HOTEL REVIEW: El Encanto, Acapulco

WRITTEN BY Mark Chesnut

After some nine years with no new openings, the city of Acapulco has welcomed no less than three new upscale properties within less than a year’s time: The villa-style Banyan Tree Cabo Marques, the retro-chic Boca Chica (which is where I stayed; use the Acapulco link below for more about this hotel and the destination in general) and the picture-perfect El Encanto. So even as Acapulco has contended with negative coverage about crime, the destination offers more stylish, secluded getaways than ever. Indeed, Mexico’s original jet-set destination is getting back more of its glamour.
It seems like nearly every aspect of El Encanto was planned for maximum visual impact. This 44-room luxury property, which opened in 2009, is a sleek white confection that sits like a museum on a hill overlooking the bay. Nearly every part of this property made me stop and notice either the view or the dramatic shapes and angles of the architecture itself. There is no art on the walls of the public areas or the guest rooms. Halls run into dead ends with stunning views that demand to be photographed. Bizarrely shaped openings in walls frame the surrounding ocean and hills. My camera didn’t get much of a rest at El Encanto; it’s a visually exciting place.
Located in an isolated area called Brisas Marquez, El Encanto is a secluded, hilltop retreat in grand minimalist style, with glistening marble floors leading to guest rooms that feature few pieces of furniture but luxurious amenities and amazing vistas. The 20 villa rooms have a larger private terrace with plunge pool.
The main swimming pool is large and scenic and surrounded by comfortable, lounge-like furniture, and just steps away from the lovely open-air restaurant (where I sampled tasty shrimp tacos and fetuccelli with tomato sauce), bar and even an oval-shaped library room that’s about to open. There is also a spa and gym.
At night, the hotel takes on a different visual effect, as colored lights illuminate the buildings and outdoor areas — I wasn’t able to visit the property after dark, but even from my hotel room across the bay, El Encanto still stands out. I strongly suggest you check out the video I made, “Glamour & Excitement in Acapulco,” to get a better impression of what this hotel has to offer: http://www.latinflyer.com/index.php/articles/read/video-glamour-excitement-in-acapulco/
$275 and up.
BEST FOR: Upscale travelers who appreciate contemporary minimalism, a secluded location and amazing views.
Hotel El Encanto: http://www.hotelencanto.com.mx
More Acapulco travel info, reviews and videos (including video coverage of Hotel El Encanto): http://www.latinflyer.com/index.php/search/results/b4706f36c2193991786f40f68ae74451/
Follow the LatinFlyer Blog for up-to-the-minute travel ideas: http://www.latinflyerblog.com

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