Savvy travelers have been slipping away to Vidanta Riviera Maya for years — drawn by its jungle-lined paths, peaceful luxury, and a sense of play you don’t always find at polished resorts. Between the lush boutique water park, Jungala Aqua Experience, and JOYÀ — Cirque du Soleil’s only permanent show in Mexico, complete with a multi-course dinner — the experience here goes beyond your typical beach escape.

I was lucky enough to spend a few days at Vidanta and was truly blown away, not just by the luxury, location and service, but the fun and whimsy that you don’t often find at a resort of this size and caliber. Whether I was floating past waterfalls on the lazy river, lounging at an upscale beach club, or getting dressed up for a night of aerial acrobatics and champagne, Vidanta struck a rare balance: relaxed but refined, imaginative but grounded, and a place I can’t wait to return to.

WHY IT’S AWESOME:

Vidanta Riviera Maya is the ultimate fusion of luxury, culture, and adventure. With pristine beaches, world-class dining, and access to incredible experiences like the Cirque du Soleil Joya show, this resort is the definition of paradise. Perfect for both relaxation and exploration, it’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a truly immersive experience.

With six separate hotels on property, over 15 bars and restaurants, on over 1000 acres of pristine paradise – this property doesn’t feel like your traditional Mexican resort getaway. With luxe touches, celebrity guests, and incredible beaches, this is truly a resort for those in the know.

IN-HOUSE FOOD AND DRINK:

Dining at Vidanta Riviera Maya is anything but boring. From tacos and margaritas under swaying palms to sushi, steaks, and indulgent in-room dining, there’s something for every craving—and then some. You can snack barefoot at a beach shack, dress up for a night out near the JOYÀ theater, or wander the Salum Market for sunset cocktails and casual bites. With bold flavors, playful vibes, and more variety than you’d expect from one resort, eating here is half the fun.

Here were some of my favorites:

Gong

Dinner at Gong was hands down my favorite meal at Vidanta Riviera Maya. The space is sleek and serene, with warm wood accents, glowing lanterns, and an atmosphere that feels both elevated and inviting. The menu blends flavors from across Asia, and every dish I tried—from the fresh, delicate sushi to the rich, flavorful filet—was perfectly executed. I sipped a beautifully balanced cocktail while soaking in the calm, almost transportive vibe of the restaurant. It felt like stepping into another world for the evening—refined, peaceful, and completely memorable. If you’re only splurging on one dinner while you’re here, make it this one.

La Cantina

La Cantina at Vidanta Riviera Maya, set within the vibrant Salum Market and Beachside Eateries, brings classic Mexican comfort food to life in a modern yet deeply rooted setting. The colorful ceramic tiles and polished wood details create an inviting atmosphere that honors tradition without feeling dated. I savored fresh, creamy guacamole, a tasing menu of Mexican favorites, alongside expertly made margaritas—simple but elevated flavors that lingered long after the last sip. It’s the kind of place that feels like a celebration of Mexico’s rich culinary soul, making it one of my favorite spots on the property.

Quinto

Breakfast at Quinto was the kind of buffet that makes you want to try everything—twice. Set in a beautiful two-story space with sweeping ocean views, it offered an almost overwhelming spread: tropical fruit, fresh pastries, chilaquiles, waffles, smoked salmon, made-to-order omelets, and more. I filled my plate, grabbed a cappuccino, and settled in by the window to watch the light shift over the water. The setting felt polished but relaxed, and the sheer variety made it easy to linger. It was one of those vacation breakfasts you actually remember.

AMENITIES:

Resort-Wide Amenities:

Multiple Pools – Including private pools for specific hotel guests and beachfront pool areas.
Jungala Aqua Experience – A luxury water park with slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and private cabanas.
Cirque du Soleil Joya – The first resident Cirque du Soleil show in Mexico
Spatium Spa – A high-end spa offering massages, hydrotherapy, and wellness treatments.
Jack Nicklaus Golf Course – A professionally designed 18-hole golf course.
Fitness Center – State-of-the-art gym with personal training and group classes.
Shopping Plaza – Boutiques featuring designer clothing, souvenirs, and local artisan goods.
Private Beach Club – Exclusive beachfront lounging with food and beverage service.
Fine Dining & Casual Restaurants – Over a dozen restaurants serving international and local cuisine.
Luxury Transportation – Complimentary resort shuttles and transportation between resort areas.
Concierge Services – Custom experiences, dining reservations, and personalized recommendations.

ROOM TYPES:

I stayed in a One-Bedroom Suite at the Jungala Park Hotel which was not just larger than my apartment back home, but the epitome of jungle-chic. With a large bedroom with private balcony, huge bathroom, kitchen, dining room, guest bath, large living area and another spacious balcony running the length of the suite — this was one of my favorite hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in.

