Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort

The 2017-opened Ventus at Marina El Cid has a relaxing, albeit family-friendly vibe and sleek, modern style. Lovely landscaped grounds -- particularly at night when little lights give the property a romantic feel -- a small beach, and clean-lined style heavy on wood and neutral tones are just some of the highlights. Daily activities, four pools, a spa, and nightly entertainment provide plenty of options for guests to keep busy. There are a lot of hidden nooks and crannies to explore, which also help in making sure the resort never feels too crowded. A stellar all-inclusive plan (and upgraded Platinum plan) bring all types of travelers, though expect to pay per-device for Wi-Fi. Another downside to the hotel are the occasional timeshare presentations. 

Ventus at Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort has a calm beachfront location just outside of Puerto Morelos. It's about halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and considered to have more authentic restaurants, shopping, and nightlife than either of the two more touristy destinations. It's 30 minutes by car to downtown Cancun, 40 minutes to Playa del Carmen, and 80 minutes to the beachside ruins of Tulum. Cancun International Airport is about a 30-minute drive north. Be aware that this area sometimes suffers from seaweed.

The beach at Ventus gets mixed reviews, mainly due to the possibility for seaweed on the shore and rockiness. Seaweed is problematic for this area, and resort staff do their best to rake it when it is present. The best way to enjoy the beach is to upgrade to Platinum status, which allows guests to reserve a beach palapa and have a guaranteed place to relax. There are noticeably less beach chairs for non-Platinum members. No beach bar means visitors will have to rely on waitered service. The sand isn't quite as soft and white as that found in Cancun, and it's worth noting that this water isn't the best for swimming, often plagued by so much seaweed that it's not swimmable. 

Rooms are modern and contemporary, all done in the same style consisting of beige tile floors, dark-wood furniture, and pops of purple and blue in bedding and loveseats. Beach-themed artwork adds some character, but the overall look is simple. Furnished outdoor spaces come standard, and views are either of the garden or ocean. Some units have outdoor hot tubs. Also provided are minibars with free beer, water, and soda, air-conditioning, flat-screen Vs, coffeemakers, and sitting areas with tables. Marble bathrooms have an open-plan design with dual sinks, walk-in showers with adjustable showerheads, hairdryers, and quality toiletries. Spacious entry-level Junior Suites have a king bed and queen Murphy bed, while Family Rooms have the same layout and design but swap out the king-sized bed for two doubles. The Platinum-status Luxury rooms nix the Murphy beds and add either separate living rooms, extra bathrooms, and/or additional balconies. Two- and three-bedroom suites are also available. 

Unlike many resorts in the Riviera Maya that claim to be all-inclusive only to add extras fees here and there, Ventus at Marina El Cid stays largely true to their marketing. The only real exception is regarding Wi-Fi, which has a pricey ($60 during our stay) per-device fee. The all-inclusive package covers all of the meals at the main Mercado de Delores and all specialty restaurants; domestic and imported alcohol, soft drinks, and water; and waiter service in the restaurants and out by the pools and beach. Sports courts and all water sports are covered, though guests will pay extra for excursions and use of the marina docks. The hotel's gym, biking tours, kids' and teens' clubs, and all entertainment is included. Room rates also include gratuities and taxes. For an elevated experience, guests are encouraged to upgrade to Platinum status, which has added perks such as a guaranteed ocean-view room, pillow menu, dedicated check-in and check-out space, and special turndown service. Platinum-level guests can also reserve beach palapas, receive butler service (a big plus), and gain access to the Platinum Club Lounge, an exclusive, upscale space stocked with newspapers, booze, snacks, and computers with free internet. Other bonuses include welcome treats and room extras like bathrobes and slippers, umbrellas, and a beach bag. 

Ventus' food is a highlight for many guests who praise the variety found within the six specialty restaurants and contemporary market-style main restaurant. The French restaurant, open for breakfast and dinner, remains a guests favorite. Be prepared to follow the resort's formal dress code (long pants for men is the main rule) to dine here. Other restaurant cuisines include Italian, Mexican, seafood, and Mediterranean. The Mercado de Delores is an innovative concept that plays out more like a contemporary food court with several different vendors doling out cuisine that covers pizza, crepes, health-focused, Asian, and cafe-style coffee shop fare. Note that there is no food served at any of the pool areas. Room service is available. There are three bars at the resort, including an open-air bar between the different pools, a cocktail-forward lobby bar, and an outdoor oceanfront bar by the infinity pools. 

Even though this is a beachfront resort, the beachfront infinity pools -- an adults-only pool with two steaming hot tubs and another with a swim-up bar -- are two of the most popular spots during the day despite being smaller than the large main pool. The main pool area in the center of the resort is home to the small, beach-entry kiddy pool, but it's likely less favored with adults because it doesn't have a swim-up bar or hot tubs. This is also where the daily entertainment takes place. All pools have drink service and a non-policed approach to guests claiming and holding sun loungers and even a few of the hammocks. An elegant wellness spa offers up luxe treatments with Mayan roots and herbal bases, plus a temezcal sweat lodge and small hydrotherapy pool. Guests can relax in the contemporary mediation area or relaxation room, or sweat it out in the steam room and sauna. There are also a beauty and nail salon, gift shop stocked with local artisan work, and group classes like Pilates, Tai-Chi, and yoga. The resort's gym has a spinning room, TRX station, and selection of group fitness classes throughout the day. Several of these classes are taken outside. In addition to the fitness classes, daily activities and entertainment run the gamut of the usual poolside games and music. Water activities are plentiful, ranging from included things like Hobie cats, beach volleyball, and windsurfing (ages 18 and up) to more adventurous things like sport fishing and marina access for an extra fee. Nighttime shows, such as Broadway-themed and fire-centric performances, are typical resort offerings, though entertaining.Kids ages 4 to 12 can hit up the colorful kids' club for planned activities like video games, arts and crafts, and movie nights. There are also plenty of outdoor activities, from beach treasure hunts to daily outings to the pool, to give kids fresh air. A dedicated kitchen serves up kids' meals. The teens' club is open for ages 13 to 17 and features a lot of digital and traditional game play. The spa also offers a kiddy menu for youngsters ages 5 to 12, with fruity scents, ice cream endings, and a pampering package fit for a prince or princess. Other resort features include 24-hour security and reception, meeting room and convention space, and surprisingly, a hefty fee for Wi-Fi.