A Boutique Jungle Resort
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are amongst the most-visited destinations for UK travellers each year. A tropical climate, wide range of properties to suit all preferences and direct flights (around 10 hours) keep this piece of paradise popular. When some hear ‘Cancun’, they picture large party resorts full of spring-breakers, whereas in actuality, there’s a growing number of luxury properties appearing along the Caribbean coast of Mexico; a new St Regis resort and even a sensual EDITION are on the horizon. There really is a resort for everyone.
Some of the larger ‘cluster resorts’ – including the Grand Palladium Riviera Maya, featuring 4 resorts on 1 site – offer over 1,500 rooms & suites, meaning you’re sharing facilities with thousands of other guests. Whilst 30 bars, 20 restaurants and 10 pools may appeal, there are definitely smaller resorts designed for those travellers looking for a more intimate experience. For Cancun and the Riviera Maya, even a resort with 200 rooms could fit that description, but if you’re looking for a truly boutique property, we know just the place…
Viceroy riviera maya
Unlike most resorts in this region which capture your attention along the highway with a grandiose entranceway, this resort is a little more hidden with a rather unassuming, wooden-slat gate. However, drive through and you’re greeted with a haven, personalised from the moment you arrive. No fancy lobby, no queueing, no loud music – instead a simplistic, comfortable seating area under a pergola await as you realise you’re surrounded by jungle. Your checkin experience is completed swiftly, whilst you freshen up with a cold towel and savour a delicious coconut milk drink. Before you know it, you’re being escorted to your private villa.
The Viceroy Riviera Maya is a 5* resort in every way and it’s evident instantly. After you’ve been given a tour of your luxurious, traditionally-appointed yet modern villa – 1 of only 41 on site – you’ll be wanting to explore and familiarise yourself with the mystical ambience. We’ve visited and stayed at a number of resorts in Mexico over the last 12 months and (if you’ve been on holiday to the region yourself) you’ll soon come to realise that this feels different. Paths meander through the rainforest as you uncover secret locations; villas lead you past the spa, a hidden spot for a temazcal – a traditional Mexican spiritual ceremony – an artists corner with easels, eventually opening up to the pool area where you’ll also find your bar & dining options.
The Villas
The resort is very much focussed towards providing adults with a luxury stay and whilst children (16+) are welcome, there’s nothing geared towards them here (so hopefully they like to read a book by the pool). Viceroy Riviera Maya focus on your stay as a couple, making sure you have the time to reconnect – that’s why they only give you 1 key for the villa 😉 Whilst the exact range of amenities included vary based on your category, every single villa features a tranquil plunge pool surrounded by tropics, perfect for unwinding in privacy. Other features include sunbathing terraces, Bali beds, an outdoor shower as well as more spacious interiors.
With only 41 villas and most parties being a couple, that means there’s often a maximum of 82 guests at the resort – that’s intimate for most destinations but for Mexico, this a rare find. What it means is that you’re not just a number – their goal is to personalise your stay as much as possible; whether that means having a bottle of your favourite wine waiting on arrival, having a table ready for your preferred dinner (although reservations really aren’t required) or helping you unwind with private time to enjoy the spa facilities. The large villa – boasting almost as much outdoor space as indoor – really does contribute to the wellness-oriented atmosphere, helping you unwind and reconnect in private.
The Resort
Having around 80 guests means that you don’t need 20 bars & restaurants, but that certainly doesn’t mean you’re stuck for choice. After an al fresco breakfast (and lunch, if you wish) you can choose between Coral & La Merea for your evening meal, offering a delicious poolside menu or a gourmet taster menu. But Viceroy want to deliver luxury throughout, which is why they’ll provide different cuisines on select nights. One of our top recommendations is their new ‘Taco Tasting’ experience, with renowned Mexican chef, Julio Cesar Chavez Arias – 7 incredible tacos like you’ve never had before. Continuing to deliver luxury, the resort want to appeal to different types of guests;
Some may not want to work their way through the (albeit enticing) cocktail menu and perhaps only eat small amounts, or prefer to eat locally in the nearby Playa del Carmen. Whereas others may want to devour all the delights possible, sipping on their favourite tipple from dawn to dusk, never even contemplating leaving the resort. That’s why Viceroy Riviera Maya offer both bed & breakfast and all-inclusive rates, so you can choose which appeals to you. Not only that, but you can ‘mix & match – part of your stay on B&B, part of your stay on all-inc – so you get the best of both worlds. We definitely recommend timing your all-inclusive nights to fall on a Thursday – that way you get the 7-course menu & drinks pairing included within your rate!
Why choose viceroy riviera maya?
This truly does feel like a haven, almost in the middle of nowhere as you’re wandering through the resort nestled amongst lush greenery, yet just a 15 minute stroll down the beach you’ll find Playa del Carmen – a lively centre for shopping, eating, drinking, entertainment and more – meaning you have the extra facilities if you wish. But us? We’re perfectly happy unwinding in our private villa, dipping in & out of the plunge pool, partaking in an outdoor shower (you may even see a Spider Monkey swinging between the branches), sipping champagne by the pool, reconnecting with nature and our loved ones in this beautiful environment.
Holistic spa treatments are available for those who wish (we had one of the best full body massages ever here), there’s a convenient gym to balance out a few of those calories, a fantastic personal service throughout and so much more. They even have private experiences for their guests, including a cenote – drive out into the true depths of the rainforest with your guide and stop at a natural cave filled with rain water, before jumping in to explore this ancient site teeming with wildlife – complete with a fresh fruit lunch and bar service, of course.
When you arrive at the resort, you might easily be convinced to stay forever, but we definitely recommend 3-5 nights here as an extension to your Riviera Maya holiday. Stay at a bustling resort for the liveliness, abundance of facilities and to ‘scratch that itch’, before finishing in this pristine paradise with all the luxuries that Viceroy Riviera Maya can offer. For more information about this property or the region, speak with our travel experts and start planning your next adventure.
Book with us today
Now is always the best time to book your next holiday and we’re here to take all of your stress away. Simply get in touch with our travel experts for an initial consultation and whether you need a little inspiration or know exactly what you want – with a little help from us – you’ll soon be jetting off to your next destination.
