Last month I had the opportunity to enjoy a couple days of R&R with two of my friends/colleagues at The Reserve at Paradisus La Perla, on the outskirts of Playa del Carmen. I’ve visited the area many times but had never been to this resort, so I was excited to experience it for the first time. Last year I had a great time at a sister property in Punta Cana and a few years ago vacationed at Paradisus Los Cabos so I had a good idea of what to expect from the Paradisus brand, but my stay at The Reserve surpassed what I hoped for!
The Vibe
Upon arrival at Paradisus La Perla, we were greeted and then shuttled to the lobby of The Reserve. The aesthetic in the lobby and the entire Reserve section was peaceful and calming, which was just what I needed. The property provided a great setting for us to relax, reset and recharge. I really liked the general color scheme which was muted earth tones accented by fresh greenery both indoors and out; this made it feel serene without being sterile like some all-white resorts.
How I Felt
I felt very relaxed throughout my stay. The resort staff was welcoming, and our butler Roberto provided excellent service both in person and via WhatsApp. We knew he was there to take care of our needs/wants, but he was never too intrusive, which I appreciated. I also felt good about my choice to stay at Paradisus La Perla because of the resort’s focus on sustainability with no single use plastic, recycling and eco-friendly bath amenities.
The Digs
My room was spacious, comfortable and bright with plenty of natural light to keep the potted plants in it looking lush. It overlooked The Reserve’s pool, mangroves and beach. The bed was so comfortable that I didn’t want to get out of it in the morning but was motivated enough by the view of the sunrise over the ocean that I somehow managed to tear myself away from the plush pillows and cozy duvet.
The Agenda
We mostly relaxed, enjoying The Reserve’s pool and swim up bar along with the beach cabana beds. Our stay at The Reserve included access to the YHI Spa’s hydrotherapy circuit which we took advantage of one afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed. I had really hoped to visit a local cenote with Paradisus’ Destination Inclusive program but unfortunately our schedules didn’t align. Oh well, now I just have another reason to go back!
The Eats
Everything we ate was freshly prepared, and I especially loved the Mediterranean-inspired breakfast dishes at La Palapa. For dinner we had fun and delicious experiences at Sal Steak Cave one night and at Cappella another. One evening we were too tired to leave our rooms so indulged in room service which was delivered quickly and accurately — always a great perk to any all-inclusive resort stay!
Why I Would Go Back
As mentioned earlier, I’d like to stay at The Reserve at Paradisus La Perla again so I can enjoy the cenote visit. I’d also like to soak up more sunshine on the beach again, which was easy to swim at too. I’d also be excited to return to the spa for a massage or facial.
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