Black-and-white plumed parrots squawked in local flor de mayo (mayflower) trees, and pelicans soared overhead, floating on thermal columns. Occasionally, a small vulture swooped down to drink from our villa’s private pool, which also served as the perfect perch for bird watching. Our accommodations were mounted on a jungle cliffside some 300 feet above a sparkling sapphire bay, and we passed the time by blissing out to the sound of crashing surf far below and taking in Acapulco’s fiery sunsets.
With 45 secluded villas on sturdy concrete pillars — all with private pools — Banyan Tree Cabo Marques is the epitome of luxury in Acapulco. Located within the affluent gated Punta Diamante district (20 minutes from Acapulco International Airport), the property offers clients a safe and exclusive getaway, along with the services of in-villa dining, three restaurants, two additional pools and a world-class spa.
With high, pointed roofs, expansive wooden decks and separate lounge pavilions with daybeds outside, the villas have an Asian-inspired feel (perhaps not surprising, since Banyan Tree is an Asia-based hotel group). Floors are marble, and through a wall of glass running from bedroom to bathroom, we had sweeping views of Acapulco Bay visible from our king-size bed. At night, golden-hued onyx lamps cast a soft light inside, and scented candles and incense were lit during turndown service.
Each villa also features a plasma television, Wi-Fi access, an in-room Nespresso machine and complimentary use of the non-alcoholic minibar. Other goodies include black-and-white cotton kimonos, slippers, flip-flops, a beach bag and a pillow menu.
Banyan Tree is eco-conscious, so no plastic bags or paper towels are used. Large refillable ceramic bottles contain the hotel chain’s signature Thai Chamanard flower-scented bath products.
After a bountiful buffet breakfast, our hardest decision was when to move from pool to pool. We would start at the dramatic infinity pool (good for swimming laps) outside La Nao, the all-day restaurant. The clifftop views are spectacular here, and double curtained daybeds invite relaxation. Then, hoping to see the shy raccoon-like coatis that roam the lush grounds, we would walk down to the smaller rectangular pool at Las Rocas Grill & Bar. Nestled between rocks at the bottom of the cliff, it’s a more intimate setting for lunch, and we could have fresh seafood underneath shady trees. Later, a buggy would whisk us back up winding paths to our villa and our own heated pool.
We didn’t try the spa, where therapists who have trained at Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand, offer Asian-influenced treatments. But we can vouch for Saffron, the hotel’s Thai restaurant — everything was top-notch, from the lychee martinis to the delicately spiced shrimp and beef curry.
This AAA Five-Diamond resort oozes romance and serenity — a perfect place for couples to jet in and connect with each other while being pampered in tropical luxury.
The Details
Banyan Tree Cabo Marqueswww.banyantree.com
