What's New at The Tides Riviera Maya

In celebration of its recent induction into Kor Hotel Group's new collection of Tides-branded resort-hotels, The Tides Riviera Maya resort in Playa del Carmen unveils a trove of novel amenities to accompany its new name.

Jungle Royalty
Nestled deep within the resort's jungle gardens, new luxurious Royal Villas present an array of enhanced, ultra-regal amenities and VIP services designed to heighten the resort's already-palpable romantic allure. New features include:

Exclusive Mayordomo VIP service
Turndown service of scattered flower petals and aromatherapy using the Maya Spa's signature house-made bouquet, "coconut-copal"
Private plunge pools alight with votive candles and strewn with flower petals
Beds with 500-thread-count sheets of cotton/linen sateen and glorious down pillows
Sumptuous bathrobes of both waffle and cotton/terry

Mayordomo Service
Trained by Robert Watson, founder and president of "The Guild of Professional, English Butlers," The Tides' exclusive VIP Mayordomo Service team is available to guests of the Royal Villas, the Presidential Villa and those with VIP status. Butlers assist guests prior to arrival for airport transfers and any special requirements and, following check-in, act as a personalized concierge. In addition to arranging spa/dining reservations, activities and other specific requests, the service can provide access to top restaurants, bars, special events or concerts otherwise fully booked. The Mayordomo team ensures that The Tides Riviera Maya experience feels like home away from home.

Accessorize Your iPod
Two hip, new iPod accessories are now available to Royal Villa, Presidential Villa and VIP guests. The innovative technology of ICUITI glasses allows video viewing on-the-go, presented on the equivalent of a 52" screen. A sleek, see-through design maintains the user's natural vision, but prevents image washout in the bright Caribbean sunshine. And with the waterproof H2O Audio device for iPods, even pop tunes sound deep. Swim and snorkel with Christina Aguilera or float along in your private infinity pool with Shakira.

Fertile Ground at The Maya Spa
A unique Fertility Ritual House, set deep in the jungle, has recently debuted as part of the resort's Maya Spa. Housed in a rustic wood cabin adorned with colorful Maya decorations and alive with the sounds of drums, the spa's new Ritual de Fertilidad is performed in this appropriately pre-Hispanic atmosphere.

Ritual de Fertilidad: This ancient ritual stimulates the senses through a full-body massage with seeds, a symbol of fertility to the ancient Maya. The scrub mix includes vital properties such as the chia seed, which is high in folic acid essential to the body and healthy fetal development. A ritual Maya aperitif commences the treatment, made of honey produced from the anise-scented xtabentun flower. Named for the mythic figure of Xkeban, whose life of illicit love and great compassion transformed her into an aromatic flower at death, its nectar is said to intoxicate just as Xkeban's amorous arts intoxicated men. Guests then lie in traditional tubs carved from whole tree trunks and are immersed in a bath of seeds from neck to toe. The slow, relaxing massage is accompanied by ritual blessings performed by a shaman using traditional Maya copal incense. Drums, maracas and Maya music enfold the soothing purification rite.

New Adventures in Luxury Transport
Explore the beauty of Mexico's Riviera Maya on your own terms and at your own pace in a premium luxury car. The Tides can arrange rentals for such classics as a Mercedes Benz S50, a Hummer H2, a Porsche Boxster, even a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith 1959. Models are available for transfers to and from the airport as well. The Tides also operates a new helicopter service available for transportation to archaeological sites and other excursions, as well as for airport-hotel transfers.

A Corner of Their Own
The Tides Riviera Maya will enchant the artistically inclined as much as the romantic couple. A magical corner of the resort boasts two natural caverns and a cascading waterfall - perfect fodder for a painter's inspired eye. Another intimate corner, set in jungle lushness, provides comfortable rustic furniture to ease the writer's introspective journey. And a third corner, nestled beneath shady trees and flanked by walls of creamy stone, offers inviting benches and camastros (chaise lounges) ideal for the reader's day-dreaming spirit.

Argentine Steak Night
A mega-steak night held in the resort's lush Xcalacoco Garden, where guests observe the traditional "gaucho" (South American) pit cooking of asado over aromatic wood fires. Executive Chef Cupertino Ortiz performs the roasting honors and The Tides' General Manager, Julian Smaldoni, plays host for this sophisticated dining experience. Every Tuesday night, weather permitting.