You may remember it from MTV’s ‘The Real World: Cancun’ but the reality far surpasses the television images. ME Cancun played host to the network’s popular series, housing the cast of misfits in a very highly rated season. Since then the property has experienced a major transformation, becoming the region’s ultimate pleasure palace. On your next trip to Cancun look no further, you’ve found your home away from home.

Travel from anywhere in the world to Cancun’s International Airport and within 20 minutes you are transported to nirvana. ME Cancun is located on an island between the Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. Approaching the Mayan pyramid shaped property you will see nothing but white sand and crystal clear, turquoise waters beyond the horizon.

As you step into the hotel’s lobby you are overwhelmed by the unique artwork from respected Mexican artists Yuri Zatarain and Marie France Porta. Every piece tells a story and it’s easy to get lost in the majestic beauty as you search for symbolism. But that has to wait for you still have to get to your suite!

With 417 guest rooms, ME Cancun is a large hotel. All accommodations offer ocean or lagoon views and are decorated in warm, rich colors using custom-made wood and stone furniture. Each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art and carries a certificate of authenticity.

Of course all the standard luxury amenities are here: 32″ flat screen TV’s, high thread count bedding, espresso coffeemaker, rain shower, Aveda bath amenities, free wireless high speed internet, blackout drapes, fully stocked bar with top shelf premium beverages and best of all oversize widows for unobstructed breathtaking views.

If you’re looking for something special opt for “ME +” ME Cancun which offers 52 deluxe accommodations, 29 Loft suites, 4 Passion suites and 2 Level Master suites. This exclusive level has all the hotel’s standard amenities plus private Jacuzzis, a selection of aromatherapy amenities, complimentary cocktails, breakfast, and iPod adaptors and docking stations.

For the ultimate extravagance for 2, or a wild bachelor/bachelorette party, you can always stay in SuiteME, the 9,757 square-foot, bi-level former home to the cast of “The Real World: Cancun.” This suite underwent construction, adding an upstairs master suite to the already existing bi-level complex.  The master suite features a  playroom featuring a massive large screen TV, pool table and a removable stripper pole.

ME Cancun caters to the young, upscale, attractive, fun loving HOMBRE audience. You’ll feel right at home, and best of all won’t need to go far for extraordinary dining options. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in the region just an elevator ride away.

Raul Petraglia, ME Cancun’s General Manager

During an enjoyable lunch Raul Petraglia – ME Cancun’s General Manager and the man responsible for overseeing the brand’s direction – gives us the lowdown and offers background into the hotel’s current dinning offerings.

Says Petraglia, “The creator of the gastronomic concepts for the hotel is Heriberto Gomez who now oversees food and beverage for all our American properties. Heriberto’s experience is quite interesting and leads to a unique take when it comes to food. He was born in Mexico and his mother is from Spain. He spent a lot of time in Spain and the Mediterranean so he comes with the influence of fresh, clean and healthy ingredients for Salt. His executive chef is Ignacio Azcona who worked in several restaurants in the U.S. specializing in sushi and Asian cuisine. But here he has created a more pan-asiatic menu that combines ‘tiraditos’ from Peru and frushi from Brazil to create Silk.

The Beach House is a casual spot and our other restaurant The Water Grill incorporates a mix of Argentinian and Brazilian style rodizio for the evening and  grilled seafood in the daytime. So Heriberto created the concepts and we go over menus together.”

He adds, “…And it’s going well. Last year during Spring Break, people were talking about ME Cancun, and it had nothing to do with Spring Break. The Cancun Food & Wine Festival took place around the same time and you had all these international chefs who would come to our SuiteME and talk food.  That helped to put us on the map as a culinary epicenter.”

It’s hard to believe such a magnificent resort is an all-inclusive.
According to Petraglia, “Our property is not the traditional all-inclusive. To succeed you have to remain true to your brand. Here you wont find a ‘host’ screaming or a clown walking around. It’s something else. It’s a concept that’s still evolving and it’s more about ambiance, music, cuisine, culture. It’s more social interaction, top guest DJ’s, it’s more of a playground for adults. Even our own guests tell their friends, “If you’re looking for a ‘kid’s club’ this is not the hotel for you.”

He continues, “As a brand we’re adopting a concept of Yin and Yang. The Yin would be the spa, tai chi and yoga classes in the morning, rain showers and organic products in the bathrooms, healthy food with nutritious ingredients in our restaurants. We care about the environment, as a matter of fact the European Foundation of Environmental Education has designated us as a biosphere hotel. And with over 400 rooms that’s not easy, but its important to us. That’s the Yin.”

Boxing Champion Miguel Cotto with HOMBRE Magazine’s Francisco Romeo at ME Cancun

“On the other hand we have the Yang which is high energy, great parties, and great international DJ’s. So we strive to find a balance for our guests. Our clientele enjoys the freedom of options the Complete ME offers, it’s an extension of their lifestyle when traveling.”

Proving this point are the multitude of celebrities who call ME Cancun their home away from home. During our visit, former champion Miguel Cotto was hanging out by the pool and and ‘The Bachelorette’ Ashley Hebet and now husband J.P. Rosenbaum were taking DJ lessons at the DJ Academy.

