Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico – Reported by Elite Traveler, the Private Jet Lifestyle Magazine
Do as the Mayan Do and head south of the border, where award-winning Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort, a luxurious boutique property that occupies a half-mile of a private, white-sand beach at the edge of sleepy Puerto Morelos, indulges visitors with the finest in amenities, accommodations, and aesthetics, while providing them with an ideally positioned gateway into pre-Hispanic Mexico.
Mayan inspired in its character and appointments, intimate Ceiba del Mar is situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya, located on the sunny shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, which is known for its jewel-toned seas and lush tropics. From this coveted address guests of the resort enjoy the ultimate proximity to the best of ancient Mesoamerican culture, in addition to first-rate hospitality, luxury accommodation, comprehensive amenities, and venues for indulgence that include the wellness aromatherapy Spa at Ceiba
del Mar and two fine dining restaurants. Combined these attributes rejuvenate and inspire guests to discover and experience the region¹s cultural influences, which include:
Crossing the jungle: Zip-line high above tropical rainforest, where Maya societies built a great civilization that flourished for centuries. The resort¹s Adventure Discovery Experience offers thrill-seekers a one-day
zip-lining expedition and two relaxing massages with 10% off additional spa treatments (other adventures also available).
Discover a Maya city: Tour archeological ruins of walled Maya cities that made up a mighty Mesoamerican power. The resort¹s Mayan Heritage Experience includes a full day of expeditions to the ruins of either Tulum or Chichen Itza, group transportation, snacks and beverages; entrance fees to archeological zones; bilingual guide service, and two Foot Reflexology Treatments with 10% off all additional spa treatments.
Go treasure hunting: The Maya used jade, feathers, and shells to make elaborate ceremonial adornments worn in rituals and warfare. Catch a cab to neighboring Playa del Carmen, where small shops offer unique curios, such as decorative Mexican ceramics with Mesoamerican motifs, shell jewelry, and
Mayan chocolate.
Hold court with warriors: Those who book an Xcaret Plus Experience through the resort will receive admission for two of the Xcaret cultural theme park; private round-trip transportation; one buffet meal with two lemonades; beverage/food coupons; snorkeling equipment and use of locker room facilities; 10% off both aquatic activities and entrance to ³Xcaret Mexico Espectacular,² a show-stopper that includes a simulation of a ritual Maya Ball Game, which in ancient times was often played to the death.
Indulge indigenously: Inspired by ancient Mayan custom, the resort¹s Temazcal Ceremony, a spa purification treatment, takes place at sunset inside terra-cotta sweat lodge on the beach. Led by a spiritual healer, it begins with a seaside chant, an ancestral sounding of a conch shell, and an offering of flowers to the four corners of the earth; it concludes with the reading of hot volcanic stones and an infusion of steam-inducing aromatic herbs that help detoxify and purify the mind, body and spirit. The TopŒNikte Massage and Mayan Goddess Scrub are relaxing spa counterparts to this modern-day version of an ancient Maya cleansing rite.
Guests of Ceiba del Mar receive a welcome champagne cocktail and personal escort to one of 88 spacious suites and deluxe rooms, seven of which are penthouses, each with a breathtaking ocean view and the following amenities:
€ A balcony or terrace and hammock;
€ Expansive sitting areas;
€ A full bathroom with a shower and separate bathtub;
€ Organic Bath products;
€ Local wood accents and handcrafted furnishings;
€ Complimentary wireless Internet;
€ Twice daily housekeeping service;
€ 300 thread-count Premium Cotton linens and pillow menu;
€ Complimentary in-room morning coffee daily;
€ Nightly turndown service with Mexican handcrafted gift;
€ International cable TV and DVD/CD player;
€ 24-hour room service; and
€ Personalized mini-bar service upon request at an extra cost.