If you’re seeking a romantic and unforgettable couple’s getaway, look no further than the all-inclusive, adults only, Haven Rivera Cancun Resort & Spa in Cancun, Mexico, where class and culture intermingle as one since October of 2018 when the resort opened its doors.
This high school teacher and journalist had the opportunity to experience the resort with her husband—and I assure you the service and the experience were top tier, and I’m so ready to go back to school refreshed, rejuvenated and with amazing memories.
Our experience started with a short drive (15 minutes tops!) from the Cancun International Airport to Haven Riviera Resort, where we were greeted by staff at the Serenity Lounge. Our suite, the Serenity Suite, was a true escape for tired souls, with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico overlapping with your very own swim-up pool, perfect for lounging and relaxing with a good book or good conversation.
Thirsty? The Serenity experience includes your very own butler, who you can call to order small spirits bottles—my husband and I enjoyed making our own cocktails and sipping on them as we took in the view. The stocked mini bar includes local cold Mexican beer selections such as Tecate Light. Plus, the 24-hour in-room dining service will have you craving breakfast with a view of the ocean.
Recommendation: the chicken enchiladas or delectable pancakes and bacon, which come topped with fresh fruit and enough maple syrup to meet your needs. It definitely made this my day as we took on the sights, dove in the pool to beat the heat and prepared for the rest of our adventure.
If you’re looking for rest and relaxation, look no further than the resort spa. While there, we enjoyed the hydrotherapy pool experience, where a designated spa attendant walks you through a relaxing selection or water experiences that massage and rejuvenate you as you let those everyday worries slip away. We also recommend the 50-minute aromatherapy massage, one that hits all those perfect pressure points and leaves you feeling “scentsational” as you enjoy aromas of rose and lavender, soothing music and it’s the perfect quick fix for any stressors.
As for unique dining and entertainment experiences, the hotel offers a variety of restaurants such as Agua Bendita, a Mexican steakhouse concept, Satsu, for all your sushi and Asian-inspired food needs, Olios, with Mediterranean options, Vistas and Vora Mar; two daily marketplace restaurant, Flavours; and three distinct bars—Limes American Bar, Havens Bar and Serenity Lounge—all featuring unique different cocktail menus crafted by award-winning local mixologists.
Guests enjoy two expansive pools with swim-up bars, Dock’s and Vistas, as well as multiple poolside grills and snack bars. Our favorite experience thus far was the mixology experience at Limes, where you suggest a flavor to your bartender and they whip up a unique cocktail just for you. For us, he created a mezcal-strawberry margarita and a delicious tropical-inspired goblet filled with a rum and mango concoction, which both left us refreshed.
After dinner, we recommend visiting Moons Cabaret, where you can take in a Vegas-inspired show, some full of magic tricks and some full of singing and intricate dancing, like the Latin and cabaret-inspired one we caught on one of our last evenings visiting the resort, which had us tapping our toes and singing along to Pitbull songs and even a few Elvis tunes.
Another highlight of our visit was the Serenity lounge, where we enjoyed handcrafted drinks with the manager on Friday and snacks and wine, champagne and spirits daily. Nestled with a perfect view of the ocean and pool, it was a wonderful way to take in a sunset.
Thinking of visiting or need that extra nudge to go to Cancun? Look no further than Haven, where this teacher and journalist found an escape from everyday worries and is sure you will feel laid-back, well-rested and ready to return to your final destination.
Whether you go for just a weekend or a week away, it’s certainly worth your time and carefully saved-up vacation time.
Haven Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, HavenResorts.com
