Grown-up Getaways in the Mexico Caribbean

Aug 19, 2013

Couples are the target group for Palace Resorts properties, including Le Blanc Spa Resort. // © 2013 Le Blanc Spa Resort 3

Some people may be looking for a relaxing getaway with friends. Others might dream of the perfect romantic escape with their significant other. Or, maybe, your clients are seeking a fun-filled singles’ scene with lots of nightlife, socializing and flirtation. Regardless of what takes them on the journey, all three groups of travelers share one important qualifying characteristic: They probably don’t want to be surrounded by other people’s kids while on vacation.

Mexico’s Caribbean coast — including Cancun, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and the Riviera Maya — has a number of hotels that cater to each of these traveler profiles. Most are beachfront and all-inclusive, with many of the same amenities as other resorts with one important omission: no children’s program.

One of the newest options in Mexico’s adults-only category is Secrets The Vine, an all-inclusive AMResorts property with a 12,500-square-foot spa that offers couples massages on the beach. Weekly theme parties and a management cocktail party make this property a good choice for singles and friends, while the romantic views and amenities also cater to couples. AMResorts also operates Secrets Aura Cozumel, an all-inclusive getaway on the island of Cozumel, which has similar amenities as well as easy access to scuba diving tours.

Oasis Sens, the adults-only member of the Oasis Hotels group, is tailored to the needs of travelers in pairs, whether a couple or just friends — right down to the on-site rental service that maintains a large fleet of Smart Cars, which seat only two people. Guests at Oasis Sens can also get day passes to entertainment and facilities at the nearby Grand Oasis Cancun.

Some hotels that permit children might also be a good option for adults seeking intimacy and quiet. The Riu Palace Peninsula, for example, has adults-only Villa accommodations with Jacuzzi suites, each with a lounge area, a balcony or a terrace with a Jacuzzi and a king-size bed.

Couples are the target audience for several all-inclusive properties in the Palace Resorts family. Sun Palace Cancun features nightly entertainment and includes 24-hour room service among its amenities. The most upscale of the group, Le Blanc Spa Resort, focuses heavily on spa treatments and fine dining, while Isla Mujeres Palace has guestrooms with double Jacuzzis and private balconies. Nightlife is promising too — Palace guests who book five nights or more at Moon Palace, Beach Palace, Sun Palace, Playacar Palace or Le Blanc Spa Resorts will receive two free tickets to see Ricky Martin live in concert on Dec. 28.

Social Vibe
Vacationers looking to socialize with locals as well as guests from other hotels — without leaving the comforts of their own all-inclusive property — should consider ME Cancun, which allows non-hotel guests to access its bars, restaurants and beach club (the food and drink is included for guests, but visitors need to pay). On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the Beach Club at ME becomes especially lively, as resident and special guest DJs crank up the volume. Live DJs and performances also bring extra life to the hotel’s Rose Bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Among the randiest choices for adults is Temptation Resort & Spa, a “topless optional” Cancun resort that describes its ambience as “sexy.” The property offers daytime activities including beach volleyball and soccer. After dark, the property promises a variety of “games and contests for the uninhibited who are looking to have a great time.” Events include the weekly Bacchanal White Party, Sweet Dreams Pool Party and Anything Goes party.

Serving the interests of an even tighter niche is Hidden Beach Resort – Au Naturel Club, an all-inclusive, 42-room property in the Riviera Maya that caters to nudists and other vacationers interested in leaving their clothes back in the room. Guests here also have free access to meals, entertainment and drinks at the adults-only El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma (although they have to put on some clothes to do so).