Ritz Carlton Cancun Mexico in Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

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The Cancun Ritz-Carlton

If you combine courtesy, efficiency, elegance, and impeccable service and professionalism you would come to the inescapable conclusion that these are the hallmarks of the Cancun Ritz-Carlton, located in the heart of Mexico's Yucatan playground.

Leading The Way To Spendor And Elegance.

The Cancun Ritz-Carlton sits on 7.5 of Yucatan sand!

Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, approximately 15 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, the Five Diamond Resort, boasts of 365 rooms, (one for each day of the year), including 50 suites, 277 kings, 88 with two double beds, 46 Ritz Carlton Club rooms, 10 Ritz Carlton Club Suites, and one Presidential Suite.

The resort rests on the tip of Mexico's exotic Yucatan Peninsula, and is located on more than 7.5 acres along the Azure Caribbean Sea, with some 1,200 feet of pristine beach, offering the pinnacle of Caribbean hospitality and splendor, together side-by side.

It is the first ever and only AAA Triple Five Diamond Resort and its other honors include AAA Five-Diamond Resort rating from 1996-2002, Five Diamond Restaurant Ratings for the Fantino Restaurant, and the Club Grill for 1997-2002.

	Laze under a palapa at the beachfront Cancun Ritz-Carlton.

Travel & Leisure Magazine's World Best Awards went to the Cancun Ritz-Carlton for Best Service in Mexico and Central and South America for 2002, Best Value in Mexico and Central and South America for 2002, and Best Hotel in Mexico and Central and South America for 2001.

Condé Naste Traveler Magazine's Gold List named the Cancun Ritz-Carlton as the "Top Place to Stay" in Mexico and the Reader's Choice Awards named it :Top Latin American Resorts" for 1997 to 2001.

Gourmet Magazine's "Rooms at the Top Survey" named the Cancun Ritz-Carlton as the Best Hotel in Mexico, Top Service and Number Four in the World.

The resort was designed to reflect Mexico's rich Spanish heritage with tiled roofs, wrought-iron railings, dancing fountains, private courtyards and unique five-story high stained glass ceiling designed by a local artist.

The Boardroom is an excellent choice for private dinners and meetings.

The Cancun Ritz-Carlton provides more than 27,000 square feet of function space, capable of accommodating up to 1,050 guests, including the grand ballroom with 11,481 square feet, the Plaza Ballroom, 3,960 square feet, the Diplomat Room, 812 square feet, the Board Room, 406 square feet, the Director's room, 812 square feet, the Merida, 770 square feet, the Cozumel, 945 square feet, the Cancun, 805 square feet, and the Tulum, 1015 square feet.

One of the most impressive features of the Cancun Ritz-Carlton is the approach to the reception area. A semi-circular driveway opens up after passing through abundant vegetation, which boosts the architecture of the building itself. Guests are welcomed by "ladies and gentlemen" whose courtesy and friendliness make one feel at home immediately.

Taken into the lobby area for registration, guests are greeted with the music of Mexican guitarists and singers and provided with Margaritas and Piña Coladas, (with or without alcohol), soft drinks, and bottled water, making the entire process one of comfort and convenience.

	Fantino is one of the resort's awarding winning fine dining restaurants.

One immediately recognizes the luxury and sobriety of the resort, its classic lines, comfortable spaces and discreet colors, spawning the feeling that such a style will never go out of fashion, but rather, would be one to emulate by others in the tourism sector. There is absolutely no doubt that enormous attention was given to the design of the interior areas which have a stamp of prestige that rings out in clear and unambiguous tones.

The Resort's features of balconies overlooking the ocean from each of its 365 guestrooms and suites are of particular significance to guests, who enjoy such welcome extras, such as a private safe, fully stocked honor bar, and telephone in the bathroom. In addition to a 24 hour room service, the hotel provides twice daily maid attention, evening turndown service, and a multi lingual concierge staff.

