The first Mandarin Oriental hotel is scheduled to open late next
year in the Riviera Maya.
Currently being developed by Desarrollos Marinos del Caribe
(DEMA), the128-villa resort will be located about 25 miles south of
Cancun on 36 acres of tropical jungle along the white, sandy
beaches of the Yucatan coast.
The property will include protected mangrove reserves, lagoons
and streams, and a deep freshwater lake, or cenote. The villas will
have views of the cenote, lagoon or Caribbean Sea, with private
terraces, plunge pools and secluded garden bathrooms. The villas
will be designed with native woods and stone, while still offering
the technology and entertainment systems for which the Mandarin
Oriental brand is known.
Next to the cenote, a 20,000-square-foot spa is planned,
featuring water-based therapies and healthful cuisine. The spa will
reflect aspects of ancient Mayan philosophy, which deems that the
body belongs to the earth and the spirit to the universe. But as
with all Mandarin Oriental spas, therapies will also include more
Asian-inspired mind-body-spirit rituals.
“Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya will be a breathtaking hideaway
that offers tranquility and well-being to travelers seeking the
ultimate sanctuary during their leisure time,” said Edouard
Ettedgui, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
“Our guests will enjoy an unparalleled experience of pampering and
rejuvenation in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful
locations. Visitors will find a level of privacy and intimacy
rarely experienced at luxury resorts, while still enjoying
award-winning levels of service for which Mandarin Oriental is
renowned.”
A variety of restaurants and bars will offer alfresco dining
with ocean views. The resort will have three pools bordering the
ocean, the cenote and the spa.
Guests will also have access to two 18-hole championship golf
courses within five miles of the resort. And the region offers an
abundance of archeological sites representing the region’s ancient
Mayan culture.
“We are proud to be working with Mandarin Oriental on the
development of this prestigious project,” said Gilberto Borja
Suarez, chief executive officer and chairman of DEMA. “When Riviera
Maya opens in autumn 2005, this exclusive hideaway will embody
Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service philosophy and the unique
sense of place inherent to all its hotels.”
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group operates 18 luxury hotels
around the world.
www.mandarinoriental.com
