MareAzul Family Beach CondoHotel

A beachfront condo property with apartments spread over 42 four-story towers, the Pure Mareazul is situated in the Grand Coral development, which also includes a golf course, two hotels, a Beach Club, and two towers of apartments. The development's main entrance resembles that of a gated community and getting to the the Mareazul's entrance may take up to five minutes by car, though guests will get a glimpse of the golf course. Lovely grounded feature the striking and massing pool, as well as a botanical garden with local flora and Mayan-themed fountains and sculptures. This area also features partially shaded terraces where guests can ask to have a hammock to sunbathe or relax in a tranquil natural setting. As a self-catering property, the clientele consists mainly of families and older couples on extended stays.

The Pure Mareazul is an isolated condo complex set amid a 600-acre development that includes an 18-hole golf course, two towers of residential condos, a Beach Club, and two resorts. The property faces the Caribbean and is about a 15-minute drive to Playa del Carmen. Being that there's little on-site for dining once nighttime hits, guests will have to drive or take a cab to area restaurants -- most of which are a 10-minute drive away. Puerto Morelos, Xcaret, and the Cirque du Soleil Theater are within a 30-minute drive, while Cancun International Airport is about a 45-minute drive.

Pure Mareazul's 300 two-bedroom apartments have a tranquil, residential atmosphere, which guests are requested to maintain. The spacious rooms are contemporary, outfitted in beige tile and wooden or leather furnishings in earth tones. Room decor varies, but the overall design is modern and attractive. Generic accent pieces such as canvas artwork and patterned throw pillows add some homeyness to the spaces. All units have two bedrooms, full kitchens, and living and dining room areas. Also noteworthy are the large balconies or terraces furnished with whirlpool tubs and dining tables with views of the garden or ocean. Some ground-floor units have private plunge pools. Master bedrooms have king-size beds and large bathrooms with rainfall showers, dual vanities, and walk-in closets with large electronic safes. Second bedrooms have two double beds and smaller bathrooms.  Hairdryers are provided but toiletries aren't.Kitchens come with state-of-the-art appliances, including dishwashers, microwaves, convection ovens, full-size refrigerators, and electric stoves. Dining tables seat six and flat-screen smart TVs are in the living rooms (there are no TVs in the bedrooms). Ceiling fans and air-conditioning are also standard. A few penthouses are available, with whirlpools on the rooftop terrace.

As a condo complex, Pure Mareazul does not offer all the amenities usually associated with a hotel. The expansive swimming pool area sits amid a U-shape series of towers, and features in-water loungers and a few Bali beds. Decorative bridges connect various areas within the pool, which includes two kiddy pools and two outdoor whirlpools (not heated). An adjacent snack bar with chairs and tables is available. The property has a large stretch of beach with adjacent Beach Club. Open to the public, the Beach Club is part of the same development, and guests receive breakfast coupons that can be redeemed until noon. International fare is served throughout the day, but there are no evening meals.The fitness center is surrounded by windows and offers free weights, two treadmills, three bicycles, one elliptical machine, and a universal machine. A steam room, a sauna, and a whirlpool are also available in this area, as well as spa treatments on request. Classes and clinics are available at the golf course, and guests receive preferential green-fee rates. There's a function room that can accommodate up to 100 people, and a business center with a computer, a telephone, and internet access, though there's a charge for printing. Wi-Fi is free around reception, the Beach Club, and pool.