I recently stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, an all-inclusive resort from the world famous brand. While it may not have been an obvious choice of resort for me personally, I have to say that I had a great time. My short stay there actually changed my mind about the brand.
I’m happy to report that I would definitely stay at an all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel again given the chance. Not only is the property stunning and elegant, but it also offers a number of features you’d be hard pressed to find in other all-inclusive resorts in Cancun and Riviera Maya.
If you’re looking for awesome things to do in Riviera Maya, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya will probably have you covered for at least 3 days of your visit. That’s because the hotel offers so much eight things you should definitely experience when staying at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya:
Stay in a Deluxe Platinum Sky Terrace at Heaven
If you’re not traveling with kids, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya’s adults-only section, aptly called Heaven, is definitely the way to go. It’s quieter, more relaxing and less chaotic. Have a bigger budget? Then splurging on a Deluxe Platinum Sky Terrace suite is the way to go. This two-floor suite comes with the luxurious furnishings and amenities plus a private rooftop (second floor) with a big Jacuzzi. A dip in a private hot tub under that stars, anyone? Have the staff set it up for you, and bring up some drinks from your in-room stash!
Note: this room option is also available on the family-friendly Hacienda side.
Stay Active and Attend a LES MILLS Fitness Class
Working out may be the last thing in your mind when you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort like Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya. But trust me when I tell you that the LES MILLS classes that the resort has on offer for its guests are worth experiencing. They currently have 13 different fitness classes available. And they’re all pretty awesome as LES MILLS integrates a motivating pop music soundtrack with every workout, making them fun to do. And their instructors are very positive and inspiring. BODYCOMBAT (a kickboxing type workout) is a particular favorite of mine, but they have everything from BODYFLOW (a Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates inspired workout) to BODYJAM (a dance and cardio BJ workout). This means that there are options for every taste and level. So don’t forget to pack your workout clothes or buy the super comfy LES MILLS+REEBOK ones.
Join a Paddle Boarding Tour
Exploring coves and lagoons must be at the top of your list of things to do in Riviera Maya. And Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya’s beach is essentially divided into several different naturally protected coves. And the waters in each of these coves are so calm that they feel like they’re manmade pools. So they’re great for paddle boarding, and perfect for those who have never done the sport before and want to learn. The all-inclusive resort only currently offers paddle boarding through a guided tour on certain days every week. But it’s worth doing. Check their current paddle boarding tour schedule and make sure to register in advance.
Go Sailing and Wine Tasting at Sunset
Partnering with popular excursion company Riviera Maya Adventures, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya offers guests a sailing cruise as part of their excursion packages. We opted for something a little different and instead went at sunset and did a little wine tasting. On our version of the excursion (which isn’t currently offered to guests) we got to do a Mexican-style wine and cheese (and charcuterie) pairing with the hotel’s very own sommelier. We got to sample different Mexican wines whilst enjoying lovely views of the sunset. And you might even get a glimpse of passing rays and sea lions. We did!
Reconnect with Yourself in a Temazcal
Temazcal is an Igloo-shaped sauna-type lodge that’s traditionally used in many parts of Mexico. It’s supposed to have physical and spiritual healing benefits, and used by people to get away from the outside world and just reconnect with with one’s self. It’s become a trend, in fact, and one of the more Mayan-related things to do in Riviera Maya. Today, many resorts have started to open Temazcal experiences to their guests, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya including. At the resort, an actual shaman is with you throughout the whole ritual, which involves several steps, including a Mayan blessing ceremony with amber. It’s a unique and cathartic spa treatment that every person should experience at least once.
Warning: If you’re extremely claustrophobic or have certain medical conditions, this might not be the experience for you.
Get the Rhythm and Motion Massage at the Rock Spa
I opted for an aromatherapy message at the Rock Spa, and there wasn’t really anything special about it. However, the other ladies that I went with chose to do Hard Rock brand’s signature Synchronicity Massage, which is part of their Rhythm and Motion offering. A very unique spa menu, Rhythm and Motion is the world’s first fully immersive music-centric spa menu utilizing amplified vibrations produced by several rock and pop songs and couples them with different massage pressures and patterns that change with the rhythm. While this may not sound very relaxing, it’s apparently quite calming and effective. And, as it is something different, it’s definitely worth a try.
Pay for an Over-the-Water Cabana
Hard Rock Riviera Maya has several cabanas all over the property. If you have the budget for it (as it’s not included in the all-inclusive package), it’s definitely worth renting one for the day. If you’re loaded, rent one for your whole stay. And opt for the over-the-water ones. The ones on the beach are nice, but these over-the-water ones have the perfect view of the sun rising and they have direct access to the water. They’re also great for those who love the water but are not particularly fond of sand.
Party at Club Heaven
I’m not necessarily a party or club person and I’m also not very fond of club crowds in general. But clubbing is a typical part of the experience and one of the usual things to do in Riviera Maya. And once in a while I do enjoy going to clubs and letting lose. To be honest, I actually had a lot of fun partying at Club Heaven, Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya’s onsite club. It’s famous for the indoor pool and two Jacuzzis that are set in the middle right in front of the DJ booth. This means that you can take a dip in the pool as you party or when you get too hot from dancing.
If you want to splurge, reserving a private booth for your party is definitely worth it as it can get pretty crowded. Plus, you’ll pretty much have a server constantly checking up on you to see if you need anything.
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stray with rae 