almost adjacent to the hotel on the small cove that hold the beach.

The main draw for this property is it’s location adjacent to the port. While I would not make this my first choice for a relaxing tropical beach getaway, it is perfect for fishing or diving vacations. Your boat is a short stroll from your room. It also is super all inclusive or “luxury included” as a Dreams resort.

Next to the port is an upscale strip mall complex with dining and shopping galore. Threaded throughout the area is a dolphin park in a number of pools. This makes a fun distraction for the kids right at your doorstep.

I liked the mother dolphins swimming with their little ones. It was very cute. They also had some manatees, sea lions and other marine creatures on display. There are interactive activities with the wildlife available.

The compact layout of the resort puts the pool in the center of everything. It is a handy property to navigate as opposed to some of the more sprawling resorts in the area. Most rooms have a very nice view either of the port, the pool and beach, or down the coast in either direction.

View of the Caribbean and adjacent villas from the upper floors of Dreams Aventuras. As you can see there are different types of developments in this area from villas to mid-rise hotels and condos to shopping areas and the port facility itself. It is not an isolated resort on a lonely tropical beach. For those who want to be in the thick of things it fills that niche.

The port is the main attraction here, and this pool is nestled right against one of the port channels.

Like all Amresorts properties there are a plethora of drinking and dining options and service is always excellent. Dreams Puerto Aventuras features the full compliment of seven different dining venues and has a very nice modern nightclub as well.

We had a lovely Mexican lunch at the ocean side restaurant and this soup was as tasty as it was attractive. This is a high quality all-inclusive experience when it comes to food and drinks.

Rooms are spacious and well appointed. The decor is stylish and modern. The rooms are light and airy with some rather nice views from the higher floors. All or served by elevators, so I suggest booking the higher floors.

My other observation comes from the fact that I am a beach guy. The coastline here is mostly rocky. There is a small cove that has a swimmable beach, but the rest of the shore is rocky. I am sure there would be some very good snorkeling here for those who are so inclined. Take the mask and fins or check them out at the resort.

The rocky coastline does make for some scenic views. The water is many shades of blue here.

The small grounds are nicely landscaped and cabanas with chaise lounges are available on the large sandy area fronting the usable part of the beach. For those looking for a stay for a diving or fishing trip this would be a great choice. I would stay here for a fishing trip for sure. It also would work for those who want to be in the thick of things as far as shopping goes. Like all Dreams Resorts there is a dedicated kids’ program. You can let the excellent staff entertain the kiddies all day long if you like. Some guests drop off the kids in the morning and then pick them up for dinner. Dreams does an great job with their program for children.

Secrets Maroma Beach was our host resort for the first two nights of our too brief FAM trip, so I was able to get some great pictures IMHO. This was at sunset on the first night of our arrival. All of the AmResorts properties are unique. This lovely resort was designed as a homage to the indigenous limestone that underlies all of the Yucatan Peninsula. Some of the people on our trip felt is was bland looking or not colorful enough. I found that clean white look soothing.

In a number of places the design team has incorporated the native white limestone into the resort landscape. Massive limestone boulders are the center point of this water feature at the center of the resort’s circle drive entry. Some of my colleagues found it unappealing. I thought it was a very visually interesting statement. Sometimes an austere look stands out in such a lush green setting.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am a beach guy. Oh what a nice beach! Secrets Maroma Beach has powder soft white sand and just enough offshore rocks to create that dazzling Caribbean look of multi-hued blues. My only regret was that we were so busy touring properties that I was not here during the day to swim. The only time I was able to get into this lovely water was at 11:00 one night (I just had to take a dip at least once).

The other objection some people had with this resort was distance. The property is large and very spread out. The rooms are in two wings surrounding the pools and extending from this main building down to the beach. There was quite a bit of walking involved to navigate from the room to dinner, or to the beach. It might not be the best choice for those with mobility issues, or those who object to exposure to the elements on the way to a meal. As an avid walker myself I did not see it as a major issue for me personally. What comes with this layout is a sense of privacy and tranquility that can be missing at many large resorts. For this reason, if I were looking for a romantic cuddle with my honey vacation this would be my top choice among the Secrets resorts on the Riviera Maya. But only IF I had the right room!

Each suite comes with either a large private balcony like mine above, or a patio with swim out access to one of several pools on the property. If I had been on property more, I would have curled up here with a book.

