As I stepped into the lobby of the recently renovated Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun, I was offered a cold glass of coconut milk and led to a sofa for check-in. Eduardo, my check-in agent, then presented me with a flower right after he handed me the room key. It’s the way the hotel has been greeting guests for years.
You don’t become the No. 1 TripAdvisor-ranked resort for multiple years in a row — in one of Mexico’s most popular travel destinations — by resting on your laurels. According to hotel executives, Le Blanc has held onto its top position because of its uncompromising determination to exceed guests’ expectations in every way. Part of that resolve shows in the incredible level of personalized service the resort provides. The proof is also in its recent $30 million renovation, which included the lobby, guestrooms, meeting areas and dining options.
The hotel features an ice cream shop.
Credit: 2019 Debbie Olsen
After I checked in, I went up to my room and met my butler, Raul, who showed me all the features of the newly redesigned oceanview guestroom. Each of the resort’s 260 rooms and suites was completely redesigned by Miami-based interior design firm Francois Frossard Design. My room had a peaceful and modern feeling thanks to the use of neutral colors, including cool shades of white. All have French-style balconies, double whirlpool tubs and new beds with memory foam mattresses. In oceanview rooms, the whirlpool tub is next to the balcony and has an impressive view, while bathrooms have luxurious amenities such as rain showerheads. Guests can order 24-hour room service and special amenities — including custom pillows, aromatherapy and a variety of bath salts and handmade soaps — via their television.
Over three days, I tried out several of the new dining options at the resort, booked a relaxation massage at BlancSpa and enjoyed room service. All restaurants have been revamped with new decor and upgraded menus. Guests don’t need reservations for dining — unless they plan to enjoy the seven-course tasting menu at fine-dining restaurant Lumiere. Of the eateries I tried, my favorite was Yama, which features eclectic and modern Japanese cuisine. The new restaurant was inspired and named for Palace Resorts’ late executive chef Teruo Yamamoto. Alongside classic Japanese cuisine, Yama serves innovative dishes such as thinly sliced Angus beef served with a hot rock so guests can cook the beef to their liking at their table. (The hot rock and tasting menu are part of the resort’s all-inclusive offerings.)
On my last night, I asked Raul to fill my whirlpool tub and ordered custom bath salts, bubble bath, aromatherapy and handmade soap, which is pretty much every option available. I returned to my room to find rose petals scattered around the tub and my bathrobe and slippers carefully arranged — thus exceeding my expectations yet again.
The Details
Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun
www.leblancsparesorts.com
