CANCUN — With just one main pool and 258 rooms, Melia Casa Maya stands out in Cancun’s resort landscape – especially considering that the destination as a whole (with some 55,000 rooms) is dominated by hotels with 500+ keys.
Located on a point of land extending directly across from Isla Mujeres, the hotel has existed since the 1980s and still includes a few condominiums.
However, the Melia chain has taken over its management, completely renovated it, and transformed it into a small, intimate, and above all very family-oriented all-inclusive resort.
Although the main lobby, the spa (opened in September), and certain areas evoke the atmosphere of a boutique hotel, this is very much an all-inclusive property – and a fairly lively one at that.
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- Beach views at Melia Casa Maya
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- Merkado buffet restaurant at Melia Casa Maya
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
Despite its modest size, the resort features a surprisingly large water park (for both children and adults), a gym (another recent addition), a kids’ club and a daily entertainment program. There are also four restaurants, including the Merkado buffet, the Italian restaurant Casa Nostra, and Cape Nao.
Despite its modest size, Melia Casa Maya features a surprisingly large water park (for both children and adults)
Of French origin, the new GM, Jean-François Michel Girault Boutet, explains that the hotel is still undergoing improvements and fine-tuning.
Over a 12-month period, Canadians now account for 35% of the clientele.
TWO MAJOR STRENGTHS
For Girault Boutet, two of the hotel’s main assets are its location (close to the city) and its beautiful, wide beach covered in white sand, which is only minimally affected by sargassum. There is some, but much less than elsewhere in the area, as he explained.
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- Located on a point of land extending directly across from Isla Mujeres, the property has existed since the 1980s and still includes a few condominiums
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- Melia Casa Maya has one pool, giving leisure time at the resort a real sense of community
As for the rooms, they are divided into seven categories. Even the standard rooms are fairly spacious and offer ocean views, though without balconies. All other categories include balconies, and several suites in the The Level category feature living areas, tables or counters for dining, and in some cases even kitchenettes.
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- Several suites in the The Level category feature living areas, tables or counters for dining, and in some cases even kitchenettes
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- Balconies are a feature of Melia Casa Maya accommodation (except in the standard room category)
One thing is certain: after just a few hours here, it is clear that this hotel is finding its cruising speed, particularly with very young guests (especially those aged 3-10), who are having a wonderful time – even when it rains!
Watch for more coverage from Melia Casa Maya Cancun coming up in Travelweek Daily.
Lead image caption: Melia Casa Maya in Cancun (all photos courtesy Nathalie DeGrandmont)