The resort is definitely located on a chunk of absolute paradise, so all in all it was a great week, however, a few other things lessened the experience.
Was reminded repeatedly i should leave on an early shuttle for the airport. This started on day 2 of my week long stay. Logic made no sense as everyone else had the same time span just at different times. Mind you, even tho made quite anxious, I kept to my original schedule regardless of them (him) telling me if I didn’t follow their suggestion they would not be held responsible for me missing my flight. Guess what? Using my logic and original plan i was still 1.5 hours early waiting for my flight after going thru security. Thank goodness i did not take their(his) advice. I would’ve been waiting 3.5 hours in a very warm airport!!
Activities were lacking hugely. The “beach club” was a lifeless, empty and lonely place with absolutely nothing happening. So much potential there missed.
Food was okay at best. Omelette station and fruit were the only good options in my opinion. I ate seafood several times and thought it could’ve been better every time I ordered it.
On the topic of food I am pretty sure I had something contaminated. On my 6th night I ended up with fever/chills after dinner at San Simon. Even if not contracted from there i never ate/drank off of the resort. Thinking it was the mussels as I only had a few bites because of the taste. That night i was so ill and now 4 days later I am still having cramping and unpleasant related issues.
Definitely not trying to bash the place because as I mentioned it was complete paradise and thank goodness for the diving which made it an incredible experience. I’ve been to many amazing AI resorts over the years and I just saw so many missed opportunities to make it that much better to bring it to the levels it could and/or should be at. Again, thank goodness for the beautiful beach/ocean view and diving. Those
countered the less than pleasant parts.

We stayed in February 2019 for a week. It is connected to the Mayan Princess next door.
Rooms:
We had room 110 it was on the second floor and was an end room of the building block. There are 8 buildings for rooms here. Our room had nice high ceilings,a comfortable bed, good air conditioning,closet ,tv, coffee maker , fridge (not stocked) very very small balcony, shampoo,conditioner & lotion and a small bathroom with good water pressure and never ran out of hot water. Soft Towels - I needed to write a note in Spanish (thank u internet) for her to finally understand I needed a few extra towels.
NOTE** this room is VERY bright in the morning and there is no way to darken it, by 6am WOW the sun shines through the block casements. (Lower room under us seemed to have some shade till later and larger sitting area outside) Also there is no clock in the room and a very small safe that did not fit my larger iPad. There are no robes or slippers available here. And internet is sooooo slow. There are no places to hang wet swim wear up unless you use the balcony but it’s so humid that they do not dry.
Pool:
We did not use it, we are beach people. But there was always chairs and pool was kept clean.
Bar:
Small bar area by the pool that no one seemed to be at but the beach house is next door that had beach service that was included. Willam the bar tender was the BEST!!!!! Loved his frozen pineapple mojitos. Thanks for getting bananas for my morning smoothies. That extra touch was awesome!
Beach:
There are no words...this beach is AMAZING. Clear sandy beautiful beach. No rocks or shells and it was calm most days . One of top 3 beaches I’ve had. The snorkeling is in front of the grand and infinity bay where the reef is. There are a ton of people selling stuff on the beach.
NOTE: when the cruise ships dock. OMG this place turns into a ZOO. The beach club next door fills up by 9 am and music is played and beach sellers come out in droves! And they do not leave you alone. They will wake you up if your sleeping on your beach chair. I spoke with this guy from our hotel and he stood in front of me for like 3 hrs not letting anyone bother me and these girls would scream at him that it was their right to do so and he stood there in the blistering sun and gave me peace, and for the love of good I can’t remember his name. And I wish management knew just how awesome he was.
Food:
There is no food at this resort. We ate at the Mayan Princess

Breakfast and lunch are buffet options only at Ballam
For dinner it was buffet at Ballam theme nights every night, or Luna maya, callkets or san Simon ( at the beach club)
The beach club was not included for lunch menu just dinner.
Drinks at Beach club and Mayan Princess were included, NOTE : although sunwing people had premium liquor and beer exclusions
See my review of the Mayan Princess for pics and info on food and service etc....