The Vidanta Rivera Maya is located on the Yucatán Peninsula, sandwiched between Cancún and Playa Del Carmen. Since the resort spans over 1000 acres, there is truly something for every type of traveler, from their on-site extravagant Cirque du Soleil show to two spa experiences that allow visitors to decompress. 

Breathtaking Views

Vidanta Riviera Maya has a few different towers that guests can choose from, with each one offering a unique aspect. During my time there in November, I stayed in the One Bedroom Deluxe at the Grand Luxxe. It’s a spacious room with a private balcony overlooking the trees, a calming jacuzzi tub, a king-sized bed, and two bathrooms. 

Other on-site options include staying at the Mayan Palace, which incorporates Mexico’s history into the room designs. There’s also The Grand Mayan with room options that offer a plunge pool on the private terrace. After a long day exploring Riviera Maya or lounging by the pool, returning to any of these rooms is the perfect way to unwind. 

A Culinary Paradise

Quinto is one of the main stars of Vidanta Riviera Maya’s fine dining selections. The two-level space offers a breakfast buffet in the morning, complete with a fresh omelet station and chilaquiles. The high windows take in a ton of sunlight, making it a gorgeous way to start the morning. By night, the space transforms into an upscale dinner space. You’ll find menu offerings that change with the season (and the chef!).

Vindanta’s Salum Beachside Eateries and Market is a more casual option. However, it still maintains the resort’s attention to detail and high-quality experience. Drawing inspiration from Tulum’s food stalls, guests on the go can grab a freshly baked pastry from Santo Gusto Pan & Café, shop from other local vendors, or sample regional beers from Huama Cervecería. For a sit-down pick in this area, Robayaki Grill & Sushi blends Mexican and Japanese cuisine on their menu. 

Thrilling Entertainment: Cirque du Soleil

The star of the show at Vidanta Riviera Maya is their Cirque du Soleil show called JOYÁ. Not only is it the circus chain’s first offering in Latin America, but it also holds the title of being the only one with a themed dinner experience.

Before guests watch the title character go on a thrilling journey with flying acrobats, they get to sample a several-course meal. The food incorporates elements from the show and local culture. For example, the dessert sampler arrives inside a hollowed-out book. Pretty impressive on stage and off!

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is truly the most unique aspect of the property, and several shows are held in the theater each week. 

Other Recommended Destinations

• Viceroy Riviera Maya
• Banyan Tree Mayakoba
• Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
• Conrad Bora Bora Nui
• Nobu Hotel — Los Cabos

Yucatán Oasis

With customized culinary options, gorgeous beachside pools, and even a full waterpark for those with children, Vidanta Riviera Maya is a bucket list destination for a several-day stay. I was blown away by just how at peace I felt, even while flying down a tall water slide — which provided some of the best views of the entire property. 

Journey Beyond Aspen to the Yucátan Peninsula and Vidanta Riviera Maya. 

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The Mayan people, esteemed visionaries of one of the most advanced civilizations, built a legacy that thrives in the heart of Riviera Maya two thousand years later. Their traditions, native tongue, and timeless creations still enrich this vibrant region.

Pristinely nestled at the junction of crisp aquamarine waters and majestic rainforests, the Viceroy Riviera Maya represents a pinnacle of Caribbean beachfront resort luxury. It weaves together splendor, the magic of undiscovered mysteries, and unparalleled heritage. From the moment guests arrive until the final moments of departure, the experience spoils and delights even the most discerning traveler. Guests always treasure the time spent uncovering Mayan opulence, yet it seems to end too soon.

Dreamy Dwellings

Perched majestically on the coast of Playa Xcalacoco, the establishment captures the imagination just as much as the serene waters it overlooks. Guests receive a spa-like welcome upon arrival, complete with warm smiles, cool plush face towels, a refreshing beverage, and the inviting scent of Mayan coals. Attentive staff promptly takes care of the luggage, inviting guests to sink into the essence of relaxation without delay. For many, including myself, a notable highlight upon settling in is the visit from the soap concierge, offering a selection of themed, fragrant soaps.

Forty-one palapa villas stand proudly at the Viceroy, showcasing hand-carved stone architecture, deep wood accents, and refined decor. Seclusion awaits within each villa, featuring amenities like a heated plunge pool, outdoor rain shower, and crochet hammock—all harmoniously blending the outdoors with the indoor ambiance. Comfort is a given, with air conditioning for a cool retreat, luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, and a curated pillow menu for an exquisite night’s sleep. Each bathroom is a spacious sanctuary equipped with double vanities, stand-alone showers, and plush Italian linen bathrobes

Luxury and Specialty Villas

The resort categorizes villas into luxury and specialty classes, each offering unique features. Luxury villas, at 1,000 square feet, provide ample space with dressing areas and beds suitable for families or larger groups. Specialty villas enhance the experience with large decks, soaking tubs, and additional square footage, justifying their premium.

