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Riviera Cancun – Oddball’s Favorite Things at Resorts

Our photos and opinions from the all-inclusive resorts we have visited in the Riviera Cancun...

“Have you been there?” Yes! Oddball has recently visited these resorts in Riviera Cancun. And we’re sharing a few of our photos and things we liked best about each resort. We travel to learn about the resorts so that we can help you find the ideal resort for your vacation! Ask us about these resorts, and others not listed here. Want more info? Email Cassie at cassie@oddballescapes.com for more information!

These resorts are featured below...

Entertainment featured below...

Excellence Riviera Cancun

Overview. This adults-only luxury resort is designed so that everything is close to the beach or offers a relaxing tropical pool view.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Layout. - With 6 pools meandering through the resort, every room has a nice courtyard view with a pool, providing a relaxing, secluded atmosphere.
Beach. - The beach is wider than most other resorts, so the chairs, beds, and palapas aren't right on top of each other... love the space!
Excellence Club. - Access to a completely different side of the resort, private beach, private lounge, and upgraded services.

Dreams Riviera Cancun

Overview. A family-friendly resort for all age ranges, with a beautiful central courtyard that provides easy access to the pool, beach, and entertainment.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Pool and beach. - This large main pool area is broken up into sections so that people are spread out and can enjoy both a fun and relaxing atmostphere.
Kids club. - Of course the kids club has activities for kids of all ages, but their activities include a mini rock wall, bungee, and other unique options!
Layout & décor. - The central courtyard houses most of the activities and entertainment, and the buildings are within easy-walking distance.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico

Overview. Built into the natural landscape of the region, this resort offers premium accommodations that let you relax and truly getaway from your daily life.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Stunning architecture! - You will feel at one with nature when surrounded by jungle, caves, rivers, and buildings with natural stone & colors. Beautiful!
All-Fun Inclusive. - Guests receive unlimited access to the parks & tours, including Xcaret, Xplor, Xenses, Xel-Ha, Xoximilco, Xenotes, and Xichen.
Roof pool in the adults-only section. - Wow. Breathtaking! This rooftop pool is large and offers stunning views of the surrounding area & coastline.

Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya

Overview. Perfect for young families who want a family-friendly resort in a lush tropical setting without sacrificing classy décor & adult attention to detail.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Young kid friendly! - This resort caters to kids in an amazing way! There are kid menus in all the restaurants, character décor throughout the resort, kid-sized loungers on the pool deck, free baby amenities in the rooms, kid-friendly spa services, signature Nickelodeon entertainment on resort... and MORE!
A smaller boutique hotel. - With only has 148 rooms, the Azul experience is all about personalized service in an intimate family-friendly setting.
Wellness. - I am jealous of the fitness center at this resort! They even have a kid-friendly gym for ages 6-12. Wow. And the spa is amazing as well.

Hard Rock Riviera Maya

Overview. With its signature decor, this resort is spread out with 9 different buildings along the beach, with both a family-friendly and adults-only side.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Beautiful coves. - The beach area is set against a rocky barrier, providing calm, clear waters perfect to relax, swim, snorkel or kayak.
Night club for adults! - Wow! The hot tubs INSIDE of the nightclub are amazing! Thursday-Saturdays only, from 11pm to 2am.
Full but not crowded. - The pool and beach areas may feel less full during the day because many guests are often attending conferences or meetings.

Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen

Overview. This recently renovated resort (November 2018) has vintage travel-themed décor, modern rooms, and a prime location to Playa del Carmen.

Top 3 favorite things about this resort:
Easy access to Playa del Carmen. - Just steps from shopping & nightlife, this is the perfect beachside resort for people who want easy city access.
Smaller boutique resort. - With less than 300 rooms, this resort has both a colorful fun vibe and laid-back beach vibe.
Unique basic rooms. - Simply need a basic room with no frills? A section of these rooms features a semi-private terrace and a small rooftop pool!

Cirque du Soleil Joya

Overview. I LOVE Cirque du Soleil shows and this one did NOT disappoint! Located across from the Vidanta resort, about a half hour south of the airport.

Top 3 favorite things about this show:
Always here! - Joyá is Cirque du Soleil's first resident show in Latin America, and its performance is exactly what you'd expect from Cirque du Soleil.
Dinner and a show. - This is the first show that Cirque du Soleil has paired with a dinner experience. And it's a unique experience not to be missed!
What a welcome! - An impressive structure pops out of the jungle landscape, and is surrounded with tiki-hut buildings. Arrive early and enjoy the bar.

Xplor

Overview. One of the famous parks by Xcaret, Xplor is for those you love adventure and want a day filled with active experiences.

Top 3 favorite things about this park:
Natural caverns. - Built into natural caverns and caves, you'll walk inside the earth or through the jungle to get to each adventure in the park.
Adventure activities. - Fill your day with zip lines, amphibious vehicles, hand-paddled rafts, river swims, and hammock splashes! So much to do!
Xplor Fuego. - The park's nighttime experience that comes to life with fire throughout the park.

Woodward Riviera Maya

Overview. A world-class facility full of adventure, featuring a skate park, a BMX park, trampolines, jumps, and more! Designed for all skill levels.

Top 3 favorite things about this activity center:
An active kid's paraside! - Wow, what a facility for kids (or kids at heart) that like to be on wheels.
Timed sessions. - Timed sessions help regulate the number of people sharing the park, and mandatory instructional sessions are required.
Outdoor experience. - The Ninja Obstacle Challenge is another feature located outside of the main building that seems very fun... and not as scary!