I’ve been to a lot of hotels in my days.
Over the years, I’ve found that the best, luxury hotels draw from their natural surroundings and environment in a thoughtful and unobtrusive way. They don’t try to block out what’s around them, but rather embrace it.
I find certain hotels try too hard to recreate a genre of luxury that is foreign to the natural surroundings. They fight with the local setting instead of embrace it.
In doing so, they fail to create true luxury.
When I first arrived to the Viceroy Riviera Maya, I was thrilled to see some careful thought given to experience, amenities and service. It’s in the thoughtful, discreet and attentive service that this hotel creates a true luxury experience.
Here’s what makes the Viceroy Riviera Maya on of my top 5 favorite luxury hotels of all time (and it’s not what you may think!)
Embrace the flora: The Viceroy, like all the hotels along the Riviera Maya, is built in the jungle. This is, after all, where the jungle meets the sea.
But here, instead of cutting down the jungle like so many have, they embrace it. The villas are surrounded by lush gardens, vines and trees surround you in your private outdoor shower. The villas are constructed with massive glass walls, so you can feel and experience the outdoors even when inside.
Zen in the jungle: The Viceroy Riviera Maya offers something very unique; painting and writing stations tucked away throughout the property. Embracing the jungle’s calming atmosphere, complete with trickling water from a nearby spring and wildlife all around, at these stations guests can paint and write in total peace and quiet.
It’s all about the beach: There is of course a lovely pool on the property, as well as private plunge pools at all the villas. But here you won’t find water aerobics, swim up bars or loud music. The focus here is on the beach, and again it’s executed with flawless understated luxury.
Natural Soaps from Mexico: Finally, upon check in, you are given 2 slices from natural soaps handmade specially for the Viceroy by locals. I was told that the rosemary soap is particularly good for the skin upon sun exposure. And it also smelled yummy! Who needs Molton Brown or another swanky urban brand when there are locally-sourced options available that are just as luxurious?
The Viceroy Riviera Maya absolutely nails understated luxury, which is a very difficult thing to do, and has earned a Top 5 position on my all time favorite hotels list. What else is on my list? You’ll have to wait and see!
Have you been to the Viceroy Riviera Maya? What did you think?
Some or all of this trip was sponsored which may include travel and other costs.