The writer was hosted.
What’s not to love about a cheeseburger in paradise when the cerveza is cold and the water is warm?
That was my immediate reaction upon arrival at the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Cancún. My enthusiasm was extra surprising considering my husband and I had started our trip with a 4 a.m. airport check-in — on the day we set the clocks back an hour for Daylight Savings Time.
But our general grumpiness was no match for this lovely resort on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
Cancun is a solid Caribbean choice for East Coast travelers thanks to the availability of plenty of non-stop, under-five-hour flights. The resort is about 15 minutes from the airport. You can be fins up by mid-morning on your arrival date.
Cancun’s aptly named Hotel Zone has beachfront resorts in a wide range of price points including many all-inclusive resorts. Our must-do list for our short getaway was brief: read, nap, soak, repeat. So an all-inclusive, “set it and forget it” type of vacay sounded great.
Read More: Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun Highlights
- This all-inclusive resort has appeal for all ages, including families seeking a variety of kid-friendly activities to adults who want to kick back and relax.
- Although minutes from Cancun’s busy airport, the resort has a private, gated Caribbean beachfront location.
- The architecture mixes Polynesian-style thatched open-air pavilions with white and aqua low-rise buildings that give a Greek Island vibe.
- Rooms are large, bright, impeccably clean, accented with artwork celebrating the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle.
- There’s a wide variety of dining options available considering the small size (148 rooms) of the resort.
- The resort staff is incredibly friendly and attentive; many have worked here since the resort opened in 2020.
- The vibe is laidback and the dress is resort casual.
Things You Should Know Before You Go
- If you need an umbrella for sun protection, stake your claim to a lounger before going to breakfast or you might not find one available.
- Tipping is not required; there’s no “end of stay” tip envelope like you’d find on a cruise. Carry dollars to acknowledge excellent service when ordering drinks and at the end of meals.
First Impressions
Confession. I’m not a huge fan of all-you-can anything. On cruises, the least appetizing feature to me is the buffet. The appeal of bottomless mimosas at brunch is lost on me. And I can honestly say I have never requested more than one portion of breadsticks at Olive Garden.
I much prefer quality over quantity, so I approached the all-inclusive experience at the Margaritaville Island Reserve in Cancun warily.
Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it’s possible to have a luxury stay at an all-inclusive resort in a destination that’s more often associated with college spring break. The Margaritaville Island Reserve is a member of the Karisma collection of hotels and resorts. The company’s guest goal is the branded Gourmet Inclusive Experience, with white glove service delivered by a team of Island Ambassadors.
You Don’t Have to be a Parrothead
I’m familiar with the late singer Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand. I’ve eaten in many of the restaurants, including the one in New York’s Times Square. The resort promotes a “fun in the sun” beach lifestyle that’s contagious, even for non-parrotheads (the singer’s diehard fans). Island Ambassadors greet guests with a hand to the forehead gesture that resembles a shark fin. Every 7th song in the resort’s yacht rock playlist is a bouncy Buffett tune. Subtle music call-outs are everywhere. For example, the resort’s aqua fitness routine includes air guitar moves and my cheeseburger was served on a guitar-shaped wooden board.
Karimsa Hotels and Resorts operates two Margaritaville all-inclusives on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. The Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is much larger (355 rooms) and is adults-only. Guests can request a day pass 24 hours in advance to visit the other property if occupancy permits. There’s also a family-friendly Island Reserve in the Dominican Republic and a fourth all-inclusive in Roatan is scheduled to open in 2025.
Read More: Margaritaville Cap Cana Review: Punta Cana All-Inclusive
Paradise Found
The attentive service began with a warm welcome. We received frozen ice pops (with or without tequila) when we pulled up to the resort entrance. This is your first introduction to the beachy, parrot-filled world of Jimmy Buffet. A giant flip-flop sentinel is posted at the far end of the lobby. I dare you not to smile.
Check-in was quick. Guests receive waterproof bracelets that function as room keys. The bracelets also hold the points you use to stock your room’s minibar. Credit cards are not attached to the bracelets but are kept on file for resort purchases you might make during your stay.
You’re also encouraged to download the resort app. Everything you need to know is available here, including the activity schedule, restaurant hours and menus and room service orders.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Rooms are ready at 3 pm but the resort is available to you upon arrival. Pack a day bag with all your beach essentials including your swimsuit and sunscreen so you can easily change in the spa locker room and start your vacay.
Accommodations
The resort is intimate. With only 148 total rooms, suites and villas, Margaritaville has an exclusive beach club feel. A serpentine path winds through the resort and the room buildings are dotted here and there, creating wonderfully private nooks and crannies.
We stayed in one of the spacious Presidential Chill-Out Suites. The comfy king bed is in its own room that can be closed off with a pair of pocket doors for privacy. A huge bathroom included double sinks, a deep soaking tub, toilet room and rainfall shower. The water pressure was dynamic! It was so nice to be able to fully rinse the sand from my hair.
