Ahhhhh…..La Villa Rolandi ! Like you, I read the many fabulous reviews posted here about Villa Rolandi so when the opportunity came up for us to spend our Honeymoon there it seemed like a no-brainer. I can honestly say that all those great reviews were correct – add me to the list ! This is a long one so buckle up and I'll give it to ya straight.

The level of care that you receive- meticulous yet non-intrusive is something that you rarely experience anywhere, even the supposed “Luxury Resorts” can often fall short in one way or another. This resort does something that is unique these days- Villa Rolandi gives you an upscale, luxurious experience without pretentiousness. The entire staff is warm and friendly, extremely helpful and always happy to take the time to chat with you. This is a boutique hotel- the best kind in my opinion and there are only 35 rooms. The resort is beautifully maintained and appointed yet comfortable and inviting. You couldn’t ask for a more naturally beautiful setting. For a Honeymoon, or any special occasion or just to get away- it’s sheer perfection.

We had a Junior Suite on the 2nd Floor. These rooms aren’t huge per-se but laid out well and extremely comfortable. The view from your terrace is always beautiful and the fact that you can sit in your own little Jacuzzi in privacy and be in the open air just enjoying that view is fabulous. There were a couple of times that we couldn’t get the jacuzzi started but all we had to do was call down and someone was immediately sent up to take care of it- no big deal. The bed was really comfortable with little reading lights installed behind you that you could dim on each side if desired. Perfect for a girl like me, that reads in bed and has a husband that does not. Pillows were a little too puffy BUT there is a pillow menu and you can obtain a memory foam pillow if you like. Didn’t really matter enough to me to do it but the option is appreciated. In-room safe is provided (always a HUGE plus) and there is a small refrigerator that is stocked with bottled water every day. There is also a Mini Bar Menu but we did not partake.

The bathroom was amazing. I like serious water pressure and this hotel features a spa-shower like I’ve never had before. Large with dual -therapeutic shower heads on both sides (with GREAT pressure)and one hand-held on top, it also doubles as a Steam Shower. It was AWESOME ! The steam got so thick, so fast that after about 5-10 minutes, I had to reach outside and turn it off. I could barely see my hand in front of me but I LOVED it. A couple of times during our week-long stay, the hot water was off. This can happen on an island and knowing this, it really wasn’t that big a deal- you just gotta wait for a bit till it comes back. I have to say though, that when you’ve been in the heat, sun and ocean all day, a cooler shower ain’t so bad. I also really loved the fact that they provide plush, monogrammed robes – another great touch.

The beach is exclusive to hotel guests. It is just beautiful. The water is clean and clear, cool but not cold this time of year. You can have drinks and even lunch brought to your chaise on the sand if you desire. The water is shallow and there are some grassy areas but for the most part the sand is pristine white and soft . There are no waves so you can literally just float or sit right down and be totally comfortable. We actually took a little walk past the property a few times, knee deep along the coastline and explored for a bit. There are rocks with iguanas lazing in the sun and lots of marine life that you can see just by looking down into the water.

The hotel features a beautiful infinity pool- the water is cooler than the ocean and a salt water Jacuzzi that features incredible views of the bay and Cancun across the bay. You can sit and have a cocktail and feel extremely blessed that you are there. There is also a second smaller pool just beyond the Jacuzzi. The chaise lounges are really comfortable and you can help yourself to large blue beach towels. One day, after going out on a boat and snorkeling all morning, we came back to the pool, had lunch and passed out for a while. It was that peaceful and perfect. That’s what is amazing about this place- it’s like you’ve taken a really pleasant drug and entered an extreme state of relaxation. I’ve been to islands and plush resorts before but never quite felt this relaxed and at ease. No one bugs you…you are on your own time.

I had 2 massages in the Thalasso Spa .You are greeted by the charming Ricardo, told about your treatment and masseuse and given some essential oils in your hands to breathe in and help you relax. The massage I had was the 55 Minute Relaxing massage but there are many different options, including reflexology, facials, wraps and water therapy . There is a really nice, large dry sauna that you can take after your treatment. No one was in there but me- both times. There is a fitness room as well but I was a bad girl and didn’t work out ALL week. I was having too much fun and was way too relaxed to muster the energy !

Casa Rolandi is the famed restaurant on the property. We had a fabulous breakfast each morning that included things like their special Eggs Benedict, eggs made to order, little French toast points and delicious omelettes. The service is always gracious and each plate comes with a silver dome which is then ceremoniously taken off at precisely the same time as your dinner partner’s. One more classy touch that makes it a little more special. Dinners are amazing too, featuring fantastic Italian Cuisine and other good stuff like Suckling Pig. We were celebrating our Honeymoon/First Anniversary and my husband arranged a dinner that I will never forget: On the sand, just one table in the moonlight, paper lantern candles along the path leading down to the sand and a heart carved out next to the table, lit up with candles. It was sheer perfection and the meal and the service were excellent.For the finale, we were brought a piece of amazing Swiss Chocolate Cake and all the waiters sang to us. I can’t say enough how special and wonderful it was and the staff made it seem effortless. If you are in the mood to do some real celebrating and bring on the romance- this is it- just ask and it will be done. Thanks again to Jesus and all the boys for a perfect evening!

As I said before, the staff makes it perfect. If you’ve heard about Victor in the other reviews, then you have read that he is everything a concierge should be. If you have any questions or concerns, he will take care of it and what I love is that he doesn’t just talk to you at the front desk- he comes out to you and speaks with you personally. I truly appreciated that extra personal touch that he puts into everything. He’s a young guy too and exemplifies what great customer service should be.

Isla Mujeres itself is a true gem. We stayed a whole week and every day we found fun and different things to do. This is NOT Cancun- it’s quiet and mellow and there is no real “night life” that we saw but it’s safe and everyone you encounter is friendly. You get the sense that this island is a real community. Not once did we have any one be rude or difficult. Street vendors and shop keepers will beckon you BUT it’s done in a friendly way and if you say No , you will not be harassed. We swam with the dolphins at Dolphin Discovery (next door to the hotel) and there are great beach clubs (like Zama- within walking distance) and restaurants (Mininos and Fayne’s downtown )and several fun looking bars. Get a golf cart and check it all out or take a taxi into town. Make sure to include a visit to the one small Mayan ruin on the tip of the island. The coastline there is one of the most beautiful you will see anywhere.

I could keep going but I’ll stop now. I hope you all get the chance to go to Isla Mujeres, stay at the Villa Rolandi and write your own glowing review.