Guests wishing for an added measure of service and personal attention may select accommodations on the Ritz Carlton Club, accessed by a separate elevator key. The spacious and well-appointed Club Lounge features complimentary food and beverage presentations throughout the day, including continental breakfast, afternoon snacks, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres and sweets and cordials.

Plunge into the North Pool.

The resort opened on April 15, 1993 and features two outdoor swimming pools, three tennis courts, (one of which is lighted) and Ritz-Carlton signature blue "cabana chairs" on the beach. The Fitness Center is equipped with weight training and cardiovascular equipment, steam and sauna rooms, and aerobic classes are offered each morning. Spa services are available, including massages in the Fitness Center, guestroom or on the beach. A beauty salon is also located in the hotel.

Relaxing on the beach takes on a whole new meaning as private beach cabanas staffed with individual butlers, personal messages delivered upon receipt to guests lounging poolside, chilled scented towels and fresh fruit on silver trays are among the benefits.

Upon arrival at the pool and beach area, all guests are greeted by a specialty concierge personnel and registered at the guest services desk. This enables staff members to locate any guest in the area and deliver important messages, phone calls or faxes.

The additional complimentary services and amenities offered include enhanced pool and beach "toys", board and table games for children, selection of magazines and books, fresh fruit and snacks, spritzer bottles and of course the special concierge services.

In addition, guests desirous of an even higher level of personal service and attention can benefit from the new Palapa Presidencial facilities. Two private thatched beach huts are available for daily rental, and feature enhanced facilities, including private butlers, cellular phones, CD stereos, and a selection of musical discs, coolers stocked with guest's personal preferences, bathrobes and slippers, magazines and lotions.


			Left: Catch some warm Caribbean rays from your ocean front room. Below: Take time out from your busy world in an Executive Suite.

One of the most selected areas for cocktails is the Atrium, surrounded by the etipremnum (telephones or ivy) plant which hangs from the ceiling creating a relaxed and "close to nature" feeling and emphasizes the use of the beauty of nature in the building.

The pools over look a beach
where the sand never gets hot.

Whether by land or sea, guests can take advantage of the many nearby attractions, located within comfortable driving or boating distance.

Among the most popular are: The Cave of the Sleeping Sharks, located on Isla Mujeres; Chichen Itza, a composite of Mayan pre-Columbia cultures, featuring towering pyramids and temple ruins; Cozumel, once a hideout for pirates, with some of the finest reefs in the world and a charming shopping village; Isla Mujeres, where giant sea turtles are seen and hugh schools of fish abound, and Tulum, a pre-Columbian Mayan civilization.

The turquoise-blue waters of the Mexican Caribbean also provide the ideal setting for snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, water-skiing, boating and sport-fishing activities. Water-sports enthusiasts won't want to miss Xel-Ha, a national park consisting of several interconnected lagoons where countless species of tropical fish breed. Nearby reefs include El Tunel, San Toribio, and San Miguel, offering 50 top 60 foot dive sites.

In addition, guests can take advantage of parasailing, jungle tours, cavern tours, (for snorkeling and diving) and dinner cruises arranged through the Ritz' Aqua World Desk.

Yucatan beach party at the resort.

For younger guests, the Kids Camp program at the Cancun Ritz-Carlton, include a wide variety of games and educational activities for children four to 12. Among the many supervised activities youngsters can participate in are: "Lets Make Pinatas:, painting contests, cookie baking, pirates exploration; and mini beach Olympics. In addition, a variety of off-property activities for youngsters are available including swimming with the dolphins at Isla Mujeres, and a visit to the Xcaret eco-archeological park.

There is also something for cigar lovers. The Cigar Lounge features more than 30 of the finest Cuban cigars, including Cohibas, Romeo & Julietas, and Montecristos. The extensive cigar collection is complemented by a premium selection of after-dinner drinks, including ports, sherries, cognacs and single-malt scotches. The lounge's comfortable décor features burgundy leather chairs, original oil paintings and wrought-iron chandeliers. Included in the lounge's premium cigar menu are Ritz-Carlton private label cigars. Robustos, Churchills, and Lonsdales are hand-rolled by a cigar roller with over 47 years of experience in the Partagas factory in Havana, Cuba.

