Melia has two properties in Cabo, the ME Hotel right on Medano Beach and the Paradisus Resort in the corridor. Both are very different, ME being more of a party resort on the beach right in the middle of town and Paradisus is much larger, all inclusive and a resort with so many amenities that you don’t need to leave.
Here are some pictures of ME Cabo right on Medano Beach in the center of everything.
The corridor area is between the downtown and the airport. There are so many hotels along the coast, especially all inclusive resorts. The Paradisus is the other Melia brand that is great for families. It’s so different from ME, it’s much larger, all inclusive and has a bunch of restaurants and bars.
We spent the day at Melia Cozumel and it was such a beautiful and relaxing day.
We drove from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, about a 45 minute drive. The ferry terminal is right in the center of town. It takes about 40 minutes on a huge ferry, I definitely recommend Ultramar over Wingate, they have a first class section that is much more comfortable.
Melia Cozumel is a small property but wonderful staff, friendly and accommodating.
Look at how beautiful it is, I love Cozumel. It is an island and has a different feel than the mainland. Things are more old fashioned and smaller. It is a big port for cruise lines so the downtown has lots of shopping and restaurants.
We were offered a delicious coconut cocktail with gin! Sounded strange but it was delicious. Lunch was amazing! There were a few courses but the octopus was outstanding, and beautiful. Plus the open air terrace with view of the water and the ocean breezes.
We were treated to a really cool Mayan Cultural performance after lunch.
Found this big guy wandering around.
We lazed around the beach, had a beach cabana for napping or reading, there were beach games set up, a bar and we had massages in the open air massage hut! It was the perfect day 💙
I was married at the Paradisus Punta Cana in 2001, and since it was before I became a travel advisor, I did not know they were part of the massive Meliá family of brands with almost 400 hotels worldwide, or even much about their properties. In fact, I didn’t know too much about them until I spent some time at Paradisus Playa del Carmen this March.
This is my favorite Paradisus property because it is an oasis in the middle of a bustling city. It is so close to the famous 5th Avenue with all the shopping and dining, but you feel like you are a world away when staying at the resort. The resort is a nice size—large enough to keep you occupied with so many things to do, but not too big that it takes forever to walk from one side to the other. Playa del Carmen is known for beautiful beaches, and the Paradisus Playa del Carmen has a gorgeous stretch of soft white sand and blue water. What is also unique about the resort is that there are mangroves throughout, and it makes you feel like you are deep in the jungle—but, really, you are only steps away from the beautiful beach.
Paradisus Playa del Carmen is a wonderful option for both families and adults with no kids as the property has an adult-only side and a family side. I had the pleasure of staying on both sides of the property during my recent vacation, experiencing the adult-only side for a few days and then the family side with my children for another few days. The layout is great because those staying in the adult-only section would never know that there was a family side to the property. Adults are able to dine at all of the restaurants on-site and visit both sides of the property, regardless of where they are staying, while children are only permitted to stay on the family side.
What impressed me most about the Paradisus Playa del Carmen was The Reserve, the brand’s upgraded, concierge-level experience. There is a Reserve on both sides of the property, and each has a separate VIP check-in, which is a wonderful and relaxing way to start a vacation. All of the rooms in The Reserve are located in central areas of the resort, close to everything. The Reserve guests also have their own restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast and lunch, each in a serene atmosphere with exceptional service. Right outside of the restaurant is The Reserve pool; it is the only heated pool and has a swim-up bar. From the moment you arrive, pool valets are there to set up your Bali bed with towels, adjust the umbrella and offer you a cocktail. When it is time for lunch, you are just steps away from your private restaurant where the waitstaff knows your name. On the gorgeous beach, the same service is available in a separate area for Reserve guests only (on both the family and adult-only side). Again, valets are attentive, set up your Bali bed or lounges and umbrella, and they always bring an ice bucket of bottled water and cocktails.
The accommodations are another reason to stay at the Paradisus Playa del Carmen. On the adult-only side I stayed in a one-bedroom swim-up suite that I fell in love with. It had all the comforts of home and was very spacious. There is a dining area that seats up to six people at the table, and it has a Nespresso coffee maker, refrigerator and sink. The living area has two couches, a coffee table and television. A spacious terrace has sliding glass doors to the living room and bedroom with king-size bed. I love the terrace with a small couch and coffee table, a round table and four comfortable chairs and a round jetted tub. Pretty nice: There are stairs from the terrace that lead directly to the pool with two tiled lounges submerged in about a foot of water. As a Reserve guest, you also have attentive butler service to tend to your every need. They can make your restaurant reservations, set up spa appointments, let you know about daily activities and now, with COVID protocols, set up your testing appointment before you leave and fill out all of the paperwork for you to bring to the airport. There is no reason to ever leave your room!
