Viceroy Riviera Maya

Truly exceptional. From the moment we pulled up and filled out the registration forms, to our departure... we felt so looked after. Agustin our Head Butler was wonderful and helped me out with a couple of odd requests. He was a true problem solver! Pepe at the pool was so fun to interact with when he served us lunch and drinks every day. He oozed hospitality! Food offerings were truly incredible, and the all inclusive option for F+B was truly worth it. High end liquor offerings and you can order anything to eat. This was not your typical buffet for the masses all inclusive. Rooms are spacious, private and comfortable. Housekeeping was truly excellent. We did request to move rooms upon check in, as we were situated next to the humming of a series of HVAC units. So, be mindful the location of the room can make or break your stay. Yes, the beach is rocky. They have water shoes if you want. We just strolled the beach and enjoyed the main pool and our villa's pool. There is noise from the other hotels nearby, but it was really only on the weekends it was bothersome. It did end around 11PM fortunately. It's a sleepy resort that values privacy of their guests. We never felt like it was busy, despite being almost at capacity. Truly impressive staff to guest ratio. It was also very dog friendly, which we appreciated bringing our pup with us. Only major complaint is to please replace the carts / dollies that the staff use to transport housekeeping supplies etc. Or at least get some WD-40 for the wheels! We could hear them every day all day. Not enough of a distraction to complain about, but a small thing that would really elevate the experience for guests. Would return in a heartbeat !!

Viceroy Riviera Maya has a boutique feel to it, with only 41 rooms that shouldn't be much of a surprise. The villas are gorgeous, private and well-appointed, and much time was spent on the expansive patio working, dining, lounging and luxuriating in the clean, PH-balanced plunge pool. Understand that you are in the semi-jungle when staying here; so expect some mosquitos, various small bugs and to our luck and wonderment, a pack of spider monkeys who regaled us with their acrobatics one morning. Also keep in mind the humidity during certain times of year: those with particularly sensitive systems to moisture and mustiness might have some concerns as air-conditioning systems can sometimes struggle to keep up. Let this be the definitive review about the food. While we didn't dine poolside at the Coral Restaurant (besides daytime snacks), I need to speak a little about La Marea, the fine dining establishment overlooking the pool and ocean. As someone who lives in a major metropolitan area with more than a passing interest in gastronomy, I can't possibly say enough about the experience at La Marea. Over the course of four evenings we sampled almost every dish on the menu, all of which were expertly prepared and tastefully presented. The flavors were both delicate and bold, and the service was impeccable. The crowning glory was the custom traditional meal the chef prepared for us on our final night, with personal family recipes and the rich oral history that went along with them. Carlos and Viney treated us with such warmth that it felt like dining with family each night. We truly felt at home at the Viceroy; we fell in love there. And while no property is perfect and situations can change, I'll always think of the time spent there as some of the happiest I've had.

This was our second stay and over again everything was beyond our highest expectations. The remote jungle feel is lovely, villas are extremely private, comfortable and well appointed, the food at the restaurants was excellent along with the service, and in general the service was absolutely top notch. This is the only place we’ll ever stay on the whole east coast of the Mayan Peninsula!