Search Sponsored by

Explore TravelAge West

Destinations

Back
  • Africa & Middle East
  • Asia & South Pacific
  • Caribbean
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Hawaii
  • Mexico
  • USA & Canada

Travel Types

Back
  • Family
  • Adventure
  • Cruise
  • River Cruise
  • Tour Operators
  • Luxury
  • Culinary
  • Romance
  • Wellness

Directories

Back
  • Hotels
  • Cruise
  • Job Seeker Center

Interactive

Back
  • Click & Win
  • Geo Quiz
  • Slideshows & Video

Professional Development

Back

Industry Insight

  • Business Features
  • Interviews
  • Opinion
  • Tech

Education

  • Certifications
  • Digital Guides
  • Fams
  • Thought Leadership
  • Advertiser Spotlight
  • Webinars
  • Immersive Family Experiences

Events

  • Global Travel Marketplace
  • GTM West
  • WAVE Awards

Sign Up for Our Monthly Mexico Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Search TravelAge West

Clear Field
Maribeth MellinContributing Writer

Share

Hotel Review: Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort

Feb 18, 2018
Hotel Review: Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort
The resort features multiple pools and hot tubs. // © 2018 El Cid Resorts

The sound of beating drums and the scent of copal incense filled the air in a cabana by the sea, where four hands masterfully kneaded away all my knots — and worries. My 80-minute Kukulkan massage at the new Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort rivaled the many spa treatments I’ve experienced, and it also added a sense of place that’s sometimes lacking at resort spas. But at Ventus — the recent addition to El Cid’s Puerto Morelos resort and marina complex in the Riviera Maya — Mexican culture is celebrated and imbued into the property’s offerings.

Sign Up for Our Monthly Mexico Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

The white, modern buildings of 290-suite, all-inclusive Ventus sit right beside the hacienda-style Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort, and guests are free to wander between the pools and eateries at both properties. Stylish Ventus adds a sophisticated element to the overall compound, while the original hotel’s pools and restaurants have a more family-focused vibe.

At Ventus, the adults-only pool — with its two huge hot tubs — is convivial, while the main free-form pool, which forms a water-filled courtyard between the buildings, has room enough for lounging, mingling and serious swimming. Water flows outside the swim-up suites as well, beside terraces with woven Yucatecan hammocks.

Mercado de Dolores, a stylish food court featuring seven different types of cuisine, and Aromas, its adjacent pastry and coffee shop, are at the heart of Ventus. The killer baked goods at Aromas range from flaky cinnamon rolls in the morning to chocolate confections after lunch and crunchy chocolate-chip cookies and gelato throughout the day — and they’re part of the all-inclusive plan.

At the mobbed Mexican food section at Mercado de Dolores — named for the matriarch of the El Cid family — I sampled two of the five ceviches on display at the fish counter, plus cochinita pibil (marinated pork) and pickled onions. I then moved along to the choose-your-own-veggies salad bar before grabbing a beer (or two). I could have followed all that with pizza from the Italian counter or caramel crepes at the dessert area, but the cookies at Aromas satisfied all my sugar cravings.

My favorite meal, however, was a traditional Maya dinner set in a peaceful garden beside the spa’s temazcal (domed steam lodge). Along with a mezcal tasting, waiters delivered long trays of Mexican botanas (snacks or appetizers). Offerings included Oaxacan tlayudas (tortillas covered with refried beans, meat and other toppings), Yucatecan salbutes (deep-fried tortillas with shredded meat) and gorditas (savory pastries) stuffed with corn. That selection was followed by a slice of caramelized pumpkin sweet enough to drive all thoughts of cookies from my mind.

The Details

Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort
www.ventusatmarinaelcid.com

Tell Us What You Think! forum

Related Content

Find out more about the new face of Mexico all-inclusive hotels.
  • Most Read
  • Most Shared
  1. How to Travel With Pets to Mexico
  2. A Sweet History of Chocolate With York's Chocolate Story
  3. Hotel Review: Hotel Manapany on St. Barts
  4. Kona Village Taps Rosewood to Manage, Moves Opening to 2022
  5. Top Hawaii Hotel Activities for Solo Travelers
  1. The Country of Georgia's Top Adventure Activities
  2. African-American Travel Market Valued at $63 Billion
  3. 3 of the Best Places to Visit in Antarctica
  4. An In-Depth Look at Why Travel Agents Should Promote Diversity
  5. 3 Unique Animal Encounters in the Galapagos Islands

More Stories Like This

AbbyLagmanMexicoFamily

Travel Agent Talk: Abby Lagman of A Destination Travel

Hotel Review: Hacienda Tres Rios in the Riviera Maya

Hotel Review: Hacienda Tres Rios in the Riviera Maya

MexicoCityDayTrips

5 Great Day Trips From Mexico City

mexicopetfriendly

How to Travel With Pets to Mexico

Top Women-Only Travel Options in Mexico

Top Women-Only Travel Options in Mexico

Hotel Review: Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

Hotel Review: Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita

12th Annual Los Cabos VIP Summit Showcases Success and Big Plans

12th Annual Los Cabos VIP Summit Showcases Success and Big Plans

6 Mexican Destinations That Should be on Your Wish List for 2019

6 Mexican Destinations That Should be on Your Wish List for 2019

mexicopresident

What Does Mexico's New President Mean for Tourism?

Hotel Review: El Cielo Winery & Resort

Hotel Review: El Cielo Winery & Resort

TravelAge West

About TravelAge West

  • About Us
  • Contributors
  • Sales Team
  • Contact Us
  • My Profile

Advertise

  • Advertise With Us
  • Media Kit
  • Upload Ad Material
  • Reprints
  • Subscribe to Print

Stay Connected to TravelAge West

Get Us in Your Inbox

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.


Northstar Travel Group

Northstar Travel Group

  • Travel Weekly
  • Travel Weekly Asia
  • Travel Weekly China
  • Travel 42
  • STAR Service Online
  • Meetings & Conventions
  • Meetings & Conventions Asia
  • Meetings & Conventions China
  • Meeting News
  • Successful Meetings
  • Incentive
  • Business Travel News
  • Travel Procurement
  • The Beat
  • Phocuswright
  • Web In Travel
Copyright © 2019 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
Load Carousel Here
Load Video Here