LeShay's RM Review - Part I - Azul Beach

[madenerg2]

This is the first part of my Riviera Maya review from my 5/26 -29/08 site visits:

 

Who knew May was Monsoon season in Cancun?

My FI & I were delayed b/c of the heavy rain. We reserved a car from Hertz on-line at a rate we thought was inexpensive. However, upon checking in with the rep the car was actually $15/day + $30 for the insurance. No, the insurance is not mandatory, they would just have put a $2500 hold on your card. The cc holds ranged in price from $900-$2500, even with the insurance. So my first bit of advice ladies: WHEN RENTING A CAR IN MEXICO, RESEARCH THOSE RENTAL POLICIES!

 

By the time we made it to our host resort - THE AZUL BEACH, which was a true 20 min. ride from the airport - we were starving.

 

Overall the Azul Beach was lovely & cozy.

The property has 3 restaurants, each of which we tried every day:

The Blue, w/ 5 different menus, seemed to be the restaurant with the most variety - However the appetizers & Entrees were so eclectic you really didn't know what to expect. The appetizers were very good, but the entrees were fancy, small, and not memorable.

The Blue restaurant faces the enclosed patio/terrace, which also doubles as the wedding reception area. Had this area been covered with pull down blinds, it would have allowed more privacy for the bridal party and for those dining in the restaurant.

All in all the service was exceptional in the restaurant - KUDOS to the wait staff.

 

Our Room:

The beds were firm but comfortable, as well as the pillows. It was a peaceful nights' rest.

Since we were scouting wedding locations during the day we had little opportunity to take advantage of all the activities this resort had to offer. But the nightly evening shows at the Aquanox main bar/lounge (w/comfy beds) were very entertaining.

I did see 2 weddings, the reception on the terrace and another on the beach. Both had under 40p in attendance, and all the guests really seemed to be enjoying themselves. After speaking with some of them at the late night, Agavero Tequila Lounge, they all said they loved the size of the resort b/c it felt like their own private function - intimate & exclusive. The designers of the Azul Beach did manage to lay it out in such a way that it felt larger, than it actually was.

My FI & looked at many properties but every night that we came back to the Azul we loved the size of it more & more....And the food did get better!

We ate at the mexican restaurant Chili, on our second night, and at the Tainan (asian-inspired) restaurant on our last night. Tainan was our favorite. The cuisine was delicious and we received excellent service there.

 

The food on the Room-Service Menu was also VERY GOOD.

I did wish the resort had more variety of snack food available by the pool & beach. The snack bar is open until 6pm, and I think they should keep it open until sun down giving guest more options.

 

And although, the resort offers spa services, A spa would be the icing on the cake!

The Agavero Tequila Lounge was GREAT. The bartender, Alberto, allowed a groom to plug in his i-pod in the system the evening before his wedding, so the lounge turned into a pre-wedding party for the bride and groom w/cool music.

 

The beach is also great, but be careful walking too far past the property. The Desire resort (clothing optional) is about a 5-7 minute walk past the border of the property, so venturing off could get you an eye full. So don't take the kiddies down there! But if this is your thing, make an excursion out of it!

 

We did meet with, Carolina the WC. She was very helpful and told us all our options to host our wedding at the resort. She seems very flexible and the deposit to hold your date is INCREDIBLY REASONABLE!

 

Overall, The Azul Beach definately felt like a resort! I definately felt like I was on vacation while I was there. If you're looking for an AI that feels exclusive to you and your guests, this may be the place for you.

 

Where still thinking about it....

 

I'm still new to this site, so I'm not sure how to upload photos yet, but if you'd like pictures from AZUL BEACH please PM me, and I'll forward them to you.

 

Stay Tuned to...

Part 2: Dreams

Part 3: Moon Palace

Part 4: Royal Hideaway...

Part 5: RM Photographers I met with

 

I gotta go catch up on some sleep

[*JillD*]

Thanks for the review of Azul LeShay, I liked the looks of it when I was researching. I can't wait to hear about all the rest because I'm getting married at dreams but considered the others as well!

[MikkiStreak]

mememememe----- (can you see me frantically waving my arm in the air?)

I would love to see the photos!!!! This is one of the resorts at the top of our list and we have been thinking about going for a site visit/vacation later this year and staying at Azul to really get a good feel for our wedding....

 

My email is: [email protected]

 

Thank you!!!

[madenerg2]

I just sent them Mikki, lemme know what you think

[Lizzy]

Hi LeShay, this is Lizzy. I am so happy you had a great time. Azul Beach is one of the places Maggie was thinking about, too. Without seeing your other reviews yet, have you pretty much made up your mind?

Again, glad you are back and that your visit accomplished so much! Keep us posted!!

 

Lizzy

[madenerg2]

I haven't made up my mind yet....We're still going over all the packages, but we're close. Who knew choosing a location was so huge!