Looking more like some millionaire's Miami crib than a traditional Cancun resort, the all white, Zen-minimalist La Amada Hotel exudes a down-to-earth sexiness and an understated elegance - creamy sofas, gauzy curtains, personal Jacuzzis - that's distinctive enough to have landed La Amada on Condé Nast Traveler's 2010 Hot List. Just 20 minutes north of central Cancun, in newly developed Playa Mujeres, La Amada is one of just two hotels on a long, pristine and very private beach.
Flanked by the Caribbean to the east and a wetlands wildlife preserve to the west, the newly developed Playa Mujeres is a tranquil resort community on a picture-perfect strip of white sand beach just 20 minutes north of Cancun proper.
Close enough to take advantage of the vacation capital's legendary tourist scene, yet far enough away to not shove it down your throat, La Amada offers the best of both worlds. It's also perfect if you, like us, are looking for something beyond the all-inclusive format so common among Mexican Riviera resorts.
From the welcoming glass of champagne to flowers on the bed, it's the little touches that make the service at La Amada stand out. It's all done in a chameleonlike way that allows the hotel to cater equally to families, romantic couples and fun-seeking friends.
The 109 rooms and suites feature private terraces with lounge beds, and sparkly white marble bathrooms with personal Jacuzzis. Creamy sofas, whitewashed walls and gauzy curtains create a minimalist-chic effect that underscores the brilliant blues and greens outside.
The 35,000-square-foot spa and gym offers personal butlers to guide you through treatments. There are three swimming pools, plus several on-site restaurants and bars (including a swim-up bar). And for more active types, there's the nearby Playa Mujeres Golf Club and countless options for expeditions on the water, from deep sea fishing to snorkeling, kayaking and diving.
But the real gem here is the beach. Broad, palm-lined and refreshingly devoid of crowds, Playa Mujeres stretches north from the hotel and offers the chance to swim in near total privacy. The hotel sets up divine sofabeds on the sand and serves piña coladas and margaritas (and cheeseburgers) surfside until 6 p.m.
The difficulty was in getting there - it's hard to find the way there, - we got lost at least once and had to stop to ask for directions. The streets around area there are constantly changing due to development of cancun.
As soon as we arrived, we knew we were in for a tranquil, romantic vacation. The pictures don't really show how gorgeously designed La Amada is. The virgin beach seems to go on for miles. And the service was far beyond expected - staff members remember who you are and are very friendly and attentive.
Flanked by the Caribbean to the east and a wetlands wildlife preserve to the west, the newly developed Playa Mujeres is a tranquil resort community on a picture-perfect strip of white sand beach just 20 minutes north of Cancun proper.
Close enough to take advantage of the vacation capital's legendary tourist scene, yet far enough away to not shove it down your throat, La Amada offers the best of both worlds. It's also perfect if you, like us, are looking for something beyond the all-inclusive format so common among Mexican Riviera resorts.
From the welcoming glass of champagne to flowers on the bed, it's the little touches that make the service at La Amada stand out. It's all done in a chameleonlike way that allows the hotel to cater equally to families, romantic couples and fun-seeking friends.
The 109 rooms and suites feature private terraces with lounge beds, and sparkly white marble bathrooms with personal Jacuzzis. Creamy sofas, whitewashed walls and gauzy curtains create a minimalist-chic effect that underscores the brilliant blues and greens outside.
The 35,000-square-foot spa and gym offers personal butlers to guide you through treatments. There are three swimming pools, plus several on-site restaurants and bars (including a swim-up bar). And for more active types, there's the nearby Playa Mujeres Golf Club and countless options for expeditions on the water, from deep sea fishing to snorkeling, kayaking and diving.
But the real gem here is the beach. Broad, palm-lined and refreshingly devoid of crowds, Playa Mujeres stretches north from the hotel and offers the chance to swim in near total privacy. The hotel sets up divine sofabeds on the sand and serves piña coladas and margaritas (and cheeseburgers) surfside until 6 p.m.
The difficulty was in getting there - it's hard to find the way there, - we got lost at least once and had to stop to ask for directions. The streets around area there are constantly changing due to development of cancun.
As soon as we arrived, we knew we were in for a tranquil, romantic vacation. The pictures don't really show how gorgeously designed La Amada is. The virgin beach seems to go on for miles. And the service was far beyond expected - staff members remember who you are and are very friendly and attentive.
