On the southern shore of the Yucatan, stunning city suites and tranquil seaside villas blend with local Mayan heritage to a create a contrast of old and new as authentic as it is opulent.
Riviera Maya
Rosewood Mayakoba
Casa Laguna
Key selling points | The most dramatic stay in Quintana Roo, Casa Laguna unfolds across three amenity-rich over-water levels. A terrace plunge pool and private boat dock reinforce the Casa’s supremacy, but it’s the livability indoor and out that will have you booking a return trip at checkout.
Standout service | The butler noticed a guest who was battling cancer watching the sunrise. She said her dream was to view the sun come up outdoors so the butler and her husband set chairs on the beach and carried her out to watch.
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Style | Modern design with local wood and stone accents, by Jose Manuel Martinez, 2013
Special amenities | Media room with 70-inch TV, full kitchen, Viking appliances, staff of five with culinary team and butler
Square footage | 9,400, including 3,000 square feet of outdoor space
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Number of bedrooms in suite | Three
Number of bathrooms | Three
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 130 suites
Who’s slept here? | Sofia Vergara, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Gwyneth Paltrow have stayed at the hotel.
Nightly rate | From $12,000
Location | Carretera Federal Cancun-Playa del Carmen Km. 298, Solidaridad
Contact | Regional Vice President and Managing Director Graeme Davis, 52-984-875-8000;
graeme.davis@rosewoodhotels.com; www.rosewoodhotels.
Fairmont Mayakoba
El Camaleón
Key selling points | Perfect for fans of beaches and birdies alike, this oceanfront presidential offers a mesmerizing mix of greens and blues with views of El Camaleón Golf Course and the Caribbean Sea from the expansive living room and deck. A spa-inspired master bath and private infinity pool round out this enchanting equation.
Standout service | When a guest who required a service dog mentioned that they would be returning to the resort, the concierge personalized the dog’s mat and bowl. The pooch has been using the gifts on every visit since.
Style | Modern style with Mexican hacienda accents, by The Fairmont Design Division, 2006
Special amenities | Mascioni linens, 50-inch flat-screen LED HD TV in the living room, Bose sound system, Le Labo bath amenities, Rose 31 aromas, private beach palapa
Square footage | 2,205, including 830 square feet of outdoor space
Number of bedrooms in suite | Two
Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 401, including 45 suites
Who’s slept here? | Pamela Anderson, Greg Norman
Nightly rate | $5,000
Location | Carretera Federal Cancun-Playa del Carmen Km. 298, Riviera Maya
Contact | General Manager Ian Robinson, 52-984-206-3000; myk.ianrobinsongm@fairmont.com; www.fairmont.com
Zoëtry Paraiso de la Bonita
Presidential Suite Ocean Front
Key selling points | Just minutes from Cancun, this sumptuous suite comes loaded with everything from a terrace plunge pool to a private dining room for 10, making it the perfect stay for any jungle junket.
Standout service | For a guest who wanted to propose to his girlfriend during their vacation, the concierge set up a photo shoot on the beach and arranged for a scuba diver. While the couple was in the session, the diver appeared from the sea to present the ring.
Style | Seaside luxe with handcrafted art and sculptures,
by architect and owner Carlos Gosselin, 2002
Special amenities | Bulgari bath amenities, marble bathtubs for two in each bathroom, 36-inch satellite TV, aromatherapy pillow and linen scents, Nespresso machine, welcome bottle of tequila, private entrance
Square footage | 3,000
Number of bedrooms in suite | Two
Number of bathrooms | Two
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 90 suites
Who’s slept here? | Malin Akerman, Heidi Klum, Giorgio Armani, Dustin Hoffman, Raquel Welch, Kerry Washington
Nightly rate | $4,197
Location | Carretera Chetumal-Cancun Km. 328 Bahia
Petempich, Puerto Morelos
Contact | General Manager Valter Espinoza, 52-998-872-83-00; vespinoza@zoetryresorts.com; www.zoetryresorts.com/paraiso
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Three Bedroom Oceanfront Pool Villa
Key selling points | With a private plunge pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, and direct beach access, this mangrove-ensconced villa offers aquatic luxe in every imaginable form. Of course, there is plenty more to do once you dry off and discover the second-story roof deck and poolside dining area.