Decadent Dining

Dining at the Viceroy is an unparalleled experience. With two upscale restaurants, the resort masterfully blends authentic Mexican cuisine with five-star flavors. Coral Restaurant and Bar offers memorable breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in a beachy setting, while La Marea provides a premier evening dining experience with themed dinner nights like the Antojeria street food rendition.

Romantic dining experiences feature palapas in the sand, exotic flower arrangements, and candlelit views of the Caribbean Sea, offering a mix of all-inclusive and a la carte options to tailor the perfect vacation dining experience. The quality of food, from tableside dining to late-night room service, is consistently fresh and delicious.

Other Recommended Destinations

• Banyan Tree Mayakoba
• The Wallace Hotel – NYC
• Casas del XVI
• Beau Rivage Palace
• Tapoco Lodge

Activities, Adventures, and Amenities

Whether lounging, seeking thrills, exploring, or shopping, the Viceroy offers it all. The Wayak Spa, a 2024 Forbes Travel Guide winner, delivers traditional Mayan treatments and personalized spa packages. A short drive away, Dos Ojos Natural Reserve offers a cenote for exclusive exploration, while architectural wonders and adventure parks provide additional excitement.

The resort anticipates every need, offering thoughtful services to enhance the guest experience.

Mayan Luxury is Waiting for You

Experiencing the fusion of luxury, nature, and Mayan culture at the Viceroy Riviera Maya offers a memorable escape that leaves a lasting impression. I encourage everyone to discover the essence of Mayan luxury for themselves.

Journey Beyond Aspen to Playa del Carmen, Mexico and the Viceroy Riviera Maya.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Viceroy Riviera Maya

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You’re in the right place for the inside scoop on a hidden gem in the heart of Mexico’s Central Highlands – the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende. Picture this: a dreamy escape that blends the luxury vibe of Rosewood Hotels with the artsy charm of Guanajuato. It’s like they crafted perfection!

Mexico’s Central Highlands

San Miguel de Allende is located in the central part of Mexico, specifically in the state of Guanajuato. Guanajuato is situated in the Bajío region, which is known for its elevated plateau landscape. While San Miguel de Allende itself isn’t located directly on the coast, it’s not far from either the Pacific Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. However, it’s inland location is surrounded by hills and mountains providing picturesque views.

The landscape around San Miguel de Allende is flanked by the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range to the west and the Sierra Madre Oriental to the east. The diverse topography and the city’s elevation contribute to its unique climate and scenic surroundings.

Guanajuato

You’ll find that Guanajuato like a living, breathing art exhibit. The cobblestone streets, the splashy colors of the buildings – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. The city’s buzzing with creativity, making it the perfect backdrop for your next adventure. While there are plenty of activities on premises at the Rosewood, it’s located in the heart of downtown so you’ll have access to everything!

Rosewood Hotels

When you stay at a Rosewood Hotel, you’ll get the VIP treatment. And in Guanajuato, where the streets are a canvas of color and history, Rosewood has nailed it with their San Miguel de Allende resort.

Rooms, Suites, and Private Residences

Rooms at the Rosewood aren’t just places to crash; they’re experiences in themselves. The Rooftop Colonial Suite is like a personal oasis with a private terrace and jaw-dropping views. Think elegant design, cozy vibes, and amenities that make you feel like Guanajuato royalty. It’s not just a short-term accommodation; it’s your sanctuary.

The property is relatively small with 67 rooms, suites, and private residences. From an elegant guest room to a five bedroom private residence, you’ve got options. And the rooms with terraces will make it hard for you to want to leave – good thing there’s 24-hour room service!

Dining Delights – A Foodie’s Paradise

Yes, you’re surrounded by all kinds of dining options in downtown Guanajuato. However, the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende knows how to please your taste buds right on premise. There’s the 1826 Restaurant for some upscale Mexican vibes with regionally sourced ingredients. And don’t miss out on Agua for a poolside feast. Think fresh ceviche, cool drinks, and total chill vibes.

You’ll also have access to casual tapas with a view at the Luna Rooftop restaurant, drinks at the 1826 Tequila Bar, and round the clock goodies on the private dining menu.

Sense Spa and Other Amenities

The Rosewood San Miguel de Allende welcomes families and pets. There’s not only a concierge but a pet concierge. And you won’t have to worry about entertaining the kids 24/7, as they’ll have a blast in the Rosewood Explorer’s children’s program.

A pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and the Sense Spa are other options that’ll tell stress to take a hike. Picture this: a massage using traditional Mexican healing techniques. They’ve got an Arnica Massage that’ll have your muscles screaming “thank you”! Trust us; it’s the cherry on top of your relaxation sundae.

Other Recommended Destinations

• Tivoli Palacio de Seteais Sintra Hotel
• Casa Palopo
• Mansion on Sutter
• The Magazine
• Park Hyatt Aviara

Explore Guanajuato

While the resort’s a dream, don’t forget to step out and explore. Juarez Theater is like a movie set in real life. And the Diego Rivera House Museum? Art heaven. Take a leisurely stroll in Jardin Union – it’s the heartbeat of the city.

