February 2, 2009

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Breathtaking penthouse views at Ceiba Del Mar.

For a relaxing honeymoon south of the border, Ceiba Del Mar in Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a great hideaway on the beach. This boutique resort is only 20 minutes south of the Cancun Airport, but is light-years away in feel. There are no crowded beaches, fights over lounge chairs, drunken volleyball games, or pushy nationals here. It’s just a quiet resort with fabulous views of turquoise waters, great food, a beautiful beach, fun swim-up bar, unique aromatherapy spa, and friendly service as your reward after all that wedding planning. This is one of the few resorts that truly looks like its website pictures—it’s really that good.

With 88 authentically Mexican rooms and suites, all with ocean views and steps from the beach, Ceiba Del Mar is small and intimate with an incredibly friendly feel, and there is not a bad room on the premises. But the “best” rooms are definitely worth spending the extra peso for your honeymoon—seven penthouse suites offer phenomenal panoramic views of the Caribbean with private plunge pools perfect for after-dinner dips.

You can spend all day snorkeling or diving at the world’s second largest barrier reef, literally within sight from your personal hammock, or venture out to the ancient Mayan ruins just a few hours away. And there's always the action and nightlife of Cancun, but Ceiba is one of those places where once you set foot on the relaxing grounds, you won't ever want to leave. Wake up to yoga on the pier, spend the morning at the pool, treat yourself to afternoon spa treatments, and then watch the sunset on the beach. And throughout the day, order off the resort’s all-inclusive menu. Poolside guacamole and lobster salad are just a few of the treats. And the outgoing waiters are quick to catch on to your favorite drinks and will have them ready with little prodding.

The spa is a unique place that offers holistic treatments tailor-made to your specific needs and “energy flow.” Signature treatments include the balsamic Mayan massage and Mayan goddess scrub. But its piece de resistance is the ancient Mayan ritual of the temazcal, which purifies and renews your mind, body, and spirit. At sunset, you enter a terra-cotta hut on the beach that uses hot volcanic stones and aromatic herbs to create steam. With each lava rock added, it gets hotter and hotter, and boy do you sweat out all of your “inner demons.” It’s an exhilarating experience that truly tests your limits, and is best experienced with groups of people you know. You’ll leave feeling revitalized and refreshed—and a bit dehydrated—but with the enticing Caribbean waters just steps away, you’ll have no trouble cooling off.

All-inclusive rates start at $299 per night for two adults. 877-545-6221; ceibadelmar.com.