Standout service | For a guest who wanted to spontaneously marry his girlfriend while on-property, the hotel coordinated a romantic evening aboard the Ixchel—the resort’s unique dining boat. When the boat anchored on a private area of the beach, the couple enjoyed a Mayan wedding ceremony.
Style | Traditional Mayan décor, by Architrave, 2009
Special amenities | 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, two 40-inch Samsung LCD TVs, Banyan Tree Gallery bath amenities, shower with steam room function, walk-in closet, outdoor hammock
Square footage | 2,755
Number of bedrooms in suite | Three
Number of bathrooms | Three
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 107 villas
Who’s slept here? | Artists, painters, models, directors, singers, and other international celebs
Nightly rate | $2,459
Location | Carretera Federal Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Km. 298, Playa del Carmen
Contact| General Manager Carlos Abaunza, 52-984-877-3688; mayakoba@banyantree.com; www.banyantree.com
El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, by Karisma
Beachfront Villa
Key selling points | El Dorado Maroma’s premier villa offers opulence both inside and out thanks to a flowing duplex layout, a Caribbean-facing Jacuzzi in the master bathroom, and a private terrace with a secluded plunge pool. If that’s not enough, private beach access to one of the best strips of white sand in Riviera Maya should help to clearly set this beachfront outpost apart from the rest.
Standout service | While visiting, a young couple saw aerial photographs of the Riviera Maya and they were amazed by the beautiful colors. The man decided to surprise his girlfriend with a unique proposal so their butler worked swiftly to reserve a helicopter, upon which the guest proposed while watching the vibrant colors of the Riviera Maya sunset over Maroma Beach.
Style | Contemporary design with Mexican decor, by Susana López Ortega and Pineda Covalin, 2011
Special amenities | 42-inch LG flat-screen TV with DVD/Blu-ray player, Bulgari bath amenities, Lavazza espresso machine, aromatherapy and pillow menu, welcome cocktail, in-villa wine and tequila tastings, full kitchen, complimentary airport transfers
Square footage | 2,760
Number of bedrooms in suite | One
Number of bathrooms | Two
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 98 rooms, suites, and villas
Who’s slept here? | Supermodel Brooke Burke, French singer and actor David Charvet
Nightly rate | From $2,374
Location | Carretera Cancún – Tulúm, Km 55.3, Riviera Maya
Contact | General Manager Ignacio Lázaro, 52-984-206-3470; gm@eldoradomaroma.com; www.karismahotels.com
Esencia Estate
Cottage
Key selling points | Set amid Esencia Estate’s serene sprawl, this outpost, thanks to its spacious two-floor spread, boasts ideal accommodations for those traveling in large groups. A private swimming pool, visible from the palapa-ceiling master bedroom, however, glimmers at its heart, asking one to forget all that they came with, if only for a minute or two.
Standout services | The staff endeavors to provide all guests with an authentic and attentive experience, introducing them to Mayan culture via delicious food and local traditions while also catering to personal needs, such as moving chairs to a balcony prior the arrival of guests who like to read outdoors.
Style | Understated elegance, by Prohotel International, 2012
Special amenities | PM Linos 600-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, Molton Brown bath amenities, 60-inch LCD TV and Nintendo Wii, private chef service, fresh fruit replenished daily, turndown aroma scents, complimentary wet bar
Square footage | 1,102
Number of bedrooms in suite | Two
Number of bathrooms | Two
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 29, including 24 suites
Who’s slept here? | Supermodels, actors, and actresses
Nightly rate | From $2,265
Location | Carretera Cancún-Tulum Km. 265, Xpu Há
Contact | General Manager Philip Vidal, 52-984-873-4830; pvidal@hotelesencia.com; www.hotelesencia.com
Maroma Resort and Spa
Oceanfront One-Bedroom Suite Sian Nah
Key selling points | Maroma Resort and Spa’s Oceanfront One-Bedroom Suite Sian Nah lives up to its namesake, “house of heaven,” in Mayan, with glistening ocean views, a private spa palapa, and an array of local products helping to make this haven one of the most authentic in Riviera Maya.
