Le Blanc Resort & Spa - A Review by Travel Professional Leslie Kepplinger

I have never been a big fan of Cancun -High-rise hotels, the crazy bar scene, shopping, and other blatant commercialism for the tourist. Then of course there is the “spring break” reputation. Not my idea of a relaxing vacation destination! But, I always wanted to try Le Blanc Resort and Spa, an upscale all-inclusive, so booked 3 nights to celebrate my birthday and wedding anniversary in January, and hoped for the best. OMG – before the first day was even over, I kicked myself for not booking longer as it was the most amazing experience and resort ever!!!
The doorman was waiting when we arrived in our private shuttle from the airport. We were greeted just inside the door with a refreshing light coconut cocktail. The lobby was a vision in white and lightness. It almost felt surreal. We were escorted immediately to a small desk where we were greeted with an orchid, and sat down for check-in. Fast, friendly and very efficient. We were then whisked off to our room on the 7th floor. Opening the door to our Royal Deluxe Room resulted in an audible gasp. The room, the view, the amenities – to DIE for! All white with touches of brown and green so serene, clean and spa-like. The décor was so simple, yet so elegant a true masterpiece. A small foyer led to a large bedroom with huge closet, lovely bath, and a step down to the sitting area with the largest Jacuzzi I have ever seen. Beyond, is a magnificent view of the blue Caribbean Sea. My one negative was the lack of a true balcony to enjoy the view. This one was just large enough to step out on, but nothing more.

The bathroom was beautifully appointed with large vanity area (though only a single sink, which was a bit odd I thought) with the toilet and huge, 2-person, dual rain shower-head, body spray shower all encased in a lovely sea-foam glass. Bvlgari bath amenities were certainly in keeping with their surroundings. The large king-bed was plush and comfy complete with pillow menu. There was plenty of storage in the closet, and in-room cabinet. The refrigerator was well stocked with beverages and candy, along with dry snacks, coffee and tea, plus a small variety of liquor (all no extra charge). Large flat screen tv, I-Pod dock, heated room-infuser for aromatherapy oils, scale, robes and slippers, dvd/cd player, purified water, digital lap-top size safe, a small table and chairs to enjoy the fruit and wine left as our welcome, and that party-size Jacuzzi rounded out the room! The resort also includes free wi-fi (with fabulous/fast connections), complimentary long distance calls to the US from your room phone, and a very nice beach bag to use while at the resort, and to take home with you!!

Le Blanc Resort and Spa is a true 5 star hotel in every way. The lobby is light and airy, full of chic sophistication. There are multiple lounging areas, and a fabulous well-stocked bar with premium liquors, excellent wines and domestic champagne. There is a second bar just upstairs as well. Thru the glass doors is a lovely terrace with multiple seating groupings, which leads out to the pool deck. The zero-entry, infinity Sun Pool overlooking the beach and ocean is large and heated, complete with swim-up pool bar. There are multiple seating areas around the pool and scattered elsewhere on the deck, for great ocean views. Quiet, spa-like music is played for complete relaxation. Combine that with the ocean waves, the sun and the view and you can’t help but relax and simply relish your time away! A poolside grill serves everything from chips and salsa, to a variety of Carpaccio. There is a second infinity pool one story up overlooking the main pool.

Both the wide, immaculately groomed beach and the pools offer attentive beach/pool butler service for food and drink. Lucinda, our pool waiter was amazing. Always with a smile, anticipating our needs. Mayra was our ray of sunshine on the beach. She was there the moment we sat down, refreshing the ice bucket to chill water, remembering what we drank and how we liked it. Never intrusive, but always there. There are actually more staff members than guests at this resort – so waiting for service was never an issue!

The beach is very wide, and quiet here. Le Blanc is located near the end of the strip – near the top of the 7. The beach is long and wonderful for walking. There is quite a step down from the resort’s beach to the public area along the water, but the lifeguard dug-out steps everyday to make the transition easier.

The “Moon Pool” at the rear of the resort, overlooks a lagoon, and is accessed from the lower level. This pool is shaded and rather quiet until about 3pm, then, pool volleyball and more lively music begins. Some evenings, there are lively shows and dinner around the pool deck. There is an elevated palapa over the lagoon for morning yoga.

Back inside on this lower level is a very well-equipped gym and exercise studio – offering spinning, yoga and pilates reformer, circuit training, step, and water aerobics. The award winning spa and salon is also on this level. It books fast, so make your appointments when you arrive. Prices are very reasonable. I had an 80 minute Baltic Hot Stone Pedicure – a combination pedi-hot rock reflexology. Oh my!!!!
Restaurants. To me, they can make or break a resort. I am a foodie, so good food is high on my priority list when traveling. They did not disappoint! Italian, French Fusion, International, and Oriental - all truly fabulous, with equally impressive wine menus. You actually have multiple choices of included wines from around the world (France, Australia, Spain, Italy, Argentina and Mexico) in addition to an extensive wine list at an additional charge. Many resorts claim gourmet food – but Le Blanc truly serves it. Great care is taken with each ingredient to bring out the best flavors. There is great pride in preparation, presentation and service. I savored every bite. A delicious sampling of what awaits you: Dim Sum, Peking Duck with Pad Thai Noodles, Sushi, Steak Tartar, Fennel Salad, Beef Carpaccio, Scallops, Escargot,  Cappuccino Shrimp Soup, Quail Consommé, Lamb, crème brulee, chocolate truffles bursting with warm, flowing centers, real cappuccinos and espresso (not the pre-made machine variety). The breakfast and lunch buffets are fresh, and offer great variety. Food is set out in small skillets rather than large banquet trays, and frequently replenished. Gourmet cheeses and smoked salmon sliced tableside. Mexican specialities- made to order eggs at breakfast, and both European and American favored/familiar items. Ala carte option also available for both meals.

Entertainment is “hidden” in a way. Le Blanc has an entertainment staff, but they have a low-key, rather than rallying the troops approach. Painting activities, dance class, Spanish lessons, beach/pool volleyball, water basketball, aquaerobics, tea time, are offered by day. Evening activities, most taking place at Blancstage Bar and around the Lagoon (Moon) Pool, may include Night Games, local singers, a Samba Show and Dinner, a Fire Show, Trivia, Casino Night, and Karaoke. Sadly, we didn’t see any of the shows, because we didn’t even know about them! Instead, we enjoyed the company of fellow guests over an after dinner drink. Given the small size of the resort, it is very easy to meet others.

Twenty-four hour room service, butlers on each floor, and tour specialists in the lobby, round out the offerings of the magnificent resort.

There were only two negatives that I observed, both of which were pretty minor. The first is lack of balconies, the second, the annoying plastic wristbands! Overall surprising at a resort of this caliber. That said, I would not hesitate to recommend Le Blanc Resort and Spa to anyone looking for an upscale, relaxing vacation. Cost is on the higher end of Mexico Resorts, but comparable to many all-inclusives elsewhere in the Caribbean. High end amenities, inclusions, and accommodations, along with exceptional service, certainly make it worth every penny. I personally can’t wait to go back.