The latest resort in the Royal Resorts collection, The Royal Haciendas opened on July 1, 2006. Nestled on a beautiful beach at the heart of the Riviera Maya, just five minutes to the north of district capital, Playa del Carmen, and 30 minutes from Cancun International Airport, The Royal Haciendas offers luxury and comfort in a splendid natural setting. With its classic arches, columns and terraces, the low-rise architecture at The Royal Haciendas is inspired by the grand old haciendas or estates of the Yucatan which prospered from the cultivation of henequen or sisal in the late 19 th century and the first two decades of the 20 th century. The first phase of The Royal Haciendas comprises 55 beautifully appointed two-bedroom, two bathroom villas with spectacular ocean views. Amenities include: Two large pools. Tennis courts. Two restaurants. Beach and pool bar and La Rotonda lobby bars. The Royal Market convenience store. Guest Services Center for Internet access. Activity program for children and adults. Exercise room & massage service. Sports Desk for towels and snorkeling gear. Tour desk for excursions and water sports. Car rental. Doctor on call (24 hours). Daily maid service (except Sundays and national holidays). More services such as a gourmet express take away food counter for informal villa dining, guest laundry, spa, boutiques and specialty restaurants will be added to the resort in phase 2 of the project. The villas at The Royal Haciendas Resort sleep six (6) and can also be converted into two independent units with separate entrances: a one-bedroom suite sleeping four people and a Jr. suite for two.