Standout service | For a guest planning to propose to his girlfriend, the hotel team organized a sunset beach walk where the couple found a bottle with a note reading, “Go to the highest point of the hotel.” When the couple arrived, they found “Will you marry me?” scrawled into the sand below.
Style | Authentic Mayan, by Mike Scott of DSA Architects International, 2006
Special amenities | T-Y Group 300-thread-count linens, handmade Yucatan Herbal bath amenities, locally woven caftan and sandals, nightly turndown with aromatherapy, master bath Jacuzzi, private outdoor plunge pool
Square footage | 1,916
Number of bedrooms in suite | One
Number of bathrooms | One
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 63, including 33 suites
Who’s slept here? | Justin Timberlake, Michelle Williams, Robert Redford, Tom Cruise, Pink, and Fergie
Nightly rate | $1,945
Location | Highway 307 Km 51, Riviera Maya
Contact | General Manager Federico Echaiz, 52-998-872-8239; managingdirector@maromahotel.com; www.maromahotel.com
Viceroy Riviera Maya
Beachfront Villa
Key selling points | Perched where jungle and Caribbean collide, this ultra-secluded spot is perfect for privacy-seeking VIPs, offering out-the-front-door sand access, a heated private plunge pool, and intuitive touches, like sliding doors that turn the master bedroom into an open-air lounge.
Standout service | During a property tour, a couple was told about the spa’s “Xaman Ek” fertility treatment and the potency of the on-site soaps. The couple then booked the treatment and requested the “rose petals soap.”
Style | Contemporary beach casual, by GVA and Marisabel Gómez Vázquez of Arquitectura de Interiores, 2012
Special amenities | Neil George bath amenities, Italian linen bathrobes and slippers, 500-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, Bose radio, butler service, Nespresso machine
Square footage | 1,700
Number of bedrooms in suite | One
Number of bathrooms | One
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 41 villas
Who’s slept here | Actress Selma Blair and other top celebrities
Nightly rate | From $1,405
Location | Playa Xcalacoco Frac 7, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya
Contact | General Manager Pedro Lara, 52-984-877-3004; pedro.lara@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com;
www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
Grand Velas Riviera Maya: Grand Class Presidential Suite
Key selling points | A luxurious retreat in the adults-only (over 12 years old) Grand Class ambiance, this marvelous 2793 sq. ft., two-bedroom Presidential Suite features unique imported furniture, exquisite Mexican artwork, and a gorgeous private pool on the terrace with an impressive view of the Caribbean.
Standout service | A 24 hour butler service, poolside butler service, VIP transportation to/from the airport and a 50-minute massage per person per day within your suite
Special amenities | An outdoor shower and indoor Jacuzzi make your stay refreshing. This luxurious two-bedroom suite entertains with the latest technology, from iPod docks to 42″ TVs, and features a spacious living room, dining area for eight and a stocked bar with the selections from our wine cellar.
Suite Square Feet | 2,793
Terrace Square footage | 1,003
Contact | Reservations, +52 322 226 8689;
reservations@velasresorts.com; www.rivieramaya.grandvelas.com
Ritz-Carlton Cancun
The Ritz-Carlton Presidential Suite
Key selling points | A slice of regality in bustling Cancun, this top-floor treat is the perfect place to hold court for the weekend. Boasting ocean views from the balcony Jacuzzi, the property’s signature stay is just as stunning indoors, where a grand piano and dining for eight promise to entertain.
Standout service | The hotel’s club concierge arranged soccer training for the son of a guest during their stay. The concierge then offered the boy a signed jersey and the option to play in the final game of a tournament as part of the team.
