Ventus at Marina El Cid: A Chic Beachfront Stay in Mexico
If you are looking for a chic all-inclusive resort in the Cancun Riviera Maya area, you won’t want to miss Ventus at Marina El Cid in Puerto Morelos, Mexico!
Ventus is actually part of a larger compound of three sister resorts in the El Cid family: Ventus at Marina El Cid, Ventus Ha’ at Marina El Cid, and Hotel Marina El Cid. All three resorts are all-inclusive and family-friendly, and if you stay at one resort you have access to all three (all connected/within walking distance to one another).
We stayed at Ventus when the resort was newly opened in 2018 in the One Bedroom Swim-Up Suite with Jacuzzi room. Additionally, we visited the brand new sister resort Ventus Ha’ at Marina El Cid after its grand opening in 2021, which allowed us to again enjoy the Ventus resort grounds as part of our stay.
We had two amazing stays at Ventus and definitely recommend this resort. Keep reading below for a full review and guide to the Ventus at Marina El Cid resort!
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Location & How to Get There
Ventus at Marina El Cid is located in the city of Puerto Morelos in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. This area is situated along the Riviera Maya coastline of the Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It is about 30 minutes outside of the Cancun International Airport (Code: CUN).
As the Cancun airport is a major international destination for a number of airlines, it’s usually pretty easy to find deals on direct flights from the US to Cancun. Some of the best deals can be found with Southwest, American, JetBlue, and Spirit (budget airline).
Click here to check flights into Cancun!
You will need to prearrange ground transportation for the thirty minute drive to the resort. We booked transport through the resort’s recommended company Pronatours, which has a presence on-site at Ventus. We paid $125 plus tip for roundtrip service for the two of us. At the airport, it was extremely easy to book and locate our driver and we were transported privately in a very nice Mercedes van. I highly recommend this transportation service.
Check Ventus Rates: Direct | TripAdvisor | Booking | Expedia | Orbitz
Rooms & Suites at Ventus at Marina El Cid
Ventus at Marina El Cid features 290 rooms ranging from standard junior rooms to three bedroom suites. Rooms are classified as either standard or Platinum status, which offer extra perks and private areas. Some room classes offer swim-up pools.
The rooms and suites at Ventus are as follows:
- Family Room (Sleeps 5)
- Family Room Platinum (Sleeps 5)
- Junior Suite (Sleeps 4)
- Junir Suite Swim Up Pkatibum (Sleeps 4)
- Luxury Room Platinum (Sleeps 2)
- Luxury Swim-Up Platinum (Sleeps 2)
- One Bedroom Platinum Suite (Sleeps 4)
- One Bedroom Swim-Up Platinum (Sleeps 4)
- Two Bedroom Platinum Suite (Sleeps 6)
- Three Bedroom Platinum Suite (Sleeps 8)
Staying in One Bedroom Swim-Up Suite
During our stay at Ventus, we stayed in a One Bedroom Swim-Up Platinum suite. This room features a separate living room and bedroom as well as two full bathrooms, one of which includes a Jacuzzi tub. The living room had a Murphy bed so we comfortable slept our group of three.
You have access to your patio and swim-up pool from both the living room and the bedroom. The swim-up suite is a long private pool that is shared by several rooms.
Don’t miss our full One Bedroom Swim-Up Suite room tour and review!
All Inclusive at Ventus
Your stay at Ventus is completely all-inclusive. The only money you will spend in on your nightly rate, transportation, tips, and any additional services (such as the spa).
All-inclusive at Ventus includes the following perks:
- All food, beverage, and alcohol included in the rate
- 24-hr room service and in-room minibar
- Wait service at the pools
- Entertainment and activities
- Non-motorized water sports
- Fitness Center, Kids Club, and Teens Club
- Full access to restaurants, bars, and facilities at two sister properties
Those who opt for a Platinum room class will also have additional perks, including:
- Private check-in/out area
- Late check-out subject to availability
- Welcome fruit basket, wine bottle, and petit fours
- Guaranteed ocean views (non-swim up rooms)
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Upgraded beds and linens
- Umbrella and beach bag
- Pillow and room aroma menu
- Butler service
- Turn down service
- Access to Platinum Club lounge
- Access to Platinum Club private beach area
Pools at Ventus at Marina El Cid
There are two main pools at Ventus. This includes a large main pool in front of the buildings with a designated children’s area. There is also a beachfront Infinity pool with two Jacuzzis designated as an adults only area. Additionally, there are a number of swim up pools adjacent to the first floor swim up rooms, ghoweer, there. isno access to these pools outside of those rooms.
