ftrain

Casa del Agua is a tiny little spa in Puerta Aventuras. Anyone ever stay there? Anyone have any views of the others? How are their beaches typically? I know Ikal supposedly has a pretty lackluster beach. But I've heard mixed opinions of Paraiso and Ceiba. I've already read what's posted on tripadvisor.com. Would welcome other views.

Little_Man

Casa del Agua looks great, but don't know if it has all the amenities you're looking for --
The others all look great-maybe not on the best beaches in the area. Luxury link often has good packages on Ceiba. Looks like a really relaxing place.
(sorry I have no first hand advice.)

pepper131

I stayed at Ikal when it first opened. Yes the beach is kind of lackluster, but I saw a picture (on tripadvisor?) that showed they have built a small pier/dock going over the rocky section. I would stay there again. The spa was better than most in the US.

http://www.locogringo.com/maps/tour/153a-t.html

Here's a photo of Casa del Aqua...I think the beach looks much worse than Ikal.

http://www.locogringo.com/maps/tour/pto-av-s-t.html

Little_Man

thanks for that, pepper. those loco gringo aerial photos are really neat!

actran

I stayed at the Cieba del Mar a couple weeks ago. I was originally booked at the Royal Hideaway, but they were overbooked and that is where they sent us. We were there four nights. The food was very, very good - better than RH. The beach had a LOT of seaweed and every day there were guys that would rake it up and cart it off. There was lots of seaweed in the ocean too. The ocean didn't impress me too much because it wasn't that unbelievably beautiful blue like at RH. Apparently there is some great snorkeling near by, but we were too lazy to do it. The beach loungers were very comfy and we never had a problem getting one, regardless of when we came out. The drink service on the beach and the service overall was pretty so-so, sometimes great, sometimes a little lacking. They have jacuzzis on top of each building and in the late afternoon are supposed to have drink service - but that was a little inconsistent. The best part was the food. We used the spa and that was nice.

Little_Man

one more thought. Luxurylink.com has a deal on Maroma in August -- don't know if that would put it in your budget or not, but it's a bit less than normal...