Review: Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya

_Location: The Conrad is located off the vast stretch of road between Cancun and Tulum, about 30 minutes north of the latter. Close by you’ll find the Bahia Principe Grand Coba hotel, as well as Conrad’s all-inclusive sister property Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya. Cancun airport is an 80-minute drive away.

_{First impressions:} On arrival I’m taken to a private lounge for check-in, where friendly staff explain the lie of the land at the property. The design throughout is slick and modern. So large is this sprawling property that I’m whisked to my room by golf buggy. Although the accommodation is spread across three blocks, every area retains the feel of a boutique hotel.

_{The facts:} With 349 rooms and suites, some clients may be concerned that the hotel is too big. They need not worry, because outside of breakfast, no area feels crowded or too busy. The Hilton Luxury Brands resort has been designed to provide pockets of calm and serenity throughout.

Each of the three accommodation blocks has a central pool complete with a bar. Those who book a Ceiba-level room gain extra benefits, such as private check?in and check-out, as well as upgraded in-room amenities, including complimentary soft drinks and mini bar snacks.

They are also granted access to the Ceiba Club, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The culinary offering is impressive, with 11 restaurants and bars to choose from. Poolside bites are available at the hotel’s three chiringuitos (small beach bars).

Dishes at Mexican restaurant Autor include roasted quail tostadas; Kengai serves up a menu inspired by Japan’s informal izakaya bars; while handcrafted sushi is prepared at Ukai. Vibrant Mediterranean cuisine is available at Maratea, with dishes representing southern Spain, Turkey and Italy.

Those seeking a light bite should head to Cafetal, which offers a selection of pastries, juices and coffees. Breakfast is served at Arbolea, with an extensive range of buffet options.

The property boasts five large pools, an impressive spa and also offers what it calls ‘eco-cultural’ kids’ activities, including piñata and atrapasue–os (dreamcatcher) making, jungle tours and treasure hunts.

_{Ideal for:} Families. The scale of the property and the sheer amount of options available mean clients with little ones will feel happy and comfortable. During our stay we noticed countless large families and multigenerational groups.

_Explore: There are so many dining options, it’s unlikely that clients will need to leave the comfort of the Conrad. However, those wishing to explore farther afield may find the hotel a little isolated – it’s 25 minutes from Tulum and there isn’t much located immediately around the property – so they would need to consider hiring a car or booking a taxi. It’s well worth making the trip into Tulum for its beachfront shopping and vast array of beach clubs, restaurants and bars, which are a hive of activity and great fun.

_Wow: The enormous main pool, flanked by towering palm trees, is stunning. We spent hours under the Mexican sun splashing around with our toddler without a care in the world. Perfect memories made.

_{Book it:} Rates start from $490 a night.
Hilton.com