Style | Clean and classic with punches of color, by in-house design team, 2006
Special amenities | Master bath with Jacuzzi, Asprey bath amenities, full kitchen with private butler entrance, Ritz-Carlton Club Level access, including personal concierge and culinary options throughout the day
Square footage | 2,460
Number of bedrooms in suite | One
Number of bathrooms | One and one half-bath
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 363 rooms, including 48 suites
Who’s slept here? | Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Adam Sandler, and Daniel Craig have stayed in the suite.
Nightly rate | $6,200
Location | Retorno del Rey #36, Zona Hotelera, Cancún
Contact | General Manager Hugo Lecanda, 52-998-881-0808; hugo.lecanda@ritzcarlton.com; www.ritzcarlton.com
NIZUC Resort and Spa
Presidential Suite
Key selling points | On the southern elbow of Punta Nizuc, this brand-new beach haven is one of the region’s most serene, boasting outdoor amenities like a private solarium, terrace, and infinity plunge pool. High ceilings and locally inspired stone and wood artwork ensure that this suite shines even when you need to get out of the sun.
Standout service | Nizuc’s attentive team of butlers offer everything from on-demand transportation around the property to attentive pool-side service, including ever-important cocktail recommendations at the swim-up bar.
Style | Modern Mayan design, by Alejandro Escudero, 2013
Special amenities | Corinelli Egyptian cotton linens, 50-inch LG flat-screen TV, IP Avaya phone, iPod dock, Nespresso machine, L’Occitane bath amenities, outdoor shower, in-suite private dinners
Square footage | 5,550, including 2,280 square feet of
outdoor space
Number of bedrooms in suite | Two
Number of bathrooms | Two
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 274 villas and suites
Who’s slept here | Celebrities, musicians, politicians, and royalty
Nightly rate | $4,550
Location | Boulevard Kukulcan Km. 21 + 260, Cancún
Contact | General Manager Louis Daniel, 52-984-877-3004; louis.daniel@brisas.com.mx; www.nizuc.com
Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancún Resort & Spa
Presidential Suite
Key selling points | One of the largest suites on Punta Cancún, this expansive presidential offers everything in twos: Two levels, two bedrooms, and two terraces. Despite boasting a dedicated private study, an open, airy layout encourages relaxation, as do enchanting views of both the Caribbean and Nichupté Lagoon.
Standout service | When a pool concierge learned that it was a guest’s birthday, he presented the guest with a cake and arranged for the staff to sing him the traditional Mexican birthday song.
Style | Casual luxury, by in-house design team, 2013
Special amenities | 300-thread-count Thai Group linens, hidden 60-inch Sharp flat-screen TV, Bose audio system with iPod dock, Somma bath amenities, local paintings and sculptures, dining table for eight
Square footage | 5,410
Number of bedrooms in suite | Two
Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 602 suites
Who’s slept here? | Mexican presidents, an Emirati prince, world ambassadors, and Mexican music stars
Nightly rate | From $2,500
Location | Boulevard Kukulcán Km 9.5, Lote 6 Zona Hotelera, Cancún
Contact | General Manager Alberto Gurrola, 52-998-881-3200; alberto.gurrola@posadas.com; www.fiestamericanagrand.com
JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa
Presidential Suite
Key selling points | This top-floor perch is the favorite of visiting royalty for a reason: Ample living space, including a wet bar, makes it perfect for cocktail soirees while express check-in/check-out take security concerns off the table. No matter how busy the schedule, a balcony with sea views ensures that personal time remains paramount.
Standout service | A son of a family staying at the hotel was planning to see his favorite soccer team while in town but wasn’t able to get tickets. The concierge heard about this and, after he finished his shift, went to the local sports store, bought an authentic team jersey, printed the boy’s name on it, and presented it to the young guest.
