We stayed at the Residences from Jan 29-Feb 5, 2012. We had previously stayed with them in 2010. I had read the reviews and have to admit was a little concerned after reading some, but decided to book anyways as the Residences had been my favorite stay in Mexico so far. We travel to Mexico several times a year, and I have to admit, this was the first time that I was not ready to go home on departure day. This was such a relaxing vacation and the service was amazing. For us, the food was incredible, more of a healthy menu than most all-inclusives. We always had exceptional service and cant wait to come back. We had so many amazing servers that there are too many to name!!! We felt like royalty. Yes, we do tip well, but it makes for an amazing vacation, and the servers deserve it for their exceptional service. We can not find service like this anywhere in Canada. Check in was simple, grabbing a drink at the bar and having the clerk come visit us there to fill out minimal paperwork. Then it was off to our suite. One of the reasons that we like this resort so much, is the quietness in the suites (as they are condo style) you dont hear any noise in the hallways. Having the second washroom is a bonus, as well as having the washer and dryer. The only disappointment that we found this trip is that breakfast is no longer served in INSU. We loved sitting there with our morning coffee on the last trip. The sunday brunch was amazing!!!! Overall, we had a fabulous trip, and def will be returning in the future.

My wife sprang a surprise vacation on me last month. She had a work assignment in Mexico to scout out this location for a business award retreat later in the year. As soon as she arrived she was in awe and called to let me know. Boy was I envious. Anyway in almost the same breath she said a limo would be picking me up the next morning at 5:30. Less than 24 hours later I arrived and wow. Reminded me of my first time at Disneyworld. Totally in awe. My wife was working away from the hotel but the friendly concierge knew I was arriving and looked after me. After a warm introduction and a couple of cold cervezas he showed me to the room. I turned on the television and lo and behold the Leafs and Sabres were just coming on. I looked out the balcony and what a sight: the well manicured grounds, view of the Pacific and a slow moving beautiful sunset. This was just a hint of what the next 7 days provided. I could go on and on but without sounding like a major shareholder in the place, it was as advertised. Note that I did not look at the website until today, 3 weeks after my return. I must say that the video on the website is not embellished. I keep pinching myself about everything about the place. You have to excuse me now as I have to tend to my wife's todo list in case I get another surprise phone call.

We had a awesome experience at the Marival Residences and World Spa with our all inclusive stay. The food at Lemon Grass was to die for. The staff at Brunello Wine Bar were pleasant and our drinks were always replenished. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and view at the Insú Sky Lounge. The breakfasts that were served outside were great. The pools were clean and will maintained. The atmosphere at the Omaggio International Restaurant was relaxed and enjoyable. Having our own area on the beach was great. 7 days is not a long enough stay for this wonderful resort. We may return in October for our 30th wedding anniversary.

Beautiful property and the staff was superb. We stayed Jan 27 to Feb 03 2012.
The weather was a perfect 30 degrees (85F).

Check-in
As soon as we got off the bus we were seated in Brunello and given a cold drink and towel. Roberto let us finish our drinks then proceeded to show around hotel and take us to our room. No check-in stress, great start. We were given a bottom floor room, which was not acceptable, as we had asked for anything but bottom floor. Hotel was fully booked but they were able to move us on day 2 to a 3rd floor room in building 1 which worked out great. Thanks.

The Room
Everything is as advertised or better. Our maid, whom we never saw, did an outstanding job, very thorough, always restocked the great l’Occitane bath supplies, etc. Best maid service we ever had at an all-incl. Washer/dryer worked great. If the turn down service or mini bar restock could not be done because we had the privacy sign on – they slip a paper under the door to tell you that they came by – and to call concierge if we need anything. Nice touch.

Loved sitting on that extra large balcony, great furniture. Wifi worked fine all around resort, but you have to re-enter passwords every time you want to log back in – no big deal. Skype also worked perfect.

The Food
We were a little worried that there were no real buffets, but we always had food whenever we wanted – and the food is really good. There was a buffet for breakfast/lunch by the pool. Insu was great for drinks and appetizer, and sunset viewing. Ommagio and Lemmon grass were always very good. The house wine was very drinkable.

The Beach
Even though it is not on the beach, it tuned out to be not such a big deal. The shuttle always came quickly and took you 5 min down the road to the Marival sister resort.
The beach club service was very impressive, someone came by every ½ hr or so asking if they could get you something, drinks, food, sunscreen, magazines… (the food was really good here too). Nice comfy lounge chairs, and the beach vendors were very respectful if you said no thanks.

Service
This is what made me sad to leave – the staff there are really well trained – from the waiters putting napkins on your lap (Hector, Jesus, Gil…), to the very helpful concierges (Carlos, Alexandra…) the front desk staff was always smiling and polite. Kudos to management to hiring great people.

This is the first time we have ever been to a resort that we really want to go back to. 361 sleeps left!