*By Charmaine Noronha*
“Tropical the island breeze, all of nature wild and free, this is where I long to be, la isla bonita…”
It’s true, la Isla Mujeres is where I had longed to be after visiting this tropical oasis nearly 20 years ago. Back then, I surprised my then partner with a trip to Mexico for his birthday and we found ourselves on a quiet, sleepy, but beautiful little island not many knew about at the time. No cars. Few hotels. Not many tourists. Gorgeous beaches with a quaint town feel to it. Well, the times, they are a-changin’, and Isla Mujeres now boasts several new hotels and resorts alongside its beautiful beaches.
One of its newest and shiniest is Almare, a Luxury Collection All-Inclusive by Marriott, which made its debut this past November on Isla Mujeres. This indeed breezy, tropical island is just a 20-minute boat ride from Cancun. And it’s Marriott’s first all-inclusive on the island, and one which strives and succeeds at elevating the luxury-focused, all-inclusive resort game. So much so that it was recently nominated for the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award under the resorts category. I can see why.
Almare’s luxurious experience starts the moment you arrive to the Cancun airport, where a private transfer transports you to the Puerto Cancun marina. From here, a luxury boat awaits to take you directly to Almare’s private dock because who wants public ferries when you can travel in style in less than an hour to arrive?! Upon arriving to the chic resort, you’re greeted with a cocktail, a chilled towel and service with a smile, which feels like the Almare standard.
Designed by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, the resort is designed to harmonize with the natural environment. And you can feel it while walking through its elegant, cream-coloured, spacious lobby featuring ocher pillars, hanging wicker lamps and lush greenery, through to its palm-lined pathway with sweet ocean views, beach cabanas, and loungers that are difficult to pass by without stopping for a moment of respite.
En route to my room I pass a lengthy pool beckoning my name, but alas, pool hangs have to wait for me to drop off my bags to my room first. Speaking of rooms, a significant appeal of Almare is its intimate feel with only 109 rooms and suites. It’s giving boutique-style, rather than a generic massive all-inclusive where golf carts, booming bass and buffets rule the roost.
Accommodations range from Deluxe Rooms to Grand Suites and a 1,600-square-foot Presidential Suite. The spacious, luxurious rooms include private balconies with views of the ocean, mangroves or resort grounds. My Deluxe Room was about 750 square feet with a whirlpool tub situated between the beds and a large rather glam vanity.
While the chic and classy look and feel of the resort hooks you in, the unexpected standout here is the food. The property features six distinct dining venues, all overseen by Executive Chef Daniel Franco and all serving surprisingly scrumptious fare. Guests can enjoy Mayan and Mexican flavors at Boga, savor Mexican-European fusion at Seasalt Rooftop, or relax with coffee at Botanik. Additional options include The Breeze Pool Bar, AlVento Beach Club, and the AlPaso beachfront food truck, offering healthy selections such as smoothies, sandwiches, and salads.
Most vacationers don’t frequent all-inclusives for the food, but it was definitely a highlight at this elevated resort. In the mornings, I frequented Boga, whose breakfasts were like artwork. Beautiful chia bowls, and elevated eggs benedict with smoked salmon. At lunch, the ceviches and poke bowls at The Breeze, kept me coming back for more. And not only was the food fantastic, but in the evenings, live music provided the perfect accompaniment to perfectly prepared dishes and perfect ocean views.
But if you’re not about that vitamin sea, the resort features two pools, as noted earlier, the larger one is located in front of the property’s three connected buildings with a swim-up bar, The Breeze. I spent a few afternoons cooling off in this sweet scene. The rooftop infinity pool is located in front of Seasalt restaurant, with direct views of the ocean.
There’s a range of additional amenities, including the sublimely serene Alma spa with seven treatment rooms, a fully equipped fitness center, a steam room, sauna, salt room, and hydrotherapy pools. I indulged in a hydrating facial with the loveliest therapist who made it difficult for me to want to get up from my treatment bed, a feat made better by a relaxing afternoon in the hydrotherapy circuit.
Guests can also enjoy water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking, as well as participate in yoga and cooking classes, and traditional cultural experiences at the resort.
Hopefully it won’t be another 20 years before I return again. Because I will be back!
Pro tip: Isla Mujeres is a slender island, just five miles long, but it’s reputed to have one of, if not the best, beach in Mexco: Playa Norte. With the softest white sand, and some of the most turquois waters I’ve swam in, this is a must-visit if you’re lucky enough to be Isla-bound!
A huge thanks to Almare for hosting us on this press trip. As always, reviews and opinions are entirely our own.
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