Viceroy Riviera Maya

You know you are somewhere special when you arrive at the Viceroy Riviera Maya.  Our car pulled off the main highway and after a short drive through the thick jungle, we arrived at a small outdoor sitting area covered with a thatched roof.  A man greeted us warmly and invited us to sit on the couch and enjoy a welcome juice while they collected our luggage and checked us in.  The process was so discrete, the lobby so informal and breezy, it really gave a sense of the relaxing stay that was to come.  After a short few minutes, I was escorted down a path that was almost completely enclosed by lush tropical jungle.  En route to my villa, we stopped near the spa where I received a special Mayan blessing, and then we continued on.

You know when you walk into a hotel room and your jaw just drops?  I had this “wow” moment when I laid eyes on my room (a Viceroy Signature Villa) for the first time.  The spacious villa was surrounded by a privacy fence which hid a kidney bean-shaped heated private swimming pool, white crocheted hammock with pillow, wicker patio furniture with thick cushions and a basket of towels.. all of which summoned me to take a dip right that second.  But I continued on the villa tour to the bathroom where jaw drop #2 occurred.  The bathroom beautifully combined both indoor and outdoor spaces with a large solid glass wall which separated the vanity, free-standing tub and open shower from the outdoor rain shower.. complete with a small bench, basket of towels and plenty of natural trees and plant to complete the tropical ambiance.  I tried out every square inch of the 1,400 square feet of total living space, and wistfully wished my husband was on the trip.. it is truly one of the most romantic places I have ever stayed in.

The sexy jungle ambiance is the star attraction here- all of the 41 villas are free-standing and most have a private fence surrounding the private pool (which all units have).  There are a few villas that are ocean-facing and therefore lack the privacy fence.. from those, you can sit in your pool and look directly out onto the sparkling sea.  But for me, I personally preferred the feeling of being in my own completely private jungle villa.

The Viceroy is a boutique resort, with a super sexy vibe and great restaurants.  La Marea features interior Mexican cuisine and has a loft with sea views, and the Coral Grill is open air and casual with Mexican-Mediterranean cuisine.  The bar by the Coral Grill always had guests lingering at it during the day.  I saw many couples when I was there, some were on their honeymoon, others celebrating anniversaries.  The resort is actually adults-only, only allowing age 14 & up.

Our first evening featured a private dinner on the beach, the mood set with tiki torches and moonlight.  While dining, we even watched a marriage proposal take place!!  A man had set up a path on the beach which led up to the Viceroy’s picturesque pier, and along the path were photos of their years together.  I assume she said yes because they spent the better part of the next few hours set up at a private dining table at the end of the pier under the thatched roof.  We cheered when they finally walked past us on their way back to their villa.  Of course, who wouldn’t be wowed in this romantic setting?!

We did fun activities at the Viceroy like an artisanal cocktail making class and a private paella lunch with crisp wines on the lawn near the beach.  Offsite, we trekked the ancient ruins of Coba, including a climb to the top (not common to be allowed at these ancient sites) and visited a very authentic eco-park where cenotes were the star of the show.  We did everything in them.  To recall Forrest Gump’s ways with shrimp, we rappelled into cenotes, swam in cenotes, snorkeled in cenotes, received a blessing by a Mayan shaman in a candlelit cenote, and my personal favorite, zip-lined into a cenote.  Literally, we started in the trees and ended with a water landing.  It was truly one of the most memorable days I have had traveling in a while.. made perfect by great company and the private guides who made the experience personal.

Really, this was a pretty perfect little slice of paradise for a few days.  Powder white sand that rivals any Caribbean beach, calm turquoise waters.. It was especially fabulous since I live in Dallas, and there are many direct flights a day into Cancun, all just over 2 hours!  I literally had coffee in my house in the morning and lunch on the beach a few hours later.  Cannot beat that for a haute holiday!

I am pleased to be able to offer my guests at the Viceroy the following value-added amenities (aka can’t get these online yourself!):

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Continental breakfast daily, for up to two in room guests
  • served in restaurant
• $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay
  • (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
• Early check-in/late check-out
  • subject to availability