Sensual joys on Mexico’s Caribbean coast

Sex appeal permeates Cancun and the Riviera Maya: Colors are in constant high-definition, indulgence is always part of the package and tanned and oiled bodies take on a “barely there” aesthetic. Still, there are a few resorts along the Mexican Caribbean coast that take sex appeal to the next level.

New to the Riviera Maya skyline is the Breathless Riviera Cancun. The 526-room resort, which opened May 25, is the second of the Breathless brand in Mexico, following Breathless Los Cabos.

The brand is the newest under the AMResorts umbrella, an adults-only concept designed for travelers looking for a more social, activity-filled vacation, more so than a completely private and romantic getaway. It is geared toward millennials who thrive on the beaches of Miami and in the pool scenes of Las Vegas.

At the Riviera Cancun resort, guests can expect the suites to be divided among three areas, each with its own feel.

The Xhale club section is designed for those who want a higher level of service and luxury; the energy center is best for guests who want to socialize; and the Xcelerate Party Zone is all about nonstop, adrenaline-fueled partying. Ten gourmet dining options include six a la carte restaurants, a tapas restaurant, one buffet, a grill on the beach and a cafe.

Breathless also has an endless calendar of events, including monthly themes, to create a high-octane party atmosphere year-round. July’s theme is all-American, with beach barbecues, bikini contests and American music, while August cools off with pool and foam parties. In September, celebrate the planet’s sexiest DJs as the resort invites some of the world’s hottest to spin tunes every weekend.

Like all AMResorts brands, Breathless adheres to the Unlimited Luxury philosophy, where nearly everything is included: premium beverages, meals, parties and entertainment, WiFi and more.

Though not technically new, the Temptation Resort Spa Cancun will feel like new when it reopens in 2017 following a multimillion-dollar makeover. The resort, formerly the Blue Bay Getaway, will close its doors on Sept. 25 to undergo the renovation, under the direction of Egyptian-born industrial designer Karim Rashid.

Temptation is a 21-and-older, topless-optional resort where the tagline is “Dare to Be Tempted.” The all-inclusive resort aims to raise the bar on sensuality and create a hip resort, where the atmosphere is both decidedly sexy and where almost anything goes, in a relaxed and laid-back environment.

The resort currently has 384 rooms; three swimming pools with themes that include relaxation, sports and sensual entertainment; five dining options; and five bars.

“It’s adults-only and has always been the pioneer in that industry,” said Mario A. Cruz Garcia, concept manager for Temptation. “We don’t want people to feel at home here; we want them to feel like it’s somewhere they’ve never been.” Part of that involves entertainment that is directed to open-minded people.

The resort will reopen in August 2017 with 430 rooms and suites, each with a terrace or balcony; new guest areas; a pool; new shows; eight specialized restaurants serving 15 types of cuisine, including an aphrodisiac-themed restaurant; and five bars.

“It’s important to note that we are not creating a new concept,” Garcia said. “We just want to reinvent the whole hotel. We are re-creating everything, from the atmosphere to entertainment to food to technology.”

So far $45 million has been invested into the reboot. Garcia said the company has plans to expand the brand in another Caribbean country, though the details on that are not finalized.