Westin Resorts in Cancun

Oct 30, 2011

Cancun-bound clients seeking a sophisticated seaside escape need to look no further than the Westin’s Cancun properties.

Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas
Overlooking a panoramic view of the ocean, the home-away-from-home atmosphere of the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas is perfect for families as well as couples.

The property currently has 329 villas with 200 more rooms scheduled to be completed by Feb. 15. Each room features Caribbean-influenced decorations and furniture. The studio, one- and two-bedroom villas are quite spacious with a private balcony and the rooms come fully equipped with a kitchenette, a microwave, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, a toaster, a blender, dinnerware, a washer and a dryer, a Bose entertainment system with an LCD flat-panel television, a pull-out queen sofa bed as well as Westin’s Heavenly Beds. Unlike most hotels and resorts in Cancun, the Westin Lagunamar allows up to four adults in a room, which makes full use of each villa. In addition, the property features free Wi-Fi throughout the resort.

Other facilities available include a lounge area and a teen recreation room equipped with Wi-Fi, gaming systems, televisions and entertainment to keep youngsters busy throughout the day. For young adults, there are nearby trendy bars located at La Isla. Lagunamar also has an on-site medical facility for any unexpected mishaps.

The resort features three restaurants as well as the Tierra Market, which offers everything needed to prepare meals including fresh fruit, vegetables, meats, pastas and wine. In addition, the Lagunamar offers a number of barbecue grills in the outside pool area, Fuego, where guests can cook and enjoy poolside lunches, dinners and parties. Grilling supplies are also available at Tierra Market. I dined at the Oceano restaurant for dinner where I was introduced to the “superfoods” concept — the chef hand crafts dishes that promote nutritious ingredients that are both delicious and good for you.

The Lagunamar features one of the only heated pools in Cancun, so swimming year-round is a pleasure regardless of the weather. The pool is built so that it appears to be level with the ocean — which is just steps away — to give a feel of swimming in the Caribbean.

Although this feature is a nice touch, my all-time favorite at the Lagunamar is definitely the Maya ruin temple. Lagunamar has preserved this piece of history so guests have the chance to see the ruin up close. I trekked up a flight of steep cobblestone steps, and it was amazing to stand in front, and on top of, such historic and breathtaking grounds.

The Lagunamar can also perform Maya-style weddings with a Maya priest. The traditional ceremonies take place with the Maya temple in the background for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

While there are plenty of things to keep clients busy at the hotel, the Lagunamar’s prime location gives guests access to the iconic La Isla Shopping Village on the lagoon side of Cancun right across the street from the property. This shopping center features a number of popular restaurants, a movie theater and more than 150 stores including brand-name shops such as Zara, Bvlgari and Tommy Hilfiger as well as special attractions, including the Interactive Aquarium where visitors can pet, fish and swim with dolphins. Hotel guests will find the short walk across the street convenient for a fun day or night out. Also nearby are popular local attractions such as the art museum, Museo de Arte Popular; a Maya archaeological site, Ruinas del Rey; and the islands of Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres which are just a short ferry ride away.

The Westin Resort & Spa
The Lagunamar’s older sister property, the Westin Resort & Spa, is conveniently located at the nearest end of the hotel zone to the airport. This property features lounge areas on the beach, four outdoor pools, the luxurious Heavenly Spa, as well as countless watersports, outdoor lighted tennis courts, a gym with state-of-the-art equipment and nearby golf.

The 379-room property features spacious rooms that come in eight classes from a Deluxe Room to a Royal Beach Club Presidential Suite. Standard amenities include a Westin Heavenly Bed, television with satellite channels, Wi-Fi access, 24-hour room service and more.

The Westin Resort & Spa also has three restaurants with three bars and a lounge. My favorite, El Palmar, serves a breakfast buffet with a hearty spread from continental breakfast items to local Mexican cuisine. I also ate here for dinner and enjoyed a filling three-course meal. The Place Bar & Lounge is also a nice spot to relax with drinks alongside the beautiful, breezy ocean.

Whether your clients are looking for a long family getaway or just wanting to spend a few nights in Cancun with a touch of luxury, the Westin Lagunamar and the Westin Resort & Spa are sure to meet expectations.