Riu resorts have got to be one of the best vacation values out there. I have been to several in the Cancun and Riviera Maya areas and have had a great time at each one. If you are looking for more “bang for your buck” vacation values, here’s another option.
Platinum Yucatan Princess is an adults-only resort located north of Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya. It is adjacent to its sister mega-resorts, Grand Sunset Princess and Grand Riviera Princess; there is a regular shuttle service which travels from lobby to lobby about every 15 min. The last I heard, guests of the Platinum still have access to these sister resorts, but those guests do not have access to the Platinum. The Platinum offers 470 rooms, two pools (each with a swim-up bar directly accessible from certain swim-up room sections), six restaurants (the only ones requiring reservations are the teppanyaki show tables at Tao and at Skylights Restaurant), 10 bars, a theater, spa, and gym. Guests also have access to the nearby Sports Center where they can check out kayaks; archery and air rifle practice are also just some of the many activities guests can participate in while at the resort.
If anyone follows my blog you already know I have a preference for swim-up rooms. The Platinum has more suites in this room category than any resort I know in this part of Mexico, and that includes the Barcelo Maya Riviera. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 108 Deluxe Jr. Suite Swimouts
- 26 Platinum Deluxe Swimouts
- 6 Honeymoon Swimouts
Potential guests should know that there are two pools, the main party pool and the more quiet Platinum pool for upgraded Platinum level guests. So don’t expect to upgrade and step off your swimout terrace right into the party pool because your room will be located by the quiet pool. Book a Deluxe Jr. Suite Swimout if you want to be in the thick of afternoon action or don’t mind afternoon noise. FYI: According to the resort map, rooms 3001-3019 have direct access to the party pool swim-up bar.
The beach here is not stellar but it’s nice for a quiet swim–make sure to bring water shoes since there are some rocks when entering the ocean. There is a beach bar right off the sand and a snack area so you won’t have to go back to the main part of the resort for lunch or a snack.
The thing I like most about this resort is its affordability. For a 7-night Deluxe Jr. Suite Swimout for two it’s currently listed for $1,900 USD on their website for fall 2022–that is quite a deal. Especially considering you stay at one and play at three resorts. Be aware, however, that the swimouts are the first rooms to go, so if you are interested in this type of room category be sure to plan ahead.
Here are a few videos I found highlighting both the overall resort and the swimout room. Note the bathroom at this resort is open concept…
Who’s planning on staying at this resort?