48 Hours in Paradise By: Tom Brussow

Going back to August of last year, I have made it my mission as a professional travel advisor and industry advocate to actively get out to our top international vacation destinations to experience first-hand what travel looks and feels like in the changing environment we have found ourselves in. I hope that by doing this, I am helping to educate, address concerns and build confidence for our clients. Plus, I love to travel so staying home was not an option!
For my eighth trip over this time, I recently had the great fortune to visit the Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita in Riviera Maya, MX, just 15 minutes south of the Cancun airport. You don't often have the chance to experience a AAA Five Diamond award-winning resort as this one has been for 17 years running so I was very excited!
This Zoetry branded resort is one of four like it operated by AmResorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. With only 100 rooms, it is definitely designed for discerning guests who are looking for a smaller scale resort with a more boutique, luxury vacation experience.
After a “fairly easy” run through the airport customs and immigration, the transportation company; AMStar DMC met me outside the terminal and off we went.
​I will say that in preparation for your trip, you'll need to take some extra time in advance to understand the travel process to Cancun and all of the various forms you will need as it can be confusing. This is just one of many reasons why you need a travel advisor!
When I arrived at the resort, I was struck by the gorgeous view as you enter the lobby. Talk about an immediate calming vibe after a day of travel!

The View as You Enter the Resort Lobby

​After checking in, my personal butler gave me a quick tour and orientation of my room…a truly fabulous suite named “The Reloj” in the Impression section of the resort where there are ten spectacular suites. I only regret that because I was here alone for business, I didn’t have my family or friends along to enjoy this room. It was one of the nicest I have ever stayed in with a huge living space, outdoor shower, balcony pool, and an amazing oceanfront view. I seriously could have had a party in this room for easily 20-30 people!

Beautiful Room Appointments

Giant Balcony Hot Tub

The View from My Balcony

​This resort and the other Zoetry Resorts you might choose to stay at pride themselves on their food and beverage quality and I experienced that first-hand with dinner on my arrival night at Dragon’s. Here, I had the chance to enjoy several great flavors including their signature Peking Duck...and a very refreshing margarita made with Don Julio.
And, all throughout the rest of my stay, the food and the service was impeccable. I especially enjoyed the final dinner at the AAA Five Diamond La Canoa with my new friend and sales contact at the resort; Lily Ceh Gruintel.
​Then, on my departure day, I also had the great experience of a cooked-to-order breakfast by the chef in the Red Kitchen. This is so unique and intimate vs. international buffets or other dining experiences that I have had. And...very tasty!

The Red Kitchen

​Another key aspect of this resort that you do not want to miss is the Zoetry Spa and Thalasso Center. Here, they offer the ancient concept of Sanitas per Aqua, which is Latin for health through water. This tranquil, holistic wellness retreat combines relaxing Thalassotherapy, special native Mayan treatments, skin care, couples massages, and body wraps.  
I did the Hydro-Therapy treatment, although I did wimp out on the ICE cold plunge pool part of the program! The highlight of this was the outdoor salt water pool where I blissfully floated, eyes closed, without a care in the world for more than 30 minutes...it was very relaxing and surely good for whatever ails you!
While my stay at this resort was short, the ambiance, service and friendly staff at the resort made a huge impression. In particular, I had the opportunity to meet Monica who is the Concierge in the “The Library”.
​When I arrived, I spent close to an hour with her as she shared her great passion and insights on the original paintings and other works of art in the The Library and throughout the resort.
It truly is amazing the how they have incorporated the work of the famous Mexican artist Luis Sottil throughout the resort. And, if you love his work (and can afford it) you can even purchase one and take it home. These are a few of my favorites…

And, not only can you enjoy the art on the property, you can actually meet the artist Luis Sottil at special times of the year (advance booking required) and create your own masterpiece at the second of these two immersion events available at this resort:
Art Pairing Tour: A tour through the resort showing the art and providing insight on each piece. Guests taste canapés (which are small artistic hors d’oeuvres) and nature inspired cocktails both of which are created with the ingredients used to create the Naturalismo painting pigments. This is offered once a week on Wednesdays at no additional charge.
Art of Delectable Beauty…artwork you can taste*: Five course pairing dinner in the exclusive Red Kitchen after the art tour. Guests can enjoy a dinner and a chance to win an original lithography by Luis Sottil. The winner is selected based on who can make the best recreation of a painting using their dessert and their plate as the canvas and the natural ingredients as “pigments.” *Additional costs apply
This would be an awesome and memorable experience for sure!
Finally, I would be remiss I didn't mention that I did indeed have a Covid test at the resort before my departure back home as this is currently still a requirement. It was a quick and easy process, it was free, and it was negative!
In all, I can’t say enough positive about this resort and I can’t wait to go back. It is the perfect place for a quiet or romantic getaway, a honeymoon, wellness retreat or even an intimate destination wedding.
If you would like more information, please feel free to give us a call at 262-465-4600, send us an e-mail at [email protected] or request a quote.
 
Here’s More Info About Zoetry:
Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts cater to adults seeking the highest level of luxury, privacy and pampering in luxurious beachfront boutique havens where romance and a renewed and holistic sense of well-being flourish. Offering the utmost attention to detail, Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts indulge guests with Endless Privileges® - an elevated level of personalized service and amenities including lavish accommodations, 24-hour concierge, no check-in or check-out time, impeccable gourmet cuisine, unlimited top-shelf spirits, complimentary worldwide calling and enrichment experiences that nurture the mind, body and soul.

Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts pay homage to the local cultures, nature and art through award-winning dining and wine collections, indigenous spa treatments, long-standing sustainability practices, unique architectural design and distinguished art collections.
The Endless Privileges® experience includes:

• Twice daily refreshed mini bar
• Bvlgari® bath amenities
• 24-hour, private in suite dining
• Maid service three times daily
• Complimentary 24-hour laundry service
• Bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit daily
• Gourmet dining options with an assortment of organic food and beverage selections
• Complimentary, unlimited worldwide calling