Puerto Morelos, Mexico (Near Cancun) Exciting News Ceiba del Mar converts to "Desire Pearl Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya" on March 30, 2012 for Couples Only. That means clothing optional ALL THE TIME, instead of just the "special weeks" like now. Below is a Resort Report to document our recent visit to the resort known as Ceiba del Mar. Expect the content to change once the resort is re-branded as Desire Pearl. We'll have more info soon, but in the meantime, here's the official announcement. What suites... what views. If luxury is what you want, this is for you. Plus, Ceiba del Mar has some of the most jaw dropping suite layouts we've seen... worldwide   Travel Alert from U.S. State Department about Mexico The alerts concern primarily the border areas between the U.S. and Mexico. Alerts do not include Cancun, Cozumul, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo or similar tourism centers. The primary concerns are on the border of Mexico along the state lines of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and southern California. See more from the U.S. State Department concerning Mexico. This upscale beach side resort near Puerto Morelos is about 25 minutes south of the Cancun International Airport, down a 4-lane super highway Mexico 307. Ceiba del Mar was designed and is owned by Luis Segura, the architect from Monterrey,Mexico was intrigued by Puerto Morelos, the small fishing village famous for secluded, uncrowded white sand beaches. Rumor has it that Jimmy Buffett wrote the song "Margaritaville" in Puerto Morels but.....who really knows? Ceiba del Mar is a laid back property for relaxing getaways in luscious surroundings. Built in 2001, the 88 room resort caters to adults, families, singles and romantic couples looking for a quiet getaway. In addition to conventional vacations, the resort targets weddings, honeymoons, reunions, corporate retreats and family reunions. Normally, meals and drinks are extra as are airport transfers, spa treatments and Scuba.   Ceiba del Mar is about 20 miles southwest of the Cancun airport on the beach north of a fishing village called Puerto Morelos. Puerto Morelos, a non-touristy town of 2,500, is the first settlement south of Cancun city. Another popular tourist area, Playa del Carmen is another 20-30 minutes further south of the resort - so you're secluded but close to most things for night life and shopping. U.S. Citizens: Passports are required for international air travel to all destinations outside the USA. Cancun is a world-class vacation area, served by numerous airlines from North America, South America and Europe. Both scheduled air carriers as well as charter flights fly to Cancun with frequent service from just about anywhere. Taxis are plentiful at the airport and all major rental car companies are located at the Cancun airport. A shuttle from the airport is the cheapest way to reach the resort. You can arrange for shuttle service in advance by Castaways Travel and in the arrivals hall near the airport exit. Airport transfers can range from $50-$150/person, depending upon type of vehicle selected. Price subject to change without notice. Taxi rates are typically fixed prices for transportation from the airport. Puerto Morelos has taxis that serve the resort, just a few minutes from the town's square. Water taxis to and from Cozumel are also available from the local port, from Playa del Carmen and from Cancun. Water taxi tickets can be purchased right at the dock. Frequent bus service to other parts of Mexico is also available in Playa del Carmen at the terminal located downtown on 5th Avenue and Juarez Street. Maps World Map Mexico Map Yucatan Map   Lobby & pool concierges 1 Jacuzzi Complimentary computers and free WiFi throughout the resort Fitness center Bikes, Tennis Court, Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, yoga, pilates 24 hour room service Boutique Fishing and yacht pier ADA access suites Daily Newspapers Daily complimentary coffee, juice and assorted sweet rolls Meal plans Unique holistic & aromatherapy treatments 2 outdoor swimming pools 3 bars 1 swim up bar Doctor on call 24 hours/day Beauty Salon and full service spa (treatments extra) Tour Desk Taxis on site Free parking   Restaurante Xtabay Lobby 7 - aa:30 AM Creative cuisine with Mexican accents. Adventurous Gourmet dining daily to 11 PM. Arrecife Grill & Lounge Grill and wood fired Mediterranean style beachfront dining daily Sushi Bar & Lounge Top terrace lounge and sushi bar daily Tequila Bar Tequla, cocktails and Mexican selections 7-11 AM and 3-11 PM   Room rates vary by room category. Stanard suites Junior suites Master suites Penthouse suites Ceiba del Mar Spa Resort features 45 charming rooms and junior suites, 36 delightfully appointed master suites with separate bedroom and living room areas and 7 dazzling one-bedroom Penthouses with 753 square foot wide panoramic terraces that feature plunge pool and stunning rooftop ocean views.   Families, adults, singles and couples as well as corporate and business clients frequent Ceiba del Mar. For the couples only weeks, only adults are invited.   The resort is luxurious and laid back, quiet and relaxed normally.   Sight Seeing With the hotel close to everything, you can choose from many activities when you leave the resort. Here's just a partial list of things to do: Shopping in Cancun, cruising the bars/discos/clubs in Playa del Carmen or Cancun, snorkeling and swimming in the natural lagoons at Xcaret or Xel-ha to the south, visiting the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza to the northwest or Tulum to the south, fishing or diving on the Mayan Reef, the second longest barrier reef in the world, extending all the way to Belize. Optional escorted tours with driver and guide can be arranged at the resort, with transportation that will pick you up right at the resort for your guided tour. Did You Know...Castaways Travel KNOWS the surrounding area,including Cancun and Playa del Carmen to help you plan to get the most out of your holiday in and around Desire and the local areas. See: 12 Reasons to use Castaways Travel Or, choose to swim with the Atlantic bottle nose dolphin just off the beach or ride horseback in the nearby jungle. If you want to see more of the area, you can go down to Playa del Carmen and catch a water taxi to cross the channel to Cozumel for about $10-$15/person one way (prices subject to change without notice). Trip takes about 30-45 minutes, depending upon the weather….or if the waves are running high. Deep sea/bill fishing and SCUBA diving can be arranged from the hotel, too. For a fun night life experience in Playa del Carmen at an upscale watering hole and guest hotel, try the Deseo Bar & Cantina off of 5th Avenue. A slick place to be sure and not just the same old thing as you would find "bar hopping." You can't get lost on 5th Avenue... the street only runs 10-15 blocks and is arguably the "heart" of "Playa." There are numerous other places to hang your hat in Playa including Sr. Frogs, the Blue Parrot plus lots of other hang out. Cancun has its share of night life including the Krystal and other   No disco or night life to speak of       You can beach comb a few hundred yards to the south to town.       Or you can bike from the resort to the town square about a mile or two south.       Suites are as impressive as any you will see... worldwide.         Just about year round. Late summer - August and September - can be more humid and prone to hurricanes in the Caribbean. Also remember that this is Mexico and while even in the summer months there is usually a cooling breeze off of the water, but once you go inland or into town... it can get really hot. Also remember that you're in the tropics so you should expect some rain anytime, anywhere, unannounced.   Wish there was night life for conventional vacationers although during the special event weeks, plenty of night life and entertainment are provided.   Click on the Photo Album button to view photos of Ceiba del Mar. If you've been to Ceiba del Mar, you can contribute to this section - all you have to do is go to our Contribute Trip Report / Photographs page.   We need more trip reports from from folks who have recently visited Ceiba del Mar. You can contribute to this section - all you have to do is go to our Contribute Trip Report / Photographs page.

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