One of the other objections most of the people on my trip had with Secrets Maroma Beach is one that I shared. The distances and the way the resort is laid out and landscaped means most rooms have either no ocean view or a partial ocean view such as the above photo taken standing up on my balcony. Gotta have that view? Secrets Capri or Secrets Silversands may better suit you, unless…

…you do what I would do if I were to return for a longer stay. Upgrade to one of these amazing beach front suites, Only the upper level suites have this view. As you can see in this picture there is a landscaped berm of sand between the sea and the resort. This is what blocks the sea view from most parts of the property, but not from this room! Look at that water and that beach, it’s like butter!

The suites are very roomy and well appointed. This is a luxury resort experience, with turn down and all the amenities. Each room comes with a fully stocked mini-bar, 24 hour room service all at no extra charge. The super-inclusive experience is a rather liberating way to vacation and Secrets provides high end beverages, and excellent cuisine in seven different dining venues,

Nothing says “Welcome home!” like the wonderful staff at a Secrets resort, or a chilled bottle of Champaign and a lovely fruit plate. The service is always courteous, prompt and available wherever one finds oneself on the property. No need to tip and the wallet and credit card can stay in the safe until check-out.

Our one hosted dinner at Secrets Maroma was at Portofino, the Italian dining venue. Like most of our meals it was a menu selected by our hosts. Having stayed at Secrets several times now, one of the great things about their concept is the variety of dining options. This resort features seven restaurants offering seafood, steaks, Mexican, Italian, French and Japanese (including sushi and hibachi service). The food is very good and very nicely presented. No reservations are needed and waiting is never an issue.

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Our menu came draped around a candle glass, which I though was a very artful touch. My photo does not do it justice.

There are two main pools that thread their way from the main building all the way to the beach, and small plunge pools fronting each wing of suites. First floor rooms are swim out throughout the property for those who like a private dip. If you hang in there to the slide show you will see that I loved what the sunset did that first night.

The Honeymoon suite and the Presidential suite were enormous and located on the beachfront wing of the resort. The also are part of the “Preferred Club". This is the concierge section of the resort (a feature at all Secrets and Dreams). Guests in this club have a private concierge desk for each building, and a club house with internet access, library, business center, beverages and hors d’oeuvres. I have found it worth the extra expense in the past. I would also upgrade to beachfront to take advantage of the amazing view of the Caribbean sea and the breezes it brings. Click the first image below to see a slide show of all my photos of Secrets Maroma Beach.

South Beach Meets the Riviera Maya

On my five day whirlwind FAM trip to the Riviera Maya I toured 3 Secrets Resorts along with 10 other travel agents. Secrets Silversands was named as the favorite of most of the other agents. If one were to pick a favorite based on design, style, and uniqueness it would be the clear winner. Our host on the trip, Connie Levang from Amresorts, prepped us by saying “Get ready for South Beach on the Riviera Maya!” That description turned out to be very apropos.

Every detail in this resort says look at me I’m modern and oh so hip! They turned loose the design team to create an impact and an effect, and the results are striking. This is the entryway from the drive into the lobby.

From the abstract sculptures in black, blue, and white to the clean white walls and omnipresent glass features, Secrets Silversands is a feast for the modern design oriented eyes. The open lobby features modern furnishings to compliment the artwork. The two story floor to ceiling windows facing the sea flood the area with light. The whole look and feel of this resort is vibrant, and will be very appealing to the twenty and thirty something set in particular. Our group with mixed ages from twenties to sixties all felt it was unique, attractive and very well executed.

This is the circular stairway leading from the lobby into the lobby bar area (which comes next) on the lobby floor is a mirror which creates an infinity effect when looking down from above. Very clever and stimulated oohs and aahs from my group.

Now we move to the signature feature of Secrets Silversands, the enormous, suave, and very popular lobby bar. By day light floods this area from outdoors and views of the gardens and pool lie beyond. By night, I am told, this area is lit by multi-colored lights that all the hotel’s staff and management were very proud of. I bet it looks pretty cool. We did not have the opportunity to visit by night. This bar is the gathering place at this resort.

I really just sat around enjoying the scenery the whole trip, not! I did have a lot of fun schlepping through all these nice resorts and decided to pose as a guest for a few pictures.

One of the great things about a Secrets vacation is the absolute freedom to enjoy oneself without carrying a wallet or credit card around at all times. Speaking of “Absolut” that is one of the many premium brands of liquor that is carried and available at multiple bars or via waiter service on the beach or at the pool. Premium tequilas included Herradura, 1800, Don Julio, Sauza Tres Generations, and Cabo Wabo. The same is true for other types of booze, and very good wines are always available as well. A good selection of US domestic beers, Mexican beers, and European beers are available by the bottle while Corona de Barril is on tap for draft lovers. Friendly bartenders will mix all your favorite cocktails as well.