The comfy living area with pull-out sofa has a large wall-mounted TV and table and chairs for four. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass door deliver smashing ocean views. A balcony with two Adirondack chairs complete the space.
Room amenities include:
- Air conditioning
- Smart TVs
- Free wifi
- In-room safe
- Deluxe bathrobe and slippers
- Hairdryer
- Room service
- Daily housekeeping
- Coffee maker, bar accessories and glasses
- Mini fridge
Additional guestroom selections include Paradise rooms with king beds and junior suites with two queen or one king beds. Two villas that sleep 10+ are also available.
And, if you’re up for a real splurge, choose the Margaritaville Swim-up Suites. Available in several different configurations, the swim-up suites feature direct access from your room patio into the resort swimming pools. It’s the next best thing to a private plunge pool. If you book one of these rooms and you have children, exercise caution at all times and use the installed safety gates.
SheBuysTravel Tip: There’s a commitment to accessibility at the resort. Many room types are on ground level – no steps necessary. Ramped walkways coexist with path steps. And the resort is certified Autism-Ready by Autism Double-Checked, a leading trainer for the hospitality industry.
Margaritaville Dining Options
I was pleasantly surprised by the dining experience at the Margaritaville Island Reserve. My experience has been that when you pay one price, whether it’s on a large-ship cruise or at an all-you-can-eat buffet, you get meals that are good, but not great.
That’s not the case here. The menus are appealing with a wide variety of options. The dishes are presented beautifully and are flavored richly. And each of the restaurants has its own vibe so you don’t feel like you’re eating the same food in the same place meal after meal.
Margaritaville Dining Highlights:
- The resort has seven dining options including four sit-down restaurants.
- Two of the restaurants – Latino and Frank and Lola’s – are air-conditioned and open for dinner only.
- The resort prides itself on its breakfast service. It’s referred to as a food display, rather than a buffet. The dishes are showcased in smaller portions and refreshed frequently.
- Unique food experiences are available for an upcharge, including a floating taco bar, beachside dining, premium steaks and curated wine selections.
- 24-hour room service (salads, hamburgers, club sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, grilled chicken breast, salmon, key lime pie, pizza and more).
- Servers are attentive to individual needs and food allergies.
Reservations for dinner at Frank and Lola’s, Latino and The Beach House can be made in three ways: at the concierge desk, with a resort Island Ambassador or by sending a message request through the app.
The Beach House
Open most of the day and several evenings for dinner, The Beach House is the primary restaurant for guests. You can’t beat the ocean views and the vibe is casual. The breakfast food display features a variety of hot and cold options. I started each morning with the yogurt parfait drizzled with honey and topped with berries and a side of crispy bacon.
My husband’s favorite vacay treat is made-to-order omelets. He fell hard for Pati, the queen of the egg station. He loved how she fried an ultra-thin egg sheet, piled on the fillings and folded it into a plump pillow.
Rita’s Taco House
This is a must for lunch or a late afternoon snack. The tacos are served street-style, so you’ll want to order more than one. I suggest trying the family-style taco tray to sample different varieties.
Another popular option for sharing is the Nachos Tower. It’s assembled in the kitchen inside a large tin can. Servers place the can on your plate and lift it slowly to release a mound of chips topped with flank steak, beans, cheese Pico de Gallo, sour cream, jalapenos and guacamole.
My stand-out taco was the pork Ciudad de Mexico featuring spiced and grilled pork and pineapple. But my favorite dish was the wedge salad. It is not your usual American steakhouse version. Crisp iceberg lettuce is topped with spiced pineapple chunks, large grilled shrimp, toasted peanuts and a ranch dressing drizzle.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re a shrimp lover, you’ll be in heaven here. I expect small, sad shrimp at “pay one price” buffets and on cruises. The shrimp at the resort are large, cooked perfectly and well-seasoned. It was shellfish heaven for me.
Frank & Lola’s Italian Trattoria
For a premium dining experience, reserve Frank & Lola’s is for date night. Reservations are encouraged and you’ll need to up your look – swimwear, baseball caps and men’s tank tops are no-nos.
We were delighted with our appetizer selections. The mozzarella caprese was fresh and light and the fried calamari were tender and well-seasoned. I enjoyed the spinach and ricotta ravioli, dressed with a white wine and sage sauce for my entree. Hubby had the mahi mahi, served Sicilian-style with capers, black olives and cherry tomatoes served with a potato side. Despite his German heritage, he’s not a spuds fan and requested a side of penne with tomato sauce. He was graciously served both, and surprisingly, he loved the rich potato and cheese gratin.
We finished with a very light and delicious tiramisu.
