A 45-minute drive from Cancun, at the end of a few hidden roads, lies the Viceroy Riviera Maya—a beautiful lush sanctuary in paradise.
After pulling up to an open-air lobby with a warm welcome from the resort staff, I couldn’t help but immediately switch into vacation mode. The resort’s luxury villas are surrounded by the jungle of the Riviera Maya. Just a moments walk away from the beach, The Viceroy property gives you the best of both worlds. The resort is set on the beautiful sand beaches of Playa Del Carmen, just a quick 15-minute drive from the center of town where all the action is. However, you’ll feel no need to leave the resort throughout your stay. I spent most of the days relaxing poolside at the beach bar and in the comfort of my own villa. This trip was all about disconnecting and enjoying the peace and quiet.
The resort has seven different types of villas, all plush and unique in their own way. When I wasn’t soaking up the sun on the beach or enjoying the resorts amenities, I spent my time relaxing in my Premium Villa which featured a private heated plunge pool and outdoor patio and was just a moments walk from the resort’s pool and beach. The bathroom was spacious and beautiful with an indoor and outdoor rain shower, and the bedroom opened up to the outside. I usually don’t like spending too much time inside my room while I’m on a trip, but I couldn’t resist. I was in heaven.
Food plays an important factor in all of my trips, and rest assure the food at the Viceroy was top notch. Breakfast was my favorite meal of the day, and every morning I enjoyed fresh fruit juices and an authentic Mexican breakfast—the huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, and carne asadas—with an ocean view. For dinner, I indulged in mojacuete, tacos and fresh guacamole. I kept lunch light with appetizers like seafood ceviche, shrimp quesadillas and freshly sliced coconut. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner pool and beachside at Coral Grill & Bar, or for a more upscale experience, La Marea has a great menu, offering a fusion between Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine. I really enjoyed every meal, and looked forward to my nightly ritual of churros and Mexican hot chocolate for dessert. I also recommend ordering room service. The in-room dining was up to par with the restaurants on property, and I enjoyed an amazing dinner in my villa one night.
The resort offers an abundance of amenities for its guests including a gym, full-service spa, and an excursion desk to book activities off-site like scuba diving, boat rides, fishing and more. The excursions through the resort were on the pricier side, but they seemed flexible and willing to customize a package to a budget that is comfortable for you. Underneath La Marea restaurant is the the library that extends onto an open air patio with pool and ocean views. It’s the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cocktail during sunset or before dinner. The library also hosts tequila and ceviche tastings on designated nights of the week. If you enjoy watching movies or reading books while on vacation, the resort features books and DVD’s to checkout during your stay as well.
The resort staff was pleasant and the service was exceptional throughout my stay. Whether I was on the beach, laying by the pool, or dining, all of the servers were attentive and very friendly. The Viceroy Riviera Maya is great for a romantic getaway, or in my case, a rejuvenating retreat to recharge for a few days.
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