For 50 years, the powdery white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Mexico’s Riviera Maya have attracted thousands of sunseekers – and scores of boutique resorts. Many are sprawling all-inclusives but if “boutique is better” is your mantra, here’s one you’ll find sublime.
The Royalton Reserve Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort, is a petite property combining divine accommodation with touches of Mayan culture. Plus, a feathered welcome team (more about that later).
What brought you to this resort?
I’ve been travelling to this part of Mexico for decades and thought perhaps I had outgrown it. But was delighted to be introduced to an all-inclusive boutique resort that’s a sweet corner of paradise, bursting with personality.
Bonus: being a Marriott property means you can collect your points from their hugely successful Bonvoy program. In fact, it is only the third all-inclusive hotel to join Marriott’s elite Luxury Collection portfolio—sharing the rare distinction with sibling properties like Almare on Isla Mujeres.
Location, Location, Location
On its own slender strip of beach just 20 minutes south of Cancun Airport (less if you use the private helicopter service). Within easy drive of area attractions including the sparkling shopping malls of downtown Cancun and the Kantun-Chi Ecopark & Cenotes (“say-note-ehs”) – natural limestone pools perfect for a refreshing dip.
Breakfast in bed?
Tradition speaking without words—traditional comal cooking brings rich, ancestral Mexican flavours to life at K’uhul.
Of course – 24 hour room service is included. Healthy breakfast options include fresh fruit and hot oatmeal. Go North American with, say, a smoked salmon bagel or steak & eggs. Or Mexican with chilaquiles corn tortillas. Post breakfast, you can choose the friendly Joya beachfront grill or K’uhul, specializing in ancestral Mayan recipes artfully prepared on a traditional comal. Or for an elegant treat: the chic open-kitchen Mediterranean-themed Cava Côté à Costa, with its 2,700 bottle wine cellar. Not a buffet in sight.
When did it open – and what’s the vibe?
Founded by art lover and architect/hotelier Carlos Gosselin as a tribute to his wife (whose nickname was “La Bonita”), the resort opened 26 years ago and soon became known for the artworks purchased on their worldwide travels. Art can be found throughout the property: paintings, pottery, and sculptures that lend it a museum flair, especially in the piano bar/library.
Surrounded by quiet guardians of the past, the Bonita Piano Bar pairs historic global artifacts with soft melodies and warm conversations. Photo: Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort
A pretty freshwater pool beckons; or enjoy the therapeutic charms of the beachfront saltwater pool—offering one of the few true thalassotherapy experiences in the region, infused with ocean minerals to completely ease tension. Activities include yoga, fitness, meditation, water fitness and – much aided by the appearance of Aperol Spritzes – painting classes. The resort also prides itself on its “epicurean tastings.” No pounding tunes by the pool or drinking contests at this adults-only property: the goal is quiet relaxation and restful enjoyment of the guests.
How are the suites?
Stepping away from sterile numbers, oceanfront suites are named after global destinations and dressed in hand-selected international textiles, ceramics, and furniture. Photo: Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort
Just 100 in number, they are all wonderfully spacious and feature a separate living room, and vast bathroom with both soaker tub and rain shower. Rather than using sterile numbers, each oceanfront suite is individually named after the global cities and countries visited by the original owners. Hand-selected furniture, textiles, and ceramics from Asia, India, Bali, Africa, and the Mediterranean come together across the rooms to create a deeply unique atmosphere of global elegance. As suites are located right along the waterfront (ground floor rooms have a plunge pool), you are never too far from a view (and soothing sounds) of the ocean waves. Rooms feature upgraded Le Chemin amenities and Frette Luxury Collection linens.
How’s the staff?
Perched in stillness, Sofía adds her vibrant colours to the day—a quiet reminder that at Paraíso de la Bonita, nature is part of the story, not just the scenery. Photo: Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort
Tucked into the lush gardens, resident peacock Cosmo gazes at the horizon—a striking symbol of the resort’s tranquil, natural charm. Photo: Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort
Clearly hand-picked for their welcoming kindness, dedication to service and respect for Mayan culture. Staff include two quite “famous” ones: Sofia the parrot and Cosmo the peacock. Both uncaged and free to fly away if they wish, these feathered friends choose to stay and amuse the staff and guests, who in turn shower them with affection.
Who’s it for?
Someone looking for a unique, secluded, tranquil spot perfect for de-stressing.
What we loved
Photo: Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort
Photo: Paraiso de la Bonita, a Luxury Collection Resort
The scale of the place: nowhere is more than five minutes’ walk from the lobby and restos. The elegance. And the natural vibe – including, if you are lucky, glimpses of playful coatis, high-tailed members of the raccoon family, darting across a lawn.
Need to Know
The resort is located a 15-minute bumpy ride down a dirt road from the highway. (Not the resort’s road, I must add.) But a small inconvenience once you see what’s awaiting you.
Planning Your Stay
The ideal way to arrange a stay is through a trusted travel advisor. For convenience, the resort is available via air-inclusive premium vacation packages through select tour operators, including Air Canada Vacations and Sunwing.
