October 2005--This December will mark the opening of the Hotel Marina El Cid Cancun Riviera Maya, part of El Cid's new, $200 million complex bordering Puerto Morelos National Reef Park in the Cancun Riviera Maya.

The oceanfront resort will be located 12 miles south of the Cancun International Airport, halfway between the city of Cancun and the town of Playa del Carmen. The 617-acre complex will include a state-of-the-art marina, now in operation, and soon boutiques, restaurants and luxury condominiums.

The resort will feature 350 suites in 11 four-story buildings with an architecture that will mix colonial and modern styles, featuring palapa huts and sleek, brick-and-concrete structures surrounding a 22,000-square-foot, free-form pool.

Guest Facilities: The first phase of development, scheduled for completion Dec. 17, will consist of 200 suites plus all public areas. Guest facilities will include restaurants, bars, business center, tropical gardens, hair/nails salon, and Temazcal spa. The beachfront pool will feature waterfalls, swim-up bar, in-water lounge chairs, sun deck and children's area with slides. Nearby will be an oceanfront mega Jacuzzi. For a change of pace, guests will drop by the resort's water sports facility, providing all the gear needed for snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing. Also on-site will be a state-of-the-art fitness center with steam room; sauna; massage rooms, as well as areas for aerobics, pilates and spinning classes.

Sailing, day cruises, snorkeling and diving excursions, and ecological tours depart from Marina El Cid Cancun now in operation next to the resort site. In addition to its restaurant, the full-service marina offers dive shop, sport fishing fleet, weather services, mini-supermarket, hardware and bait and tackle shops, and more. Diving and snorkeling excursions will take guests to the protected Puerto Morelos National Reef Park. Nicknamed La Joya del Caribe (Jewel of the Caribbean), the marine park is renowned for its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs less than 550 yards (500 meters) from shore.

Room for Two: Accommodations at El Cid Cancun will range from 568 square-foot junior suites to luxurious 2,397 square-foot, three-bedroom/three-and-one-half bath accommodations. One- and two-bedroom suites also are available Each suite will offer an oceanfront or pool view. All suites will have nightly turn-down service and a choice of king-sized or double beds. Other features will include private terraces, satellite TV, safe-deposit boxes, and minibars stocked with beverages and snacks.

Two and three-bedroom suites will come with such additional features as spacious living and dining areas; full kitchen; extra-comfort, luxury beds and linens; Jacuzzi on the terrace; satellite TV in each bedroom, and 42-inch plasma TV in the living room.

Rates: Standard rates for junior suites will range from $187 - $287 (US dollars), all-inclusive, per person per night based on double occupancy and depending on the season. Three-bedroom suites will be $297 - $435 (US dollars), all-inclusive, per person per night based on eight-person occupancy and depending on the season.

An additional $40 per person per night will provide an upgrade to the Platinum Club Level, assuring an ocean-view suite with top-of-the-line, extra-comfort beds and linen. Among the Platinum-Level enticements: welcome fruit basket with wine, pillow menu to help assure an ultra-comfortable night's sleep, turndown service with hors d'oeuvres and petit fours, and butler service. Guests will have complimentary access to the Platinum Room, offering beverages, snacks, Internet access, TV and more. Also at the Platinum Level, guests will enjoy beachfront palapa huts, guaranteed reservations in the marina restaurant, snorkeling trip to Puerto Morelos National Reef Park and other amenities.

What It Includes: The deluxe all-inclusive rate covers a buffet of amenities: snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, bike tours, nightly shows, spa, Fitness Center, Kids Club, and more.

Weddings & Vow Renewals: A gazebo will host weddings and ceremonies for couples who want to renew their vows against the backdrop of glistening white sand and the Caribbean Sea.

Dining: The deluxe all-inclusive resort will have four restaurants. Flanking the lobby, the Mediterranean El Alcazar will offer indoor as well as alfresco dining on the terrace. With its sleek, minimalist décor and extensive wine cellar, El Alcazar is designed to be the ideal setting for romantic dinners and celebrations. The more casual El Arrecite will serve up fresh seafood poolside with spectacular ocean views. Also near the lobby, the casual Al Andalus will offer buffet fare. Finally, a block away at the marina, guests will enjoy fresh lobster and seafood under the stars at La Marina, overlooking the spectacular yachts and turquoise waters of Puerto Morelos Bay.

Temazcal Spa and More: Offering rest and rejuvenation, the fitness center and Temazca spa will be located in a quiet area behind the pool. The Mayan-influenced Temazcal treatment offers relaxation and cleansing from steam rising from hot volcanic stones on a bed of natural herbs. Nearby, the Adult Silent Area will repeat the rest and rejuvenation themes with oceanfront massage tents, Jacuzzi and tropical gardens.

For more information:

• visit www.elcid.com
• call toll-free 1-800-525-1925 or 1-888-733-7308.