The food is amazing here at Paradisus, look at how beautifully it is presented!
Look who is here now!
We missed Paradisus Playa del Carmen and the staff so much we came back! It’s perfect for us, look at the accommodations. It’s the same one bedroom suite I had last week that has a connecting door to a smaller kids one bedroom suite. So there are 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 dining rooms and two terraces with whirlpools – great for families. Plus the swim up from the terrace is a favorite and the Reserve, their concierge/club level service is the best, especially the Butler.
When I moved to the family side with my own family, we stayed in a two-bedroom suite. It was similar to the same room as I had before, but it had a connecting door to a smaller, but still spacious, one-bedroom suite with two queen beds, a living and dining area, plus a terrace with a jetted tub and access to the pool. This is the perfect setup for a family: You have privacy and space but are still together. Finding accommodations like this for families isn’t always easy or available at all resorts.
Enjoying being back at the Paradisus, Tulum was beautiful but renting a house means cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. I prefer a resort stay where we can just relax and there is so much to do.
Not ready to go home. So, whether you’re traveling with or without kids, Paradisus Playa del Carmen offers plenty of space, great service and a beautiful resort for all. We will miss Paradisus Playa del Carmen and Mexico.
Excited to meet up with some friends at Sandals Grande Antigua for a fun reunion. The resort is so pretty, the landscape lush and on the most beautiful beach, Dickenson Bay.
I love the Rondovals, circular freestanding rooms with a private outdoor area with a small pool and hot tub.
Time for the beach, Dickenson Bay is picture perfect 🏖
A beautiful evening started with a gorgeous sunset on the beach, cocktails around the resort, a delicious French dinner and a great time with friends 💗
One of the finest resorts in the Caribbean, Jumby Bay Island Resort is a private island paradise surrounded by turquoise seas and powder white beaches.
With private residences and villas spread out over 300 serene acres, it’s safe and is exactly what people need now. A place to reconnect with nature, in an unhurried atmosphere with meticulous attention and service.
Welcome to Jumby Bay
Watching the storm roll in with a specialty cocktail
Jumby Bay Island Resort is a luxury all inclusive private island paradise. I love that there are about fifty private residences on the island, each with its own charm. This private island is two miles off the coast of Antigua with pristine white beaches and aquamarine water.
I LOVE the 1830 Bar! This and the Estate House are the signature bar and restaurant of Jumby Bay. The circa-1830 colonial-style structure is the oldest building on Jumby Bay. It features a varied rum collection, local artwork and private dining rooms that highlight menus from regions of the West Indies.
Hermitage Bay in Antigua is a luxury boutique resort nestled on the hillside of a hidden sandy bay. Just arriving after a long day and excited to explore this beauty!
The Hillside Pool Suites dot the mountain and have spectacular views from the open air rooms. You don’t ever have to leave them!
First glimpse of my Hillside Pool Suite at Hermitage Bay in Antigua. It’s absolutely beautiful even in the rain 💗
Look at all the space you have and the gorgeous hardwoods. The bathroom is even beautiful, especially when you open that window over the tub during the day.
I am ready for dinner but don’t want to leave my suite.
Look at how beautiful the dishes are, and they tasted even better.
There is live music every night, it is a great local band that plays jazz to reggae to modern hits. The resort is so small that you can hear it in the lounge and the restaurant which are both open air. It was the perfect volume as to not disturb dinner conversation but enough to make it lively, I really enjoyed them. After dinner you make your way over to the lounge to enjoy the music and a cocktail.
Good morning Antigua! I arrived yesterday after one of the worst storms the island has had in about 50 years. Everything was flooded and the skies were gray, it will be clearing up today.
What a view, I love Antigua!
A beautiful morning at Hermitage Bay, local Antiguan breakfast, an adorable guest joined me and it is finally clearing up today!!
Some sunny views of the hillside suites
Yes, I will just sit here all day
Goodbye Hermitage Bay, I don’t want to leave…I will be back!
Sooooo excited to go back to the Dominican Republic! It’s been a while and I do miss this gorgeous island! Thank you Playa Resorts for this opportunity to experience your resorts in Cap Cana.
Cap Cana is a whole gated community near Punta Cana. There is a marina with yachts from all over the world, a few luxury upscale resorts, shopping, fine dining and residential areas.
Sanctuary Cap Cana is a luxury boutique resort that is for adults only. The accommodations are plush, the dining is excellent and the resort is beautiful.
My suite is very beautiful and spacious, I love the soothing beach colors.
Veuve Clicquot Party for the finale!
