Newbie to AI, help please
 

I am planning a getaway over Thanksgiving for my husband and me, and we thought we'd try an AI. This is not normally our thing but there seems to be some great packages to riviera maya.

We're looking at Secrets Maroma or Silversand as there are nice packages they are offering. Any info on them is appreciated. Alos considering Blue bay esmeralda but not sure if it's adults only. We going for 5 days looking to spend around 2500-2800 total.

Also, what can we expect with food. I sort of get the ala carte thing, but do all of the resorts require resevration and it seems like some only allow you to go to ala cartes for a limited amount - I don't want that.

Just looking for a nice beach, preferably walking distance to town, a great suite with a view and privacy - no kids please.

Thanks!

Both of the Secrets are brand new. We have stayed at the original Secrets Capri and it was wonderful. No reservations are required at any dining place. There is one buffett (I assume the new ones will be same) and several ala carte, each one having a different theme, like Italian, steak, seafood, etc. You simply walk up to the kiosk and if tables are open you will be seated. If not you can ask the length of wait and if you want put your name on the list and you will be given a beeper that will go off when the table is ready. You can then go off and have a cocktail and wait. We never had to wait long and found the food to be excellent. We used the buffett only once for breakfast (we had room service the rest of the time which is also included).

The rooms at Capri are excellent in all respects - I would think the new resorts would be as good or better. You can expect a first class experience at the Secrets. The beach at Maroma is also very good, one of the best in the area.

Secrets resorts are also adult only so there will be no kids. The guests when we were there ranged in age from early 20s into the 60s. Not a wild place but lots of fun.

Secrets would be a good choice.

Blue Bay is nowhere near the same class at the Secrets resorts. Secrets Maroma is supposed to be spectacular, but the opening has now been delayed at least three times. Secrets Silver Sands is more "modern" looking---not so much "Mexican" Looking. The beach at Maroma is also far superior.
If Secrets Maroma ever truly opens, I would go with that resort.
Another great Adults only AI is the Iberostar Grand. You do have to make dinner reservations there, but you have a butler and concierge to do that for you.

Thanks for the replies. Schmerl, is it the Ibersotar Grand Paraiso? If so, there is an amazing rate for that one.

None of the places you mentioned are "walking distance to town." Take advantage of the deals for Secrets if you can, you might not see them again and forget Blue Bay Esmeralda if nice beach and ocean water is what you are looking for. There is no limit on ala carte restaurants. Also, look at Iberostar Grand Ocean Front room for great view and privacy with no limit on ala carte restaurants. Reservation needed but your butler will do for you.

JillD,
Yes...the Iberostar Grand Paraiso is a wonderful adults only AI. As I said, you do need to make dinner reservations there.
It is part of the very large IB Paraiso complex which contains four other hotels, but the guests from the other four are not permitted to use the facilities of the Grand. However, as a guest of the Grand, you a able to use all the other facilit5ies.