Room Amenities:

In-Room Features:
Spacious Living Area – A comfortable lounge area with a plush sofa and seating.
Private Large Balcony – Offering scenic jungle or water park views.
Luxury Bathroom – Spa-like features with a rainfall shower, soaking tub, and designer toiletries.
Mini-Kitchen – Equipped with a small fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and sink.
24-Hour Room Service – A full menu available for in-room dining.
Turndown Service – Nightly service with fresh linens and evening treats.

BEST THINGS TO DO/EAT/DRINK WITHIN A 10-MINUTE WALK/SHUTTLE RIDE:

Jungala Aqua Experience

Jungala Aqua Experience isn’t your average water park. With more adult touches, like cocktails, muted stylish colors, and gourmet food options, it is a must-visit for thrill-seekers or those who just want to spend a day in a lazy river with a drink. With water slides, the aforementioned lazy river (my favorite), and plenty of places to relax (pro tip: book a private cabana), it’s the perfect place to cool off and have fun.

Beach Club

Spending an afternoon at the Vidanta Beach Club is the ultimate way to unwind in style. With beautiful pools, private cabanas, and direct beach access with stunning ocean views, it feels like your own little slice of paradise. The service is next-level attentive without being over the top—they make you feel like the only guest that matters. I loved sipping expertly made cocktails, especially the Aperol Spritz from the roaming cart that adds a fun, festive vibe. The fresh, flavorful food pairs perfectly with the ocean breeze. This exclusive spot is available to Grand Luxxe and Grand Bliss guests, making it a must for those seeking chill luxury.

BEST THING TO DO WITHIN A 20 MIN SHUTTLE RIDE:

JOYA Cirque de Soleil

Seeing the JOYÀ dinner show at Vidanta Riviera Maya was one of the most exciting nights I’ve had in a long time. It’s Mexico’s first Cirque du Soleil resident dinner show—and the only permanent Cirque du Soleil show in the country until Ludo, a new water-themed production, debuts in November 2025 at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta. The theater’s cozy, immersive setting makes you feel like you’re part of the story from the moment the lights go down. The acrobatics and performances are absolutely breathtaking—full of energy, creativity, and moments that seriously wowed me.

The dinner was just as impressive as the show. The menu itself is part of the experience—with edible menus, dishes infused with smoke, and even a treasure box course that feels like uncovering a delicious secret. The plating is playful and full of surprises (but I don’t want to give away too much!). The flavors were spot-on, perfectly balanced, and paired seamlessly with the pacing of the show. It was a total sensory experience—great food, amazing entertainment, and a vibe that kept me smiling all night. Definitely a must if you’re visiting Vidanta.

BED GAME: 9/10

The beds are ultra-comfortable with plush mattresses and high-quality linens that make sinking in after a day of exploring pure bliss. I loved opening the balcony doors to let in the fresh air and listen to the gentle sound of passing rain — it was the perfect way to unwind and fall asleep peacefully.

SEXINESS RATING: 9/10

Vidanta’s modern design, chic atmosphere, and incredible service create a stylish and romantic vibe. Whether it’s a sunset dinner by the beach or a spa treatment, there’s no shortage of moments to make you feel like you’re in a luxurious, sexy escape.

VIEWS/PIC SPOTS:

Vidanta Riviera Maya is packed with seriously Insta-worthy spots. Whether it’s the lush jungle paths, colorful gardens, or the sparkling pools, every corner feels like a photo op waiting to happen. The beach views of the turquoise Caribbean? Total postcard vibes. And the Salum Market area is full of bright, fun details that pop on camera. Honestly, whether you’re snapping sunrise from your balcony or chasing golden hour by the water, your feed is gonna thank you.

BEST SEASON TO VISIT:

The best time to visit Riviera Maya is between November and April when the weather is warm and dry. This is the ideal time to enjoy the beach, the pools, and the outdoor activities without worrying about the humidity or rain that often hits in the summer months. Shoulder seasons will likely have less crowds, and I’d even recommend rainy season as rain on the jungle-like grounds is very cozy and often doesn’t last too long.

IF I HAD TO COMPLAIN ABOUT ONE THING:

The resort is enormous – which for most people is a plus – but it could feel a bit overwhelming for some travelers. It’s massive, and while the layout is stunning, getting from one area to another sometimes requires a bit of walking—or waiting for a shuttle. This could be a minor inconvenience if you’d rather have less movement during your stay.

BOOK HERE:

Book your stay at Vidanta Riviera Maya here.