Maroma Monday | Merci Destination Weddings + Honeymoons

Happy Monday morning, my dears. Here's hoping your weekend was fab and fun.
Today, we're tres-excited to announce some fun news. Starting today, Mondays will be destination day on Merci.
Each Monday morning, we will kick start your day with a post on a destination wedding and honeymoon retreat far, far away from the hustle and bustle of NYC... The first post of the month will be from our friends at David Beahm Destinations, and the following Mondays will be Merci staffer trips to absolutely stunning places. Pretty cool, no?
I have to say, I cannot wait to expand this series, because I have an absolutely amazing trip to share with you. Early this fall, I was privy {or better yet - extremely lucky} to attend a press trip to Maroma, a breathtaking boutique resort nestled in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico.
Maroma has long been one of those revered names passed around my circle of friends... a slice of luxury that seems worlds away from Manhattan, but remains an easy-to-get-to three hour flight from New York City.
Maroma's accessibility makes it absolutely perfect for destination weddings, bachelorette parties, honeymoons -- or if you're already married, girls' weekends, baby-moons, or even a quick getaways to escape the New York winter. {I suppose I'm already rationalizing my return}!GETTING TO MAROMA
As you can see from the above photos, Maroma is not the Mexico you thought you knew. The second my private driver arrived at the Cancun airport via a cushy luxury SUV stocked with iced towels, water and snacks for the twenty minute ride opposite the spring break set, I instantly parted ways with all my Senor Frog-esque memories. Entering the gates, I was greeted into the verdant jungle and white beach habitat with a potent Maroma margarita and a warm welcome... and instantly slipped into a peaceful {non-New Yorker} state of relaxation.
ABOUT THE PROPERTY
Maroma is made for relaxing. That instant sense of calm I felt when I arrived? I'm not making it up; it literally sifts through the wind. I don't want to sound hokey, and I can't quite pinpoint the feeling, but Maroma oozes calm...
Maybe it was the combination of the white washed buildings against the bright blue sea, which reminded me of my Santorini honeymoon? Or maybe it was the sense of wellness, from the fresh air, healthy cuisine and early morning yoga classes? Either way, I immediately felt what the staff calls "Maroma magic" the second I entered the property, and it's a pretty amazing feeling.
Maroma's grounds are comprised of 63 rooms, suites and villas, all nestled in the shadows of the waving palm trees by day and tiki torch-lit paths by night. Walking around the serene property, you feel like you are its solitary guest...
MAROMA COMMUNITY
I was having one such "solitary guest" feeling on the Maroma grounds while walking back to my villa the first night... I had just enjoyed an amazing celebratory dinner with my fellow travelers, and with a belly full of chef Juan Pablo's impeccable cuisine hidden behind my flowy dress, I began to walk the torch-lit paths back to my villa. {Maroma is a true jungle habitat, so the only sounds were the waves lapping in the distance, and friendly critters like the raccoon-like Coati, above, who make the resort their home}.
After a slightly disorientating wrong turn on the path, the city girl in me got a little nervous. The suites and villas, beautifully private during the day, were hidden under the leaves, and the property was so quiet, save for a soft, drizzling rain. I had only taken three timid steps when, like clockwork, a smiling Maroma employee arrived on golf cart with both a flashlight and an umbrella. "Miss Jacqueline!" he greeted, "I'll take you home!"
I hopped on board the cart - literally drove 20 feet - and arrived back at my "home away from home" to an oceanfront suite that had been lit with at least 50 candles and lilac aromatherapy wafting through the air. That's serious turn down service!
ACCOMMODATIONS
These images of the rooms, suites and villas at Maroma certainly speak for themselves... The top image shows my amazing suite, a stunning oceanfront duplex with a private plunge pool on its roof. It is the perfect honeymoon suite, a refuge within a refuge, complete with a separate living/dining room, bedroom and mini-gym {if you're so inclined}!
All of the rooms at Maroma are decorated with mahogany wood, bamboo accents, local art and luxe tactile details, like soft wool rugs hand knit by indigenous communities. Each has a deep soaking tub perfect after a day at the beach. The grand four post beds are dressed with soft white linens and netting that lures you to open your sea-facing french doors to let the ocean lull you to sleep.
THE SPA AT MAROMA
The Kinan Spa at Maroma is true sanctuary in every sense of the word.
Located in the center of the property, you enter Kinan through its bamboo archway into a long open space with pathways to waterfalls, private coves and cozy huts that house saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and treatment rooms. I slipped into a linen cotton robe {embroidered with my name, no less}, and enjoyed the signature treatments that preceded my massage. It was quite possibly the best spa experience I ever had.
In addition to the Kinan Spa sanctuary, Maroma also has a special tezmescal on the beach. The tezmescal is a private lodge where heated volcanic rocks are doused with herb infused water to create aromatic and healing steam. Offered at dusk, this ritualistic treatment weaves together ancient traditions, chants and meditation.
WEDDINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
By now, I am sure I have painted a beautiful picture of what Maroma would be like for a romantic honeymoon, but during my stay I also fell in love with all it offers for destination weddings and celebrations of all kinds.
The natural beauty of Maroma, paired with its elegant cuisine and sophisticated decor capabilities truly make it the perfect place to say "I do," not to mention a luxe locale to renew your vows, or celebrate a milestone with close family and friends.
During my stay at Maroma, I was lucky to experience a chic rehearsal dinner, a traditional Mayan marriage ceremony, and a beach side wedding reception... with some snorkeling, cooking classes and tequila tastings in between! Be sure to stay tuned next week, when we continue Merci Destinations with another Maroma Monday feature on these celebrations and more.
Until next Maroma Monday, be sure to visit their Web site and their Facebook fan page, or follow them on Twitter...
xx,