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  • Writer's pictureAlex
    • Aug 21, 2020

We Left Just in Time- Riviera Maya, Mexico

Updated: Dec 28, 2022


If this pandemic hasn’t taught you anything it’s -Take that damn trip! Just two months before Rona Season, two of my friends and I decided to book a trip for my bestie Joi’s birthday! Originally we decided on Punta Canta but due to the alcohol poisoning concerns at some of the all inclusive resorts, we set our travel eyes on Mexico. But not just any part of Mexico. Riviera Maya. The best way to explain Riviera Maya is that it’s the calmer more upscale version of Cancun. While most people travel to the north of Mexico to visit Cancun located on the northeast tip of Yucatán Peninsula. Riviera Maya is south of Cancun within Quintana Roo. If you’re looking for a quieter environment, larger resorts, and a more tropical feel vs. city feel Riviera Maya is the place to go. How we got there: We traveled via Southwest and flew to Florida to change flights directly to Cancun. The total travel was 6 hrs. Once we got to the airport we found our airport transportation and traveled 45 mins to our resort in Riviera Maya. Where we stayed:

All inclusive stay at Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort & Spa. We stayed in a villa with a balcony view.


The room was equipped with a mini bar and multiple mirrors. My favorite part of the room was the large bathroom with a rain shower head and body jets. (I don’t have any pics but trust me it was life changing ;)) The resort had an adult swim up bar and regular family pool where they had fun activities like a foam party, glow in the dark event, music and dancing. In addition to a mini golf course and a dolphinarium. The resort is also known for its special beach weddings as they have a wedding venue right on the beach. We actually got to witness one while there (So Sweet!). We also enjoyed the amenities of the spa and received a nice full hour body oil massage.





Now on to one of everyone's most favorite things about vacationing besides the getaway - The Cuisine! The resort has 8 restaurants/grilles on site. Barefoot Grille, Coco Cafe, El Patio-Mexican, Gohan-Sushi Lounge, Oceana-Seafood Cuisine, Portofino-Italian, Seaside Grill, and World Cafe-Buffet. My favorites were Oceana and Gohan. We also frequented the World Cafe were we enjoyed a brunch buffet and endless mimosas.The birthday girl decided on the Italian restaurant Portofino for her birthday dinner. On the resort grounds is a nightclub as well.


I give this resort five stars. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. We accidentally got our passports locked in the lockbox (right before our flight, how convenient right?) and security was able to fix it right away. Room service was excellent on the nights we were too slushed to hit up a restaurant or while we got ready to go out. The one thing I loved is the staff had no problem taking pictures for us when we needed it (and got all our good angles). I should of known the staff and service was going to be exceptional. From the moment we stepped on the resort, we were greeted with flips by the Zumba instructor. It really doesn’t get better than that!



What we did: The resort has plenty of activities on site like swimming with dolphins, jumbo chess board, mini golf course, and night clubbing. We opted to sign up for activities outside of the resort as well to get the full Mexico experience. Through the resort we signed up for the Aventuras Mayas Adventure Tour. We selected four activities: Mayan Ruins Tour, Swimming in the Cenotes, ATV riding in the Jungle, and Coco Bongo in Playa del Carmen. 1) Mayan Ruins Tour: Tulum Ruins

The legendary Tulum Ruins are among the most visited sites in all of Mexico. We even got to stick our toes in the water at the gorgeous Tulum Beach.



2) Cenotes: Cenote, an underwater sinkhole discovered by the Mayan people a thousands years ago. Where history and nature meets.



3) ATV Riding: Probably my favorite outdoor activity. Which almost didn’t happen because it started to pouring down raining. But that just made it even more fun, muddy, and dirty riding in the tropical jungle. The total ride seemed to take forever and it was definitely worth every minute!




4) Coco Bongo-This was the last activity/event we did. And it was the perfect finale for our trip. If you’re familiar with the movie the Mask, then you know Coco Bongo is nothing but a big party. The club has four levels and a VIP in each section. Just know one moment we were outside and the next moment we were on stage in front of hundreds or thousands of people (it seemed like). I did a separate post on this experience, because it’s truly what it deserves. Check out my Top 10 Things You Need to Know Before You go to Coco Bongo, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico blog post: for all the piping tea and footage.


Riviera Maya was definitely one for the passport books and can not wait to visit again.



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