Valentin Imperial Maya

My husband and I booked this trip last minute. It’s been on his radar for years, but never worked out until now. I was anxious to learn that there is no dinner buffet, and a ‘dressier’ dress code. In the end, these were not problems at all, and by day 3 we were agreed that we should return the next chance we get. *Resort tips at the end* The food: We ate at ‘Le Marche’ breakfast buffet each day, with a stop at Café Sisal for specialty coffee. The buffet has everything you could want, and they ask each and every time about food restrictions/allergies. Lunch was a rotation between ‘Le Marche’ buffet and the ‘Mar Y Tierra’ with the occasional snack from the Pool Bistro Trucks. It’s nice that they come around the pool to waiter truck food all afternoon, as do the service staff. They are on point! For dinner, as I mentioned, I was anxious about dressing appropriately. Everyone was dressed nice, but not over the top. It’s very comfortable, and my best advice is to have nice flats as some areas are stone, or wood planks etc. We went to every restaurant except the Japanese because my husband isn’t a fish eater, but a few friends have told me it’s amazing. Our favourite was the French: French Onion Soup, Fillet Mignon, and Crème Brulé. We joked that we must come back just so we can get another run at each restaurant. Our ‘wild card’ was the Asian, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise (I can recommend the Glace pork ribs!) We eat early and would watch it get busier as we sat. I noticed they have those light up buzzers if you are waiting, and many would go over to the sports bar, or Don Miguel’s to enjoy a drink while they waited. As someone who isn’t much of a drinker and her beer loving hubby, try ALL the things at Don Miguel’s. Especially the Expresso Martinis! The beach bar (Sonya and Jose) and pool bars seem to be very consistent in their drinks. I loved the frozen mojitos, and Mango Daiquiri (spicy rim). Pool and Beach The beach is groomed beautifully every day. We had no sargassum (seaweed) even after a couple of heavier wave days. On calmer days there are plenty of angel fish around. If you walk in either direction past the resort it becomes rocky but scenic, but not good for snorkelling. As a beach person, any time before lunch and after 2pm you should get a spot without issue. We are early risers, and although I saw a few ‘saved’ pool chairs, really there was lots of prime seating available until 8:30-9:30 (depending on the turnover days and groups). Everyone seemed to share and make room for others to join especially since most were floating around with the provided floaties like a bar table. Entertainment There is a pool social like no other. The DJ is a relief from the typical songs on repeat! The Entertainment team is top notch, and although I only participated in one water cycling session Israel always knew exactly who I was after that. Rooms We did not upgrade. Our 3rd floor room was spacious, clean, and faced the pool but with a curtain of trees to provide privacy. We were very happy with the room, but if you need any help, there is a concierge on the main floor. Golf My husband contacted the resort before we got there, and Jose Velazquez was able to help him get a good tee time, transportation, and affiliation discount at MayaKoba. It is a beautiful course that has hosted PGA and Live. Jose was great to deal with, as was his partner Diego who knew us and remembered our room number (better than us!). On that note, we met many couples who return year after year. They say that the staff get to know you and will remember your name or something about you, and I believe it! I mentioned a few stellar employees, but I was attentive to the staff. There are quiet ones, some who don’t have as much English, and some that are more vibrant. They all work together, little shoulder taps and gestures that make them seem like a close-knit team. I have been told that the Valentin is a place people want to work and it shows. Resort Tips: Ladies bring comfortable flats as there is plenty of walking, and stone/wood plank pathways. Request extra hangars from your concierge when you get to your room. Download the Valentin App – it has information, all the menus’ hours and dress code, room service etc. Join the Facebook page – people will post weather, ask questions, offer contributions left behind (ie. sunscreen, bottles of liquor, floaties etc) I did get a few mosquito bites, but they have repellant at the courtyard bar, and host counters if you’re sitting outside at a restaurant. If you have an early flight home, call (or app) room service the night before. Final Thoughts: We want to be those people who visit the Valentin again and again. It has become one of our top favourite resorts.

My wife and I finally decided to take ourate honeymoon. We have zero complaints about this resort, it is literally the perfect resort. So much character with resort being perfectly meshed with the surrounding nature with plenty of plants, trees, and animals all around you. We reserved the emerald room my wife and I and it was beautiful we have zero complaints the view of the water and the hot tub in the room was a perfect touch for our honeymoon. The food is great at each restaurant, our favorite was ginger. It is a must try. We loved our stay at valentin and look forward to coming back.

This was my husband and I’s first time at this resort celebrating a late honeymoon. This place was beyond incredible and everything we could have dreamed of! The grounds are absolutely beautiful and so well kept! The staff works incredibly hard at making sure you are having a great time, they are also so incredibly kind. You have to check out Ginger for dinner and the coffee shop!!

Best Hotel Hospitality, delicious food, all service was great. Loved the Go Team! Full of love and energy. First visit will be back soon!!

First time at Valentin Imperial. Hospitality was off the charts and beyond excellent. The food was gourmet quality and really good! The grounds and landscaping were so beautiful.