Prepare yourself for a luxurious time at Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa. This 213-room hotel was built six years ago, and has a premier location of being directly on a beautiful white sandy beach, with a crystalline ocean the color of precious tourmaline.
Longing for warm weather, Edward F. Nesta and I went to Cancun in May 2005, and stayed at Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa. Being an avid beach lover, the hotel appealed to me with its beach location, 3-negative edge swimming pools each with a different temperature, one of which has a Jacuzzi, its 15,000 sq. foot full-service European spa, Spa del Mar which features Elemis products, large Fitness Center featuring Life Fitness equipment and staffed by a Personal Trainer, mirrored classroom and a wide variety of classes including Pilates, Yoga, Step, Spinning, and 2 lighted tennis courts. Combined with its prime location close to upscale and luxury shopping, marinas, and golf courses, it provided a perfect retreat.
What immediately impressed me with the hotel, besides the warm reception at check-in by Mr. Al Behar and Ms. Marcela Guisa, and a refreshing welcome glass of juice, was the circular tiled reception area with a rustic circular Mexican antique table adorned with a large exotic floral arrangement, that captured the Mexican spirit. The hotel is all about curves and flowing lines, and even our room was not square. The hotel’s flowing lines reminded me of endless possibilities.
Our large King-bedded room had a private balcony, which overlooked the Caribbean Sea that was perfect for sitting and reading the complimentary morning newspaper that was delivered to our room. The room was well appointed with a large armoire that discretely held a large 25-inch RCA television, coffeemaker and mini-bar. There was a Sony clock radio and telephone on the nightstand, and another telephone on the desk equipped with High-Speed Internet. The closet had a large safe, iron and ironing board, and Chelsea Collection robes and slippers. There was a loveseat and comfortable chair as well as a round table where we found a welcome note, bottles of water and a lovely fruit basket. Contributing to the Mexican ambience was a wrought iron mirror over the desk, wrought iron lamps and limited edition prints on the walls. Each evening we looked forward to turndown service, where we would find sweet treats to enjoy before bedtime.
The large marble bathroom had fresh flowers, a walk-in shower, as well as a combination shower and tub, separate enclosed lavatory, luxurious suite of Hermes as well as Le Meridien branded amenities, hairdryer, scale, make-up mirror, thick Turkish towels, stool, and a telephone. International travelers will appreciate the dual 110/120 voltages.
Breakfast in the Aïoli Restaurant was an affair to remember with its abundant buffet of international and traditional Mexican favorites including Huevos Benedict, Tamales de pollo, (chicken tamales), Empanadas da pollo (chicken pastries), refried beans, omelets and eggs cooked to order, French toast, smoked salmon, bacon, sausages, roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, cheeses, cereals, yogurts, assorted juices, a large round table laden with freshly baked breads and pastries, and even a table where you could make your own Blood Mary’s, for those that like an eye-opener to start their day. In the evening, the restaurant transforms itself into an elegant romantic setting with live music.
In addition to the Aïoli Restaurant we also tried their poolside restaurant, St. Trop, where we enjoyed light lunches and Margaritas overlooking the beach. It was the perfect spot to watch the parasailing, jet skiers or just relax and watch the waves. In the evening, there was live jazz music in their lobby bar, Le Rendez-Vous Bar.
We found that traveling without a laptop was not a problem, as the hotel has a well-equipped convenient Business Center that we used throughout our stay. There are also shops in the hotel where you can purchase anything from sundry items to a special jewelry “souvenir”, and even a hair salon to keep guests looking their best. The Concierge staff is outstanding, especially Ms. Viridiana Davilla and Ms. Ariadna Humphrey who assisted us throughout our stay. Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa really knows how to pamper their guests!
You may also enjoy our other articles on Cancun in the Destinations, Restaurants, Chefs' Recipes, Liquor Cabinet, Travel News, Spas and Events sections.
For additional information on Cancun, please visit the Cancun Convention & Visitors Bureau.
