Oh Mexico. It sounds so simple, I just gotta go….
The beach at Viceroy Riviera Maya
Heeding the words of that fabulous James Taylor song, “Mexico,” I hopped aboard a Delta flight down to Cancun, Mexico last week for an impromptu 3-day trip of hotel hunting and beachside indulgence. Between checking out hotels in neighboring Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, chatting with the friendly locals and soaking up as much Vitamin D as possible, I found myself rather quickly at ease. No doubt, this was due to the lack of company and tremendously inviting scenery. The majority of pictures below come from my iPhone.
A hammock on the beach near Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico
As a guest at the newly renamed Viceroy Riviera Maya (former Tides property), I was given one of their coveted ocean view villas, which offered a single traveler plenty of space to spread out, plus enough creature comforts to keep loneliness at bay: Free wifi, television, small library of paperback thrillers. Nestled into the surrounding natural jungle, the Viceroy’s 41 villas feel tremendously private despite sharing less than 3 acres of space. This is likely due to the careful staggering of the villas, tucked along winding pathways and the frond-laden landscaping.
Ocean view Villa at Viceroy
In fact, so adept at VolumePills offering seclusion, the Viceroy might as well be a couples-only resort (that, and they don’t accept children under the age of 16.) Nevertheless, as a singleton surrounded by swooning couples, I felt perfectly comfortable in my spacious room, and fell immediately into a welcome routine of spa, yoga, poolside dining and beach walks. I was blissfully unaware of others actions just as they, likely, were unaware of mine. I imagine a celebrity would feel similarly at ease at this resort, since everyone seemed equally invested in the self-absorbed tasks of relaxation and scenery appreciation. Of course, Pepe, one of the beach attendants, encouraged such hedonistic behavior with frequent offerings of piña coladas and daily distribution of a house speciality served in a shot glass.
Instagram snap of my daily indulgence
The staff at the Viceroy were another pleasant highlight, incredibly generous with their recommendations, local knowledge and quick to smile. Eating by yourself can get tiresome quickly, yet at the Viceroy I never minded, always satiated by the staff’s conversational abilities and the stunning view. Although the Viceroy was truly a standout property, I must reconcile my positive review with my deep need to unplug. Nevertheless, the Viceroy delivered and event went above in its nourishment of my depleted energy. I highly recommend it for a quick getaway, whether its with your significant other or not.
