Site visit in 4 days -- need a few more places!

[jen1252]

I can't believe it took me so long to find this site! I've been engaged a few months now and have been researching various Mexico locations and finally narrowed it down to Riviera Maya. My fiance and I just booked a flight to scout out a few places next weekend -- so far we're going to Ceiba del Mar and Le Reve. I've seen the reviews on this site for both and know they will be great, but we'd really like to check out a few more places while we're down there. Here are a few others we are considering: Azul Beach (but I'm not keen on the all-inclusive), La Amada, Omni Puerto Aventuras (may be a bit too far), Mahekal and Petit Lafitte? I'd love a few more recommendations...thanks!

[NicIowa]

Hey jen1252 - How's your site visits go?  I'm considering a few of the resorts you listed and would love to see pics/hear details since I'm not sure how timing to do a site visit is going to go...we just got engaged a couple weeks ago and would like to send save the dates for a 2011 wedding...before this year's holidays...but already had a trip to Barbados booked.  rough I know...but you know how stressful making a location decision is!

 

I really like Azul beach ... did you see that one?

[jen1252]

This is a very delayed response... but we absolutely loved Le Reve and chose that for our April 2011 wedding! We're only expecting about 50 guests, so it's the perfect size for us. The staff and personal attention was outstanding. Amazing food. The location is also great and very close to the town of Playa del Carmen if we decide to plan a night out.

 

Ceiba del Mar - Everyone raves about this place, and I was hoping to love it, but was slightly disappointed. 

 

La Amada was new and modern, but we didn't like the location. It was north of Cancun and just a bit too far removed from everything for us.

 

We just took a tour of Azul Beach (didn't meet wedding coordinator) and really liked the feel of it, but didn't want an all-inclusive.

 

Good luck!

[MarisaKash]

Hi Jen! I'm new to this forum, but like everyone says, I've found it incredibly helpful! I noticed in your earlier post that you planned to visit Mahekal. We're going down in ten days (!) to check out venues. We're also planning to see Ceiba del Mar, Le Reve, and Mahekal. I've heard the downside of Mahekal is that the beach is really crowded and not great for a private ceremony. Did you also find this to be the case? 

Thanks for any insight! 

[Rmarino222]

Congrats on your engagement!!!  I was in your position just a few months ago and ended up deciding on La Amada Hotel.  I would highly recommend checking it out while you're down there.  The hotel is new and modern, the rooms are really cheap and they just started an all-inclusive option for only $80 per person per day.  And the all-inclusive is not mandatory.  The location is remote, which was actually one of my reasons for choosing it.  I wanted a place that was away from it all so we could all relax on the beach together and celebrate!  The food at the hotel has only gotten incredible reviews, as well as the service.  I actually chose the place site unseen and am going down at the end of January to finally see it in person.  I've spoken to a few people that have been married there and they have nothing but great things to say about their experience.  Good luck in your search!!

[jen1252]

Marisa - We walked past Mahekal, but didn't get a proper tour of the place. Partly because no one responded to my email inquiries, and also when we walked by, we realized it wasn't for us. It definitely looks like a cute place and isn't expensive at all. However, it is in the heart of the town of Playa del Carmen (this might a plus for some people) but right on the public beach, which is always crowded. We visited during the low season (September) and the beach was still pretty packed then. So if you want privacy, you aren't going to get it there.

 

Rmarino222 - good points about La Amada. If you want a remote place for everyone to just hang together, La Amada is a great choice. It is definitely a luxury hotel, but at a very reasonable price.  We were just worried with the whole destination wedding thing and wanted our guests to have options in case they didn't like the place we ended up choosing. 

 

[MarisaKash]

Thanks, Jen! 

[playalucia]

Check out Hotel Las Palapas. We just had our wedding there and loved the location.

[playalucia]

Oh wait, Maroma is also INCREDIBLE ! but it's a lot more expensive, so just be prepared for that.