Zoetry Villa Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun

Before Zoetry Villas Rolandi Isla Mujeres Cancun opened in 2015, it was just a small hotel and restaurant, the latter dating back to the 1980s. Back then, the casual seaside restaurant grew a cult following, with worldwide celebrities and dignitaries among its fans. It’s widely considered the best restaurant on the island. In 2015, AMResort’s Zoetry brand took over the property under the agreement that the integrity of the restaurant would remain intact. Everything was retouched and upgraded before reopening. There’s an intimate, Mediterranean feel thanks to dome bricked ceilings, stained glasses, and an open-air design. The back of the hotel faces the ocean, while the front is across from a lagoon, complete with a private pier and small jellyfish population. Rates run high at this boutique, and most guests are well-heeled travelers from the United States and Canada. Though this is an all-ages hotel, kids pay full price and kid-friendly features are nonexistent. 

Zoetry Villa Rolandi is located in the Sac-Baio area on the eastern side of Isla Mujeres. It’s a 12-minute drive from the ferry port, though the hotel does provide transportation for free. The hotel has a privileged setting between a lagoon and the ocean, and cars have to drive around the lagoon to reach the hotel. It's about a 20-minute drive to downtown Isla Mujeres. To reach Isla Mujeres from the Cancun International Airport, travelers must take a cab from the airport to the Ultramar Ferry (also known as Gran Puerto, Isla Ferry, or Puerto Jerez), where ferries depart to Isla Mujeres (a 20-minute journey) throughout the day. 

All 35 suites are oceanfront and are the same inside, though vary just a bit in size due to the design of the hotel. Decor is rich but at times old-fashioned and simple, such as the two-toned wood-laminate furniture, blue-fabric headboards, and textured white walls. Still, canopied beds, marble tiling, and blue artwork and glasses add pretty touches. Welcome gifts include a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, plus a bottle of tequila and a beach bag made by a socially conscious organization. All guest rooms have king-sized beds, sunken living areas with corner couches, and three-times-daily maid service. Bathrooms have BVLGARI products, mosquito repellant, terrycloth robes and slippers, and small sinks. Steam showers and two-person whirlpools are top-notch, and the in-room umbrellas and service box for used room service dishes feel smart. Expect peek-a-boo sea views from the bathroom, stained glass accents on the porch, and dual showerheads. Junior Suite Veranda Oceanfronts are on the ground floor with walkout access to the pool from a semi-private terrace. On top are the Junior Suite Oceanfronts with whirlpools on the terrace, and above these are the Junior Suite Superior Oceanfronts, which feature a beautiful dome bricked ceiling. The Presidential Suite is multi-level, with free cooking lessons from the hotel’s celebrated chefs, a bar area, lofted bedroom with stunning ocean views, and top-floor solarium with a whirlpool. These are one-bedroom, three-bathroom units. 

While nearly all of Mexico’s beaches are public, the small private bay area behind Zoetry Villa Rolandi is only accessible by boat, giving guests a private beach set up with a few loungers and umbrellas. During winter, the tide takes away some of the sand, though waters remain calm. The hotel has free kayaks and paddleboards on a first-come, first-served basis. This spot provides a stunning panoramic view of Cancun. 

All three of Zoetry Villa Rolandi’s pools are located side-by-side, facing the ocean. Ergonomic wooden sunbeds with terrycloth-covered cushions and umbrellas rest on the deck surrounding the main infinity-style pool. A small corner cart supplies water, snacks, and sunscreen, and a pool concierge delivers food and drink orders from pool menu featuring sandwiches, pizzas, and salads. The Thalasso Pool is smaller, filled with seawater and bubbles and one hydrotherapy fountain. One level down is the waist-high adult-only pool with a small deck holding a few sunbeds. 

The hotel’s most famous feature is its small restaurant, Casa Rolandi, which has been visited for decades by the rich, famous, and influential. Previous and repeat customers include U.N. leaders and Richard Branson. The oversea pavilion has fantastic sunset views, open-air seating, and up-close ocean views. Expect an Italian-focused dinner menu with burrata, carpaccio, homemade pasta, and fresh fish made in a brick oven. The other food option includes the open-kitchen Le Metissage, with an extensive wine selection and gourmet Mexican-French fusion menu that changes each night. The dress code here is more upscale, with sleeves, long pants, or dresses required, and it is closed on Tuesdays. Both restaurants are included, though expected to pay more for wine upgrades. 

The Endless Privileges all-inclusive program includes premium liquor, both restaurants, and a free spa treatment. Guests also have free access to the gym, kayaks and paddleboards, and boat transport from Cancun. Guests can also take advantage of the Sip, Savor, and See program, allowing them to dine at any AMResorts property. Transportation, however, is not included. 

Zoetry Villa Rolandi starts guests off with a free welcome drink on arrival. The only bar on-site is off the lobby, aptly named Cozy Bar. Space here is small, the liquor selection is premium with brands such as Chivas Regal and Havana Club 7 -- all included. Wellness features include a dedicated concierge, yoga classes, afternoon cucumber eye patches, a compact spa, and small gym. Spa treatments and features include a relaxation area, treatment rooms, and beauty salon. There’s also a Thalassotherapy circuit with a jetted shower, Affusion shower, bathtub, and sauna. All guests get free use of the sauna, one soak in the tub with aromatherapy, and a 20-minute massage. Expect Moroccan Oil, Valmont, and Bisse products. A small, spotless gym has basic LifeStyle Fitness machines, exercise balls, and a weight bench. Other features include an evening jeweler that makes made-to-order pieces on the spot and boat rentals for a fee. Freebies include Wi-Fi (spotty like everywhere on the island) and limited parking across the street, as well as nice extras such as free admission to the dolphinarium, sunset cruises, and boat transfers from Cancun.