Checking into the Casa Magna Resort in Cancun is more like checking into a grand, old world Spanish villa than a resort in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. I stayed here last weekend with four other journalists on a press trip, dubbed “The Return of the Vacation.” We definitely found it in Cancun luxuriating by the pool, feasting on world cuisine, and exploring the Mayan culture.
Design
With the warm sun blazing across the Caribbean sea and the lagoon surrounding Cancun, Casa Magna feels like a cool retreat with dramatic stucco arches shading the open air breezeways that lead to the rooms, and plazas with bubbling fountains and tropical palms. Dangling from the lobby’s high ceilings are dramatic wrought iron chandeliers, adding a rustic feel to the Spanish Mediterranean Revival architecture.
The Room
My spacious room on the second floor had two comfortable queen size beds with ample closet and drawer space. What was really impressive, though, was my oversized oceanfront balcony with a lounge chair, framed by a stucco arch, and perched at eye level with the tops of palm trees.
Amenities
It’s not Cancun without a swim up bar, and Casa Magna’s got a great one in its enormous oceanfront pool. A giant jacuzzi is perched like a cauldron front and center connected to the pool and overlooking the neon blue ocean.
There are five restaurants, and we enjoyed a delicious meal at the open air Sasi Thai where you feel like you’re floating on the lagoon in your own thatched hut. We enjoyed a sampling of spring rolls, dumplings, and satays, as well as an abundance of curries, noodle dishes, and fresh seafood. La Capilla Argentine Steakhouse was a destination for both breakfast and dinner. The breakfast includes an expansive buffet with Mexican entrees, like chilaquiles, quesadillas, chorizo omelettes, and churros, along with more traditional breakfast fare. I loved drinking a glass of fresh watermelon juice to start the day. The salad bar at dinner accompanying your meal might have been my favorite salad bar of all time. I created quite the impressive dish! We enjoyed steak, lamb, empanadas, and a lobster and brie crepe that was to die for.
The lobby bar was lovely, serving a great selection of margaritas, including spicy habanero and fresh frozen raspberry, that were quite popular. If you feel like getting rowdy, Champions Sports Bar is right on the property and features nightly karaoke. Other amenities include a spa and fitness center, ample conference space, and activities for children.
Hospitality
Service was friendly and seamless. My bellman Hugo happily offered advice on how to enjoy Cancun while he showed me the features of my room, and even offered to fill up my bucket of ice. It was easy to feel at home at Casa Magna.
Overall
I would recommend Casa Magna for families on vacation or a large group of friends excited to explore Cancun. The beautiful Spanish architecture of the resort makes for a lovely, relaxed retreat and you can feast like a king without leaving the property.
Boulevard Kukulcan, Retorno Chac L-41, Cancun, Mexico +52 998 881 2000
