Hot Opening: Aqua Hotel, Cancun

By Staff -- HOTELS Magazine, 4/1/2005

Fiesta Americana Grand's AQUA is Grupo Posadas' flagship property—setting a new standard with an enlightened approach toward luxury.

A feeling of water and movement surrounds guests as they enter the hotel under a crystal cube fountain. The open lobby provides unobstructed views of the pool area and crystalline ocean beyond. All of AQUA's rooms face the ocean and have balconies. Each is personalized in ways that are surprising and whimsical; guests will be able to select from among pillow types as well as aromatherapy oils and candles, all of which will appear seamlessly during turn-down service. A variety of playful items that will change daily—including a zen garden and a fish bowl—will bring to life elements of nature.

Of course AQUA's homage to water includes an outdoor oasis of pools to encourage swimming and relaxed lounging. Bathers are beckoned by AQUA's eight shimmering pools, surrounded by a wide assortment of lounging options: chaises, queen size recliners and private cabanas.

AQUA's signature spa offers a special blend of Eastern, pre-Hispanic and Western treatments. The spa will also have a steam room modeled after the ancient Aztec 'temazcal.' Outdoor pilates will be offered, and each morning yoga devotees will stretch at the beach.

At AQUA, Mexico's premier chef and well known cookbook author Patricia Quintana opened SIETE, her first restaurant outside of Mexico City. Michelle Bernstein, until recently the chef at Miami's top-rated Azul, has opened her signature restaurant: MB, which offers healthy, luxurious comfort food, according to Chef Bernstein.

Founded in 1970, GRUPO POSADAS has 79 hotels-more than 15,000 rooms-operating under different hotel chains, including Fiesta Americana Grand, Fiesta Americana, Fiesta Inn, Caesar Park and Caesar Business.