I had the great pleasure of staying at the new adults only all-inclusive, Valentin Imperial Maya. The resort is just 25 minutes from the airport and the revitalized town of Cancun, and just a half-day trip to 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; it 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 396 spacious junior suites in three categories (Deluxe, Golden, and Oceanfront) and 12 One-bedroom Suites with an enchanting view of the Caribbean Sea. All are are 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 the enormous bathroom with Jacuzzi and an oversized European shower, mini-bar, iPod 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. There are two swim-up bars at 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 with cans of soda and beer. Unlimited bottled water is available throughout the resort; the resort makes hydrating very convenient.

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 and live music is everywhere all day long.
For those active travelers who want soft adventure, I highly recommend any of the activities at the Loma Bonita Ranch, Marina & Beach Club located just a few minutes away from the Valentin. You will be guided on horseback, wave runners or ATV by thoughtful, competent staff and outfitted with quality, up-to-date safety equipment. Prices are quite reasonable and the operation, in my opinion, is the best of its kind in the all of the Caribbean or Mexico.

AS GOOD AS IT GETS
Valentin Imperial Maya does not have a recognizable brand name but it raises the bar for adults seeking to unwind in a new luxury resort. Because it opened this past winter, the “Vacancy” sign may be lit up for a while and may be priced very reasonably until it catches on. Every attempt at the resort and Loma Bonita is made to satisfy guests’ needs. The management and staff at both places are excellent. I recommend both highly to you.

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: Add new tag, adults only, all inclusive, Cancun, Mexican Caribbean, MEXICO, RIVIERA MAYA, Valentin Imperial Maya

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 1st, 2009 at 9:23 am and is filed under Hotel Review, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.