Hidden Beach, Riviera Maya: Darryl & Gail - October, 2009

October 2009 – Hidden Beach Report by Darryl and Gail (The Traveling Bares)

We just returned from a five day trip to Hidden Beach Resort in Mexico and I must say that we were beyond pleased with our choice of vacation destinations.  Prior to our first-time visit to the all-nude, all-inclusive resort, we read as many trip reports as we could find and sought the opinions of our well-travelled friends regarding what they had heard about the resort.  Everyone said that the resort was absolutely beautiful, that the food was delicious, and that the staff was incredible.  If anything, we found their statements to be understatements.  This resort was fantastic!

Of course, traveling to and from Mexico is an adventure in and of itself.  Inconsistent Airport security practices and tour desk operators who greet you outside of Customs and misdirect you to their tour desks for the “Hard Sell” are just par for the course. We’ve learned to simply say “No Gracias” and keep moving on to the parking lot where our real driver is usually waiting. But whatever your trials with getting there Hidden Beach is more than worth it.

From the moment you enter the lobby, Ana, the concierge, greets you at the door with a glass of champagne.  After an inordinately easy check-in process, you’re on the way to your room, where a bottle of champagne on ice awaits you.  The rooms, while not considered large and spacious, do offer an intimate and cozy living space with an old Spanish charm.  Our swim up patio room offered a four – poster bed with drapes, a very spacious two-person Jacuzzi, area lighting for that cozy effect, satellite TV, fully stocked refrigerator (filled daily with water, beer, and soda), and a bar with tequila rum and scotch. The entire bathroom was tiled and the large walk-in shower allowed us to move around comfortably at the same time.

Since this was our first time at this resort, we were concerned that there were several comments from friends that the resort was small. They didn’t say it in a negative way, just a matter of fact. We were worried that we would soon become claustrophobic or that there might not be enough to keep us busy. We also had concerns that if the smaller number of guests were not friendly, it could put a damper on our week.  Well nothing could have been farther from the truth.

Hidden Beach offered just the right combination of events and relaxation set in the midst of a backdrop of a tropical paradise. The small intimate setting induces and even compels visitors to talk and get well acquainted with one another. Seeing the same small number of people (42 rooms) gives one a feeling of familiarity that you don’t get with larger resorts. We found many new friends and companions with whom to have fun, unforgettable times.

The food was delicious. The menu at La Vista Restaurant always had a selection of appetizing appetizers and main entrées and desserts. The option of eating breakfast and lunch from the menu or from the buffet was always nice, and the ability to eat “al natural” all the time was the most special treat. Wait staff like Jesus, Angel, or Galino, do all that they can to ensure that each and every meal is to your liking. Everyone remembers your name and makes a point of addressing you by name whenever they see you. The 24-hour room service was a treat and food was always delivered quickly and piping hot.

Bar service was excellent. Drinks would be delivered wherever you were, palapas on the beach, poolside, in the hot tubs, or on your patio. There was never a time that I found myself thirsting.

If, however, you find that you need more gastronomical variety, you have complete access to the El Dorado Seaside Resort, located literally next door.  This clothed facility had some five different restaurants, a number of bars, and its own nightly entertainment.  The food at El Dorado was just as superb. Whilst we truly enjoyed our meal at the Asian restaurant, others said that the meals they had at the Mexican and Italian restaurants were equally superb.  Being a much larger facility, El Dorado afforded us an opportunity to take a very romantic late night walk throughout their property.

But if impeccable service and laser-like customer focus is what you’re looking for, Hidden Beach Resort is the place.  It is the staff that makes this place truly remarkable.  Number one on that list would have to be Esperanza, one of the bartenders.  She is so passionate in her devotion to pleasing guests that her work seems more like a vocation rather than a job.  She never stops smiling and is dedicated to making sure guests have a great time.  The same holds true with Ana, our concierge.  She went above and beyond to make our anniversary dinner a truly special occasion and gave us great advice on our day excursion to XPLOR, one of Mexico’s eco-parks (a must see and do).

The only area that might be considered hit or miss is in the area of entertainment.  The resort offered nightly entertainment ranging from a live band, to a DJ, to ethnic dancers, to a magic show. Shows were very short, lasting some 20 minutes to a half hour. Afterwards, there seemed to be a lull in general. George, the entertainment coordinator, did try his best to generate excitement among the guests for the different venues. During the day, he was always a one man show, with his mix of showmanship and comedy, leading games and activities.

Admittedly, the best entertainment we could find there, was the swinging palapas along the beach (with bar service, of course). Then, after an afternoon of relaxing along the ocean the only other thing to do is to have an outdoor nude massage. We were jelly for the rest of the day.

We most certainly plan to return to Hidden Beach Resort as soon as we possibly can.  And this time, we’re bringing our friends with us.

 

Darryl and Gail
The Traveling Bares