Overlooking white sand beaches and crystalline waters, the newly transformed JW Marriott Resort and Spa is the gem of the Mexican Caribbean. With renowned designers Martha Gaos and Claudia Gonzalez (of G+G Interiorismo) at the helm, this Cancun resort has been thoughtfully reimagined with attention to comfort, style, and modern luxury. The new aesthetic has a high art feel, nodding to traditional Mayan design and the indigenous Yucatan people of the region. Having art at every turn of this resort creates a visceral escape for the mind, body, and soul.
All 447 of the resort’s ocean-facing guestrooms and suites exude chic Caribbean style while providing luxurious comfort. For the guestrooms, suites, and common areas, Gaos and Gonzalez carefully curated a color palette of neutral sand tones accented by varied shades of blue, evoking the hues of the Caribbean Sea and harmonizing with the hotel’s picturesque surroundings. General Manager and Vice President of the resort, Christopher Calabrese, is particularly pleased with the melding of luxury and ancient Mexican culture and traditions throughout the premises:
“The JW Marriott Cancun sits within one of the most beautiful destinations in the Mexican Caribbean, and our new room interiors complement the natural beauty our guests have grown to know and love. “The detail is truly impeccable, and the elevated design, paired with authentic touches, like the Mayan cross-stitching, pays homage to Cancun’s history and culture. Opening our guests up to the world around them is one of the most authentic travel experiences they can have,” Calbrease says.
Hotel furnishings evoke traditional Mayan aesthetics, incorporating genuine Mexican textiles and wood carvings reminiscent of the embroidery on the garments worn by the ancient Yucatan. Even the most subtle details are purposeful. The wood carvings on the walls and furniture pieces include cultural symbols such as hummingbirds, snail fossils, and native flowers sacred in Mayan folktales and mythology. Art abounds in the thoughtful new aesthetic of all guest quarters.
While all guest rooms are ocean-facing, aesthetically pleasing, and adorned with the luxurious amenities guests have come to expect from the JW Marriott brand, this Cancun resort also offers spacious suites for guests yearning for an even more elevated experience. The light-filled Presidential Suite boasts 4,000 square feet of tasteful luxury, complete with a fully equipped kitchen and adjacent dining area, floor-to-ceiling windows, and oak and tile designs styled by acclaimed Spanish designer, Patricia Urquiola.
Beyond the artfully inspired guestrooms and suites of the JW Marriott Cancun, a host of other offerings and amenities abound. The complex features four pools (including one for adults only!), 11 international restaurants (in combination with their sister property next door), a 35,000 square foot spa, and 88,000 square feet of space designated for weddings, special events, andor meetings.
One of the most delightful elements of the rejuvenated JW Marriott Cancun is the exclusive social club on the 14th floor. Club 91, the resort’s premier hub of relaxation and socialization, promotes mingling and immersion into Mexican culture through its culinary experience events, communal tables, and laid-back vibes. Like the rest of the resort, Club 91 has purposeful decor complete with bright blue and green toned bar stools, cushion-backed chairs, and a coral reef installation hanging from the ceiling.
For food, the JW Marriott offers a multitude of restaurants that include Italian, Southwestern, Thai, Japanese, and unbeatable authentic Mexican cuisine. The Italian restaurant, Gustino, features a hidden Pasta Room where guests can stop in to make their own pasta creations and have them cooked and served at their next dinner. For drink pairings, the resort’s tequila experts and mixologists have curated a menu of 150 margaritas broken down into four categories: Classic, Exotic, Modern, and Fusion. The margaritas include locally sourced ingredients such as serrano chili peppers, beetroot, and black tea. Guests intimidated by getting through 150 margaritas during their stay may want to opt for a “Margarita Flight” to taste a few versions at a time.
Any time is the right time to visit the Mexican Caribbean, but in August, there is one more draw that adventurers should not miss. During this peak season, hundreds of whale sharks dot the Cancun coast. On any given day, snorkelers can expect to see anywhere from 30 to 50 giant sharks in one sighting. For those who prefer to keep one foot on land, late summer is also the time of year for the resort’s sea turtle release program. Guests can watch thousands of baby sea turtles released back to their natural habitats.
A short, direct flight from the tri-state area and only a 15-minute drive to the resort from Cancun International Airport, planning a visit to the JW Marriott Cancun Resort has never been easier.
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/cunjw-jw-marriott-cancun-resort-and-spa/overview/
+52 998.8489600
MORE Lifestyle STORIES
Get an inside vue on the latest in luxury. You heard it here first.