We thought we were someplace special from the moment we arrived to the open air check-in with the glittering ocean sparkling in the near distance. Such personal attention from the moment we arrived to the 5-man wave-off when we sadly had to check out. In this pandemic time, we never felt unsafe from the behavior of staff or guests. Hands down the best service of any hotel in the world, so friendly, and they try to anticipate-with a sense of urgency -anything you may desire. Social distance yet with such a high level of personal service. From the pool towel and beverages, to the Special Romance department to the pillow top turn-down surprises to the immaculate gardens, to the restaurant service, everything exceeded expectations. Our two butlers were excellent, always available with the very handy app. the room was amazing, loved all the detailed stone work everywhere. Yes the F&B is high. But you can pay more and get less many places! Spa was wonderful, had a terrific massage..with whales right outside in the ocean. Not too many places that can say that! Thank you for the wonderful romantic roses and candle lit bubble bath, wonderful memories and we cannot wait to return next year! Ocean view with a private upstairs balcony, a hot tub on the terrace and sooo much privacy!! Aromatherapy menu? Check! Watched Whales from the terrace in December, saw a giant turtle nesting on the beach, and manta rays belly-smacking in the water. A special part of the world and a really special resort. Loved the glass balls in the trees for the holidays, and especially loved the immaculate landscaping.
I had an excellent but not perfect stay at the hotel over Christmas. The service from airport pickup to check-in was excellent. COVID protocols were excellent. Staff was required and did wear masks everywhere. Guests were not required to wear masks (though we and most did) on the property, but that was OK as most of the activities were outdoors (and distanced). The room included an amenity kit that included daily refreshing of hand sanitizer.
I was booked in a large ocean view room that had a small kitchen and third floor terrace overlooking the ocean. Every morning we were able to order breakfast to the room and eat it on the terrace. The beach and pools that were open were in great shape. The room was not perfect. The bedroom was a little dark and one of the drawer pulls broke off during our stay indicating room fatigue. The fake candles also had broken bottoms. A bit odd the hotel dropped off a large glass box one day but never filled it. I learned from friends their glass box was being filled with cakes daily. Not an important item to hit on, but definitely felt like we didn’t get the same experience.
We ate at all of the restaurants at the hotel. Arbor & the Ceviche Bar were the food highlights by far. The La Botica cocktail bar is fantastic and very well done. We also booked a movie night on the beach and the experience was one I hope to repeat one day.
The scenery is much better than at the Rosewood in Mayakoba but that hotel has better amenities and rooms if you are comparing.
This place is just magical. When our family of 6 arrived at this resort, we were greeted with smiles and music and literally a view of paradise. Our butler, Enrique, was the perfect combination of going above and beyond in the biggest and smallest of details, yet never hovered or just stood around. We were celebrating my 21 year old and my 19 year old’s birthdays while there, and he took every opportunity to make them feel special from chocolate left in the room to some tequila. Alejandro greeted us with smiles every morning for the delicious breakfast. Everything from homemade tortillas to any salsa to suit you to a fresh daily jam and pastries.
The pool and beach service is simply over the top here because the workers are so diligent and committed to serving you and giving you the best experience. I wish I had written every name down so that I could list them here. Friendly and so kind, I can’t say enough about their genuine desire to help you whether it was needing food, drinks, sunscreen,etc. They offered buttons to call for service, but it really wasn’t necessary.
We enjoyed a couple of special experiences. Dinner in the wine cellar “la Cava” was a truly unique and special experience for us. Alejandro and the sommelier made sure the evening was unforgettable. Also, Enrique, arranged an evening under the stars for us. A private dinner on the beach that was unlike any other.
Our suite was fantastic. The accommodations are traditional Mexican with plush amenities like Bulgari bath products, robes, gifts on your pillow, etc. All the doors opened to the most amazing view and a gorgeous deck with plunge pool/ hot tub. It was cleaned perfectly and always done while we were away thanks to Enrique‘a handling.
I cannot wait to return to this beautiful paradise! Of course, the property is a stunning example of Rosewood’s finest, however, it is the staff that really adds the special warmth that is hard to find.
I think it’s always important to set perspective in a review – we are luxury travelers who usually stay at Four Seasons, Rosewood, St Regis types of properties. That is the lens for which this review is written.
What sets this property apart is the service. The drivers, housekeepers and the wait staff around the pools and restaurants were nothing short of sensational. Around the pools, servers were plentiful and always provided prompt service. Our housekeeper always left nice touches around the room and the did a wonderful job providing little extra to celebrate our anniversary. We had a massage in the spa and it was one of the best ever.
The restaurants are all amazing, but I would recommend eating as many meals as you can at Arbol. The setting is absolutely stunning, and the food was incredible.
The hotel is capped at 50% occupancy due to COVID. They are taking it very seriously and the staff always wore masks and were constantly sanitizing everything. However, the guests were not. I rarely saw a guest wearing a mask around the property. If this bothers you, you should be aware.
The property is vast. This did not bother us but if you are bringing someone who will have a hard time with a lot of walking you should be aware.
I was a little shocked at the price of things. Again, we are luxury travelers so I’m usually not one to be shocked by this. One night, we had 4 martinis – after the taxes, surcharges and everything the total for the 4 martinis was $175.
Traveler tips-
- Book through American Express fine hotels and resorts and you will get many perks. You will receive a complimentary room upgrade when available, free breakfast each day, early check in / late checkout and a $100 credit each day.
- During COVID, if you want to use the gym – make sure and book an appointment.
Management advice –
Keep up the excellent service – you clearly have great people. With AMEX Fine hotels and resorts, we were to receive a room upgrade when available. Despite the hotel only being at 50% occupancy, we did not receive an upgrade. This would have been a great opportunity to really surprise and delight your customers to generate loyalty.
We spent 4 nights with friends at Las Ventanas al Paraiso. The property is beautiful, the food and drinks outstanding, and the service is top-notch. You're assigned a concierge team when you arrive, who cater to your every whim and need. I found this service to be particularly wonderful. And the folks at the pools run, not walk, to help you with a towel, a drink, or whatever you need.