COSTA MUJERES — The Riviera Maya has several hundred all-inclusive hotels competing to please vacationers seeking sun, beaches and fun. Despite an already very dense hotel offering in the area, new complexes continue to emerge, some of which feature new concepts that break with tradition.

This is certainly the case with the new Planet Hollywood Cancun. It’s one of 20 Blue Diamond Resorts properties now part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.

Open since January 2021, this is the second Planet Hollywood resort in the south after the 2018 opening of Planet Hollywood Costa Rica. The promise: “Vacation Like a Star!”

We had always wanted to experience the Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts concept. Thanks to Sunwing Travel Group’s Blue Diamond Resorts, we got to do just that at Planet Hollywood Cancun. In fact we had a ‘Hollywood’ style vacation while enjoying one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

The trip was truly an escape, in more ways than one. The federal government had lifted the blanket travel advisory against all non-essential travel just days before our departure. At the resort, bookings are strong and hitting the 80% occupancy threshold as authorized by the State of Quintana Roo under its COVID19 security protocols.

The lobby at Planet Hollywood Cancun

Located in Costa Mujeres, north of Cancun and about 45 minutes from the airport, Planet Hollywood Cancun offers a long sandy beach fronted by the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea – and thankfully, no Sargassum algae. Its geographical location in front of the island of Isla Mujeres is a natural barrier that makes it one of the best-protected areas of the Riviera Maya.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE MOVIES

Planet Hollywood Cancun embraces its love of cinema, classic and contemporary, with all sorts of film references – from Marilyn Monroe to Captain Marvel to Romy Schneider – all over the hotel. When we arrived in the family section, there were iconic characters waiting for us, as well as the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse from the ‘Fast and the Furious’ movie franchise. Don’t forget to take your group photo in front of the magnificent stage opposite the entrance.

“We brought Hollywood to Cancun and in over 50 years of tourism in the area, this had not happened. Vacationers always love new experiences, and our concept was unexpected and I believe this is one of the reasons the hotel has been so successful despite the pandemic,” says GM Jonathan Iriarte with pride.

The resort caters to all types of guests looking to experience a Hollywood-influenced stay in a large resort with a plethora of experiences. This is primarily a hotel for families, but adults can also book in the ‘Adult Scene’ section which offers dedicated services and facilities including a swimming pool, a lobby and an à la carte restaurant.

A GIGANTIC SITE

With its large footprint, Planet Hollywood also has the luxury of space, both on the site and in terms of neighbouring resorts. “The hotel is really large, we have 13 restaurants, a large play area for families and one of the best beaches in Cancun with 500 metres of beach reserved for hotel guests. To get from the lobby to the beach, you can even go there by taking the lazy river,” says the GM.

There are 648 rooms in the family section and 380 rooms in the adult section, for a total of 1,028 rooms spread over 200,000+ square metres. Suite categories carry on the Hollywood theme, including The Entourage suite, The Producers suite and The Directors suite. Room décor highlights cinematic themes, with cult phrases from films and movie-themed accessories. Even the bathroom has a real backstage decor with its mirror.

Here’s a tip: if you (or your clients) are ‘STAR Class’ members, don’t hesitate to ask your concierge for the aromatherapy experience in your room. A real plus! Guests can also personalize the soundtrack of their room by contacting reception.

DINING: DOLCE VITA, SAMURAI, BOLLYWOOD AND MORE

The dining offer at Planet Hollywood Cancun is vast and diverse, and all 13 restaurants immerse you in a film setting. You can choose the Sutra Indian Restaurant & Hookah Lounge for a Bollywood atmosphere, or dive into a dolce vita decor at the Italian restaurant Gusto Italian Trattoria, or go for Japanese at East Sushi & Teppanyaki Bar with an exhibition gallery of themed costumes – including the Power Rangers!

We fell in love with the Italian restaurant Gusto and the incredible welcome from Mauricio, who will not hesitate to ‘match’ you with a solo (and possibly single) dining companion if you do not want to dine alone. The stars are not forced to eat alone… Already several couples to his credit!

The Sunset Strip Steakhouse & Grill is another favourite, offering a real feast and above all excellent quality. For special group events, it’s possible to privatize the 6th Sense restaurant for a gourmet meal with a private chef. Or you can treat yourself to a gourmet meal on the beach, or a mixology class.