In Cancun, Ritz-Carlton steadfastly sophisticated

The Ritz-Carlton in Cancun stands out on this famous strip of white sand and turquoise water for several reasons.

For one, it's one of only four AAA Five Diamond properties in Cancun, a resort area that was long known as a popular spring break destination rather than an upscale vacation option.

But most notable is that the Ritz-Carlton, Cancun is not an all-inclusive property, making it one of only a handful of resorts here, and one of just two Five Diamond ones, to claim that distinction. (View a slideshow from Johanna's trip to the resort here or by clicking on the photos.) 

Cancun and Mexico in general are known for all-inclusive resorts. On the stretch of the Yucatan peninsula that encompasses Cancun and the Riviera Maya, all-inclusive is the rule.

As far as the Ritz-Carlton is concerned, being a European plan (room-only) property is a competitive advantage.

"It allows us the ability to provide true Ritz-Carlton moments by creating personalized experiences for each and every guest," said General Manager Carlos Abaunza.

"We offer a luxury experience to those wanting to be pampered and have the capability and resources to offer truly individualized service."

During a recent three-night stay, it was clear that the guests wanted to be able to not only personalize their experience on the property but also go off-campus to experience what Cancun has to offer.

"We don't want to pay for an all-inclusive package and then feel chained to the hotel," said a guest from Virginia during a week-long stay at the property with his wife.

Like most guests, the couple also wanted to move through the varied eating options the Ritz-Carlton offers, including Fantino and the Club Grill, two of only three Five Diamond restaurants in Cancun (and of five in all of Mexico).

Two other noteworthy culinary offerings at the Ritz-Carlton are Casitas and the Viking Culinary Center.

Casitas is what the property calls Cancun's only fine-dining restaurant on the beach. Guests sit in private cabanas (the same ones beachgoers rent by day), which are swathed in white sheets and filled with low lighting and are attended to by a private waiter. The cabana is priced at $125 for the evening, without dinner. Guests can linger in the cabana or lounge on beach chairs set up on the sand behind it, for as long as they like.

The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun is the only property in the brand that has a culinary center by Viking, where a professional American chef, Rory Dunaway, hosts cooking classes that include a four-course dinner and wine pairing.

The class offers guests the best of both worlds: They can use their hands and help if they choose or just sit back, observe, sip wine and enjoy the outcome.

One participant likened the experience to being on a cooking show. Rates range from $95 to $158 per person.

The class is so popular that 90% of repeat guests take the class again when they come back.

"For the sophisticated and demanding traveler, you have to offer more than a beach vacation," said Sergio Serra, the hotel's director of sales and marketing. "It's difficult to come up with things for Ritz-Carlton travelers."

Being a Ritz-Carlton is clearly a draw: A significant portion of the hotel's guests are loyal followers of the brand, and several said that they chose the property not because they wanted to go to Cancun but because they looked for a Ritz-Carlton in a warm location.

This loyalty supersedes being all-inclusive.

"If a client is loyal to Ritz-Carltons, then they are going to stay there regardless of if it is [European plan] or all-inclusive," said Debbie Bellamy, a Cancun specialist and owner of Travel Visions in Wilmington, Del. "Ritz's clientele are going for luxury, high standards of hospitality and the Ritz-Carlton Rewards."

Bellamy said that the majority of her clients want all-inclusives "to make it easier to budget for couples and families."

But if they do, she advises them to leave the hotel.

"Cancun offers world-famous restaurants, nightlife, shopping, archaeology and more. Why just stay at the camp?" Bellamy said. "People think Cancun and all-inclusives go hand in hand, but they don't. [E.P.] is another option."

While not all-inclusive, many Ritz-Carlton guests take advantage of the semi-inclusive package the hotel offers to Club Level guests.

These guests, of whom I was one, stay on the eighth and ninth floors of the property. The high-season lead-in rates are $399 for an oceanview room and $639 for a Club Level room. Club Level guests have their own concierge and check-in.

The 58 Club Level rooms and suites include access to a lounge filled with couches, comfy chairs and small tables, where guests can help themselves to five daily "presentations," or food setups.

Serra said that the Club Level includes far more food than most hotel concierge floors.

"In today's economy, all hotels are scaling down on executive-level offerings," Serra said. "Many have shut down. We've kept it up. There is always higher occupancy on the Club Level than in the rest of the hotel."

It is not surprising that the Club Level sells out first at the hotel and is popular among families.

The breakfast presentation includes a buffet and an a la carte menu with choices that include hot egg dishes and French toast. Lunch is less substantial, with small sandwiches and salads, but several families chose to return from the pool to eat there.

The popular predinner hors d'oeuvre and cocktail hour made for a perfect socializing venue, with an extensive array of cocktails and wines as well as a tequila bar with nine different types of tequilas.

After dinner, the lounge was bustling, as well, as many of the same guests returned for the popular cordials-and-chocolates spread.

The couple from Virginia, staying on the Club Level, noted that there is huge value in not having to buy breakfast every day as well as in the pre- and post-dinner drinks.

While the property has no plans to go all-inclusive, it now offers an all-inclusive dining program for children ages 4 to 12, for $69 per day, from late April until late October, and has an all-inclusive dining package for groups. Three plans offer varying inclusions and dining at the different restaurants. Rates start at $140 per person, per day, and include an open bar.

Visit www.ritzcarlton.com.  

Follow Johanna Jainchill on Twitter @jjainchilltw.