Mexico’s Riviera-NEW Luxe Resort

 

Copyright Karen Schaler All Rights Reserved

Here I am again packing for another trip to Mexico, one of my favorite locations for true TRAVEL THERAPY. I find it amazing how much is happening with luxury tourism in this country. In the last six months I’ve visited the Riviera Maya three times for a national magazine cover story because new world-class resorts keep popping all over the place and it’s getting hard to keep up! A list celebs like Michael J. Fox and Tom Cruise have already discovered this slice of paradise but for most this area is still one of the best kept secrets.

 

I hate to say it but I’ve never been a huge fan of Cancun. Don’t get me wrong Cancun absoultely has a lot to offer if you’re looking for a party atmosphere and want to do some cool shopping,etc. You have some fabulous properties like the JW Marriott and The Ritz, both I’ve stayed in and are first-class all the way. Still, personally, I favor the smaller more intimate escapes and that’s why the Riviera Maya has me hooked. Here’s why…

 

You still fly into Cancun but then head south, following the Caribbean and that’s where you’ll find sprinkled along  the 100 mile stretch of beach between Cancun and Tulum some wonderful new boutique luxury properties…properties that are truly inspiring.

 

So far one of my favorites is The Tides Resort (formerly Ikal Del Mar) just outside of Playa del Carmen. Romantic doesn’t even begin to describe this hidden treasure featuring 30 villas (1,000 square feet) all with private plunge pools, indoor/outdoor showers and candlelight pathways at night (no artificial outdoor lighting allowed). Tucked away in the jungle, right on the beach this little slice of paradise even features a spa and gourmet meals.

That’s usually the top complaint I hear about people visiting Mexico is they don’t like the food, we’ll that won’t be a problem here because The Tides’ new award-winning chef, Cupertino Ortiz, has also worked at the prestigious Las Ventanas al Paraiso and One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos. His eight course tasting menu made me melt! We feasted on caviar, seared scallops, lobster, braised beef and the fresh fish catch of the day, along with exquisite wine pairings inculding some great  Mexican wines. 

This property is also very conscious and respectful to the Mayan culture and offers Mayan cooking classes and Mayan inspired spa treatments, even bringing in local Mayan Shaman who chants for your happiness, safety and prosperity. 

The perfect day here starts with breakfast brought to your room and taking a dip in your own private pool. You might wander down to the spa for a treatment and then make your way to a beautiful stretch of the beach in front of the property. I love that on these beaches you hardly see another person and you don’t have any vendors walking up and down the beach trying to sell you things and bothering you.

I enjoyed sitting at the tiny beach bar meeting some of the other guests. One highlight was when Chef Ortiz surprised me with a Ceviche and Tequila tasting. Now there’s a winning combination! Insider tip: Never drink a margarita unless it’s made with 100% agave. The cheap stuff can give you a wreched headache…I stopped making that mistake in college! 

What I appreciate the most about this property is the feel of the place. It’s secluded, intimate and yet still authentic. Most of the guest here are couples, either on their honeymoons or sneaking away for a romantic escape. It’s the kind of place you can get lost in, in a good way….a very good way.

DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT MISSING   

Side Trip                     Tour of Coba (Mayan site) and swim in a Cenote

Massage                      Crepuscular Massage

Treat                            Any of the Ceviche Choices ( Octopus was my favorite)

Cultural Lesson            Private Mayan Cooking Class

Drink                           Try the Mexican wine

Now if I could only find my golf shoes…I’m headed to Mexico Sunday to check out the golfer’s NEW GREEN PARADISE