“Honey, look!” said my husband as we got out of the car at the entrance to Haven Riviera Cancun for our all-inclusive, upscale, adults-only resort stay. “The ocean is right there,” he said. I may have gasped audibly. Through the open, high-ceiling lobby, past the dramatic, multi-story sculpture, was the beautiful green-blue ocean. Palm trees were swaying, delivering breezes from the ocean, straight through the lobby to us, beckoning. We answered the call, enjoying all that Haven offers, reveling in a contemporary Riviera Maya Mexican vacation. Here, we share our tips for making the most of the experience.

Immediately, you know you’re in for something special as you enter the lobby of the Haven Riviera Cancun. The ocean is straight ahead!

How to make the most of Haven Riviera Cancun’s adults only resort

Our first time at an all-inclusive resort, we blissfully went from one day to another, constantly experiencing something new – from a different restaurant, to new activities, to different places to relax (In the hot tub on our private deck? In a pool-side cabana? Or on the beach? Decisions, decisions.) But we also learned some practical things too, which we’ll pass on to you so you can make the most out of your vacation at Haven Riviera Cancun.

My view from within my cabana, book in one hand, drink in the other, enjoying the view of one of the pools and the ocean beyond it at Haven Riviera Cancun.  

Wander and take it all in…

The decor: The relatively new resort is a complex of modern Mexican architecture that embraces the Caribbean to the east and the dense jungle preserve to the west. The main building has open-air passages front to back and side to side so that sultry breezes flow gently at all times, reminding you that you are never far from the beach and tides lapping at your feet.

Contemporary Mexican art is found everywhere, and a lot of thought clearly went into the design and finishes of every piece of furniture.

Here’s an example of various design elements that show a real attention to detail at Haven Riviera Cancun.

The pools: There are two massive swimming pools, one elongated and the other round, both with swim-up bars and ocean views. Lounge chairs and cabanas surround both so you can claim a spot to call your own for a few hours, switching between swimming, sipping, and sunning. Poolside service means your favorite beverages come to you!

The restaurants: Depending on how long you stay at Haven Riviera Cancun, you could eat at a different place for every meal, every day. There’s so much variety in food and type of restaurant. A lot of thought clearly went into each restaurant because they have individual identities and gorgeous décor, in addition to very different menus. So make the rounds, especially at dinner where you can try Satsu (Asian), Agua Bendita (Mexican), Olios (Mediterranean), and Vora Mar (Seafood grill).

Each restaurant at Haven Riviera Cancun has a distinct theme and look. Food is included as part of the Riviera Maya resort’s all inclusive deal.

It’s dinner and a show at Satsu, at the Hibachi tables of this Asian restaurant within Haven.

Dessert at Olio’s Mediterranean restaurant in the all-inclusive resort was a work of art.

The spa: The Dynamic Pool Circuit in the MySenses Spa is just one of the experiences you can enjoy. Before a couples massage, we received a mini-facial massage while lounging on tiled chairs, in front of a beautifully-tiled blue and white wall. Then, we were quietly guided from one thing to another – a sauna, cool whirlpool, areas of the pool with water pulsing at our lower backs, or working our tight shoulders. It was invigorating, peaceful, calming, and exciting all at once! In addition to a variety of massages, treat yourself to facials, reflexology, mani/ pedi’s, hair styling, and a barber shop, all under one roof. Extra fees apply.

Making your way around the Dynamic Pool Circuit provides different sensations caused by water temperatures and jets to aid sore and tight muscles.

The blue and white tile wall anchors the Dynamic Pool circuit area of the Spa. Receive a relaxing facial massage before beginning the circuit.

Things to do, see, and learn: There’s beachside yoga, stand-up paddleboarding, opportunities to go sea kayaking, and other activities out in the ocean. The on-site theater has musical reviews including a very tame and tasteful burlesque show. If you want to go to a show, make dinner reservations for early in the evening and be ready to line up outside the theater by about 8:40 pm to make sure you get a good seat.

A “must” is the cocktail experience through Lime, an elegant American bar. Part cocktail-making class, part cocktail-drinking experience, the bartender asked my husband and I a few questions about what kind of spirits we liked (Mezcal for him, gin for me), whether we like a little heat versus sweet, and fruity versus herbaceous. We gave our answers and he thought for a moment and said, “Okay, I know what we’re going to do.” Some of this, some of that, a little time under a cloche with a smoker for my husband (see the video below), and we had custom-made, off-the-cuff, never-to-happen-again cocktails just for us. And you know what? They were the best cocktails we’ve ever had.

The Mezcal-based cocktail for my husband, left, and the gin-based cucumber drink made for me, right, as part of a cocktail experience at Haven Riviera Cancun.

