Before reviewing the resort, I'd like to give a special shoutout to a few of the wonderful workers here at Viceroy Riveria Maya. First, is Joel. Joel was the 1st person we were met when we arrived, and took care of us throughout our stay. He really made the experience what it was. Not only was he professional and kind, he really wanted to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. He was quick and attentive on WhatsApp, and made sure to find us each day to ask how we were doing and what we needed. As a local he has wonderful recommendations about food and activities. I can honestly say that without Joel we would not have had the same experience. Second, is Antonio. Antonio was working in the restaurants, and would deliver our breakfast to our villa. What stood out for me was how respectful he was. Each morning he would arrive and knock on the door. Once opened, he would ask me if it was okay for him to enter. I just called for him to deliver breakfast, opened the door for him to come inside, and have already gone through this process a couple times, but still, each time, he made sure to ask to enter. Third, is Davide. My wife and I booked the private cenote tour through the hotel, and Davide was our guide. Viceroy must gone through an extensive hiring process, because Davide knew so much about not only the nature, but the cultural information about where we were swimming. He was the perfect guide; reassuring and informative. I know I am leaving out so many people, from the cleaning staff, to the rest of the restaurant staff; just know they are all masters at their professions, and you feel like you're in a $5,000/night resort.
This resort has ruined all other vacations for us. I took my wife and I here in November for our honeymoon and her 30th birthday, and we had the most amazing time. This boutique resort would easily get 100 stars if I could. We are even seriously looking into booking again before they close for upgrades, and trying their sister location in St. Lucia.
The drive from the airport is about 30-45 minutes, and I highly recommend you book transport through the hotel. You are picked up in a new, black Suburban, greeted with drinks and fresh, cold towels. There are more refreshments and towels inside. The driver is respectful and fun. Once we arrived at the hotel grounds, we went through a gate and drove up to the concierge. A fun touch to the resort is the layout. Where most hotels have a closed concept, this hotel's "front desk" is actually a large, open rotunda. This really sets up the entire experience; getting you one with nature as soon as you arrive.
Check-in is quick, and more towels are given. We were also given an amazing tea while we waited. Once check-in is completed, you are given a tour of the property, and then brought to your villa, where we were given a complimentary drink of mezcal. We were also invited to participate in a quick, but beautiful welcome ceremony at the spa.
The villas here are the star of the show. We were upgraded from the Royal Villa, to the Premium. The only difference I believe is the size of the bathroom/closet area, and the Royal having a larger "backyard". We were happy with either room. The villa was spacious, and most importantly, cold. They have several large AC units to ensure we were comfortable. The bed was 10/5 stars for comfortability, and the lighting around the bed frame and ceiling was an amazing touch. The interior bathroom was beautiful and spacious; we didn't feel on top of each other as we got ready together. The tub is grand and easily fit us both. We did not use the interior shower, as we preferred the outside shower, which is amazing and comfortable whatever time of the day/night you use it. The plunge pool was amazing, and we were told they can easily adjust the temperature. We used it a couple times, but we always prefer lounging by the beach. It is definitely nice to get in after the beach and before showering for dinner. The hammock and lounger are great touches for after showering, late night cigar, or eating breakfast. The vaulted ceilings throughout the villa open the space tremendously; quite and intelligent design. They take the theme of the outside jungle space and seamless blend it into your room. There are even cute animals that live around the resort; a few cats, a smaller type of Capybara, and Coatis which are like little racoons.
Whether you're going for fish, meat, veggie, the food at this resort is top tier. There are 2 restaurants onsite, and you can order from any menu regardless of which you are sitting at. You can even order meals to your loungers on the beach. We ate lunch this way several times and I highly recommend. Most nights there is a theme at one of the restaurants; where it be their take on Surf & Turf, Grill Night, a local Mexican chef, there is always something new to try. Reservations weren't required during our stay as occupancy wasn't full. We did their mezcal and taco tasting, and what a treat this was. If you're someone who likes whiskey, you'll love this. The mezcal is almost like a smoky tequila. I also recommend trying their local beer options. The IPA was amazing.
The beach is where we always spend most of our time, and this beach was incredible. Beaches in Mexico are public, but due to the location, we didn't have too many locals around. There was a massage place a couple buildings down, so you get a few solicitors, but it never felt overwhelming. There are several reclining loungers with umbrellas, and even a few swinging beds with netting. The beds were large enough for both of us to eat lunch on. There are side tables to put your drinks on, fitting a cocktail and a bucket of ice for water bottles. Throughout the day people will come by asking if you're okay, and offer you cold towels, clean your sunglasses, and bring around little bites of fruit or dessert. While these things aren't required, they were nice touches. The beach itself is short, only about 10-15' away from the water. Due to the fact we were in a jungle, the ground is layered with rocks. You need to be very careful walking into the water for the first 10-20', and then it gives away to all soft sand. There is a row of large rocks about 50' out that helps the water remain calm.
I cannot speak too much on the pool, as we camp out on the beach, but it's right before the beach, and a nice way to cool off with a quick dip if you do not want to venture out past the rocks in the ocean. With both the beach and the pool, there is plenty of seating. I did not once see anyone looking for, or fighting for seating.
Our only experience leaving the resort was the tour of the private cenote. As Davide explained to us, most cenotes are owned privately. Though they hold cultural and religious significance, it's still land, like a lake or pond. This cenote has been leased to and only used by the resort, so it was quite clean and safe. This was our first time even hearing the word cenote, but think of a small, closed cave with water to swim in. It was a circle with a diameter of about 50-100', huge vaulted ceiling with holes to let in sunlight, and went down about 10-80' depending on where you were swimming. Their is a tree and stalactite in the center, but other than that you can swim freely. Davide provided us with snorkel gear, fins, life vests, and flashlights. When the sun isn't peaking through the ceiling the flashlights are a great way to view the cave walls and down into the water. We were quite nervous when we initially got into the water. This is a completely private tour, and after seeing the film The Cave as a child and already not loving swimming in such deep water, I did not think I would enjoy this. But, once the initial nerves wore off after a few minutes, and the sun hits the water, we felt the cultural significance of this spot. Religious or not, you feel something here, even if it's just the feeling of getting back with nature. Once we spent a little time just the 2 of us, Davide asked if we wanted him to join us in the water and show us around. I strongly urge you to let him. Adding a 3rd person, who's also experienced, really eases up any nerves we had, and he was a wonderful guide. We swam all around the room, and he told us about each part of it. Towards the end he leaves you alone again. There is a rope swing you can use too. After we left the water, we were given lunch and bug spray while Davide got us ready to leave. Though the cost of this tour may seem high, if you can afford it, do it once. There are other, cheaper options, but they aren't private, the cenotes aren't as nice, and you won't get the same experience without Davide.
My wife and I have both traveled extensively, and have stayed at some of the most wonderful hotels and resorts, and this is top 3 for us. Everything they do; from the service, to the food, to the interior design, the staff, is all perfect. The size of the resort is what really got us. There are only 42 rooms, and even with most of them occupied, and the small size of the hotel grounds, you never feel on top of anyone. I hope it stays this way after their expansion. I'm sure there are things and people I missed in this review, but I cannot argue for going here enough. I have told every single person I know about this place and I will continue to do so. 10000/10 stay, and we hope to go back before closing.
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