Banyan Tree Cabo Marques

Banyan Tree Cabo Marques epitomizes
refined elegance. Discreet, earth-toned
decor and floor-to-ceiling windows are common elements throughout the hotel’s
interiors. Its brilliant restaurants and remarkable cliffviews recall the glamour that once made Acapulco a hot spot for celebrities and
other wealthy public figures. This is one of the newer resorts in Acapulco, and its
polished style contrasts refreshingly with the waning grandeur that
characterizes many of the city’s other high-end hotels. It’s possible to walk
around the resort’s expansive, garden-lined grounds, but most guests opt to be
shuttled around in golf carts. With excellent dining and drinks, a blissful spa, and
large guest rooms, it’s the kind of place that gently lulls guests into never wanting to leave the property. Children are welcome, but the hushed, romantic atmosphere
is clearly geared toward couples. From dual bathroom sinks to pairs of lounge
chairs lining private infinity pools, almost everything here is designed for
two.

Banyan Tree Cabo Marques is set on the southern edge of Acapulco in Diamante. The antithesis of brash, party-driven Old Acapulco, Diamante
is home to exclusive gated resorts and upmarket restaurants. There’s not much
within walking distance -- in fact, just walking to the resort’s exit gate can be a
trek depending on where one's villa is located.Pretty Playa Revolcadero is a 10-minute drive away,
although the waves are typically too strong here for swimming. Calmer waters are found at Puerto Marques,
which is about a 15-minute drive from the resort. Acapulco International Airport, the Acapulco
Botanical Garden, and the Chapel of Peace are all within a 20 minute drive. 

Guest rooms at Banyan Tree Cabo Marques are independent
villas, each built into a rocky cliff face. Hillside Villas look toward dense greenery, while Oceanfront and Ocean View Villas overlook the Pacific. The By-the-Rocks Villas offer the most impressive
vistas, with foaming waves crashing against the cliff and pelicans swooping
overhead. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of each villa’s scenery, and all include sprawling sundecks with heated infinity pools, hammocks, lounge
chairs, and soft couches shaded by Thai-style salas.Room decor is elegant and understated, allowing the views to
act as the showpiece. The chic black, white, and beige color scheme draws on
minimalist Asian aesthetics, but there are also plenty of subtle Mexican
elements. Framed huipils hang over beds and silver-accented throw pillows pay
homage to the nearby city of Taxco. Thoughtful touches are everywhere, from
bowls of prickly pear cactus fruits to free water, juices, and soft drinks
from the minibar. In addition to the minibars, all rooms include flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies, and kimonos.Bedrooms open up into large, open-concept bathrooms with two
sinks separated by a gleaming black granite countertop. Colorful little
treasure-chest-style boxes contain extras like mouthwash and vanity kits. Most
villas include soaking tubs, surrounded by windows to maximize the views. The toilets and rainfall showers are each set behind separate frosted glass doors.

The hotel’s lunch restaurant, Las Rocas Grill & Bar, is airy and inviting, with trees gracefully protruding through its wooden floor boards and decorated with hanging lanterns that sway in the breeze. Wooden chairs are softened by big cushions, and the view over the ocean is enchanting. The restaurant’s frequently-changing menu focuses on fresh seafood and meats. There’s an infinity pool alongside the restaurant, surrounded by a few bold blue lounge chairs sheltered by white-curtained pavilions.Saffron is Banyan Tree’s signature restaurant, known for attracting non-guests with its beautiful sunset views and innovative Thai cuisine -- it serves only dinner. Seating is available in the open-air interior or on a curved terrace overlooking the ocean. With vermilion table runners popping against dark wood tables and chairs, the restaurant is sophisticated yet not stuffy.La Nao offers a diverse menu of Latin, Chinese, and American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant’s fantastic breakfast spread offers beautifully presented platters of cheeses, fresh breads, and fruits, as well as locally inspired dishes like chicken enchiladas with guajillo sauce. Breakfasts are not included in standard room rates.Last, there’s Las Vistas, a cozy bar and lounge that's off the lobby. Seating is available at high tops along the attractive bar, or on sofas and armchairs, which are arranged into intimate group seating areas. 

The hotel spa is staffed by therapists who have completed at least 350 hours of training at a Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Thailand or Indonesia. Massages and other treatments are conducted in large, glass-walled pavilions that offer serene views of the surrounding greenery.The hotel’s modern fitness center features a range of free weights and cardio equipment. Most of the machines face the floor-to-ceiling windows with views of a thick, tropical garden. There’s also a large, wood-floored yoga studio found next to the fitness center. There is no beach at the hotel, but the narrow infinity pool is backed by cabanas and has some excellent ocean views. The bright 50-person meeting room offers ergonomic office chairs and dramatic full-length windows. The hotel also has a library and a gift shop selling local crafts and Banyan Tree spa items. Tours and excursions are available and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.