Is the Viceroy Riviera Maya Your I Do Destination?
As we drove down the rutted dirt road, past a construction site and a Jolly Roger-themed restaurant and hotel that had clearly seen better days, I was a little nervous about what we would find at the end of it. Finally, after a sharp turn up a steep driveway, we saw it. The entrance to the Viceroy Riviera Maya, a little oasis tucked away in the jungle just outside Playa del Carmen in Mexico.
The disconcerting drive was more than worth it once we saw the lush grounds, filled with plants native to the area. In fact, during a recent remodeling of the property, great care was taken to ensure each tree and plant returned back to its rightful spot and the hotel maintained its natural surroundings.
The effort the Viceroy took to keep much of the surrounding jungle intact makes for a resort that feels as though you’re worlds away from anything else. You quickly forget there are other hotels or anything else around you because you simply can’t see or hear them. If you’re looking for a private retreat, this is certainly it.
Beyond the lush grounds and private feel, the Viceroy Riviera Maya has plenty to offer honeymooners or a destination wedding party. The rooms are exquisite, with an open-air feel (but no way for creepy crawlies to actually get in), private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and just enough high-tech amenities (air conditioning, Wi-Fi) to keep you comfortable but still feeling as though you’re off the grid.
The Viceroy Riviera Maya even offers Plunge Pool Turndown Service, where the staff will prep your private pool with candles, aromatherapy, music, champagne, and dessert for a romantic couple’s night.
Since the resort is small—only 41 rooms—it’s entirely possible to buy out the hotel if you book far enough in advance. Translation: You and your wedding guests will have a luxury resort entirely to yourselves, not to mention the stretch of beach in front of it just for you. You can make your destination a non-stop party, a relaxing retreat for your guests, or a bit of both.
When it comes time for the actual wedding ceremony, you can of course say your vows on the beach overlooking the ocean; there’s also a grassy lawn if you don’t like the idea of your toes in the sand. If the weather is looking grim (sporadic rain is a downside of the tropics) there’s an indoor restaurant with a deck that overlooks the ocean, which makes for a nice backup option. For the reception, there’s the aforementioned restaurant or an open-air bar and restaurant near the pool and the beach.
Before and after the wedding, you and your guests can relax by the pool, go for a dip in the ocean, take advantage of the spa, or experience a traditional Mayan temazcal (sweat lodge) ritual. And of course the town of Playa del Carmen is a short drive away, with plenty of restaurants and shopping if you do want to leave your little jungle retreat.
Although, with a setting this perfect, no one would blame you for spending your entire trip in the Viceroy’s paradise.
