CATALONIA PLAYA MAROMA

A LITTLE SLICE OF PARADISE

If a beautiful, swim-able beach resort is what you’re looking for, look no further. This small resort is just a 30-40 minute shuttle ride from Cancun International Airport. Like most experiences in life, there were high and low points during my stay. Read on, fellow traveler!

Lodging cost & quality
Since this was only a 4-night stay in January, my goal was to find a moderate budget resort with a swim-able beach. Using a discount code I found on Catalonia’s website I booked their primo room: the Privileged Suite Pool & Ocean View.
Privileged guests receive exclusive access to Beloved – a rooftop oceanfront restaurant as well as several other perks. I paid right around $2000 which is substantially more than the cost of their basic rooms. The room included: a separate seating area, walk-in glass shower, twin sinks, soaker tub, king bed, balcony and plunge pool which overlooked the resort pool and beach.
Overall the room was well-appointed. The bed was comfy. The sofa and chairs seemed tired. The mini-fridge wasn’t very cold; the shower wasn’t very hot. The AC was excellent, the pool and patio view were AMAZING! The AC, however, turned on us… read on to learn more about that fiasco.
Beach scene
The super sandy beach was idyllic. Privileged guests had a specified area but there was room for everyone looking for seats in shade or sun.
There was often a volleyball match along the shore. Looking for a stroll? The beach is wide, and long enough to wander, though it does taper off to the south as you approach Punta Maroma. The shore is almost all sand so wading in was no problem. The marked off swimming area was deep enough to swim out and float your day away.
We did have one negative experience which we called “The Trash Tide.” I know this is no fault of the resort, but it was nasty. One second we were floating along, the next we were being covered by floating trash bags… Bleckkkk.
Pool scene
Since I had my own plunge pool I did not spend any time at the report’s single pool. The pool does have a nice shallow end for kids and spreads out enough for everyone to have a spot. Bali beds did seem to fill up in the mornings. Around noon there was a dive/flip contest which was worth a watch while waiting for a drink.
Restaurant scene
Reservations were a bit tough to come by, but we made it work via the app and simply walking up. Our favorite restaurants were La Adelita, the Mexican spot, and Ayami, Japanese eats. While it was nice to have Beloved, the food there wasn’t our favorite. Except the pork tacos and seafood pasta, that is. Yummmm.
The buffet is also available, but it seemed very busy at prime times and was not open all day. There were times I couldn’t find a bite to eat. Food trucks and a juice bar are also options.
Bar Scene
This is definitely not a party resort. There are a few bars – one is at the shore and provides drink service to the lounge chair area. I hate to say this but we received some margaritas this way that were so watered down they were undrinkable.
One night there was a white-out silent party that looked fun for families. I think if you’re looking for night action, you’re best bet is to head to nearly Playa del Carmen.
Helpful tips
Playa Maroma is one of three Catalonia resorts in the Riviera Maya. This one is best known for its beach. Make sure you know where you’re booking!
The Privileged Romance Room seems like your best bet if you’re looking for your own semi-outdoor soaking scenario. My Suite with Pool and Ocean View was amazing – until we had to be relocated. The AC unit on the roof above us began leaking upon our arrival. We opted to stay hopeful the constant leak would stop. Instead, it got worse. When I let staff know they asked us to relocate down the hall to a room of the same layout. Unfortunately the pool at the new room had broken, algae-coated tiles. Seeing my disappointment, we were offered a complimentary 30-minute couple’s massage.
Helpful links
Catalonia Playa Maroma’s Official Site
VIP Maya Shuttle Service
Pack for a Purpose