One of the perks of my job is traveling to amazing destinations to check out properties and get first hand experiences so I can direct clients appropriately. I know it seems like it’s a sweet deal…and I won’t lie, it is…but also very important. Whenever my colleagues or I travel, we always share information with the rest of the Travel Experts network so we can provide updated information and advice to clients to make sure their vacation is exactly what they are looking for.
I was fortunate to have an opportunity to stay at TRS Coral Hotel in Costa Mujeres, Mexico recently. It is a newer all-Inclusive, adults only property that is part of the Grand Palladium Resort. It is a beautiful, expansive property and an easy 45-50 minute transfer from the Cancun airport.
As amazing as the property is…the best part of the resort experience was the staff. From Alberto in the reception lounge who provided us with refreshing towels and a tasty cocktail upon our arrival, Aldo our bellman who helped us with our bags and showed us to our room, our butlers, Charlye and Gin, who were so attentive, taking care of everything from icing our champagne and making sure our bar was stocked with our favorite beverages, signing us up for cooking lessons and a kayak tour, to making our dinner reservations, to all the wonderful waiters, bartenders and drivers who were so warm, welcoming, and made our stay delightful. The staff is very well trained at making you feel special and spoiled.
The suites at TRS are very spacious with beautiful, modern décor that is inviting and cozy. The bathrooms are large with wonderful freestanding tubs, double vanity, water closets and wonderful showers with rain head faucets and all the upscale amenities that make this property feel luxurious. The ground level suites are swim up with a beautiful pool steps from your door. The best suites are the enormous 2-bedroom Signature Suites which offer stunning oceanfront views of the Caribbean, a massive balcony, 2 full bathrooms and a powder room off the foyer, and the ground level Signature Suite has a giant private swim up pool with bar service available from the pool cabana. The Loft Suites offer two levels with a balcony off the main living area and Juliet balcony in the loft bedroom with wonderful ocean views (although the ones above the reception area, which offer the best view of the entire property are a bit of a hike from the pool and beach.) The entry level Junior Suites are very large and nicely appointed with the same luxurious finishes.
For anyone wanting to stay active, there are complimentary activities offered throughout the day including yoga, pilates, water aerobics and dancing lessons as well as kayaking and paddle boarding; and others activities, like scuba diving, are offered for an additional fee. Unfortunately, the cooking lesson we signed up for was canceled due to a maintenance issue in the kitchen, so we popped over to the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center to have a look around and made a note to be sure to bring our tennis gear the next time.
There are restaurants and bars located throughout the property offering a variety of cuisines and tasty cocktails. I guess this was the only area where we weren’t dazzled. Although the wait staff is fantastic, and the food was tasty, we weren’t really blown away by any of the dishes. Of course, with the limited time we had, we only had a chance to dine at El Gaucho and Helios for dinner, and lunch at Beach Club Poseidon and Xtra Time Sports Bar, but were told by other guests that La Boheme and Tapeo were wonderful. We did get an opportunity to go to Chic Cabaret & Restaurant, and while the show was great with talented singers and dancers racing through too many costume changes to even count for the frenetic three-hour show, again the five-course set menu was good, but not great. Breakfast at Capricho was the exception with not only an extensive buffet with countless tasty options, but the items we had from the a la carte menu were delicious! Another thing they really do well in all the restaurants is labeling for food allergies. Being one of the many with a gluten intolerance, I was thrilled to find all the menus clearly marked with plenty of gluten free options. The hosts and waiters were always quick to ask if there were any food allergies as well.
The spa, Zentropia, is wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed our day swimming in the hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzies, saunas, steam rooms, salt room, and a new one for me…the ice room. They have a healthy bar offering a variety of juices and smoothies that boast various health benefits as well as snacks and sandwiches. We cozied up in one of the hideaway beds in the relaxation room and enjoyed some peace and quiet with a cup of hot tea before and after our massages. Our 80 minute couples massage was heavenly and we left feeling rejuvenated and relaxed.
Overall, our experience was wonderful. The property is beautiful and the staff was fabulous. I would definitely recommend it to clients and look forward to returning soon. I think it would be great for a girls or guys getaway, couples, and family get-togethers with grown children. And the Grand Palladium side would be great for families with young children. We will not say adiós to TRS Coral and Mexico, but te veo pronto for sure!
-Teresa