A Mexican Luxury Escape: Beachside Jungle Bliss

(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended

Pam MacIntyre

Maple Grove, MN

Australia & New Zealand Specialist

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...

New Zealand

In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?

I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.

The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!

Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!

Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!

Australia

Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.

While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.

And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.

Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.

Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.

Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!     

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Pam MacIntyre

Can Be Reached At

1-763-231-8893

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Viceroy Riviera Maya Pool Deck

Viceroy Riviera Maya is a luxurious, beachside jungle resort I’ve been excited to visit ever since hearing rave reviews about its sister property, Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia. Well, my boyfriend and I finally got the chance to experience it for ourselves—and let me tell you, it was everything we’d hoped for and more!

From the moment we arrived, the resort’s open-air lobby immediately set the tone for our stay. I felt completely relaxed just stepping out of the car. The design blends modern luxury with nature seamlessly, and it gave us that “jungle escape” vibe we loved from our stays in Belize and Costa Rica. Within minutes, we were walking on the resort’s stunning white-sand beach—pure paradise.

One of the highlights of our visit was the Mayan Blessing ceremony, performed by the resort’s Shaman. It was such a unique and spiritual experience that truly helped us shift into vacation mode. To continue that peaceful vibe, we headed to the Wayak Spa. Now, I’m not always big on spas, but this one? It was lovely. Set amid jungle and waterfalls, with treatments using locally grown organic herbs and aromatherapy, it was definitely a standout part of our visit.

The resort itself is a perfect mix of lush jungle and boutique luxury. With just 41 private villas scattered across the property, it feels exclusive, secluded, and intimate. We were treated like VIPs from the moment we arrived—there’s even a little rope you can put across your pathway indicating "Do Not Disturb" (how cool is that?). While we didn’t stay overnight this time, we enjoyed an incredible dinner at their Antojeria Night, a Mexican-themed feast inspired by the chef’s upbringing in Mexico City and travels through Veracruz, Oaxaca, and San Miguel de Allende. Dining under the stars, listening to the ocean breeze... it was the perfect evening. And those churros? A MUST!

The resort has two restaurants and a bar, all set in open-air spaces that keep you connected to the beautiful surroundings. There are themed dinner nights, including Mexican, Pasta n’ Pizza, and Grill night (subject to change). If you’re looking for a post-dinner drink, the bar is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (subject to change). We could’ve easily spent hours there, sipping cocktails while listening to the sound of the waves—it was that relaxing.

Key Villa Details:

• Each villa comes with a private pool (heated to your preference).


• Private patios with hammocks for ultimate relaxation.


• Villas feature either 1 king or 2 queen beds (queen beds are a rare find in Mexico).


• Fully private indoor/outdoor showers surrounded by lush greenery.


• Villas range from 1,000 to 2,500 sq. ft., including the patio.


• Jungle views are most common, though there are 2 oceanfront villas and 1 two-level ocean view villa (early booking is recommended for ocean views).


• Room service is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. (additional fees apply depending on your plan).

What really stood out to us was the level of personalized service and attention to detail. We spoke to several guests during our visit, and it was clear that Viceroy Riviera Maya has a loyal following—most of the guests we met had returned for a second or third visit. That says a lot about the quality of service here. While it’s not adults-only, the minimum age is 12+, which creates a more peaceful, relaxed atmosphere.

This resort originally opened as Ikal Del Mar in 2001, and has since evolved through several changes of ownership before becoming the Viceroy in 2011. It was the second resort to open in the Riviera Maya, and its prime location is a huge part of its appeal. With its beautiful beachfront and lush jungle surroundings, this property has some of the best real estate in the region.

Quick note: There are no beach vendors hassling you here, and plenty of pool and beach chairs for everyone.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive experience with a boutique feel, Viceroy Riviera Maya might just be your perfect fit. It offers an authentic Mexican vibe with a focus on wellness and sustainability—perfect for those who want to relax and unwind in pure luxury. While it might not be for everyone, for the right traveler, it’s the hidden paradise you’ve been searching for.