I am a travel agency owner/manager who had the great pleasure of staying at the new all-inclusive, adults-only Valentin Imperial Maya from June 7-11, 2008. The resort is just 25 minutes from the Cancun International Airport (CUN) or to the revitalized town of Cancun, and just a half-day trip to the world famous Mayan cultural and archaeological sites such as Tulúm, Cobá, and Chichen Itza. It offers an American standard of 5-star luxury and comfort with a Mexican touch in the ambiance and service and is an excellent place for relaxation in a great location.
The public areas are immaculate and there is an abundance of lovely, well-manicured gardens. The dining, activity, and public venues are somewhat spread out but are accessible for the physically challenged. A golf cart shuttle service is available from the bellman station with a five to ten minute wait.
ROOMS
There are three categories of 396 spacious junior suites (Deluxe Junior Suites, Golden Junior Suites and Oceanfront Junior Suites) as well as 12 One-bedroom Suites with an enchanting view of the Caribbean accommodations - located in two- and three story villas. You will enjoy their amenities including a private concierge, 24-hour unlimited drinks and snacks, Satellite television with premium and adult channels, a pillow menu, and free high-speed Internet access. Your needs and comforts have been accounted for - bathrobes in an enormous bathroom with a Jacuzzi and oversized European shower, mini-bar, I-Pod dock, turndown and 24-hour room service, even a laptop-sized in-room safe.

DINING and DRINKING
Valentin’s main buffet-style restaurant has an al fresco area as well as an air-conditioned section. There is a beach restaurant plus seven of the finest ala carte specialty restaurants I have ever seen: Italian, French, Japanese, Mexican, seafood, steak house, and lobster house. No reservations are required and you will dine in a modern and trendy atmosphere.My dining experiences were truly amazing - the variety and quality of items was served in the finest style by friendly, well-trained staff. I must mention that brewed decaffeinated coffee is served everywhere including the coffee house (for those of you who, like me, can’t stand the instant stuff usually offered in Jamaica or the DR).

There are two swim-up bars around the main pool, a lobby bar, hall bar, sports bar, disco bar, theater bar, and a cigar bar serving local beer, blended drinks and premium brand spirits with friendly bar staff. Every room has a refrigerated mini-bar restocked daily, cans of soda, and beer. Unlimited bottled water is available throughout the resort. In the Caribbean and Mexico I try to drink as much bottled water as a coffee and alcohol - one for one. Hydrating is a big deal and the resort makes it possible.

ACTIVITIES
Valentin offers a wide spectrum of wellness programs and a number of water sports and other activities both on and off-site. The hotel features six swimming pools including: a free-form swim-up pool with three integrated private pools, main pool, activity pool and an oversized climate-controlled Jacuzzi.

Of course there is a full service spa with separate areas for men and women, with steam bath and sauna, beauty salon and spa boutique and a fitness center with separate spinning and aerobics room. There is a theater with nightly low-key shows.

AS GOOD AS IT GETS
Because it opened 1n 2008, the “Vacancy” sign may be lit up for a while and may be priced very reasonably until it catches on. This resort does not have a recognizable brand name but it raises the bar for adults seeking to unwind in a new luxury resort. Every attempt is made to satisfy guests’ needs. The management staff is excellent. I will be recommending it highly to clients of my travel agencies who are looking for a great value in an upscale Caribbean all-inclusive resort.

Contract the travel agent below to book your perfect Mexico Vacation!

Marv Weber
Sue & Marv Weber, owner/mgrs
Marvelous Travel, Inc. and
Cruise Planners, an American Express Agency
2 Allandale Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
610.277.6165

Tags: all inclusive, Cancun, Mayan cultural, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA, Valentin Imperial Maya

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