SheBuysTravel Tip: I thought the portion sizes at Frank and Lola’s were smaller than the other dinner dining venues, so it’s ideal for ordering a number of different items for sharing.
Latino
Fusion cuisine is on the menu at this restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients and unique presentations of Asian-Latin dishes. It was my favorite and I look forward to returning to try more of the dishes. We started with a shrimp ceviche featuring leche de tigre, a Peruvian lime-tinged marinade, and a massive tuna tartar roll. Next, I had the spinach salad with goat cheese and chopped dates and hubby tried a rich, meat-laden Dominican Sancocho soup.
We could have stopped here. But, of course, vacations are a time to indulge. My stone-grilled mahi mahi and shrimp entree was fresh and lightly spiced and my husband’s citrus honey-glazed pisco ribs were messy and delicious.
SheBuysTravel Tip: I enjoy white wine with dinner but am not a connoisseur. You can purchase a variety of whites, reds and bubbles by the bottle, but I found the house Sauvignon Blanc was crisp and pleasant.
Joe Merchant’s
When you must have fresh brew, Joe Merchant’s is the place to go. And it’s open from 7 am to 11 pm because when you need a coffee shop, you need a coffee shop. In addition to Americanos, cappuccinos and the like, you can order specialty coffees that Starbucks can only dream about. An iced Mexican Mocha is on my list for next time – double espresso, Mexican chocolate and milk.
While you’re in Joe Merchant’s, don’t skip trying one of the decadent brownie bites. They’re in the refrigerated case that also holds a variety of pastries, salads and sammies, all included in the all-inclusive dining.
Another fun thing to do in Joe Merchant’s is to stock your room mini-bar. You’ll be assigned a number of points at check-in, based on your room category and length of stay. Use them to “purchase” the beverages and snacks you prefer to have on hand in your room. Every person I’ve told about this has thought it’s a totally brilliant concept.
It’s located in the main lobby pavilion across from the resort gift shop.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Want to save money on pool and sand toys? One family told me they pack inexpensive ones from your local dollar store and then leave them with hotel staff members who have kids.
Blended Smoothie Bar
A tropical smoothie was just the right treat for me, post-breakfast, pre-lunch. My favorite was the Grapefruit-Juicy Fruit, a combo of yogurt, pineapple, vanilla, orange juice, grapefruit, chía seeds and toasted coconut. Healthy bowls, vegan treats and fresh fruit are available too and all are part of the all-inclusive dining. Head here early. It’s only open from 7 am to noon.
If you want an excellent video reel, ask to use the blender bike. Your ingredients will get loaded into a blender that you attach to one of the stationary bikes parked outside of Blended. Pedal away to mix your smoothie!
Because it’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere
When you want to get out of the sun and kick back with an adult beverage, head to one of the resort’s four unique bars.
License to Chill Bar
This was my favorite hangout. It’s a small, circular bar next to the adults-only pool and steps away from the beach. On some days, the bartender places a rainbow-colored spinning wheel on the bar, labeled with different cocktail names. If you’re in the mood for a drink, but you’re not sure what you’d like, spin away and let fate decide for you.
A salsa-making class was held at the bar during my stay. Tamara and Cesar showed us how to make both red and green salsas using charred ingredients mashed by hand using a molcajete, a Mexican volcanic stone mortar and pestle. Tacos accompanied by the salsa were served at the bar following the demo.
5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar
This is the central hub for the entire resort. It’s adjacent to the largest pool and The Beach House restaurant. Most of the scheduled day activities and live entertainment take place here. There’s plenty of seating around the central bar and on cushioned banquettes lining the exterior.
Because the bar is open to the pool area, you can take your evening cocktail to one of the chaise loungers and listen to the evening’s scheduled live music (DJ, band, karaoke) under starry skies. It was a very pleasant way to end a day in paradise. Because the resort is family-friendly, the evening vibe was chill.
SheBuysTravel Tip: A note about noise. The resort is an acoustic marvel. Different playlists in separate areas never compete with one another and the rooms are incredibly soundproof. However, voices do carry from the room balconies in the resort area near the S.O.S. Bar. If you’re having a private family convo, it’s best to do so inside your room.
Compass
The resort’s laidback lobby bar features over rum varieties. One of the popular resort activities are afternoon tastings. Bartender Manuel introduced us to four different brands including his favorite, Matusalem, a classic golden Cuban rum ideal for sipping.
I like a little spice in my spirits. Manuel concocted a great Planter’s Punch for me using Kraken rum that’s flavored with Mexican spices including vanilla and cinnamon. Sadly, I wasn’t able to find a bottle in the airport duty-free, but I’ll be buying it at home.
S.O.S. Swim-Up Bar
This bar is tucked away near the resort rooms with the swim-up suites. This area feels like a resort within a resort. Swim-up or catnap on the suspended (and shaded) day beds.
