Sunday, January 25, 2009

Romantic getaway in Mexico

If you're going on your honeymoon, you want to be treated like Royal-ty.

And that's exactly how every guest feels at the Real Royal in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Newcomers at this adults-only resort are greeted by friendly staff and handed a mimosa within seconds of arriving at the resort.

After a quick check-in, you're free to explore the grounds of the Royal, which are in immaculate condition, thanks to an unparalleled workforce of 665 employees.

Royal general manager Beat Muller takes great pride in the work his employees provide in order to make your vacation one to remember.

"We have more employees than other resorts because we want to make sure our guests are comfortable," Muller says.

"We love God, our families and our guests. That's the main way we look at it.

"We want every person to feel welcome."

Mission accomplished.

Even at the Spice restaurant, which is a magnificent buffet of every food imaginable, the young staff hustles to meet the needs of every diner.

There are numerous restaurants to choose from, featuring the best menus from around the globe.

It's impossible not to find one great meal after another. My wife is a vegetarian. I eat meat almost exclusively. We both found fabulous food at each of the resort's six restaurants.

It's probably impossible, but if you can't find what you're looking for, the chefs will prepare it.

Guests are also encouraged to try the restaurants across the street at The Gran Porto Real, the resort's sister hotel.

The Royal resort in nearby Cancun is also available to vacationers.

The Playa del Carmen resort was expanded from 312 to 459 rooms last year to keep up with increasing demand.

"This is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico," Muller says.

All Master and Presidential Suites include free international telephone calls and a free test drive of a Mini Cooper. Oceanview rooms come with a Bose music system and an iPod.

And the resort is located right off of cosmopolitan 5th Ave., a popular shopping destination.

While some resorts have been known to use cheaper brands of alcohol, that isn't the case at the Royal, which proudly displays all of its high-quality liquor at its many bars. Each room also has its own dispenser featuring four different kinds of alcohol, as well as a stocked mini-bar.

The convenient swim-up bar and massive Lobby Bar are two of the most popular hangouts.

Guys, it's probably not advisable to spend your honeymoon watching football. But let's face it. If there's a big game on, we gotta watch it.

Maybe you 'accidentally' stumble into the enormous Lobby Bar -- where there just happens to be three huge screens. You won't be alone here.

Later in the evening, the Lobby Bar plays host to a different entertainment act every night.

If you want to push the envelope even further, there are numerous pro golf courses nearby -- the Playacar Golf Club, Puerto Aventuras, Pok Ta Pok, Cozumel Country Club and the Melia Cancun Golf Club, to name a few.

You may be able to get away with a round or two if you send the wife to the European-inspired SpAzul.

The spa offers a full range of treatments, including facials, massage therapies and body waxing. A separate steam room, sauna and whirlpool are also on site.

Twenty-four hour room service is available.

And if you're taking advantage of the Jacuzzi, which is found in every room, you won't have to worry about scrambling to the door.

The Royal's 'magic box' allows resort staffers to deposit your order in a secure closet that you can access at your convenience.

There's plenty of activities during the day -- both on and off the grounds. There are numerous adventure tours to choose -- from touring the ancient ruins at Tulum to swimming with the dolphins in Cancun.

Check out Mexico's finest vacation destination at www.realresorts.com or call 1-800-543-7556 to book a reservation.


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