#BelmondResortAndSpa

[styletraveljunkie-blog]

Maroma (Mayan Riviera): Day 1

We arrived at Cancun airport around 9:30, and with no checked luggage, we buzz through customs (who, it appeared, had collectively agreed to be expedient today). Having previously been through this airport many times, as we passed through the sliding doors after customs, it was heads down and full stem ahead to the next and final set of sliding doors. We bolted past a hoard of aggressive time-share agents trying to approach every unsuspecting soul, with the offer of free transportation and free accommodations.

The escape door from this time-share warp zone slid open and I scan the mosh pit of taxi, bus and hotel drivers for “our guy” — and there he was, exactly as Resort Guest Services had depicted: a short Mayan man, dressed in kakis and a maroon shirt, holding a sign, and as is naturally customary here, smiling earnestly.

We approach silently, he speaks first, confirming our names (always follow this protocol for safety). He then leads us to a cushy SUV. Inside we find mint infused cold clothes, water, magazines and a friendly driver. During the 30-35 minute drive, I learn that the transportation is actually outsourced to a third-party; however, it has been quite seamlessly woven between the Resort’s airport greeter and the staff we meet at Resort arrival.

Driving smoothly along the 4-lane highway, which the State constructed approximately 15+ years ago, passing the Vegas-style monster entrances to many other resorts, we finally make a u-turn, and then a quick right into the simple, yet elegantly marked road that will lead to the Resort. As with the majority of other properties along this specific stretch of the Tulum Corridor, the Resort acreage is as deep as it is wide. We proceed slowly for another 10 minutes before reaching the Belmond Maroma Resort porte cochere. As we drove, I was very happy to see that they never paved the road; as I always felt that the journey away from your hectic life into the tranquil arms of Maroma started with this short, yet important drive down this well maintained dirt road - because it is here you begin to feel you are leaving your stresses behind, as you get closer to a place much simpler, quieter; more primitive.

The doors open and three staff await. The lovely Rosa from Napoli, Italy, is glowing with hospitality, and invites us to sit in the open air reception area. Delicioso welcome drinks soon arrive, and the check-in process is prompt; executed with a welcoming nature and appreciation for the late hour and long trip. We follow Rosa through the lush, wild garden, around the magically lit pool and into the main house (part of the main structure was originally the vacation home of a famous architect — more to comes on that, if you’re interested). Entirely lit by candles (this must be someone’s full time job), we proceed up the winding stairs, lined with weathered terracotta tiles, to the third floor (no elevators here).

The Deluxe Ocean-Front Room is not overly spacious or octagonally configured, when compared to most other modern luxury resorts; however, this is entirely part of its charm. It is just the perfect size for two. Over the years, it seems each new luxury resort is competing to have the largest bedroom; largest bathroom; largest patio; biggest TV; even toilets that talk to you, master switch boards to control ever piece of technology in you room — so complicated, they need send you a user manual 6 months in advance of arrival! Here, I feel I have arrived at the beach villa of friends. They’ve decorated the room with furniture collected and curated over the decades. There are lots of windows, and a large patio with a comfy sofa, chair and table, where I imagine we’ll pass away many a late afternoon. With a perfect view through the palms to the ocean, sitting here we’ll see the Resort wake up and go to sleep every day.

We unpack, freshen up, open the door to the patio, and are swiftly carried off to dreamland by the waves and breeze, and the gentle hum of the wicker ceiling fan, that looks like its been there for 100 years. No heating blanket or insulated socks needed here. Buenos noches.