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and design, is, despite the use of local lime- stone and wood, definitely Asian. The property, which includes a spa staffed with Thai therapists, looks a little out of place in the Mayan mangroves, but Ameri- can guests love having this concept so close to home. UK visitors will certainly love the 136 villas, all of which have pools, outdoor baths and chic decor. This blends the traditional, such as Mexican black and white bathroom ceramics, with the ultra modern, for example 42-inch TVs, iPod docks and an espresso machine.
Esencia
Brands like Banyan Tree may anchor the Mayan Riviera’s luxury offering, but Maroma and its great rival Esencia, a 10-minute drive from Playa del Carmen, were there before them.
Once the home of an Italian duchess, Esencia greets you in unorthodox fashion by doing the check-in process in a replica Mayan mud hut that was once home to the security guard. Things get less rustic from here on, but the Mayan influence is still seen in the traditional remedies used in the hotel’s spa. It is also there in the spa’s bare
Agent view: ‘BA will open the door’
Lesley Waldron, travel consultant, Mark’s Travel, flew to Cancun with British Airways “I have booked Mayan Riviera previously with charter flights, mainly the Sandos and Occidental resorts – it has been more a case of lower budgets. The new BA service will open the door for higher end properties such as Secrets and Dreams. BA is increasing the service from two flights per week to three from early next year, which is great news and also gives more flexibility. We will be
able to book 10 and 12-night breaks rather than just seven and 14 nights. “Dreams Resorts & Spas are great for families. Dreams Cancun has dolphins in resort, which children love! Adult-only
Secrets Resorts are slightly different in style; Secrets Capri is perfect for honeymooners. “Dreams Tulum is my favourite. It has lots of Mexi-
can character and is in a quiet location, but Playa del Carmen and the Mayan ruins are not too far away.”
lime plaster decor, another ancient Mayan building technique.
In complete contrast, the duchess’s former home, now the hotel lounge, is like the 29 guest rooms, all simple white walls and large windows that let light flood in. The decor has a definite Mediterranean feel and all rooms have their own plunge pool and private garden. In the public areas, the duchess’s original swimming pool has been converted for family use, but another has been built for more serious swimmers. How- ever, just yards away from the pools and the two restaurants is a sweeping curve of white
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sand beach. Esencia is essentially not a family destination, but like Maroma, a perfect hideaway for couples.
BAGatwick-Cancun route facts
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■ Boeing 777 with World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World
■ Flying time: 9-10 hours ■ Return fares: From £632 (World Traveller), £1,053 (World Traveller Plus) and £2,138 in Club World
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