A Peek at La Coleccion Resorts' Cancun Offerings

Jun 10, 2018

Before staying at three different La Coleccion Resorts in Cancun, I had never experienced what I considered to be a philosophically enhanced spa treatment, or helped an artist create a masterpiece while I dined, or learned how to transform a pineapple into a festive cocktail vessel.

But, as I quickly learned, Grupo Posadas’ La Coleccion portfolio — which comprises 12 properties under the Live Aqua Resorts, Grand Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts, Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts and The Explorean by Fiesta Americana brands — has proved itself adept at offering unique and memorable experiences.

Here’s what makes these three properties — all located in Cancun — so special.

Living Through the Senses
At the adults-only Live Aqua Beach Resort Cancun, I spent two glorious nights enveloped in the brand’s signature sensory experience. Live Aqua may be an all-inclusive hotel, but it’s a far cry from the old model. There are no loud pool parties and no entertainment staff with microphones.

Instead, soothing aromas, colors and music imbue many parts of the property with a relaxing ambiance. The restaurants are delightfully diverse, ranging from the elegant MB, which specializes in gourmet Latin cuisine, to Hidden Garden, which serves pan-Asian delicacies beneath a giant almond tree.

I especially enjoyed an expert massage treatment at Feel Harmony Spa, where my therapist was not only practiced in the physical aspect of wellness, but also showed interest in my psychological well-being, asking questions about my emotions and discussing how they might affect my body.

“If you have fears about your life, about your future, about bad things that could happen, you can learn to lead with your heart and overcome them,” she said during the treatment.

Best For: Couples and adults wanting upscale relaxation and all-inclusive amenities.

Staying Festive
The all-inclusive, family-friendly format at the beautiful beachfront Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun appeals to a wide audience. Guestrooms received a makeover in 2017 and now exude a crisp, contemporary style.

The lush landscaping provides a perfect backdrop for the large pool area and beach. The hotel’s extensive facilities offer diversions for all ages, with nightly shows in the resort theater and separate kids’ and teens’ clubs to keep the younger set entertained. Adults can relax at the serene Miiluma Spa, and all ages will certainly enjoy the varied cuisine from the 12 on-property dining venues. Specialties include Italian fare, sushi, American-style buffets and Mexican delicacies.

My favorite food experience, however, involved a pineapple that I didn’t even eat. In addition to a guacamole-making class at the on-site El Mexicano restaurant and bar, I participated in an outdoor, beachfront class that taught us how to carve a pineapple to serve as a festive cocktail container, complete with a face made out of fruit. At these La Coleccion properties, there’s always a new experience to be had.

Best For: Adults and families looking for a beachfront all-inclusive option.