While the Riviera Maya typically takes the five-star tranquility crown, the exclusive enclave of Playa Mujeres is giving it a run for its money, especially at Beloved Playa Mujeres.
Playa Mujeres is a luxury resort destination on a peninsula about 25 minutes from the Cancun Airport. Within the community are three Excellence Resorts properties: Excellence, Finest and Beloved. And while all three cater to varied types of travelers, the jewel in the Excellence Resorts crown is no doubt Beloved.
The five-star, all-inclusive resort became adults-only on Sept. 1, which only enhances the romance factor at this beautiful and intimate spot. There are 109 suites, some with ocean views, others that lead directly to the pool and still others that are two-tiered with rooftop whirlpool tubs and ocean views.
All suites have whirlpools, a complimentary bar, snacks and Bulgari amenities. Four restaurants are rounded out with four bars and one lounge.
A must-try experience is breakfast at the Isla Grill Restaurant. This beachfront dining pavilion underneath a palapa serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, but its breakfast menu is a 10-course tasting extravaganza. Each course is no more than a few bites, so you won't feel stuffed for the rest of the day; but each of those bites is thoughtfully prepared and enables the chef to flex his culinary muscles.
The Lupita Lounge is a wonderful central gathering spot at the heart of the hotel. The open-air lounge/bar serves a variety of signature cocktails, with live music nightly.
Guests can also dine on sushi and ceviche from the raw bar just off the patio.
Fitness buffs will love the comprehensive fitness center, with nearly every piece of equipment you might need, complete with personal training and yoga classes.
One of the biggest draws to Beloved is its Beloved Spa, a 35,000-square-foot aquatic playground. The Agua Viva facility is its most touted feature, with a variety of Mediterranean hydrothermal therapies, including crystal steam hammam, Roman caldarium (a hot plunge bath) and Swedish sauna as well as an ice glacier room, five sensation showers, heated lounge bends, Kneipp plunge basins, contrast walk pools, neck massage jets, cascade jets and water massage lounges.
Add to that 13 treatment rooms and a menu of Mexican healing rituals, full-body cocoons and aromatherapy, and there is little more to be desired. Each treatment is followed up with a glass of Champagne and plate of chocolate-covered strawberries — as if you needed to be more decadent and relaxed.
Rates start at about $250 per person, per night. See www.belovedhotels.com.