Upscale Cancun, Isla Mujeres, or Riviera Maya
 

We are looking for:

- adult, non-party, quiet, relaxing atmosphere
- pool or beach for serious swimming
- good gym on site or nearby
- not too far from airport - 45 minutes max (exception: Isla Mujeres)
- not crazy about high rise resorts, but if the atmosphere is right, we'd consider
- all-inclusive OK if food is healthy, interesting, and local
- no standing in line to reserve beach towels
- exotic, faraway feel would be ideal

Any place that fits these criteria? We'd be going Christmastime next year.

Secrets, Ikal Del Mar, Taninah if you have a party of 10 or more, MayaKoba, Aventura Spa Palace, Diamante K. There's plenty more too.

I think it will be hard to find a good gym with equipment you're used to having...from what I hear, most equip is very out-dated.

And sounds like you're looking for a lap pool; you'll find that only at a large AI.

THe best upscale places w/in 45 minutes of the airport are:
Maroma
Ikal del Mar
Paraiso de la Bonita
Esencia
Or the new Fairmont at MayaKoba (there are more hotels being built in this area; the best is Banyan Tree, but not completed yet...may be by the time you go...Xmas 2007?, right?)

Look at differentworld.com for more ideas.

Never mind, looks like Banyan Tree will be completed in 2008.
La Casa Que Canta will be completed by 2007.

http://www.mayakoba.com/banyantree.html

JW Marriott Cancun has a very nice gym, and I think LeMeridien does too. They're two of the most upscale resorts in Cancun.

Thanks for all these suggestions, some of which I've never heard of & will definitely look into. By the way, I don't need a lap pool if the beach is good for swimming. Our ideal resort is along the lines of Swept Away in Negril.

I would check out Ceiba del Mar, Paraiso de la Bonita, Maroma and Secrets Capri. The first tree are not all inclusive but, very wonderful and would fit all of what you are looking for. The fourth is an all inclusive but, very nice all adults resort. These will be the best that you can find in the Rivera Maya and I personally think that from what you describe you do not want to be in Cancun. I have lived in Canucn for the last 5 years originally from Portland, Oregon. I am in the hotels all of the time and these are the best. Let me know if you need any more help with anything.