Released on: March 21, 2008, 11:41 am

Press Release Author: Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort

Industry:

Press Release Summary: Maya-Inspired Spa Makes Its Debut
In Mexico's Riviera Maya

Press Release Body: PUERTO MORELOS, Mexico (March 21, 2008) - Travelers enjoy 20
percent savings with the new El Cocay Spa Package at Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach
Resort in the Riviera Maya portion of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
The 342-room deluxe all-inclusive resort is convenient to the Cancun International
Airport and chic restaurants and shops of Playa del Carmen. Spanning 617 acres,
Hotel Marina El Cid boasts pristine mangrove forests and white sandy beaches. The
all-suite property just completed a $50 million expansion, adding a magnificent spa
and new accommodations, beachfront bar and convention center. Other amenities
include a 22,000 square-foot freeform pool, four restaurants, four bars, 120-slip
private marina, Kids' Club and comprehensive activities program.

Luxury and Legend Meet
Now through June 30, 2008, the El Cocay Spa Package includes: a manicure, pedicure,
back and neck massage, gentle exfoliation treatment, deep moisture therapy facial
and hydrotherapy treatment. The cost of the package is $210 USD in addition to the
El Cid all-inclusive rate. If booked separately, these treatments would cost $259,
for a savings of 20 percent. The El Cocay Spa Package is valid for guests who
pre-book a junior, one-, two- or three-bedroom suite. It also applies to Platinum
Club guests (see below).
The spectacular, new El Cocay Spa features unique massages, mud wraps, mineral
scrubs and facials. The 13,000 square-foot facility features native stone floors
and walls, with giant windows offering soothing views of the Caribbean Sea.
El Cocay's unique treatments take their inspiration from the ancient Maya legends.
For total rejuvenation, for instance, guests opt for the 80-minute, four-hand
Kukulkan Body Massage. This therapy is a tribute to the Maya legend of the Great
Quetzalcoatl, the leader who transformed himself into the Maya god, Kukulkan. During
the treatment, massage therapists interpret the walk of the jaguar, the movement of
the snake and the flight of el cocay, the firefly, for total relaxation of the mind
and body to let the spirit soar.
Just outside El Cocay Spa in the Zen Meditation Garden is a Temazcal Sacred Bath,
the ancient Maya steam treatment to purify body and spirit. The dome-shaped Temazcal
invites guests to relax and rejuvenate with the gentle chant of drums, flute
melodies, cleansing steam and soothing aromas. Afterwards, guests can take a dip in
the nearby plunge pool or refuel with fresh fruit, nuts, and beverages available in
the relaxation lounge.
El Cocay Spa also houses a hair and nail salon, men's and women's hydrotherapy areas
and a high-tech fitness center. The boutique showcases original crafts and artwork
by Maya tribes in nearby villages. Proceeds provide economic support to these
communities, underscoring El Cid's commitment to preserving the region's native
culture.

