October 10, 2024
Featured Resort Review: The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa
Featured Photo Credit: Chris Martino
Exploring vacation options can be exciting and overwhelming, especially when considering a vibrant destination like Cancun. This review delves into the Westin Lagunamar Cancun, a prime choice for those looking for a blend of modern comfort and natural beauty.
We’ll explore the local transportation options, nearby attractions, and the resort’s amenities to enhance your stay. Whether considering your first purchase or simply planning your first trip to this resort, understanding the ins and outs of the resort’s offerings is an essential step toward making informed vacation planning decisions. Let’s dive in!
Photo Credit: xiroro
The Westin Lagunamar is conveniently located in Cancun’s hotel zone. It offers access to pristine beaches, waterfront restaurants, some of Mexico’s best diving sites, and the La Isla shopping mall just steps away.
Transportation
Transportation from the Cancun International Airport (CUN)
It would be best for you to book transportation to the resort before arrival. The taxi can cost around $30 to $40 US. Vans can be more affordable ($20 to $25 per person), but you must share the trip with other clients, and the van will make stops along the way. Depending on the traffic, it takes around 25-35 minutes to get to the hotel.
Local Transportation
There are plenty of options if you rent a car, but you should do it beforehand. The resort is on main bus lines, with easy access to buses that go to Cancun and many different areas of interest. Public buses run from 6 am to 11 pm and will take you all over the hotel zone and downtown. The bus is around 16 pesos (less than USD 1), and the drivers do not accept dollars. You can ask the front desk to change some dollars to pesos if you travel by bus.
Currency
The official currency used in Mexico is Pesos, but most businesses will accept dollars. However, taking cash out of the ATM and paying in pesos is generally more convenient and can result in a better exchange rate.
Photo Credit: Leonardo Stabile
Chichen-Itza
Visit landmark places like Chichen-Itza, the most spectacular and well-preserved Mayan ruin site in Mexico.
Tulum
Tulum was built as a seaport fortress with cliffs and limestone walls. This area has plenty of water activities, including paddle boarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
Isla Mujeres
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Isla Mujeres, a small picturesque island with beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants 20-25 minutes off the coast of Cancun. A Ferry service round trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres is from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The ferry departs from different locations, but the closest to the Resort is Playa Caracol, which is around 10 minutes from the Resort by bus.
Aquatic Adventures
Swimming with dolphins is a fascinating experience that you can enjoy while in Cancun. You can choose from different programs that meet your expectations. Some places offering this experience are Interactive Aquarium Cancun, located at La Isla Shopping Mall, across the street from the resort. Other places are Dolphin Discovery, Aqua World, and Ventura Park. Xcaret, Mexico’s most famous water park, also offers swimming with Dolphins.
Nightlife
At night, you can enjoy one of the clubs, bars, or beach clubs that Cancun offers.
Red Timeshares’ services are not endorsed by or affiliated in any way with Marriott International, Inc., any of its related companies, or any of its properties or licensees.
Pool Area
Guests at Lagunamar will enjoy one of the largest infinity pools of any timeshare resort, equipped with chairs and umbrellas. The zero-entry pool offers a gentle slope entry, perfect for children and those preferring a gradual descent into the water.
The pool area also offers Outdoor Whirlpool Spas. The resort is on the beach and provides chairs and umbrellas right in front of the property.
Westin Kids Club
For families with children, the Westin Kids Club offers various activities for the little ones. Favorite activity options include mini golf and a children’s playground.
Heavenly Spa
Meanwhile, the Heavenly Spa offers spa treatment services and massage options for adults.
Recreation
The miniature golf course is a fun activity for all ages and provides an entertaining way to spend time with family and friends. The resort also has an on-site fitness studio, basketball court, and tennis courts, and the on-site playground offers a safe space with play structures to enjoy. Grills are also available in designated barbecue grill areas.
Yamil Lu’um (Mayan Ruin)
Located on the resort grounds, Yamil Lu’um is a historical Mayan ruin providing guests with a unique cultural landmark to explore and appreciate.
Dining & Groceries
Tierra Mercado (Market)
Tierra Mercado is the resort’s on-site market, providing a convenient place for guests to purchase snacks, drinks, and essential supplies. All the resort rooms offer well-stocked kitchens, making it a breeze to prepare your own meals, so stock up at the beginning of your stay!
Duna Sports Bar
Duna Sports Bar is the go-to spot for sports enthusiasts. It offers a lively environment with live sports broadcasts, drinks, and pub-style food.
Duna Pool Bar
Set by the poolside, Duna Pool Bar serves refreshing drinks and light snacks, perfect for guests lounging by the water.
Viento Bar & Grill
This casual dining spot is ideal for guests seeking a laid-back atmosphere with a selection of grills, snacks, and refreshing beverages.
Nearby Groceries
Guests wishing to pick up groceries can take the bus to Chedraui or Soriana, a 5-10-minute drive from the resort. These are big supermarkets where you can find everything you need. In addition to groceries, both supermarkets have a pharmacy and a clothing department; you can often pick up souvenirs in these stores at a very affordable price.
Other amenities for guests include the on-site Visitor’s Center, which is a great first stop for information about the resort and the Cancun area. It provides maps, brochures, and guidance on activities and attractions.
There is also an on-site doctor available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on call, as well as a 24-hour Business Center with computer access.
The type of rooms that Westin Lagunamar offers is described in detail below. The resort provides two-bedroom lock-off villas that can be converted into one-bedroom and studio villas. All villas offer balconies and views facing the Caribbean Sea.
Available View Types
All units have a view of the ocean, categorized as ocean view or oceanside view. Oceanside units are closer to the ocean and are sometimes labeled or marketed as “oceanfront.” There is no wrong view at this resort!
Studio Premium Villa
One Bedroom Premium Villa
Two-Bedroom Lock-off Villa
The two-bedroom lock-off villa combines a one-bedroom premium villa and a studio premium villa.
Seasons
Ownerships were sold as both fixed and floating weeks options for those seeking to purchase a timeshare resale at this resort. Fixed weeks cover holiday times such as President’s Week, spring break weeks, Christmas, and New Year. Floating weeks were sold in two seasons:
| Season Name | Included Weeks |
|---|---|
| Platinum Plus | 5-17, 24-35, 44-47, 51-52 |
| Gold Plus | 1-4, 18-23, 36-43, 48-50 |
Voluntary Resort – Vistana Signature Network
The Westin Lagunamar is not a “mandatory” resort in the Vistana network, meaning that buying resale ownership at this resort does not come with the privilege of using StarOptions to exchange internally for other Vistana Signature Network properties.
However, owners can deposit their week and exchange it with Interval International, receiving a priority preference to exchange it into other high-quality Vistana and Marriott-branded properties worldwide.
Booking Windows
Owners of floating weeks can reserve their stay 12 months in advance of the desired check-in date. Bookings can be made online or over the phone, but we recommend booking online at midnight Eastern time for the best inventory selection.
As of this review, rentals are subject to an environmental fee of $5 per day. Also, a hospitality tax of approximately;
- $2 per night for studio units
- $4 per night for one-bedroom units
- $6 per night for two-bedroom units
These fees are payable directly to the resort and apply to owners and renters.
Experience This Resort for Less!
The Westin Lagunamar Cancun presents a well-rounded vacation experience with its strategic location, extensive amenities, and accessible nearby attractions. As you plan your next vacation, we hope this review will help ensure you have a memorable stay at one of Cancun’s standout resorts.
Looking to stay at the Westin Lagunamar? Check our current listings for rent here:
