A conversation with Mr. Giancarlo Frigerio, General Manager of Villa Rolandi, Isla Mujeres. Hotel Villa Rolandi Thalasso – Spa, Gourmet & Beach Club is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Chaine des Rotisseurs. The hotel is also the recipient of the Five Star Diamond Award and is recommended by Condé Nast Johansen's.

What is unique about your hotel's location?

Villa Rolandi is located in the middle zone of Isla Mujeres, overlooking the impressive Mexican Caribbean Sea and the breathtaking views of Cancun. Located barely five minutes away from downtown Isla Mujeres and 20 minutes across from mainland. The hotel lies in a privileged location between the beach with its powder-like white sand and the exuberant Lagoon Makax surrounded by a tropical forest of mangroves.

What authentic local experiences will guests have access to?

There are plenty of activities on the island; experienced hikers can literally cover the island on foot. Though, there is always the choice to rent mopeds, bicycles or take a cab. Water activities include swimming with the dolphins, snorkel and dive trips to the beautiful world wide known reefs, deep sea fishing, boat trips to the main beaches of the island, access to hobie cats and kayaks.

The island's small town square acts like a hub of diverse activities, it is a popular meeting place surrounded by shops and restaurants, the town's shops offer local handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry stores with their own on site work-shops. But more than anything this is the perfect place to have a break, relax and loose track of time! I recommend to hire a buggy to explore the island. Then, take Cocoon yacht to Cancun for a game of golf at Pot Ta Pok golf course. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery or go on a whale watching excursion.

What are some amazing things that your Concierge can arrange?

Water sports reservations such as kayaking, private diving, snorkeling or deep-sea fishing, A romantic cruise sailing the Caribbean at sunset, complemented by a romantic candle diner by the beach.

Arrange a day out golfing including private yacht services and lunch reservations in a gourmet restaurant in Cancun.

Coordinate private day trips to the mayor Mayan Ruins (Tulum , Coba or ChichenItza) with personalized itineraries including stops in nearby sites of interest.

Fantastic experiences swimming with dolphins swim with whale sharks or visiting Contoy Island (bird sanctuary)

Does your hotel have a philosophy?

We are committed to exceed the needs and expectations of our ever faithful clients, our distinguished guests and of all new visiting clientele. We are committed to satisfying the most delicate and demanding appetites, providing the most exquisite flavors of the authentic and traditional Mediterranean cuisine enriched by our famous wood burning oven, tradition passed-down by generations. We are committed in creating marvelous memories in a very unique relaxed atmosphere. We are also committed to promote in our teammates a sense of pride, recognition, satisfaction and value and to our community we offer engagement in social responsibility to promote and cultivate local values to preserve the destinations identity and to protect and enhance its natural resources participating actively in environmental projects.

What makes your hotel memorable and unforgettable?

The people, our team smiles, detailed and personalized attention to each guest. The service and warmth dedicated to each experience combined with a fantastic location and excellent quality standards make of Villa Rolandi a jewel in the Caribbean.

What will guests rave about to their friends and family?

Basically 3 elements come right away to my mind: Our people, their warmth quality hospitality and special attention to details. Our Food Casa Rolandi is synonymous with gourmet tradition in Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Its secret lays in the creativity of the Swiss-Northern Italian cuisine and the delicious, exclusive recipes cooked in its firewood oven that seal in the juices and retain their original flavors. Our Location, the Mexican Caribbean will hypnotize you with its bright turquoise colors, soft white sand and natural richness.

What is the atmosphere of your hotel? What types of guests does it attract?

Villa Rolandi is the perfect place for relaxation, the atmosphere is very restful and peaceful appropriate for well-being and romance. This is why most of our clientele consist of couples seeking privacy to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary or simply a romantic getaway!

What makes your hotel a destination within itself?

Villa Rolandi offers everything required for an extraordinary experience. We offer a unique blend of luxurious settings in a breathtaking location strengthened with superb hospitality and gourmet food. Once you are in the hotel you will not want to leave or explore very far away.

Do you have a favorite meal in your restaurant(s)?

We have many, but one very special dish is our Hog snapper fish with white wine and fine herbs cooked slowly in our wooden oven.

What is the best way for guests to "arrive in style" to your hotel?

The magic of Villa Rolandi begins when our guests are met in Cancun and whisked across the turquoise- blue water in the hotel's private yacht to Isla Mujeres.

Do you provide any welcoming or parting amenities to guests?

Chilled fresh towels scented with eucalyptus are offered upon arrival together with an "A la carte" choice of welcome drink.

For more information and reservations: Hotel Villa Rolandi Thalasso SPA - Gourmet & Beach Club