In a nutshell, Rosewood San Miguel de Allende is where luxury meets culture. Whether you’re down for a rooftop sunset or a culinary adventure, this place has your name written all over it. Pack your bags, and get ready for a fiesta of a vacation!

Journey Beyond Aspen to Rosewood San Miguel de Allende…

Frequently Asked Questions

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A Journey Beyond Aspen will be well worth it when you experience a tropical getaway like never before at Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

From the vast beachfront to the serene lagoon villas, you’ll feel at one with nature as you bask in her glory. Every angle of the resort presents an aesthetically pleasing view that rarely gets old. The breathtaking beauty of Mexico’s Riviera Maya will help you forget whatever you left at home.

Also known for its history, Playa Del Carmen offers a look into ancient civilizations like the Mayan Empire.

Beachfront Accommodations

Have you ever had an entire beach at your doorstep? Banyan Tree’s rooms not only feature private pools and big terraces but place guests very close to its white beach.

The natural surroundings stimulate the senses as you wake to flowing waves, bristling tree branches, and gentle UV rays. Every room offers a view that compliments its interior design. Villas have open roofs to let the sunshine through ever so slightly.

Note: The single image above is the Beachfront Pool Suite, followed by an exterior shot and indoor-outdoor living offered by the Lagoon Villa.

Other Recommended Destinations

• The Anam Mui Ne
• Casas del XVI
• Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
• Mustang Monument Eco Resort & Preserve
• Belmond Charleston Place

Food and Views

The resort offers multiple dining options in various settings. From seafood to Italian to Thai, Banyan Tree Mayakoba hits all the marks. Its 14 different dining locations each possess its own culinary and visual. aesthetic.

Latin, Mayan, and Thai

You may want to visit the Tomahawk Open Fire Latin Grill and try its famous Tomahawk steak. Or the HAAB restaurant delivers an authentic Mayan dining experience topped off with a dancing spectacle.

While dinner at HAAB is certainly guaranteed to be delicious, you don’t want to skip dessert. HAAB’s signature Caballero Pobre, which features delectable Xtabentun ice cream, will leave you wanting more.

Sticky Rice with Mango at Saffron

However, maybe you’re in the mood for authentic Thai cuisine. Then, you’ll head to the resort’s signature Saffron restaurant (pictured above). After you’ve finished your meal, I’d recommend the kao niew mamuang. The sticky rice with mango and coconut ice cream tastes best when gazing before Mayakoba’s Mangrove.

 If you can’t bring yourself to leave your room’s stunning view, then room service is on the menu.

Families have a plethora of relationship-building activities and classes. Do you (or your partner struggle to boil water? Then a culinary class taught by a professional chef may be for you. If not, archery and kayaking could be on the agenda.

A Mexican Treasure 

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is the epitome of aesthetically pleasing. Not just because of its extraordinary food, villas, suites, and activities, but every aspect offers a different view that enriches the experience even more.

For an unforgettable experience…

Journey Beyond Aspen to Banyan Tree Mayakoba.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Stunning sunsets and captivating oceanfront views surround guests at the Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués. It’s a luxury resort built on the high cliffs of Acapulco’s Diamond Zone.

Stilted Villas at Banyan Tree

Built atop the high cliffs of Cabo Marqués, the resort is an extraordinary destination featuring 45 stunningly crafted villas on stilts overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Acapulco’s famous Santa Lucía Bay. Breath-taking décor and exceptional privacy make it a unique retreat for luxury connoisseurs.

Beautiful surroundings enrich every moment of your stay. World-class cuisine, the award-winning spa, superb villa accommodations, and impeccable service all combine to make this an unforgettable experience.

Journey Beyond Aspen to Banyan Tree Cabo Marques!

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 At the Chablé Yucatán resort, luxury is not a visit: it is a way of living!

Located in southern Mexico, Yucatan is a state with the unique mysticism of its caves, where its flora and fauna are unmatched, and where your surroundings offer a direct connection to the soul.

A few miles from Chixchulub crater is Chocholá (“saltwater” in Mayan), where more than a thousand homes stand on the land an asteroid touched 65 million years ago!  A magnificent jungle over stone, with no surface water but liquid underneath; crystalline and vibrant in San Ignacio Cenote.

Dining at Chablé Yucatán

Guests will get to know the Mayan culture through the unique culinary experiences at the resort. The organic and seasonal cuisine comes mainly from the hotel’s traditional Mayan gardens.

Chablé’s culinary offering was designed by acclaimed chef Jorge Vallejo. His restaurant, Quintonil in Mexico City, has been recognized several times among “The World’s 50 Best Restaurants”. 

Accommodations

The accommodations at this property find their natural place around an old wall or a local tree, respecting all existing vegetation. The stone walls recreate old walls called albarradas. They’re the pretext to create the space in which the hammocks and private pools are located.

Bathrooms are open spaces, cubes of glass and wood that make you feel in the middle of the jungle but that strategically regulate privacy.

Journey Beyond Aspen to Chablé Yucatán!

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