Take advantage of the perks of Haven Riviera Cancun, an adults only, all inclusive resort

The fully stocked (and restocked) fridge in your room has a variety of drinks plus snacks. Be sure to drink water to stay hydrated. But also be sure to enjoy the bottle of artisanal Mezcal waiting for you in your room – have a toast to how lucky you are to be staying at Haven. We certainly did.

The in-resort store has beautiful clothing, shoes, accessories, souvenirs and things you may have forgotten to pack.

An adults-only resort means there are no children running past you, sprinkling a trail of water on you and the book you’re reading in your cabana. There are no children having a screaming fit late at night. This is your time – you deserve it – enjoy it.

The opportunity to upgrade to the Serenity Club level of lodging. The majority of rooms at Haven Riviera Cancun provide views of the pool, of the ocean or, if on the first floor, rooms with swim-out pools! You really can’t go wrong with any of them. But if you register to stay as a Serenity Club guest, your room has guaranteed ocean views, hot tubs on your private deck (or swim-out pools), and other extras including a butler, chef-inspired treats delivered at the end of the day, a  pillow “menu” (soft, firm, memory, etc.), aromatherapy spray with turn-down service, private beach access, and an included visit to spa for the hydrotherapy circuit n the spa. You also get access to the Serenity Club, a private lounge with plenty of seating and a constant supply of self-serve food, drinks, coffee and beer, wine or cocktail makings. These are very nice perks that add to an already special experience.

In the rooms in the Serenity Club buildings, all rooms face the ocean so we woke up every morning with the sunrise over the water – heavenly!

This bottle of smooth Mezcal was waiting for us in our room when we arrived. We savored it during our visit.

Tips for staying at Haven Resort Cancun:

Make reservations at the restaurants as soon as you’ve settled in after checking in. Even though the resort says they aren’t required, we found that almost everybody had made reservations which meant that the people who didn’t had to eat really late. Also, confirm your reservations the day-of – just to make sure you’ll have a spot that night. We suggest going to Olio’s first because it’s really the most high-end of the restaurants and a special experience. With exceptional and formal (yet friendly) service, and exquisite food, you definitely don’t want to miss it.

Be sure to check the dress code of each restaurant. Haven isn’t stuffy but, like anywhere, it’s best to dress to the level of the atmosphere, food and (what would be) the prices. Mocaccino, for instance, is totally casual and you could walk in, in your swimsuit. But Olios? A skirt or dress, button down shirt, and trousers are fitting for this special experience.

Bring your own sunscreen. We were warned that sunscreen in Mexico can be watered down and rather pricey. We watched people getting redder and redder with each passing day. Be smart and get a healthy glow, not a painful, damaging, burn. With plenty of cabanas and airy restaurants around, you can still experience the balmy breezes without being exposed to the sun.

Don’t go crazy on the all-you-can-eat-and-drink. Yes, you could, conceivably, order everything on the menu and keep a constant supply of booze going. But don’t. You’ll be miserable and sick. Richer and heavier menu items can easily be countered with a nice salad or fruit plate for a good balance that’ll keep you willing to show off your new swimsuit. And drinks? Well, be reasonable and you’ll actually remember how fabulous your vacation was.

We started breakfast with fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee before moving on to omelettes made to order.

Stroll the grounds during the day and evening. Staff is constantly tending the beautifully landscaped gardens and the dramatic walkways and architectural features make for enjoyable walks embraced by the breezes.

Inside/outside dining with ocean views, amidst lush greenery.

It’s a welcoming sign at the entrance of Haven Riviera Cancun. People love to take their picture in front of this sign.

Tips on Tipping at Haven’s Riviera Maya all inclusive resort:

Yes, it’s an all-inclusive upscale resort but, just like on a cruise ship, it’s appreciated and customary to provide tips such as:

Plan on tipping $1-2 per drink you order from the bartenders or servers coming around at the pool or beach.

Tipping in the table-service restaurants isn’t required but 10% of what you guesstimate your meal would cost in a restaurant is nice. The staff works very hard.

Leave $10-$20 per day in your room for your housekeeping staff and steward (if you have one), depending on level of service. You can do this at the end.

A gratuity is automatically added to spa services but pampering of that level deserves a little extra.

To learn more about Haven Riviera Cancun resort, visit their website. They frequently run package deals so check back often. Book your flight with this link to one of our affiliates, TripAdvisor.

— Story and photos by Courtney Drake-McDonough

Please note: We were invited by the resort to stay as guests to facilitate being able to write about the experience. As is always the case with RealFoodTraveler writers, our opinions are our own and are our honest account of our experiences with our recommendations for our readers. We flew to Cancun and paid tips and transportation at our own expense. 

Hungry for more? Read about some of our other Editor’s Pick destinations including Santa Fe, New Mexico; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Sonoma County, California; and Door County, Wisconsin.

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