At the Paradisus Playa del Carmen, the divide was clear: On one side, a guest on nearly every barstool and couples canoodling beneath the thatched roofs of poolside cabanas. On the other, strollers. Lots of strollers.
On a recent Riviera Maya press trip sponsored by Melia Hotels' luxury all-inclusive brand, I stayed at both the Paradisus Cancun and Paradisus Playa del Carmen. But the argument could be made that the experience was more like four resorts.
Paradisus Playa del Carmen
Given its layout, that was particularly true of the Paradisus Playa del Carmen, which Paradisus lists as two resorts. In fact, cab drivers make it a point to ask which side guests are staying on: the adults-only, 394-room La Perla or the all-ages, 510-room La Esmeralda. My accommodations were on the Perla side, which is farther from the main entrance than Esmeralda's rooms.
That distance from the property's family-friendly section perhaps helped ensure a bit more daytime tranquility during my stay (and in the wee hours, I overheard only the occasional grown-up rowdiness). My junior suite in the upper-category Royal Service section of the property featured amenities such as a private terrace with whirlpool tub (swim-up suites are available on the ground floor); a marble bathroom with both rainfall and handheld showerheads and a bathtub; and a minibar well-stocked with soda, beer, water and snacks.
Guests in the Royal Service rooms enjoy a number of perks, including higher priority for restaurant reservations and concierge service at exclusive pool and beach areas.
And although Paradisus' Royal Service is for guests of its adults-only accommodations, the royal treatment is also in evidence for guests of Family Concierge rooms, who enjoy perks such as cookies-and-milk turndown service, a beach kit for kids and other family-friendly amenities. A special Family Concierge reception area sets the tone, offering refreshments such as juice boxes and pastries for kids and coffee and top-shelf liquors for adults.
A junior suite at La Perla, the adults-only section of the Paradisus Playa del Carmen.
Midway between the Perla and Esmeralda sides is the Zocalo, where the resort's shared facilities are located, including the reception areas, the YHI Spa and most of its 14 restaurants.
Dining options include Asian (at Bana), Latin (Fuego) and Mexican (Mole) as well as two buffets (Naos, Hadar). In addition, each side of the resort offers poolside eateries (La Palapa on the Perla side, Hydro Grill for Esmeralda).
One dining highlight was Passion, a AAA Four Diamond restaurant overseen by Spanish chef Martin Berasategui. It offered a sophisticated tasting menu with wine pairings and elaborate, choreographed wait service.
That elevated level of service no doubt plays into the property's brisk weddings business, with more than 200 ceremonies taking place on site each year. We toured the Paradisus Playa del Carmen's bridal suite, where the bride and her party can relax and prepare before the ceremony. It offers ample lounging space and an adjacent area where on-site stylists can attend to hair and makeup.
Couples can choose from a number of set wedding plans or opt for the Tailor Made package, with options in regard to lighting, floral arrangements, meals (a buffet or three-course dinner) and more.
That customization is part of Paradisus' overall branding strategy and new tagline for this year, "Where You Want to Be." In February the brand unveiled a new logo, and the year ahead will bring changes to the Paradisus website and "ongoing enhancements to the Paradisus brand and guest experience," according to a statement from the company.
Paradisus Cancun
Some of those changes will soon be in evidence at the Paradisus Cancun, where "rooms will experience a change in design, look and feel," according to the company. The property is set to refresh 130 of its Royal Service rooms, which could be completed as early as September.
The Royal Service rooms occupy one of five pyramidal sections of the 688-room property, which apart from layout shares much in common with the Playa del Carmen resort, such as a tennis court, the YHI Spa (which, unique to the Cancun property, includes an area for kids), wedding facilities and a Berasategui restaurant (Tempo).
Rates at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla begin at about $265 per night; Royal Service rates begin at about $295.
Through May, rates at the Paradisus Cancun begin at $342; Family Concierge rates start at $426, and Royal Service rates start at $483.
For bookings made through May 30, for stays May 1 through Dec. 22, up to two kids stay free at Paradisus Cancun or in Family Concierge rooms at Playa del Carmen. See www.paradisus.com.