Updated 10.01.2013
Is a beach resort your idea of travel fun? Add a Latin-influenced flavor to adventure by the sea with a stay at CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort in Mexico.
I’ll admit, when Marriott Resorts invited me to visit Cancun to blog from paradise at their seaside resort; all I could think about were news reports that I had seen of crazy, drunk college kids on spring break. Or thousands of cruise ship tourists overwhelming a tropical port. Well, I was wrong on both counts. First, the cruise port is in Cozumel not Cancun. And second, the TV commentators didn’t tell me about the turquoise blue water that rivals any I’ve seen in French Polynesia, tropical adventures worthy of an Indiana Jones movie or the upscale amenities that are available at resorts like CasaMagna Marriott.
The Four Diamond AAA rated resort, located in Cancun’s hotel zone, sits next to sister property, J.W. Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa. On a visit to this Mexican tropical paradise, boomers will find the best of both worlds—a laid back hacienda style vibe at CasaMagna —and the refined luxury of a J.W. Marriott, where restaurants, spa and shopping are available to CasaMagna guests willing to take the short walk along a covered marble-tiled breezeway that connects the two resorts.
Of course you’ll find plenty of dining options and activities without leaving the CasaMagna grounds. During my stay, I enjoyed a tasty shrimp caesar salad poolside as I observed adventurers floating through the sky in a bright, yellow parasail. Later, I soaked in the sun on a pool lounge, sipping a pina colada as a group of guests played water volleyball to a background of energetic music. Other guests took in the ocean view from the jacuzzi or stretched out on the sandy beach under thatched roof sun umbrellas.
The next morning, I sipped a cup of room service coffee from the balcony of my room, as I watched a new day beginning over the western Caribbean. Inside, red and gold decor reflected a combination of hacienda and Mayan influences. A strip of outlets on the side of the bureau made it easy to plug-in, while I surfed the internet with the speedy wireless connection (for a fee). The bathroom was well equipped with amenities, including a robe and, for a special touch, new bedroom slippers were wrapped tightly in plastic, waiting for my itchy travel feet to be the first ones to wear them.
There’s no excuse for skipping your boomer exercise regime on a trip to CasaMagna. I preferred walking on the beach; but, a glance in the fitness room at the treadmills, ellipticals, bicycles and weight machines (free for guests) proved a determined baby boomer would have no problem keeping fit while visiting paradise. And, if tennis is your game, courts are available on-site (fee required).
Nothing says total relaxation like a spa treatment. Although Marriott treated me to a free spa treatment, I would have happily paid for it. After a brown sugar scrub, massage with essential oils and facial, my skin practically glowed. Every time I thought, “Oh, shoot it must be over now,” spa therapist, Theresa, would massage in another layer of emollient cream. And, here’s my confession. I was supposed to experience a treatment at the glamorous three-story spa at J.W. Marriott. By mistake, I showed up at the smaller CasaMagna spa. Although the surrounds weren’t as glitzy, the spa treatment was the best that I have ever experienced. Thanks, Theresa!
Although Cancun offers plenty of restaurant choices, you won’t become bored by sticking with the variety of dining venues at CasaMagna and J.W. Marriott (six in all). Along with travel writer Patty Hodapp, I had the privilege of being one of the first guests to sample the tasty offerings at J.W. Marriott Cancun’s newest restaurant, Sedona Grill, focusing on a blend of southwest and Mexican flavors. The red grouper in chili curry coconut cream sauce gave me a renewed appreciation for fish. While the margarita specialty of the house, made with authentic tequila and a dash of chili peppers, was meant for sipping slowly. And the chocolate quesadillas for dessert? Let’s just say that I’ve found a new use for Nutella. Do you think I can convince the chef, to share the recipe?
Other CasaMagna dining choices include Thai food at Sasi Thai, located in an outdoor setting with thatched roof and romantic lighting, the elegant La Capilla Argentina Steakhouse surrounded by decorative pools that overlook the beach and Champions Restaurant Sports Bar where sports fanatics watch golf, baseball, football, rodeo, Nascar, tennis and poker, all at the same time.
If relaxing by the pool or braving the somewhat rough ocean surf is not enough of a baby boomer adventure for you, the concierge will assist in arranging an active excursion into the Yucatan wonders of Mayan temples, cenotes and zip-lining journeys over the jungle. Or, play golf at one of the nearby courses.
And one, final impression. Our regular readers know how much importance I put in customer service. Well, you’ll find that and more at CasaMagna in Cancun. The staff makes a special effort to call you by name giving a warm personal touch to the lodging experience. As I was leaving for my return to Tucson, the bellman asked, “When are you coming back, Miss Donna?”
My reply, “As soon as I can talk Alan into it.”
Baby boomer travel tips:
- Bottled water? Not needed. The resort filters water making it safe to drink.
- Electrical converters and adapters? Not necessary. Accommodations are equipped with 120 volt outlets.
- Beach towels? Don’t bring your own when CasaMagna issues a card for free towels at the pool shack.
- Hair dryer? Leave it at home. The hair dryer supplied in the bathroom is plenty strong (and I’m particular about my hair dryers).
- Confused about converting from dollars to pesos? Receipts are printed with both amounts indicated.
- In a hurry? Tread carefully on the marble floors, they become slippery in high humidity or when moisture is present.
- Don’t like waiting 30 to 45 minutes for room service? Call your breakfast order in the night before using the “At Your Service” button on the room’s phone or fill out the room service card and place it on your door before 2:00 a.m.
- Crowded beaches? Visit during the summer off-season and you’ll have the beach to yourself, but be prepared for heat and humidity.
- Need to keep up with your favorite sports team? Champions Sports Bar has 29 TV’s. You won’t miss a single play.
- The spa at J.W. Marriott too expensive for your pocketbook? Spa facilities at CasaMagna may not be as glitzy but the treatments are excellent.
- Hate standing in line? If you travel with carry-on only, there’s a good chance you’ll be moved to the head of the line when waiting for a boarding pass at the Cancun airport (my experience with American Airlines). Be sure that the agent gives you the customs declaration form that you’ll present to U.S. officials. Mine didn’t.
Have you stayed at CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort or J.W. Marriott Cancun Resort and Spa? Join the conversation at the My Itchy Travel Feet page on Facebook or send us an email to ask a question or share your experience.
View more of my photos from CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort at the My Itchy Travel Feet page on Facebook. And, while you’re there, be sure to click the like button.
Disclosure: Marriott Resorts provided this travel experience but the opinions are my own.