Style | Modern design, by Arte y Decoración, 2006
Special amenities | Signature Marriott Revive bedding, Aromatherapy Associates toiletries, 32-inch flat-screen LCD TV, iPod docking station, walk-in closet, full kitchen with service entrance
Square footage | 2,947
Number of bedrooms in suite | One
Number of bathrooms | One and one half-bath
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 448, including 74 suites
Who’s slept here? | Celebrities, royalty, and other VIPs
Nightly rate | $2,999
Location | Boulevard Kukulcán Km 14.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún
Contact | General Manager Christopher Calabrese,
52-998-848-9603; christopher.calabrese@marriott.com;
Live Aqua Cancun
Presidental Suite Sol
Key selling points | One half of Live Aqua Cancun’s amazing presidential pair, the Presidential Suite Sol, thanks to its sun-splashed terrace and centerpiece island bar, is perfect for entertaining. When you need some alone time, however, the outdoor Jacuzzi and master bath whirlpool are sure to satisfy your every desire as the Caribbean laps gently below.
Standout service | The ultra-exclusive Aqua Club offers a true VIP experience, with private check-in, a dedicated pool, and complimentary spirits throughout the day.
Style | Modern and minimal, by Francisco Hanhausen, 2007
Special amenities | 32-inch flat-screen Samsung TVs, iHome alarm clock system, signature Somma Wine spa products, fresh fruit bowl replenished daily, welcome hand massage
Square footage | 3,550
Number of bedrooms in suite | Two
Number of bathrooms | Two and one half-bath
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 371, including 36 suites
Who’s slept here? | Paris Hilton, David Guetta, DJ Tiesto, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Michael Phelps, and other VIPs
Nightly rate | From $2,500
Location | Boulevard Kukulcán Km 12.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún
Contact | General Manager Alfredo Santamaria,
52-998-881-7600; alfredo.santamaria@posadas.com;
Le Blanc Spa Resort
Royale Presidential Suite
Key selling points | This haven sits on the ninth floor of one the best spa resorts in Cancun, soothing with Caribbean views from a pair of balconies boasting a stunning al fresco whirlpool. Indoors, modern décor blooms from a king bed-outfitted master bedroom that is sure to tempt you to stay in and unwind even as Cancun’s nightlife unfolds around you.
Standout service | After a guest checked out, she realized she left her engagement ring in the room’s safe. She called the hotel from the airport and, before her plane departed,
the butler found the ring and brought it to the airport for her.
Style | Modern luxury, by Marbol, 2012
Special amenities | Bulgari bath amenities, Jacuzzi bubble bath service, selection of pillows and aromas from Le Blanc’s Comfort Menu, Nespresso machine, welcome bottle of wine, hidden pull-out mini-bar, private check-in, butler service
Square footage | 1,076
Number of bedrooms in suite | One
Number of bathrooms | One and one half-bath
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 260, including 13 suites
Who’s slept here? | Shakira and other top celebrities
Nightly rate | From $573
Location | Boulevard Kukulcán Km 10, Zona Hotelera, Cancún
Contact | General Manager Andreas Schmidt,
(305) 774-0040; aschmidt@leblancsparesort.com;
Hard Rock Hotel Cancun
Rock Star Suite
Key selling points | Whether you’re an aspiring rock star or Mick Jagger himself, this party-centric presidential will feel just like home. Audiophiles will enjoy the available gear—amps, guitars, mixers, and more—while the disco-inspired duplex terrace is sure to thrill guests (or perhaps fans) once the headphones come off and stage lights come on.
Standout service | The hotel arranged a surprise 40th birthday party for a guest, complete with a mariachi band and themed cocktails.
Style | Rock n’ roll opulence, by 555 International, 2011
Special amenities | Two 42-inch TVs with Surround Air Track 3D equipment, HD audio/video system with Blu-ray player, XBOX 360 Kinect, and 58-inch plasma-screen TV, Elton John and Sting memorabilia, 70s-style bathtub in connecting Queen’s Room.
Square footage | 1,100, plus 1,411 square feet of outdoor space
Number of bedrooms in suite | One
Number of bathrooms | One
Number of rooms and suites in hotel | 601, including 24 suites
Who’s slept here? | Wilmer Valderrama, Rumor Willis, Jayde Nicole, Flo-Rida, and the Goo Goo Dolls
Nightly rate | From $5,000
Location | Boulevard Kukulcán Km 14.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún
Contact | General Manager Enrique Paz, 52-998-881-3600; epaz@hrhaic.com; www.hrhcancun.com