On-Site Activities at the Margaritaville Beach Resort Riviera Cancun
You can be as busy as you desire at the Margaritaville Island Reserve. A daily activities schedule is posted on the surfboard near the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar and on the Margaritaville app. During my stay, there were craft and Spanish language classes, a variety of wellness programming, cooking lessons, beach volleyball games and more.
The resort’s entertainment dynamo is Tamara. One morning, she taught us essential Spanish phrases, then jumped over to the pool to lead a rollicking aqua fitness class and finally bounced over to the License to Chill bar to conduct a salsa-making class. Her energy ignites the activities.
At night, a variety of live entertainment is presented including music trivia, blackjack games, and performances by DJs and bands. Karaoke was featured on two evenings during my stay. The star both nights was a middle-schooler who rapped Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” with passion, cutely skipping over the naughtier lyrics.
The resort fitness center features a full gym located in the spa building. Open from 8 am to 7 pm, guests have access to the locker room with showers, steam bath and sauna.
Non-motorized watersports including kayaks and SUPs are available at the beach.
All of these amenities and activities are included in your room rate. Additional experiences are available for an fee:
- Families traveling with small children will appreciate the Parakeets kids’ club. The colorful play space and activities are designed for kids ages 4-12.
- Beachfront Balinese beds – all-day rentals include snack and drink service
St. Somewhere Spa
If you’re a spa fan, don’t skip a trip to the St. Somewhere Spa. It’s a unique haven within the resort offering a full complement of treatments plus a hair, makeup and nail salon. Included with every service is the option to add a complementary hydrotherapy experience. You’ll be guided through timed stays in the shower, steam room and sauna. Then you’ll be escorted to a pool room and, if you dare (I did!), submerge yourself in a cold plunge pool. Your reward? A relaxing soak in a hot tub. The process is designed to open your pores, shock your circulation and release toxins. Whether that happened or not, I found the process both relaxing and invigorating. Bring your bathing suit.
My next stop was in one of the serene treatment rooms. My therapist Patricia asked about my desired pressure for my 80-minute Splendid Dip Coconut & Cream Massage, one of the spa’s signature treatments. We began with an exfoliating foot scrub and polish. Deliciously scented body butters are applied and massaged in by hand. The treatment closes with a warm stone massage. In the past, I’ve found this service to be slightly clunky, but Patricia made the stones feel like extensions of her hands. It was marvelous. My dry skin really benefited from this treatment – I’m writing this four days after my spa visit and my dry skin still feels hyper moisturized.
SheBuysTravel Tip: When booking your treatment, you’ll be asked if you’d like to include the hydrotherapy. The reservationist will include 50 minutes for that experience and confirm your arrival time. So, for example, if you’re booked for 2:30, your massage is scheduled to begin at 3:30.
Things to Do Off-Property
If you’re staying for five or more days, you might want to book an excursion. Check in with the concierge team in the lobby to explore your options. Here are some of the most popular options:
- If you’re traveling with teens, consider a combo ATV, zipline and snorkel trip to the Extreme Adventure Eco Park (duration: 4 hours)
- A full-day trip to the ancient ruins of Tulum. This excursion includes a swim in a jungle cenote and shopping in Playa del Carmen.
- Puerto Morelos is a charming oceanfront village with a renowned botanical garden, local restaurants and artisan crafts. The ride from the resort is about 15 to 20 minutes. Transportation using the resort’s recommended supplier, BRX Services, can be arranged.
- Embark on a catamaran cruise in Puerto Morelos to explore beaches and sandbars, offering panoramic views of the Caribbean coast and opportunities for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding directly from the open-air deck. (duration: 4 hours)
There’s also a 2-hour snorkeling excursion that departs from the resort pier. During my visit, guests were delighted by the sea turtles they saw during their dives.
SheBuysTravel Tip: The resort encourages guests who book excursions with non-affiliated tour companies to let the concierge know their trip details for safety reasons. Normal precautions are advised by the US State Department in Yucatan.
Getting Here
Upon arrival at the Cancun International Airport, you’ll pass through customs and exit into a chaotic, outdoor mob of taxi drivers, private transfer companies and hotel shuttles. It can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re sleep-deprived. If you’ve pre-booked your hotel transfer (there is no resort shuttle), confirm your exact pickup location based on your arrival terminal and have the contact information available just in case you can’t find your driver. Taxis are another option. They are safe, but more expensive than pre-booked transfers.
On departure day, you must be at the airport three hours before your flight. I groaned when I found out, but was tickled to discover that Terminal 4 is a delightful place to hang out. There is a wide variety of shopping and dining options, open during the a.m. hours. And the airport lounge accessible to American Express Platinum cardholders is one of the bougiest I’ve ever visited. I had a yummy breakfast and purchased all of my duty-free souvenirs, including Mexican vanilla and hot sauce before boarding my flight home.
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