RESTAURANTS

SILK
If you’re in the mood to let your palate travel to the Far East, try Silk.
The Asian inspired bistro offers fusion cuisine combining delicate, traditional sushi flavors with contemporary world concept such as Tiraditos peruanos, wasabi infusions, chilly soy sauces and frushi, a combination of tropical sea food and fruits.  Furthermore, the wine selection is sure to surprise with its diversity.

SALT
For bold, strong flavors visit this Mediterranean option. In a setting of lush, theatrical drapes, a wood burning oven, a show kitchen and an array of culinary displays, you will experience rich flavors and attractive presentations bound to excite all the senses.

The Water Grill
In the mood for meat and Brazilian Rodizio-style table side service? ME Cancun heard your calling and added this large covered outdoor space with a South American-inspired menu for lunch and dinner where you only need to remember to have your card on the table in green (keep bringing the food) or red (no more, please!).

The Beach House
Originally created by the Rande and Scott Gerber, The Beach House is located in an oversized “palapa” and serves local cuisine with a modern twist ranging from Smoked Mako Shark Dip to signature dishes such as Tuna Riviera Maya.

The Beach Club-
Bali Beds with gauzy white linen roof coverings now dot ME Cancun’s expanding and exclusive beach club.  Bottle service at the Bali Beds is required for non-hotel guests.  During the weekends, live DJ performances start at noon. The music selection changes daily; Fridays it is mash-up; Saturdays, house music; Sundays, chill-out music.

BAR, LOUNGE and CLUB
Nights in Cancun are long and Rose Bar is a great place to start or end the evening.

Rose Bar is the sexy lobby lounge complete with an outdoor terrace. The indoor Rose Bar was recently refurbished adding a DJ booth as an elevated center piece to the signature space.  The overall look and feel of the bar was enhanced with a recent furniture change and the addition of drapes in certain areas, adding more privacy for guests.

ME Cancun also recently added a covered outdoor area, Rose Bar Deck, as a compliment to their sophisticated indoor Rose Bar.  The outdoor area has a minimalistic industrial feel and features Bali beds, an elevated DJ booth, large fans equipped with misters, and extensive lighting detail, including massive Starck-inspired chandeliers and spot lighting.

The Infinity Bar is located at the adults-only swimming pool.  An eLounge also exists as an extension of the hotel’s E-Space and serves light-bites as well as an array of delectable drinks.

4AM DJ Ani Quinn

The Unique Music Experience and DJ Labs
The ME brand works with NYC based DJ management company 4AM DJs to curate the on-property music offerings.  4AM’s popular DJs also host ‘DJ Labs’ for guests to learn the art of spinning.  The DJs also host day and night pool parties before and after the session.

If you’ve had fantasies of becoming the next David Guetta this is your perfect escape. Here you are invited to step behind the DJ booth and experience the on-property classes in the art of spinning. Learn how to turn tables and play the hottest tracks while immersing yourself in today’s latest music trend—the art of mash-up mixing—at the various daytime poolside parties and evening events.

4AM DJ Price teaching ‘The Bachelorette’s Ashley Hebert and J.P. Rosenbaum the fine art of spinning

During our visit 4AM DJs, DJs Price and Ani Quinn gave lessons during the day at the Beach Club and at night at the Rose Bar. Imagine indulging your passion while being pampered with bottle service, sunbathing on bali beds and taking laps in the pool and some of the best cocktails and music at nights.

Chill Out Zone
The far left corner of the resort was recently converted to a music-free area, where guests can enjoy the beachfront views and accompanying sound of the ocean, only.  The area is equipped with large day beds (can fit two adults) free of charge for guests.

CONFERENCES AND MEETING ROOMS
If business calls, ME Cancun provides several options for meetings and gatherings with The Studio, comprised of five state-of-the-art meeting facilities and banquet halls with 11,000 sq. ft. of space that can accommodate up to 450 guests.

And for your day to day needs the property has complimentary wireless Internet access, new high-tech capabilities and a business center. Groups may also take advantage of open air terraces and arrange for events to be catered by the signature restaurants at ME Cancun.

YHI Spa
The 11,000 sq. ft. YHI Spa is the ideal relaxation retreat after partaking in a day of Cancun’s neverending array of activities. Here you can relax mind, body and soul with a wide ranging menu of services along with indor pools, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms.

Finally when it comes to service ME Cancun’s Experience Managers will do everything to ensure your stay is a memorable one.  Guests staying in rooms on ME + will receive a pre-arrival letter and questionnaire with queries such as favorite scents and music to help make ME experiences more personal and enjoyable.

Committed to sophisticated and passionate service, ME Cancun’s staff is prepared to go to any length to ensure that each visitor receives what they want, when they want it, and how they want it.  With the push of the “Everything is Possible”, located in each room, the hotel team is set in action to meet their needs.

ME CANCUN: Boulevard Kukulcan, km.12, Cancun, MEXICO  77500
Telephone: (52) 998 8812500
www.mecancun.com