Site Visits of 6 Riviera Maya Properties
/Following my recent visit of the All-Inclusive Grand Velas, I was lucky enough to visit 6 other properties in the Riviera Maya that all offer something completely different for my clients. I have listed these properties in the order visited and feel they all offer a unique experience that I would recommend to any client.
Viceroy Riviera Maya
The Viceroy is a SUPER boutique property offering only 41 rooms and suites. This is the place to be if you are looking to relax in peace and quite and enjoy your surroundings. Every room includes a plunge pool and most include and outdoor shower. I would recommend this location to anyone who is interested in the “jungle” feel of the Riviera Maya as the Ocean and Partial Ocean view rooms are not nearly as private as other room categories. My favorite are rooms in the jungle as you literally could relax in your room all day without seeing another person.
Nick Running Travel Perks:
· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
· Full breakfast daily, for two in room guests
· $100 USD Equivalent Resort/Hotel credit, to be utilized during stay
· Early check-in/late check-out , subject to availability
· Complimentary Wi-Fi
Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
The Belmond is my recommendation for anyone who wants traditional Mexican styling along with a great beachfront. Just like the Viceroy the Belmond is small (63 rooms), however unlike the Viceroy which a majority of the rooms are in the jungle the Belmond is all right along the beautiful Maroma beach. During my visit the ocean was notably calmer and the beach better than any of the other resorts I visited. The Ocean View Suits and Junior Suites looked amazing and had a great combination of updated fixtures with Mexican styling. This small resort also allows the surrounding nature to thrive as during my visit a group of monkeys were swinging from treetop to treetop delighting the guests.
Nick Running Travel Perks:
· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
· A full breakfast daily for two in-room guests
· $90 for rooms and $200 for suites hotel credit
· Maroma floral bed decoration on arrival
· Early check-in/Late check-out subject to availability
· Complimentary Wi-Fi
Rosewood Mayakoba:
I would classify the Rosewood as a great all-around hotel, especially focused on large private suites with views of the lagoon or jungle. The Rosewood provides butler service to all rooms, and while at the beginning it was something I didn’t think use, It turned out that they were very helpful. From planning dinner, coordinating time for turn down and room service to mixing my welcome drink in my room, the butler was amazing and greatly exceeded my expectations. They truly know your day to day schedule and it showed. The Rosewood would be my recommendation for anyone looking for an extremely high level of service, multiple dining options and anyone who wants space and privacy.
Nick Running Travel Perks:
· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
· Buffet breakfast daily for up to 2 in-room guests
· $100 USD Equivalent Spa Services credit
· Welcome tequila amenity
· Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
· Complimentary Wi-Fi
Andaz Mayakoba:
The Andaz kept with its traditional minimalist style at their brand new Mayakoba property. While I didn’t love the Jungle or Lagoon view rooms I felt the beachfront rooms were great, while also being super close to the 2 amazing restaurants near the pool. I would completely recommend this location to the younger crowd as there seemed to be a very good atmosphere to lounge as well as a great bar area to have drinks into the night.
Nick Running Travel Perks:
· Upgrade to the next room category on arrival, subject to availability
· Daily breakfast buffet for two.
· $100 USD Resort credit, per room, per stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
· Complimentary Wi-Fi
Banyan Tree Mayakoba:
The Banyan Tree is a very imposing and grand property from the moment you walk into the lobby. The main lobby area is surrounded by water and in the middle is the famous Banyan Tree. As imposing as the lobby is though the rest of the resort is very subtle and relaxed. The resort is done in an Asian styling which may be weird to many guests in Mexico but it is very well done. I personally loved the private pools (no plunge pools here these things are huge!). This resort is perfect for those who like the Asian style décor and a swim up pool bar!
Nick Running Travel Perks:
· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
· Complimentary International buffet breakfast
· Resort Credits ranging from USD $100 to USD $200 per villa, per stay (Resort credit amount varies depends on the villa categories)
· Preferential green fees at El Camaleon Golf Course, a PGA championship course
· Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
· Complimentary Wi-Fi
NIZUC Resort and Spa
NIZUC is definitely a unique property. If you are looking for a sleek, sexy couples hotel this is the spot. While its larger than many other places on the Riviera Maya, it has a separate adults only pool and restaurant. I loved the black pools, night lighting and service. You are never more than a few seconds away from a picture perfect view. Also, because it is located near Cancun, they also offer guided tours of one of the underwater museums weekly and its only 10 minutes from the airport. In my opinion this is the perfect hotel to pair with a more jungle themed trip to the Rosewood, Viceroy or Banyan Tree.
Nick Running Travel Perks:
· Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
· Daily Breakfast for two
· One-way airport transfer (valid on arrivals only)
· Hydrotherapy session for two, once during stay
· Welcome Amenity in suite: a bottle of tequila and dried fruit
· Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
· Complimentary Wi-Fi
