Blaire's 5 Best - Riviera Maya
Surprisingly being from Houston and only a 2 hour flight away, I haven't spent adequate time in the Cancun/Riviera Maya/Tulum area. I always imagined this area to be overtaken with large, multi-story all inclusive resorts and even had the ancient thought that this part of Mexico wasn't too safe. Boy, was I wrong!! My trip has made me fall in love with the resorts, the service, the beaches and the people of the region of Mexico that is too close for me not to return very soon!
Nizuc Resort and Spa
Nizuc has been open for three years and has 274 rooms varying in categories. Most of the rooms are in towers to the right of the property. There are golf carts that circle constantly taking people around the resort. The rooms reserved for the main building are adults only. Though not necessary to stay in these rooms with some of the nicer categories actually being found in the towers, it's a nice distinction that Nizuc offers. Here are the 5 things I liked best about Nizuc:
- The Property. Oh my gosh, I cannot even tell you how beyond beautiful everything at Nizuc was. From the perfectly manicured lawns to the specially made furniture designed specifically for the resort to the layout of the pools and restaurants and rooms, it was literally breathtaking. Each restaurant had unique light fixtures with a different, but equally exquisite interior design. Even the bedrooms were perfectly planned out. This property is special.
- The Service. I truly felt that everyone was excited to have you at their property. Whenever someone saw you, they'd say "Buenos Dias" or "Buenos Noches" and put their hand over their heart. Just the little things made it more special.
- The Food. Nizuc has 6 restaurants! There are so many options to choose from. Each restaurant is different - from a steak and seafood restaurant to an Asian inspired restaurant to an upscale Mexico restaurant to an Italian restaurant and anything in between! I remember drinking the coffee at breakfast and looking to my mom (who was my travel companion) and saying this was the best coffee I've ever had in my life. Nizuc's breakfast buffet was also so clean and had so many options. I loved it!
- The Activities. Nizuc has so many activities to offer! Nizuc has two beach and pool areas: one is for adults and one is for kids. The family friendly beach is beautiful with plenty of lawn chairs and cabanas lining the water. The family friendly pool is an infinity pool overlooking the ocean with a swim up bar in the middle. What is also special about this area is that the water is completely flat year round. This is perfect for standup paddleboarding or other water activities, which I saw plenty of! The adults only side is on the ocean and is a short walk from the family friendly section. The pool and beach areas are smaller but equally exceptional. It's so nice to have that option, especially since Nizuc has an AMAZING kid's center that will accept children from 4-12 years old.
- The Location. Nizuc is only 15 minutes from the Cancun airport and about ten kilometers from the main section in Cancun. If you wanted to escape for a wild night out, you are able to do so very easily! Nizuc is such an easy getaway for a weekend escape!
The only thing I disliked about Nizuc was the beach service. We had to wait longer than we'd like for someone to take our drink or food order. I am unsure if this was an anomaly or if we were particularly thirsty since it was our first day on the beach, but it was noticeable.
All in all, I thought Nizuc was pretty much perfection! If this property has you interested, I'd love to discuss. One perk of booking with me is that I will provide additional amenities that you wouldn't get if you booked on your own. These amenities for Nizuc include daily breakfast for two, one way airport transfer for your arrival, hydrotherapy session for two, a bottle of tequila & dried fruit and an upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability.
Viceroy Riviera Maya
My next stop was the Viceroy Riviera Maya. This resort is very small - only 41 casitas! When we arrived, we were treated to a Mayan Blessing which was extremely special! This resort was a quick 45 minutes from the airport, plus it only allows people who are 15 and up, so no kids makes for the perfect, romantic setting. Here are the 5 things I liked best about Viceroy Riviera Maya:
- The Casitas. Each of the 41 casitas have their very own plunge pool! The décor and lay out and bathrooms were just perfect. I found the casitas to be extremely cozy and romantic. Some casitas are more private than others, but there's something for everyone. I, personally, prefer one without a view of the beach or pool because you're tucked away from the other people in the resort.
- The Service. The casitas have Butlers who assure that everything is perfect for you during your stay. From making a dinner or spa reservation to showing you the property to arranging for your bags to be transported for you, they are there! Also, the beach service was great, and I felt tremendously cared for. One story that may be TMI but displays how great the service is - I was having really bad allergies but the on site boutique was closed, so I couldn't get medicine. The Butlers and staff opened up the boutique for me and brought out various medicine options for me to choose from. Just the little things go a long way!
- The Pool. The pool was well situated as the anchor of the resort. The pool also had a very unique walkway in the middle with about 2 inches of water covering it. If you walked along it, you truly felt like you were walking on water! The lounge chairs surrounding the pool were perfectly placed and added to the serene décor.
- The Main Restaurant Building. I know this sounds specific, but this building was special. On the bottom, there was a room that Viceroy calls the "library". This room is so cozy and is perfect for you to relax and read a book. Upstairs is the main restaurant, La Marea. This restaurant feels so romantic as the lights are dim and you're surrounded by illuminated trees. There's another restaurant right by the pool for a second dining option.
- The Turn Down Service. Yes, all the hotels I visited had turn down service, but Viceroy's was exceptional. It was like they completely cleaned the room for the second time! Everything was perfectly placed and tidy. It was a good surprise to come home to!
