When you hear the words "stress-free vacation," what do you imagine? A butler who unpacks for you, draws your bath and plays your favorite music in your room? Gourmet food and premium drinks for no extra charge? A luxury room with your own private whirlpool for two? A pool butler who brings you drinks and spritzes you with mineral water to keep you cool? Then you'll want to hear about the new resort I visited a few weeks ago.
AZUL Blue Hotel + Spa, a gourmet, all-inclusive resort, opened earlier this year in Riviera Maya, Mexico, about 70 miles south of Cancun. I knew this resort was different before I even left home; about a week before my trip, I was emailed a questionnaire that asked my preferences on the type of music I wanted preloaded onto my in-room iPod, what type of pillow I preferred, and what scent I wanted for the aromatherapy in my room and for the custom-made soaps. I was also able to request arrangements for the airport transfer (Lincoln Navigator, limo or helicopter) and make other special requests like a special song played for an anniversary, nanny services, or special diet.
My butler met me in the open-air lobby, sent my bags to the room and told me to go ahead to the restaurant, as he would take care of checking me in. As nice as that was, it gets nicer -- when I was finished eating, the butler met me at the restaurant to show me to my suite, where he had already unpacked my clothes (they'll iron for you also) and set up an aromatherapy candle. I was already getting a feeling for what a difference stress-free service can make.
I LOVED my suite and wished instantly I had someone to share it with. The lavender and rosemary aromatherapy and music from the iPod set a really relaxing mood, and right there in my suite was a huge whirlpool tub big enough for two. (It takes a long time to fill up, but this resort is "stress-free," so you can just ask the butler to fill it about 20 minutes before you're ready.) The marble bathroom was impressive, two, with an oversized shower and rainforest showerhead, double sinks and even a bidet. I usually love a room with a view, but the windows in this room were blocked with trees -- a bonus in this case, as I could leave the windows open and still have privacy.
The iPod music became my soundtrack for my entire stay. I usually put CNN on the TV as soon as I check in to a hotel room and leave it on for most of my stay. While it keeps me informed (and company), it's not what I'd call relaxing. Having the iPod docking station and such great music set a different tone, and I was happy to be able to take it to the pool with headphones.
Speaking of the pool -- yes, there really are pool butlers at AZUL Blue. They came by quite often bearing drinks and cool towels. The pool's shallow underwater sun deck was my favorite spot; although my friends preferred the swim-up pool bar, the water was a little cold for me. Another favorite spot (and what would have been a romantic one) were the oceanfront beach beds.
Despite all the pampering, the food at AZUL Blue is the real story here. The typical fare at all-inclusive resorts is mediocre and served buffet-style. Here, meals are a la carte, and nothing can be called mediocre. Even the casual beachside restaurant, View, has a selection of ceviches (the Jamaican Chicken Ceviche was a standout) and a peach and brie quesadilla. 24-hour room service is included, too, in case you get the urge to have a gorgonzola-topped burger at an odd hour. I loved the Globe for breakfast, where I could skip the usual eggs (although they do serve them) in favor of smoked salmon topped with tapenade cream cheese on crispy bagel chips. (I also heard the grilled pecan cakes with nutmeg, sauteed apples and vanilla sauce was amazing.) Upstairs is sushi and Asian fusion, and in Tinto, I was happy to be able to order a martini made from Ketel One vodka, no extra charge.
Although all this delicious gourmet food was included at the resort, there was one culinary experience I tried that is an extra charge. I attended an Author's Dinner, put together by chef Jonatan Gomez Luna. He was a student of the famous Ferrán Adriá of El Bulli in Spain, and if you're not familiar with the style of cooking, let me just say, it's out there. The food is "deconstructed," meaning it is altered to change its texture and color, making it into part work of art, part science experiment. Can't picture it? Imagine a "liquid" ravioli that is pure white, a test tube filled with the flavorful essence of a suntan (think coconut sunscreen), and a foam that tastes like the smoke of a Cuban cigar. I can't say I'd want to eat that way every weekend, but is was certainly impressive.
The ruins of the Mayan city of Tulum are just a mile away, and definitely worth the trip. Back at the resort, classes like tequila tastings, Spanish lessons and guided meditation are included. Spa treatments, although at an extra charge, are worth it here; I loved the heated tile floor, large comfortable lounge with chilled towels for your neck, and his-and-her steamrooms, saunas and whirlpools. If you're feeling adventurous, book the Temazcal, a cleansing spiritual ritual which involves a shaman, steam rising from hot lava rocks and some soul searching.