Mexico’s Riviera Maya has for years ranked as one of the world’s more popular travel destinations for Canadian sun seekers. That’s specially true for areas south of Playa del Carmen, into Tulum. One of the more secluded luxury resorts is Viceroy Riviera Maya. The resort is still relatively new (Viceroy Hotel and Resorts took them over in 2012).
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The Viceroy Riviera Maya is an all-villa resort that fluently merges sea, beach and rain forest, dense with ferns, palms and guava trees. Each of the 41 spacious villas (ranging from “luxury villas” to a 2,900 square foot “ocean view two level villa”) come with private plunge pools. They also come with deck, outdoor shower, and a high-ceiling thatched palapa roof synched with the jungle environment.
Full-service spa
Guests find complete relaxation and rejuvenation during a nature-filled experience. They find serenity at the full-service spa, and award-winning restaurant. Featured there are creative takes on traditional Mexican dishes, with a few Mediterranean twists to the menu. Included are dishes like a rack of lamb with peanut mole, cauliflower and olive oil.
Guests arrive to the smell of “copal”, both in the lobby and outside the spa. “Copal” is a resin from a tree that looks like a mineral rock. It is then pulverized, the dust added on top of hot coals, producing a relaxing smell similar to more of an intense incense. Guests arrive to a “Mayan Blessing” performed by the Mayan shaman on staff, and are escorted to their villa.
Secluded, luxury resort
Mayan healing techniques and traditions are a big part of the spa experience. Down by the pool, next to the surf, there’s a seaside grill, day beds near the beach, a private pier for private dinners, and fitness centre. The more formal La Marea restaurant overlooks the pool area.
It’s not complicated. For guests, it’s more about uniquely Mexican experiences, in the privacy of the secluded, luxury resort – with a world class beach. Luxury means a lot: quality service, attention to detail, local ingredients. It is a combination of many things that make this a special place for people.
By the week’s end, when it’s time to make the 45-minute hike back to Cancun airport to fly home, you’ll more than likely think of ways to stay behind, and make this area more of a permanent home.
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I am a 50-something Torontonian who loves everything about my city. It’s been my home, my playground, for my entire life. I went to school here. I met my wife here. I own real estate here. I love writing about the transformation of my city on the world stage, which hasn’t been anything short of dramatic. That continues on, as I write this. I write on the real estate scene. I write on travel and fashion. I like following the world of luxury watches.
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