Whenever I book a trip to a new destination, I like to consider what that city is known for and the most popular activities. I recently had the opportunity to travel to Cancún, Mexico—somewhere that I once thought to be a must-see solely for college students on spring break or bachelor and bachelorette parties looking to escape to somewhere warm in the winter months. I can appreciate a great cocktail on the beach, but I usually look for a much more serene vibe. While this party hot-spot reputation made me skeptical at first, my worries were soon laid to rest when I discovered the appropriately named Haven Riviera Cancún resort, which provides a relaxing destination for adults with breathtaking views, excellent dining options, and top-of-the-line amenities that couples and friends can enjoy. Be sure to hit play on the video above for a peek into the resort and the amenities.
Just 15 minutes from Cancún International Airport, Haven is a 333-room all-inclusive beach resort that opened in October 2018. It is the first hotel from the Hipotel brand (which specializes in beautiful ocean view locations) to open outside of Spain. It is an 18 and older resort that is largely targeted toward romantic getaways for couples. Each private suite provides a stunning experience for guests. Whether you opt for a garden or ocean view, every room is a secluded oasis with extravagant features such as whirlpool tubs, swim-out pools (yes, connected to the room!), 24/7 room service, butler services, and aromatherapy.
Upon first arrival I was blown away by the level of luxury that Haven offers its guests. The decor is chic, modern, and simplistic yet has many unique and opulent touches. As soon as you step into the main lobby it is obvious that this isn’t your average beachside hotel. High ceilings, lavish chandeliers, and wooden and marble textures—both commonly used in Mexican design—create a high-end atmosphere where, at the same time, you feel comfortable and at-home. I was greeted with a fresh hot towel, which was a refreshing touch after a long flight.
Since my main goal of this trip was to unwind after an extremely busy semester in my graduate program, I decided to hit the spa as soon as I checked in. The MySenses Spa is an impressive 15,7000 square foot space offering an endless list of services including hydrotherapy, steam rooms, ice fountains, massage stations, a beauty salon, and a fitness center. Different packages for individuals, couples, and even bridal parties are available.
If you’ve never been to an all-inclusive resort before, rest assured that you won’t run out of dining options during your stay. Haven boasts 14 restaurants and bars featuring a range of Mexican, American, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines. Flavours is a great stop for quick and casual dining, while Olios and Satsu are perfect for more upscale dining experiences. One of the most unforgettable parts of this trip was the wonderful mixology experience I had the pleasure of attending, hosted by the bartenders at the Limes bar, which features a huge variety of international beers and wines as well as American finger foods. Though it is usually for only one hour each evening, you’ll be able to catch live entertainment at several different bars and restaurants each night.
And of course, there’s the most important part of any island vacation—the water and the excursions! While I have been to resorts with larger beach areas, the beach at Haven was beautiful and definitely felt private and secluded, while also safe. There are 3 large pools on the property (though these close at 7pm) in addition to 15 exclusive swim-out pools attached to suites. Nearby, you can enjoy jet skiing, fishing, and parasailing for additional fees. Just 10 minutes from the resort lies the esteemed El Tinto golf course, where you can enjoy complimentary tee fees depending on which suite you booked.
As with any new resort of this magnitude, there are still elements that are a work in progress. I would love to see more on-site entertainment and later hours for the different amenities, but overall it was an incredible experience. If you had the chance to travel to Cancún, would you opt for a week of relaxation or the more famous beach party atmosphere?