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If all-inclusive resorts are a blur of sugary well drinks, starchy buffets, and squealing kids clamoring for another go at twirly pool slides, then it’s no wonder that travelers looking for elegant design and actual R&R give them a hard pass. But the category is shifting, as the hospitality industry aims to serve some 42 percent of Gen Z travelers who prefer all-inclusive stays, according to a recent Hotels.com report. The latest all-inclusive hotels deliver chic design, elevated culinary and cocktail offerings, and luxury amenities that feel more like boutique hotels than mega resorts.
A shining example is Almare, a Luxury Collection Resort. The newly opened, adults-only beachfront resort is situated on the tiny, five-mile island of Isla de Mujeres (a few miles and what feels like lightyears away from Cancun’s party scene) and provides the hassle-free incentive of all-inclusive food, beverage, and wellness offerings, but in a sophisticated skin that feels more The White Lotus than a glutinous free-for-all.
Upon arrival, guests are whisked from the mainland in an immaculate, private boat to the property’s own dock, where Almare staff await with broad smiles and craft mocktails (a bright concoction of cold-pressed turmeric, passion fruit, cinnamon honey, coconut foam, and zested lemon).
From this first point of contact, a stay at the property is dominated by ease: Staff greets each guest by name and is extremely accommodating without getting up in their business; breezy morning yoga classes are offered on the overwater pergola; Thoughtful culinary options that call on Mayan tradition while rivaling buzzy haunts in world-class cities are available 24/7. (Standouts include fresh-squeezed juices; lobster papadzules, a Mayan dish similar to enchiladas; and the Yucatan specialty, Tikin Xic, a citrus-marinated black cod wrapped in banana leaves and grilled.) Throughout the stay, the only thing a guest needs to keep track of is a room key, conveniently chipped inside a delicate silk cord and wooden bracelet.
Whether taking a dip in the clear blue sea, napping in beachside pergolas equipped with queen-sized chaises, or enjoying a cocktail in the open-air lounge, it’s almost impossible not to reach—and keep—a state of zen going for the duration of a stay. Further cementing the vibe are the spa’s hydrotherapy facilities, inspired by Mayan cosmovision and comprising steam, sauna, chromotherapy shower, cold plunge pool, jacuzzi, and relaxation pool.
It’s a circuit that feels as cleansing and revitalizing as it is relaxing—and somehow is not the spa’s most outstanding feature. That prize is awarded to a collection of cocoon beds. Curved to provide a full-body embrace, these supremely relaxing loungers are pumped with 98.6-degree water and provide a sensory experience that replicates being in the womb. I could have cozied up to that thing all day (and nearly did).
Architectural design (by Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos) further establishes a sense of serenity, thanks to common areas that maximize indoor-outdoor living and a tranquil color palette that echoes the surrounding sand, surf, sky, and mangrove forest. With features like this, it would be easy to skimp on the accommodations themselves.
BOOK: Almare Isla Mujeres Adult All-inclusive Resort Each of the 109 rooms feels just as luxurious, boasting natural materials throughout (such as wood and Chukum, an ancient Mayan finish made from tree resin), and private balconies that open to multi-million dollar views of the Caribbean sea. Other luxe in-room touches—including Jacuzzi tubs for two, Byredo bath products, and Frette sheets—make a strong case for bypassing the beach, pool, spa, and restaurant scenes to relax in one’s room instead.Book On Expedia
The property has certainly outdone itself as a sanctuary to recharge. But thanks to its boutique size, smart design of communal space, and strategic guest activity programming, the tranquil atmosphere doesn’t slip into a total snoozefest. Guests can opt-in for a sunrise walking tour of the island, candlelit beach meditation, culinary classes, or charter a luxury catamaran with Maritur DMC, an excellent way to reach the nearby MUSA Underwater Museum of Art.
But even without filling an itinerary with activities, unexpected pastimes and a sense of community take shape while onsite. After just a day’s stay, my fellow guests and I found it natural to intermingle with the predominantly American clientele. On day one, my group enjoyed the full-service swim-up bar among a collection of Emmy winners and Hollywood nepo babies.
By day two, my group and a few others comfortably claimed the open-air lounge as a living room, where we swapped stories over bottles of bubbly into the wee hours. By the close of day three, the property felt more like a chic neighborhood country club in which newly-acquainted guests would wave to one another in the bougie gym or rub elbows at an afternoon mezcal tasting.
Throughout my stay, no one jockeyed for a dinner bill or raised a voice. (After all, there were no kids around to reprimand or sloppy drunks to raise the volume). The incessant pings of Slack messages and cortisol-raising headlines that usually riddle my day were largely replaced by the sounds of lapping waves and breeze-blown palm fronds. The only thing to penetrate this carefully crafted bubble of peace? Top-40 jams played by a neighboring beach club in the afternoons. Still, the sense of utter peace achieved while at this stylish gem was remarkable, particularly given its rates (which start at $569 per night). It’s the kind of thing for which the one percent notoriously pay thousands more—if they only knew.
With food, beverage, and experiences included in the price, there are only a few essentials one needs to furnish for themselves. Here are a few essentials to make any all-inclusive worry-free.
Brush on Block SPF 50 Mineral Powder SunscreenWhether your destination is a beautiful Mexican island or some other sun-soaked location, protection from UV rays is essential. Where many miss the mark? Reapplication. Thanks to a built-in brush, this powder formula makes it easy to reapply every two hours. Plus, it’s TSA-compliant. Shop At Amazon$34
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Clare V. L’Été ToteWhen rubbing elbows with Emmy winners and nepo babies, a few key accessories are clutch. This crochet cotton bag is lightweight and packs flat, but can carry a load of beach gear. Best of all, it punches up any outfit with a bit of color and delivers instant street cred among the IYKYK crowd.See At Bloomingdale’s$185
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Seaweed Bath Co. Active Defense Sport Cream SPF 50 (2-Pack)A new breed of sunscreens infuses facial care actives that deliver serum-like benefits. The only hitch? They tend to be pricey. Consider this formula the anomaly. In addition to proven SPF actives, it contains vitamin and mineral-rich seaweed, vitamins C and E, amino acids, and antioxidants (compliments of beta-carotene, watermelon extract, and green tea), along with jojoba and avocado oils to help moisturize—all for less than $20.See At Amazon$30
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Isabel Marant 62mm Aviator SunglassesThe quickest way to harsh a vacation’s mellow? Rawdogging it without sunglasses. These Isabel Marant aviators not only provide an essential sun filter, they deliver a timeless cool (and at less than $100, are a steal).
See At TJMaxx$80
Iris&Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 30 Moisture Lip BalmMost lip products with sunscreen are notorious for *tasting* like sunscreen. Not this innovative formulation, which delivers your-lips-but-better color, the shine of a gloss, the hydration of a balm, and the protection of SPF 30.
See At Sephora$29
Circē PhytoFacials Daily Cleansing Capsules Face & EyesWe’re all for a pared-down skincare routine on vacation, but if you’re loading up on extra sunscreen during the day, packing a deep-cleaning facial wash is a must. These cleansing capsules come in a powder (not liquid) formula and take up minimal suitcase space, particularly if packing just the number of capsules needed. What’s more, they provide a thorough cleanse without making skin feel tight and are gentle enough to be used in the eye area.See At Circē$48
The post Scouted: This Mexican Island Resort Nails Quiet Luxury—Without The Obscene Rates appeared first on The Daily Beast.