The focus on design carries into all of the dining venues at Secrets Silversands. This is the entry to Himitsu Japanese restaurant. This is one of seven unique dining options, and features hibachi cooking at tableside and sushi.

Even the spa makes a bold modern statement. We all loved the glass feature framing the waiting area in the spa lobby. Colors were striking and the effect was very cool.

I think this is a great place to sit down for a pedicure, don’t you? These treatment cabanas were scattered around a water feature and the hydrotherapy pool.

A very nice venue for a couples massage in the open-air spa garden. I could really use a good massage right now. I may have to splurge in LA this weekend.

Thoughtful thatched roof walkways connect many of the main buildings letting guests avoid the tropical sun.

The rooms feature a lighting effect of their own in this cool room divider. The suites at Secrets Silversands are spacious and open as are all of the Amresort properties. Here, the furnishings have a more contemporary look. Simple elemental blacks and whites are accented with bold and bright colors.

I liked the bedside lamps, and many other details at the “cool” Secrets.

We all loved this peek-a-boo building. This infinity pool goes through the building and leads the eye to the Caribbean sea beyond. I am more of an ocean view kinda guy, but I think these garden suites offer a really awesome alternative. Step outside and sit by a pool with the sea beyond.

So if everybody on my trip loved this resort, what was my problem? It sure is not the look of the place! I think it was very cool, and they went for South Beach on the Riviera Maya and pulled it off. I liked the layout of the resort with a main pool and several snaking narrow pools for each wing of rooms. It surely is not the dining and entertainment options, as this resorts main lobby bar is the gathering spot of choice. Don’t get me wrong, I liked Secrets Silversands, a lot! I would stay there any time. It just was not my favorite for one reason: it fronts a mostly rocky beach. There is fine white sand on the beach proper, but the shallow water has many rocks with the exception of one are which is on the left of the above picture.

Now if I did stay here despite my preference for powder sugar sand beaches that are easy to step in and swim in, I would surely bring my mask and fins. The upside of rocky shores is fish and other sea creatures are found in abundance. For casual snorkeling this is a prime location! This is the view from the pool side bar and restaurant where we had lunch. As you can see from this photo, there are other resorts fairly close to Secrets Silversands. This is my other slight objection to this property. The other two Secrets, Maroma Beach and Capri, offer a more private and secluded setting.

I think this was a very creative and attractive way to serve a Caesar Salad.

Unique to this resort was the chef’s homemade icecream. As lovely as it looks, it tasted even better!

The blue and inviting waters of the main pool, looking back at the dining venue.

One of my fellow agents was a honeymoon and destination wedding specialist. When she saw this ultra-modern take on the wedding gazebo, she said “Wow! This is perfect!” On this point we were in complete agreement. What a striking setting for a wedding. Picture the lovely bride in white and colorful flowers framing it all. Secrets, Dreams and Zoetry do a great job hosting destination weddings. Each resort has a unique venue for weddings. This one was the most unique of all.

As you will see in my future blog on Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, we were hosted on a sunset sailing trip. We passed by Secrets Silversands as the sun’s fading light turned the sky orange and pink. It even looks cool from a distance.

This resort is perfect for lovers of the modern, design buffs, younger couples, girlfriend getaways, and all those who prefer style. Maybe not the best choice for those who must have a soft sand sea bottom, or a secluded jungle setting.

Rosewood Mayakoba

On my FAM trip schedule I noticed that the last morning was “free time.” My partner also noticed this and started making a list of other luxury resorts in the area she wanted me to visit for site inspections. A long list! I told her to pick one and I would pick one. My first choice was the Rosewood Mayakoba. I happened to have a client coming to this resort this summer.  I decided to go see the property for myself, and do some friendly schmoozing on my client’s behalf. My associate asked me to visit Maroma which is another Virtuoso property of interest in the area. Did I mention that the other FAM agents received a free spa treatment at the Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita while I was off touring extra resorts? Well they did, but I have no regrets (even though I really could have used a massage by that point) because I saw two wonderful resorts.

Boutique Unique!

From the grand entry gate through the verdant jungle road leading in, arriving at the Rosewood Mayakoba is eye opening. The Mayakoba development has taken steps to insure the natural wonder it is built within is the major attraction. This is the most unique environment for a resort development I have seen on the Riviera Maya.