For those who prefer recreational activities "above ground" many land sports are also offered close by. The private Pok-Ta-Pok 18 hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones, offers caddies, carts and lessons. Golfers can also visit the Playacar development and experience the par 72 championship golf course carved through the Mayan jungles.


The Plaza Ballroom is a superb venue for all your classy functions.

Guests at the Cancun Ritz-Carlton can also select from a variety of dining options.

The Fantino is where Italian cuisine and.Live music is featured daily with pianist Alex Gusman drawing applause repeatedly from guests. The Five Diamond restaurant has a new avant-garde approach featuring creative Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence created by the restaurant's new Chef de Cuisine Matias Martinez Garcia.

The elegant dining room's Caribbean ambiance includes silk-covered walls, Frette lines and hand-painted ceiling frescos, all complemented by expansive views of the ocean.

Signature selections include Panzella Bread, Salad with Anchovies and Calamata Olives, Marscarpone and Lemon Cream, Truffle and Porcini Mushroom Risotto with Chianti Reduction, Grilled Diver Scallop in an Almond Emulsion with Small Frisee Salad and Fantino's Interpretation of Tirimasu.

	Luxury is casual at the Club Grill.

The Club Grill recently earned AAA's coveted Five Diamond Award. It combines local ingredients and fresh spices with the originality of California cuisine. Regional specialties and a variety of fresh seafood, beef and game are offered including a new grill station with hearty dishes added in August.

New menu selections have Mexican influences, including Tequila Flamed Squid Ink Risotto flavored with Coriander, Jalapeño Chili and Tomatoes; Cafeteria of Tomatillo Consumme with Diver Scallops Tartar; Roasted Rack of Lamb in Pepper and Lime Leaf Crust, Potato Purée with Goat Cheese and Tobiko Arroz con Leche Brulée with a Soft Grand Marnier Center, and Apple Vanilla Sauce.

The Fantino and the Club Grill are two of only 45 Restaurants in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean to have earned AAA's highest honor.

E

Your beach home away from home.

l Café Mexicano, featuring American and Mexican cuisine, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner in casual surroundings, overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

With an emphasis on Mexican and American favorites, the Café features inventive breakfasts and elaborate buffets. Lively theme dinners are also offered, including the Seafood Extravaganza and Mexican Fiesta.

The hotel's most casual restaurant, The Caribe Bar & Grill, is located poolside overlooking the beach. Open daily for lunch, the Caribe Bar & Grill offers Caribbean specialties, tropical drinks and live Mexican music.

Executive Chef, Christopher Romine oversees the hotel's entire culinary operation which includes banquets and room service, while Jose Mejia is executive sous chef of the Club Grill.

You will love the Ritz.

Area director of marketing Robert H. Rippee noted that precautions have also been taken to ensure the safety of all guests. The hotel is fully equipped with an extensive fire and emergency system, which includes smoke detectors in all guestrooms and public areas, strobe light alert system, complete sprinkler system, extinguisher system, a trained emergency response team and a 24 hour security staff. He also noted that training is essential and is an area to which special attention is given.

Many members of the staff have been attached to the Cancun Ritz-Carlton for many years and are part of a specially selected group aimed at providing optimum service at a highly professional level.

With its impeccable service, world class ambiance and luxurious accommodation, the Cancun Ritz-Carlton creates a feeling of euphoria and the distinct impression is formulated in one's mind of a utopian surrounding, suggesting that the property is in the proximity of the divine, and its future is assured.

— Feature by Edwin Ali, Jetsetters Magazine Caribbean Correspondent. Read Edwin's Jetsetters Magazine feature about Yucatan Aqua Parks and his feature about Mundo Mayan Classic.