Deluxe All-Inclusive All-Suite Resort
The pampering continues in Hotel Marina El Cid's luxurious accommodations and
gourmet restaurants.
Each of the resort's suites is elegantly appointed with dark wood furnishings and
granite countertops. Sliding glass doors open onto an expansive private terrace with
Jacuzzi and vibrant tropical gardens or the Caribbean Sea just beyond. For families
and couples, the resort houses junior, one-two-and three-bedroom suites. In-room
amenities include luxury bedding and linens, wireless Internet access, satellite TV,
air conditioning and a mini-bar stocked with snacks and cold beverages. Each two-
and three-bedroom suite also has a spacious living and dining area, fully equipped
kitchen and private terrace with Jacuzzi. For all guests, room service is available
24 hours daily.
With four restaurants, Marina Hotel El Cid offers an array of culinary options, from
casual to gourmet global cuisine. The newly expanded Hacienda Arrecife celebrates
the traditional hacienda in grand style with brightly colored walls, original
Mexican art and gourmet Mexican cuisine accompanied by a selection of more than 100
different tequilas. El Alcázar is a favorite for romantic dinners and special
occasions, thanks to its chic décor and creative blend of Asian and Mediterranean
cuisine. Situated on El Cid's private marina next to the resort, La Marina serves up
fresh seafood and stunning sunset views overlooking the turquoise waters of Puerto
Morelos Bay. Guests dine indoors or al fresco at the casual La Alhambra, featuring a
gourmet buffet and freshly prepared dishes to please all palates.
For the best in customized service, guests can upgrade to Hotel Marina El Cid's
Platinum Club for an additional charge of $40 per day. Designed for the most
discriminating travelers, the Platinum Club offers a personal butler to attend to
special requests and arrange restaurant reservations, tours and excursions. Members
also enjoy guaranteed oceanfront accommodations and private Palapa huts on the
beach. In-room amenities include an aroma-therapy menu, pillow menu, welcome fruit
basket with wine, strawberries dipped in gourmet chocolate and more. Additionally,
Platinum Club members enjoy exclusive access to the Platinum Lounge with VIP
services, such as a business center with complimentary computers, flat-screen TV,
bar stocked with premier drinks and a new sushi bar.

Cultural and Ecological Wonders
Situated in the heart of Riviera Maya in the bohemian town of Puerto Morelos, Hotel
Marina El Cid puts a full range of water sports within easy reach. The on-site
Pronotours, El Cid Resorts' official travel and tour company, takes guests on
fishing expeditions, departing from the resort's private, 120-slip marina. Also
leaving from the marina are sailing trips, bay cruises and catamaran tours to the
pristine white-sand shores of Playa Maroma, cited by the Travel Channel as one of
the world's most beautiful beaches.
Less than 500 yards offshore from Hotel Marina El Cid lays the protected Puerto
Morelos National Reef Park, home to the world's second largest reef system.
Pronotours brings guests on diving and snorkeling trips through clear turquoise
waters for up-close views of exotic sea life, including brightly colored fish, sea
turtles, stingrays, purple sea fans and coral.
The tour company also takes guests to explore the Maya ruins in Tulum and Chichen
Itza, recently named one of the new wonders of the world. Another favorite tour goes
to Xcaret Ecological Theme Park, offering colorful botanical gardens and jungle
preserves. Among the water-related activities here: dolphin swims and diving and
snorkeling in water-filled caves called cenotes to view water life and unique rock
formations.
From Hotel Marina El Cid's guestrooms and lobby, the beach is within a few minutes'
walk. Besides soaking up the sun and playing beach volleyball, guests enjoy a
variety of water sports at the resort. Boogie boards, hobbie cats and paddleboats
are available on-site. Guests can also sign up for windsurfing and snorkeling
lessons at the resort.
For additional information, visit online HYPERLINK \"http://www.elcid.com\"
www.elcid.com . To make reservations, call toll-free 1-800-525-1925 or
1-888-733-7308 and be sure to pre-book the El Cocay Spa Package to take advantage of
this special package.
# # #
NOTE TO EDITORS: Hotel Marina El Cid welcomes press visits. If you have a story,
please send an email with letter of assignment to Sharlet Brennan
sharlet.brennan@ypartnership.com.

About El Cid Resorts
The Hotel Marina El Cid Resort & Spa is one of six hotels owned and operated by El
Cid Resorts. Four hotels are located in Mazatlan along with a 27-hole championship
golf course, full-service marina, and a destination management company. Another
hotel, El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel, is in Cozumel. El Cid also owns and operates
construction and real estate companies affiliated with Century 21.


Web Site:
http://www.elcid.com/index2.php?dest=cun&nego=marinarm&cat=accommodations&op=welcome&lang=eng


Contact Details: For more information, contact Sharlet Brennan or Noel Perkins,
YPartnership,
407-875-1111 or HYPERLINK \"mailto:Sharlet.Brennan@ypartnership.com\"
Sharlet.Brennan@ypartnership.com , noel.perkins@ypartnership.com