The Elan Resort & Spa opened in May 2007 after a $15 million renovation of the former Club Las Velas. The hotel is located on a private beach facing the Nichupte Lagoon on the Cancun mainland, just a few miles from the resort town’s main commercial and entertainment district. The hotel was designed by Mexican architect Tomas Aunon to resemble a 17th Century Mexican village and the staff works hard to maintain a gracious Old World sense of warmth and service. Strolling mariachis, Mexican folklore shows, cooking classes, history lessons and a weekly Mexican fiesta in the main courtyard also help to set the tone.
Given its lagoon-front location, expansive grounds and adults-only policy, the Elan has a faraway feeling of peace and tranquility hard to find at other Cancun-resorts. It is much more sedate and relaxing than other hotel properties that are so firmly established in the area. The staff is exceptionally warm and accommodating, giving the hotel an exclusive and friendly atmosphere.
At meal times guests have several options. The day starts for many with a fresh and delicious Mexican breakfast at the waterfront La Palapa Restaurant. Guests in the villas can also opt for coffee and a Continental breakfast in their room. El Embarcadero is open for poolside lunches and afternoon snacks. The Trattoria serves brick oven pizzas next to the lagoon for lunch and dinner. Fans of Asian food head to Tao for fresh sushi and noodle dishes. For a taste of the Mediterranean, guests can go to the Mare Nostrum dinner restaurant and for a sampling of authentic dishes from across Mexico, they head to Cielito Lindo. In the evening, the hot spot for pre-dinner cocktails and snacks, plus live piano music, fortune-telling exhibitions and billiards is the Café Mystic. Diners can return after dinner for coffee and dessert. Other options for food and drink include the lobby bar and swim-up pool bar.
The resort is operated as an all-inclusive, with all food, drinks and non-motorized water sports included. The on-site fitness center offers workout stations, exercise classes and free weights. Other recreational opportunities include a white-sand beach, two freshwater swimming pools, two tennis courts, beach volleyball, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. There is also a full-service day spa, offering ancient Mayan healing treatments, facials, massages and a number of ayurvedic treatments. There are steam rooms, a Temazcal sweat lodge, massage, yoga, Pilates, aikido, body wraps, facials, Reiki, reflexology and a host of salon treatments. Accommodations include a half-hour massage on their day of arrival.
The hotel’s guestrooms are built around a courtyard, reminiscent of a traditional Mexican colonial town square, with meandering pathways and tropical gardens. Each room has king or queen beds with premium Egyptian cotton sheets, wireless Internet access, cable TV, minibars stocked with water and juice, safes, clock radios, bathrobes and private terrace or balcony with views of the hotel gardens or lagoon. Villa suites also have coffeemakers, a living area with additional TV, CD/DVD player and wine and beer included in the minibar. Key Facts:
Elan Resort & Spa
Blvd Kukulcan, Esq. Galeon St km 3.5
Cancun, Q. Roo, Mexico
Hotel Direct Phone - (52) 998-891-4080
USA Reservations Line - (888) 400-Elan (3526)
More:
Elan Resort & Spa Official Site
Elan Resort & Spa Reservations
Riviera Maya Hotels
Airport Transportation
Tours & Activities
Cancun & Riviera Maya Guidebook
