Dramatic entry: The lobby at the Oasis Sens resort in Cancun. |
BY MARK CHESNUT
When it comes to planning Mexico vacations, Cancun’s allure is hard to deny. But with so many all-inclusive hotels vying for your attention, it can be hard to figure out which Cancun hotel is right for you. This is the second of a three-part series of reviews of the Oasis Hotels & Resorts located in the Cancun Hotel Zone. To read my review of the Grand Oasis Cancun Hotel and Resort, click here.
THE STYLE: You can tell that the Oasis Sens is the smaller, trendier sibling to the Grand Oasis Cancun hotel from the moment you walk into the sleek lobby. This is, after all, the adults-oriented all-inclusive property in the Oasis family. Children are allowed, but since there is no children’s program or special children’s rates, the Sens logically maintains a more adults-oriented vibe, which is great for couples and singles.
The Oasis Sens — which was formerly called the Sens del Mar — reopened in December 2011 following a $7 million renovation, and while I can’t compare the current incarnation to its pre-renovation look (I hadn’t visited the property before), I can say that this beachfront resort is attractive and decidedly cool.
The 388 guest rooms — nearly all of which have king-size beds — are bathed in clean white décor, stylishly executed with mood lighting that allows you to choose the color that fits your mindset (I liked the option that makes the colors constantly change, but I’m probably a more hyper traveler than most). Artfully folded bath towels create unique decorations on the top of every bed.
Night lights: Cool lighting and creative towel creatures in a guest room at the Oasis Sens hotel in Cancun. |
THE AMENITIES: The Oasis Sens has a variety of interesting features for adults, including, most notably, a fleet of Smart Cars, which are free for guests to use (all the guest needs to do is reserve the car, present a valid driver’s license and pay for insurance). Guests looking for extra indulgence should splurge on the VIP corner rooms, which are not larger than other guest rooms, but have a sun deck with private plunge pool, as well as Bulgari amenities and free WiFi.
The new second-floor Sunset Bar, above the lobby, is ideally situated to watch the — you guessed it — sun set over the lagoon, with an outdoor terrace as well as gigantic floor-to-ceiling windows that face the lagoon. Dining options include a variety of buffet and a-la-carte venues; among the most interesting is Benazuza, which offers a 16-course tasting menu for dinner. The on-site Kin Ha Spa offers an array of treatments for single visitors and couples.
BEST FOR: Adults and couples looking for a quiet and perhaps romantic all-inclusive resort. All-inclusive room rates, which start as low as $120 per person, per night, are certainly a good deal compared with other hotels in Cancun, and an upgrade to the VIP category can be as low as $15 extra per person, per night.