Riviera Maya, located along the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula, is famous for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, Mayan ruins, and stunning cenotes. The area is dotted with beautiful towns like Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Akumal, each offering its own unique charm and adventures. The local cuisine is a feast for the senses, with fresh seafood, zesty salsas, and traditional tacos and tostadas.
Where to stay?
El Dorado Seaside
For us, all-inclusive is always the way to go in Mexico, which boasts some of the best all-inclusive resorts globally. This time, we stayed at El Dorado, an adults-only resort about an hour from Cancun Airport and 30 minutes from Playa del Carmen. Upon arrival, we were greeted with cold towels, bubbly, and canapés. It’s a great resort for price point with hammocks strung between coconut palms, plenty of Bali beds, and various quiet spots for relaxation, whether in the shade or under the sun. The grounds are meticulously maintained, contributing to a serene and romantic atmosphere that even caught Forbes magazine’s attention as one of the most romantic hotels in the world.
We stayed in a beachfront jacuzzi suite with a balcony overlooking the ocean, nestled among the resort’s lush gardens. The room was spacious and comfortable, providing a serene escape with stunning views. However, we did notice that the decor felt a bit dated and could use some updating.
The hotel’s dining setup is a 24-hour gourmet all-inclusive experience, featuring unlimited à la carte dining, 24-hour room service, and a minibar restocked daily. They offer a wide selection of wines and international brand alcohol, including top-shelf options like Grey Goose. It’s worth noting that cocktails are typically made with local-brand alcohol unless you specify a preferred brand. The resort also offers waiter service at the beach and pool.
The beach and sea access at this resort leave something to be desired. There are artificial barriers about 50 meters offshore, creating shallow lagoons that aren’t deep enough for swimming, with a strong current beyond the barriers. The sun loungers on the beach are old and quite uncomfortable, which can detract from the experience. Additionally, there is a limited number of sunbeds around the pools, making it challenging to find a comfortable spot to relax during peak times.
The quality of the food at the resort was quite good for an all-inclusive experience. While some restaurants stood out as excellent, others were more on the mediocre side. However, there was a wide variety of options available, and the presentation of dishes was consistently good. The hotel staff was friendly, helpful, and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience. Despite some areas needing improvement, we had an enjoyable and relaxing holiday.
Address: Riviera Maya, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, Mexico
For restaurant recommendations check out our Foodies Guide to Riviera Maya
