The plush Royal Hideaway resort, in Playa del Carmen, is one of the latest attractions in the rapidly growing Riviera Maya, south of Cancun. The seaside resort opened last December (1998) and is the first Allegro facility to open under the new Royal Hideaway brand, which offers top-of-the-line luxury in the all-inclusive market.

Allegro has trained all the resort’s staff in the art of pampering guests. "We’ve hired young, energetic people with a knowledge of English", says the general manager. The property is also the first all-inclusive property invited to become a member of Preferred Hotels Resorts worldwide. The hotel employs a staff of 400, with a ratio of two employees per guest. All guests are treated like VIP’s.

Leisure, incentive and small meeting groups, mostly from U.S., dominate the guest list there. Europeans are the second-largest market.

The hotel’s 200 rooms are spread out in villas surrounded by landscaped gardens and fountains. Each villa offers private concierge service. Rooms are elegantly appointed with Mexican-crafted mahogany furnishings and fixtures. Bathrooms, also done in marble, have a shower stall and huge bathtub enhanced with hydro massage water jets. Hair dryers, first-class toiletries and makeup mirrors are part of the luxury amenities along with cable TV, a VCR and two phone extensions in the rooms. Rooms are further enhanced by long terraces or balconies.

Two-story junior suites and a two-bedroom Presidential Suite offer butler service, which is also available at each of three private relaxation pools located between villas. Four rooms have been designed for guests with disabilities.

Public Areas designed to offer easy access for all guests. The hotel’s architecture features a Caribbean Colonial style, with French doors, arches, balconies and sumptuous interiors. The Thalassotherapy Marine Care Center has a saltwater pool, and a health club with cardiovascular equipment and saunas. Facials, body scrubs, wraps, a variety of massage therapies and beauty salon are among service options. In addition, the property has six swimming pools.

Food is outstanding at all five on-site restaurants, with specialty chefs hired to prepare themed menus. Spices offers innovative Mexican dishes enhanced by a combination of Caribbean and European influences. A master chef has been brought from Rome to direct operations at Palazzo, which specializes in Italian haute cuisine oversees Azia, offering exotic flavors from Thailand and other Asian countries. Ventanas offer continental cuisine. The theater can be converted into a meeting facility. The Cigar Lounge offers humidors and a selection of first-quality cigars. The Allegro Lounge serves drinks and high tea, and the Allez Allez sports bar and disco features games and a TV to watch sporting events. The resort offer premium liquors as well an assortment of wine and beers as part of its all-inclusive program. There is also a 24-hour room service.

The services of a nurse are available from 9am to 6pm, free of charge. In addition, a doctor is on call 24 hours a day. There are also laundry, concierge and butler services.

The resort’s luxurious details – marble of different colors arranged in elegant designs in the lobby and large balconies in every room – expert attention to great service and fabulous cuisine are among the many attributes that make it a destination in itself. Guests feel so content, they rarely want to leave.