When factoring in the pools at Hotel Marina El Cid and Ventus Ha, you have access to a total of 9 different pools during your stay.
Beaches at Ventus at Marina El Cid
Ventus at Marina El Cid is beachfront resort, featuring a large sandy beach area with Thai beds, Palapas, and volleyball areas. You also have access to a beach areas at Hotel Marina El Cid next door. Note there is a special beach section reserved for Platinum guests only.
Due to Ventus’ location in Riviera Maya, Sargassum seaweed is a major concern for the property. If your ability to swim in the ocean is important to you, you will need to carefully plan the timing of your trip to this part of Mexico.
During both of our visits, we saw employees working very hard each day to clear Sargassum from the beach. This included workers hand shoveling as well as driving bulldozers. It was obvious these workers worked very hard at their jobs, but depending on the time of year, sometimes it can barely make a dent in the Sargassum.
While as you can see from the photos, there was an immense amount of seaweed in the water during our first trip in March 2018. However, there were usable areas of the property that had nearly completely cleared beach.
We did not see nearly as much seaweed during our November 2021 visit to the property.
Restaurants & Bars at Ventus at Marina El Ci
One of my favorite parts of Ventus is the large food court style buffet restaurant, Mercado De Dolores. Here you have access to seven different cuisine options, including Italian, Asian, Mexican, seafood, light bites, and crepes. There is also a coffee shop, Aroma, which offers coffee, tea, and desserts.
Ventus also features the Île de France restaurant. This restaurant offers a buffet breakfast as well as an a la carte dinner. Note, reservations are required for dinner service.
Ventus also has three bars on property – one indoor bar in the lobby and two outdoor bars at the pool areas.
In total, you have access to 26 bars and restaurants between the three El Cid resorts.
Activities & Entertainment at Ventus at Marina El Cid
Ventus has an excellent spa as well as a fitness center. Beach volleyball courts are located on the beach, and there are tennis courts at the resort. Non motorized water sports are available, including paddle boards, boogie boards, kayaks, Hobie cats, and windsurfing.
Entertainment is available at the pool as well as nightly. For minors, a kids and teens club is available, though you will find more amenities for children next door at Hotel Marina El Cid.
Fishing enthusiasts may be interested in the adjacent Marina El Cid, which is a full-service marina with sport fishing fleet.
Additionally, tour and transportation company Pronatours has a presence on site, and you can book a variety. of excursions and tours with them directly.
Vibe at Ventus at Marina El Cid
Overall, Ventus is sleek and modern with a distinctly chic vibe. On the weekends, we saw a mostly 20-something crowd enjoying the pools at Ventus with chill techno music in the background.
While the resort is family-friendly, Ventus definitely leans more towards adults. Families typically choose to stay next door at Hotel Marina El Cid, as there are more amenities for children there. Those wanting a quiet, spa-like atmospher may be interested more in the newly built Ventus Ha’ across the street.
Are Platinum Upgrades Worth It?
During our first stay at Ventus, we chose a Platinum status room. During our second visit to sister property Ventus Ha, we did not have Platinum status at Ventus. Honestly, I am not sure if Platinum is really necessary. You may enjoy the Platinum beach area or one of the swim-up rooms. Otherwise, I think you can skip the additional cost unless the room you are specifically wanting is a Platinum category room.
Cost of a Trip to Ventus at Marina El Cid
Pricing has definitely varied over the years. We were able to get in with grand opening pricing at both Ventus and Ventus Ha, which tends to be cheaper than regular rates. Right now, you can book a stay at Ventus for as little $307/night in off season or $480/night in high season for an entry level room.
Have you stayed at Ventus or one of its sister resorts? Leave a comment below!
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