Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/101952
ICI •pg_19-28__BMT_pg3-58 12/21/12 3:16 AM Page 19 SITE REVIEW #2 JW MARRIOTT RESORT AND CANCUN: WIN-WIN B Y CHERAY O'NEAL JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Cancun Mexico, recipient of the coveted AAA five diamond hotel award and any business planners/event coordinator's dream, is just the perfect fit. Offering great hospitality at a great price, mixed in with beautiful serenity, deep rooted Mayan tradition and amazing food, I vow you have an amazing choice for destination paradise. Fourteen floors, 374 rooms, 74 suites, fully equipped air conditioned, color TV, wireless internet, separate tub and shower, safes, balconies with delicious views, and hospitality service set for a king. This is a win-win, from the moment you step foot into the grand entrance, you're greeted with kind professionalism and wondrous décor, leaving you wondering 'can it get any better than this? And it does Honestly, this resort is huge and yet very intimate and calming. The white sand beaches, turquoise water of the Caribbean, nestled in the heart of the 'hotel zone' – yes there're quite a few on the strip. The truth, however, is none offers luxurious ambiance, refined service, affordability and genuine hospitality like JW. When planning a group destination, it's important that accommodations, business needs, and the sense palette are satisfied. JW Marriot meets this on every level. Whether Italian, southwestern, Japanese to Thai clients, all are in heaven. Gustino Italian Grill, is fine dining meets gourmet northern Italian cuisine. This food adventure melts in your mouth and never have I had fried lobster and pasta that tastes so good. Sedona Grill features everything from steak to seafood, while Beachwalk Marketplace offers a nice quaint place for sandwiches, tropical drinks and beer. Perfectly located next door at Casamagna Marriott (sister property) and stunning in it's own right are Mikado, Japanese deluxe with teppanyaki chefs cooking right in front of you, and SASI Thai – your taste buds have rarely met this yummy fusion. If you go off grounds, Valladolid BM&T ••• is a true Mexican tradition food must, as well as La Parrilla for another delicious adventure. After eating to your heart's content, I'd imagine you can work it off either in the many activities offered like biking, jet skiing, tennis, kickboxing and boot camp, indoor pool, golf at Playa Mujeres or by relaxing in the Mayan inspired spa, where a perfect balance of ritual and treatment succeed. I recommend the Mayan ritual treatment; you will leave forever changed. All this pampering, eating and relaxing preps any client for productivity. If you are looking for a supreme ocean front location to host meetings, events, incentive trips or conferences, The JW offers a variety of unparalleled services. What is also quite special is it shares facilities with the adjoining sister property Casamagna. Together, they offer one of the best options to host big events in Cancun. Can we say 900 rooms and over 70,000 sq. ft. of function and meeting space? Yes we can! From elegant evenings on the beach to ballroom to executive boardroom, JW creates perfect. A perfect locale, just minutes away from the airport, convention center and downtown district, your meetings will enjoy paradise, while the JW staff will help focus on your goals. Fortunately for you, the choices range from Tulum Grand Ballroom at14,432 sq. ft. to a 504-sq. ft. boardroom. Although business success and production prosperity are at the helm of your destination travel, you must also take advantage of the deeprooted traditions and culture. Tequila tasting at the JW, Karaoke at Champions sports bar with the GM and sweetie pie talent Christopher Calabrese, Ek Balam (Mayan ruin), Cenote (freshwater pool at entrance of a cave) and The pyramids of Chichen Itza, the ceremonial center of the Yucatan and one of the 7 wonders of the world! I would be remiss not to mention Sara March and Diamond PR firm, as well as Lulu, Maria, and Mr. Medina from the convention center, for collectively contributing in making this my best trip by far. Folks, you only have one choice and it's waiting for you on the eastern shores of the Yucatan Peninsula. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Lourdes Gonzalez lulug@litdmc.com.mx September/October 2012••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 19