How do we love thee, let us count the ways.
Fifteen of them, to celebrate the decade-and-a-half Vidanta Riviera Maya has spent making vacation dreams an inspired reality.
1. Home of Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ
Not only is this production packed with high-flying drama as performed by an array of acrobats, contortionists, aerialists, puppeteers, and multi-talented musicians, it’s also a landmark show for Cirque! That’s right, it’s the Canadian creative visionaries’ first resident show outside the US, as well as its first to incorporate a culinary component.
2. The Iconic Palapa Docks
Vidanta Riviera Maya is the only Vidanta resort on the exquisite Caribbean Sea, and the perfect place to admire its famously vibrant turquoise is from the scenic series of docks tipped with palapas that branch out from the resort’s beach.
3. The Flamingo Sanctuary
There are actually three distinct wildlife sanctuaries at Vidanta Riviera Maya: a sea turtle sanctuary, a crocodile sanctuary, and a flamingo sanctuary. When you can snap a selfie with its bright pink inhabitants, the flamingo haven is way too cute to pass up.
4. The Beach Club
This Grand Luxxe and The Grand Bliss-exclusive pool lounge is paradise at its most picturesque. Boasting luxury loungers, immaculate pools, exclusive cabanas, a live DJ, and amazing rotating drink specials, this brand-new spot is the life of the resort.
5. The Lush Jungle Scenery
Vidanta Riviera Maya is set in the heart of the Mayan jungle, so the resort is only about an hour from the ruins of Tulum, and a little farther to ancient Mayan city Coba. Not only does this location imply a huge variety of exotic flora and fauna, but the history alone of the region seems to imbue the landscape with a singular spiritual feeling.
6. The Grand Luxxe Jungle Suites
Located in a secluded corner of the resort, these tower units represent the newest in Riviera Maya luxury, offering a haven of upscale comfort to highlight the surrounding scenery with tranquil, nature-inspired décor.
7. The Mayan Sanctuary Pool
At The Grand Mayan pool secluded inlets, shaded cabanas, and lush islands are yours to explore. Plus, with the towering design scaffolded overhead, the Mayan Sanctuary feels like your own private escape from the world.
8. The All-New Chiringuito
This beloved eatery specializing in Spanish cuisine has been completely renovated and reopened at Vidanta Riviera Maya. The beautifully decorated space now neighbors The Beach Club and offers gourmet tapas, paella, and other Iberian favorites. Plus, it has AC, so it’s the perfect place to unwind on a hot afternoon.
9. Spatium at Riviera Maya
This high-end spa is truly an oasis of pampering—and it’s open to all guests at Vidanta Riviera Maya. Guest favorites include the individual massage casitas, offering a private spot surrounded by nature in which to receive your treatment; the hydrotherapy annex, where you can relax in a variety of pools, Swiss showers, and saunas; and the healing salt cabin, the only facility of its kind in the region.
10. The French Restaurant Patio Bar
Your favorite French Restaurant now offers an outside patio bar where guests can enjoy live music and sip sophisticated craft cocktails in this incredibly romantic setting.
11. Nektar Nights
If you’re looking for a bit of fun while staying in Riviera Maya, look no further than Nektar, next to the Cirque du Soleil Theater. Find small bites, a lively indoor-outdoor atmosphere, expertly made tropical cocktails, and rousing live music by Red Shoes, a trio that remixes classic pop songs with their own eclectic stylings.
12. The Nicklaus Design Course
Designed by one of golf’s greatest players, the Nicklaus Design Course at Riviera Maya is truly one of the Yucatan’s most gorgeous and challenging layouts. Winding through the jungle scenery, this course allows players to admire the region’s immense beauty while playing a great game.
13. The Grand Luxxe Beach Coves
Just behind the Grand Luxxe pool, next to The Burger Custom Made, is a stretch of secluded beach offering a distinctly quiet place to soak up your paradise surroundings. Choose from one of the hammocks or remote cabanas, and let the sounds of the sea lull you into a state of pure bliss.
14. The Mayan Palace Pool
This mega-pool is comprised of a series of smaller pools filled with fountains, sculptures, and lounging areas. Home to the Joy Squad activities team, this energetic area always offers a lot of fun, including classes, games, fitness activities, and so much more—you simply show up.
15. The Cirque du Soleil Theater
Awarded the 2015 Building Project of the Year Award by Obras Magazine, the Cirque du Soleil Theater truly is an architectural marvel. Its iconic silhouette is one of the region’s most famous landmarks, and a huge part of why Vidanta Riviera Maya not only looks, but feels so special.