There wasn't much I disliked about the Viceroy Riviera Maya. If you're looking for a beautiful, big, private beach, this probably isn't your place. The Viceroy is long and skinny which makes the beach area kind of small. The Viceroy is wedged in between resorts that aren't as nice but were constructed after the Viceroy's existence. The only other thing was the entrance to the resort. Again because it's nestled between these larger, all-inclusives, the resort's entrance was extremely unassuming until you essentially got to the lobby.
If you love this resort as much as I loved my stay here, let's chat. Because of our special affiliation, I am able to provide the following additional amenities if you book with me: full breakfast daily for two, $100 USD resort credit and an upgrade on arrival subject to availability.
Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa
I can't begin to describe how much I loved my stay at Belmond Maroma Resort and Spa. From the second I stepped on the property, I could feel the pride that everyone had to work there. This place is truly special, and I will try to limit to the 5 things I like best about it:
- The Beach. What I didn't know about this area of Mexico is that the beach changes depending on which part of Cancun/Riviera Maya/Tulum you're in. But let me tell you - Maroma is perfect. While I was sitting on the beach on top of the most comfortable day bed, I couldn't help but be reminded of the beaches in the Caribbean. It was honestly so stunning!
- The Service. The service at the Belmond was above and beyond. They make you feel so taken care of. From hand delivering your choice of coffee, tea or water + the paper you wish to read at the specific time you designate in the morning to bringing out yogurt, granola, pastries, toast and jam before you even order breakfast to providing two complimentary water bottles once you step foot on the beach, this service was something honestly remarkable!
- The Seed Design On Your Bed. Though this sounds specific, the Belmond creates a different design on your bed made out of colorful seeds once it's made in the morning. They will carefully remove these seeds during turn down service so all you need to do is admire the creative design. This is something that makes your stay memorable and compliments the unique design of each room. The accommodations are different room to room since the Belmond was originally designed as a private residence. Plus, only 4 rooms have TVs, so your stay at the Belmond will be extremely relaxing and the perfect place to getaway.
- The Spa. The spa at the Belmond was one of the most gorgeous I've seen. Plus, it's open until 9pm which will allow you to enjoy your day at the beach and get a spa service immediately following. The spa is open aired and has many different sections - from fountains to seating areas to a pool said to help with fertility to a yoga room overlooking the ocean, the spa was pretty much perfect!
- The Food. Seriously everything I ate at the Belmond was great. The Belmond has a beach service, a juice bar nearby the spa, a casual restaurant that services breakfast, lunch and dinner, a more upscale restaurant that serves dinner, a very nice outdoor bar, an ultra casual cantina... the possibilities are endless and all amazing!
I know I say something I dislike about the property at the end, but I can't think of anything. Honestly, I want to add a 6th thing I love:
- The Grounds. The grounds were so lush and perfectly manicured. You felt like you were walking through an upscale jungle. And at night, the staff at the Belmond perfectly places tea candles along the walkways to make sure you can see your way back to the room but also to not disturb the wildlife living in the area. It was truly spectacular.
Guys, this property was unbelievably amazing! If you are interested in staying here, I'd love to speak with you. Book with me to receive additional amenities such as a full daily breakfast for two, one 30 minute body oil relaxing massage per person, Maroma floral bed decoration and an upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
Sanara Tulum
This was my first time in Tulum, and let me tell ya' - it's very different. Though only one hour south of the Riviera Maya, I felt like I was in a whole new world. Tulum definitely has a very unique feel. It's a younger community that is perfect for those who are in to sustainable living, healthy foods and especially yoga! I'm glad I got to experience my first time in Tulum at Sanara Tulum. Here are the 5 things I liked best about my stay here:
- The Food. When I originally heard their cooking is gluten free, sugar free, dairy free, etc, I was skeptical. Though I like to eat healthily, I do enjoy to pig out from time to time. That was definitely not an option here! And much to my surprise, their restaurant, The Real Coconut, was excellent! We met people on the beach who came from their resort in Tulum to eat specifically at Sanara because it's that good!
- The Yoga Facility. I won't sit here and pretend I'm a yogi... I mean, I can barely touch my toes! But Sanara's yoga facility was amazing. This facility was multi-leveled. The bottom floor was completely surrounded by glass with a spectacular view over the ocean. Directly above this facility was an open air rooftop with the same amazing views and a wonderful breeze.
- The Beach. Next to Maroma, Tulum had the nicest beach. The water was a perfect blue/green, and Sanara has a beach bed waiting for us upon arrival. Sanara also was wide enough to not feel like you were on top of the next resort though it was in close proximity.
- The Wellness. Unfortunately I did not partake in the wellness menu at Sanara, but I am regretting that decision. The wellness menu included various massages and facials with are meant to provide additional energy, extreme relaxation and healing. The services are some I've never seen before!
- The Community. Just being around people who were committed to using their vacation as a time to practice yoga or eat healthier made me want to do the same!
I would definitely recommend Sanara Tulum to anyone who likes a slower pace, yoga, "less frills" lifestyle. Tulum is NOT for everyone, though. For example, the rooms at Sanara are close to each other and you don't have a sense of personal space. I feel like that is common for Tulum in general, though. Plus Tulum isn't home to the ultra luxury resorts like in the Riviera Maya or Cancun. Sanara was great and the facilities were beautiful, it was just a different vibe suited for a specific person!
My Mexico trip was beyond amazing! If you have any questions about the properties I visited or the area in general, let's set up a time to discuss. Even if you want to learn more about what a travel advisor does, I'd love to chat. As always, follow my travel Instagram @bpktravel for real time updates on my trips!