The idea of a 10-course dinner may seem extravagant to some travelers, but when it’s presented as part of the C/X Culinary Experience at Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, every beautifully presented dish is worth savoring. And while this special dining event is an additional cost beyond the all-inclusive room rate, it’s a perfect example of how Royalton Riviera Cancun offers amenities and services for a variety of tastes.
“We came to this resort when it first opened and loved it,” said a fellow diner during the C/X Culinary Experience. “The attention to detail is wonderful, and the food is very good. We feel like we’re in our own little paradise.”
Indeed, depending on the choices a traveler makes, it would be easy to consider this resort for several types of vacations, including an adults-only retreat, a family-friendly vacation getaway or perhaps a romantic place for a destination wedding. Royalton Riviera Cancun is, in fact, all of these things. And the smart design allows for these diverse demographic markets to coexist peacefully and without disruption, no matter where in the 840-room property they are staying.
I arrived at Royalton Riviera Cancun by private transfer, following a 20-minute ride south from Cancun International Airport. Upon arrival, I was immediately whisked away to the Diamond Club lounge for check-in — the best way to go for clients seeking the resort’s top-of-the-line treatment.
It was during the check-in process that I noticed one of the hotel’s many innovative features: an attractive wristband that also contains a small plastic piece serving as the room key. Guestrooms themselves are spacious and handsomely decorated, including a dramatically lit bathtub and a Jacuzzi on my oceanview balcony. (Although some might prefer the swim-up suites on the first level.)
There are 13 swimming pools on property, ensuring that guests have plenty of space in which to relax. Poolside coolers in the Diamond Club pool areas are equipped with solar-powered chargers for electronic devices and safe deposit boxes for valuables.
Though I personally preferred the adults-only pool, the children’s pool at the resort is particularly noteworthy. Big enough to be considered a stand-alone waterpark, it’s full of waterslides, waterfalls and colorful decorations. Families can also make use of the Clubhouse Kids Club, which is for children ages 4 to 12, as well as the Hangout Teens Club, better suited for those ages 13 to 17.
Additional facilities at the resort include The Royal Spa, where I spent a relaxing afternoon in the large hydrotherapy pool and enjoyed an expert massage.
The fact that eight of the nine restaurants at Royalton Riviera Cancun are a la carte is certainly another selling point. I enjoyed the extensive wine selection at Mediterranean venue Opa and gushed over the tequila creme brulee at upscale Mexican eatery Agave. Hunter Steakhouse, Royalton’s signature restaurant for all things beef, is worth a visit as well, while Gourmet Marche is the go-to place for a generous buffet of international cuisine. Complimentary after-dinner entertainment varies nightly and includes everything from dance performances and magic shows to live music. There is also a sports bar and a small nightclub.
Royalton Riviera Cancun is especially suited for destination weddings. In one of the manicured gardens sits a contemporary open-air chapel, while the rooftop Sky Terrace gazebos offer postcard-perfect views of the Caribbean Sea. This type of view stays with you — whether you’re getting married or not.
The Details
Royalton Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
www.royaltonresorts.com
