Vacationers used to the “best” while traveling typically consider the Viceroy brand as a potential contender in places to stay.  Well, the Riviera Maya has its own Viceroy which is an adults-only all-inclusive optional resort located just north of Playa del Carmen.  The Viceroy Riviera Maya offers one and two-story villas, some of which are very private, in a jungle setting.  Vacationers wanting to be closer to the beach have the option of booking a villa which has an ocean view.  Villas have heated plunge pools, indoor and outdoor showers, Bose radios, hammocks, and upgraded in-room amenities from Italian-made robes to handmade artisanal soaps–once you are checked-in you will be receiving a visit from the soap concierge in order to pick out your favorite bar of soap from their collection.  This resort also has its own resident Shaman who performs smoke blessings for new guests.

Viceroy Riviera Maya has a boutique feel to it with only 41 villas.  Since it is a small resort, there is only one main pool and two restaurants plus two bars–the main bar is beachfront; complimentary room service is also available.  The resort offers culinary activities such as tamale cooking lessons, guacamole and margarita making lessons, tequila and ceviche tastings, mezcal and taco tastings, and mixology lessons.  Live music often occurs in the evenings.  There is also a spa on-site where you can even mix your own aromatherapy scents; check and see if the temazcal huts are in operation during COVID–these “sweat lodges” are very small and may be temporarily closed due to the pandemic.  There is a very small open-air gym, but the resort offers a variety of yoga classes.

The beach and ocean waters here may be disappointing to some.  It is a typical northern Riviera Maya beach area with a general lack of those turquoise blue ocean water colors wanted by so many Cancun visitors.  The resort has redone their pier and added a few overwater “nets” like one experiences on catamarans or at some Sandals resorts, plus there are palapa-shaded padded loungers on the beach.

Keep in mind when booking that there are seven different types of villas.  Here’s a short rundown of what differentiates them:

• Luxury Villas:  the most basic villa with 1,000 sq. feet.  They are located by the lobby and lack a deep soaking tub.  Some of these have very private entrances and terraces. There’s 15 of these villas.
• Royal Villas:  these 1,000 sq. foot villas are located in the center of the property as well as on the south side.  Be aware that some Royal Villas are right behind La Marea restaurant.  These villas have more of an opportunity to enjoy some sun on your private terrace; they also lack a deep soaking tub.  There’s seven of these villas.
• Signature Villas:  if you want easy spa access, this is the villa to book.  Signature Villas are larger with 1,400 sq. feet with more outdoor space.  They also offer deep soaking tubs.  There’s five of these villas.
• Premium Villas:  centrally located on the north side of the resort.  They offer 1,700 sq. feet and come with butler service and deep soaking tubs.  There’s five of these villas.
• Viceroy Villas:  these 1,700 sq. foot villas are right behind the beachfront villas on the north side of the property.  They come with butler service, deep soaking tubs, and a larger terrace.  With this room category there are both resort and jungle views.  You may be trading terrace privacy for space with this category.  There’s four of these villas.
• Beachfront Villas:  these 1,700 sq. foot villas have easy access to the beach and main pool.  The tradeoff is a lack of privacy–your private plunge pool area is exposed to other guests and staff.  The pro is you get a nice ocean view!  There’s only two of these villas.
• Two Level Villa with Ocean View:  there’s only one such villa with 2,900 sq. feet of space.  It has two full bathrooms, multiple loungers and day beds available on both levels, and an ocean view from the second story balcony.  It comes with butler service and a deep soaking tub. This villa is located right next to La Marea restaurant.

So, what do you think?  Interested?  If you decide to book, don’t forget this is an AI optional resort–look for the all-inclusive option when booking.

Take a couple of minutes to view the resort video below.  Are you thinking of going?