Everything about the Rosewood Mayakoba makes a statement about design and about place. Although modern in it’s creature comforts the unique layout of the resort constantly salutes it’s environment. And what an interesting environment!

This water feature greats you at the main entrance to the lobby and restaurant. Water, water everywhere and plenty to drink as well if you so choose. That is a win-win!

The lobby itself is modern, artful and open to the wonderful green environment and to the natural fresh water “cenote” that is the central attraction. Much of the resort is connected by and connected to this natural wonder.

The state of the art spa is reached by foot path, “carrito” or golf cart, or by electric boat via the cenote. "Sense, a Rosewood Spa" is 17,000 feet of luxurious pampering on it’s own private island. There are 12 lagoon side treatment rooms for those who want to be immersed in nature while they enjoy a treatment. The buildings are striking geometric design in a soothing white accented by red woods. All are offset from one another and oriented to the clear fresh water of the cenote.

Nature is the focal point of the Rosewood Mayakoba and the dramatic spa lobby draws the eye to the pool and jungle beyond. Speaking of pools the spa pool is one of three. The main pool is also lovely and is near the lobby building which is the center of things. The third pool will be revealed below (it is my favorite).

All clean lines and subtle hues, the spa is outfitted with every creature comfort and amenity. I only wish I could have stayed for a treatment!

All of the 128 luxury suites at the Rosewood Mayakoba are spacious. This is the “Lagoon Suite” which is 800 square feet , with additional outdoor space including a wooden deck and plunge pool. Not bad for the entry level suite,eh?

I love the red wood highlights and furnishings. Again, this is the king bed “Lagoon Suite.”

Even the bath invites the outdoors in. Each bath opens to a private garden and includes an outdoor shower. I love bathing in a garden don’t you? Nature is the star at the Rosewood Mayakoba.

Did I mention that every suite has a roof-top deck? I am a big fan of a deck with a view. They artfully combine privacy nooks with an open feeling and a stunning view of the incredible setting around you.

Each suite has a private plunge pool that is open to the wonders of nature. Most overlook the cenote. Isn’t that inviting? I regret I didn’t have my swim suit, nor the time to settle in and take a dip on my brief site inspection!

At the Rosewood Mayakoba, you arrive and are taken directly to your private dock by electric boat for in-room check in.  What a great way to start a stay!

When you arrive at your luxurious suite, my good friend Don Julio is there to greet you! Compliments of the Rosewood Mayakoba. This makes for a rather interesting welcome amenity IMHO.

Perhaps the most dramatic suites are the “Deluxe Overwater Suites” which surround you with the fresh clear waters of the cenote. Water and nature are out every window and surround all of the outdoor spaces of your suite. Way cool!

Oh never mind! As nice as the overwater thing is, the beach? Nicer! This picture doesn’t do justice to the colors of the Caribbean Sea at the Rosewood Mayakoba. These suites rock!

Hmmm…plunge pool, or sea, plunge pool or sea? Such dilemmas face the poor soul who has to stay in one of these beach front suites! Or perhaps just lounging in your chaise with our good friend Don Julio?

It is a rough life isn’t it? The water here is absolutely delicious and here I was dressed nice for a meeting! I really want to go back with my swimsuit, fins, mask and snorkel! But don’t cry for me Riviera Maya, I had a great morning doing site inspections on the lovely Caribbean Sea even if I did miss a free spa treatment!

For those staying on the cozy Cenote, Rosewood provides carrito shuttle service to and from the beach. All one has to do is step outside one’s suite and a carrito will be by within ten minutes to whisk you to the beach club. Food and drinks are served all day beachfront. There is indoor and outdoor seating available. I’ll take the table by the sea thank you very much.

You can also rent a private cabana poolside for a shady retreat or some snuggling with your sweetie. This place has a very nice pool set up.

There are also some beachfront chaise lounges (which were quite comfy by the way) some shaded by chic and stylish black and white umbrellas.

I took over 1000 pictures in four days on my FAM trip. This was my favorite. I liked it so much it became the header image for tomtravel2.com! My photo instructor gave me an props for this one. I then asked her if she would be so kind as to crop it for my header image. She is so nice! Check out her photography, especially if you love horses and other animals. She specializes in equine photography and pet photography. She also gives great lessons for travel photography. It sure made my pictures improve! Click on the thumbnail image below to open a slideshow of all my pictures from my visit to Rosewood Mayakoba Resort: