A Small Luxury Resort with private villas, private pools, and a unique Mayan Spa in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico, where the inspired Poetry of the Sea can be enjoyed. Ikal del Mar is a secluded refuge carved from the primitive Mayan jungle near the small village of Xcalacoco. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Playa_del_Carmen/ikaldelmar/hotel/188/7/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Mon, 9 Nov 2009 19:48:25 EST To ensure that the resort will blend seamlessly with this undeveloped territory. Twenty-nine villas, each with a private pool, have been carefully constructed from natural wood and stones indigenous to the region. In keeping with its serene setting, the resort will allow no motorized vehicles on the property. At night, artificial lighting will not dim star-filled skies. Torches, adding to the tranquil ambience of this unique retreat, will light the grounds instead. Azul specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with a Mexican influence. Fresh seafood and a array of chef specialties are prepared daily. Our pastry chef prepares breads, rolls, and croissants from a variety of fragrant doughs and local ingredients. Favorites include Spanish olive loaf and apricot rolls. While many of our features are Mediterranean, we offer enough new world cuisine for you to jump around or follow a theme. For example, in the heart of the Mexican jungle for lunch on a warm day, consider the following: a dish of spicy sashimi, sesame vegetarian roll with queso fresco, our Japanese salad, and our collosal size shrimp tempura. We only feature wines we love to drink. Our wine list represents much of the world, most notable are French, Italian, and Spanish wines. Particularly suited to the night climate are our numerous offerings of Spanish Dueros and our light Italian reds. The Grill at the Pool Features a fresh lite menu from the grill. A few of the award winning dishes are a lobster club sandwich and our shrimp ceviche, served martini style at the table. An assortment of our home made frozen sorbet will keep you cool on warm days. The Bar at AZUL One of the most exciting places on the property overlooks the Mayan Sunset and the Island of Cozumel. Great for meeting friends for a cocktails before dinner or enjoying one of our famous desserts in the lounge. The bar also features a lite bistro menu for late night snacks. The jungle was here before us and we believe that we are intruding upon it. For this reason, paths and walkways carefully meander avoiding older growths. Younger trees are allowed to grow within the paths, further reinforcing our philosophy. AMENITIES: Choose from twenty-nine air-conditioned Luxury villas with private pools surrounded by luscious jungle gardens, which include an exclusive Presidential Villa. Villas feature outdoor terrace with chase lounge, dinning table, handmade crochet hammock and outdoor shower. Indoor separate spacious bathroom with standing shower, his and hers separate sinks and large closets. All beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, duvet covers and glorious down pillows. ACTIVITIES: Villas Restaurant Activities Enjoy 7 miles of beach, sauna, horse back riding, fishing, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing. Nearby golf, bird watching, nature walks, tennis, and jungle tours. Explore the ancient cities of Xel-ha, Tulum, Sian-Khan, Chichenitza, Akumal, Uxmal. Enjoy the entertainment of Xcaret, Cozumel Island, Cancun, Coba, Isla Mujeres, Merida. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Resort Beach Location: Off Beach (Tropical Setting) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Playa_del_Carmen/ikaldelmar/hotel/188/7/ Mon, 9 Nov 2009 19:48:25 EST