My Honest Review of Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya, Dallas Travel Agent Near Me-Anne King

Anne King

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My Honest Review of Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya

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@adventuresbyanne My honest review of Margaritaville’s newest resort in the Cancun area #cancun #travelagent #allinclusive #margaritaville #islandreserve #adultsonly #mexico ♬ Feel Good - Tundra Beats

My Honest Review of Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya

Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is the perfect option for a weekend getaway or short-stay vacation.Located only 15 minutes from Cancun Airport, it is easy to get to and you can be at the pool by afternoon on your day of arrival.Resort highlights:• Adults only• All-inclusive• New resort, opened June 1, 2023• On-site brewery• Large pool• Daytime and nighttime activities on site

The room: I stayed at this hotel in March 2024 in a King Paradise Room. The room was spacious with bright and fresh décor and furnishings. There is plenty of space to stretch out and ample storage. There is a large walk-in shower and great lighting in the bathroom. I really appreciated the newness of the resort—everything was clean and fresh.

The Minibar: You’ll find a unique mini-bar setup with a lime juicer, margarita glasses, and a cocktail shaker in your room. Don’t let the empty fridge throw you! Based on your room category and the number of nights of your stay, you will receive points to use in Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions. You’ll shop for your soda, snacks, beer & liquors like you do in a convenience store. This gives you the ability to completely customize your room’s minibar. It’s a bit confusing in the beginning, but makes sense when you work through the process.

The Pools: there are 4 pools on the property. The highlight is the main pool with the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Swim-up Bar. This is where you’ll find the foam parties, DJ’s, and games. Other pools are more quiet. There was plenty of pool chairs and cabanas. You won’t want to miss the famous floating avocado boat (additional charge) where you can munch on tacos, chips, salsas and guacamole while you are in the pool.

The Food: Everything I ate at the 3 a la carte and 1 food display restaurants was delicious! The food display is a spin on buffet dining where they keep the selections fresh by presenting smaller serving dishes in each area. There are plenty of choices, including a gluten-free bakery section. Every a la carte meal was fantastic with a steakhouse, an Italian restaurant, and a grill and brewery. Service was top-notch everywhere. The only downside in dining that I experienced was room service. You order on the app, and delivery was right on time—amazing!! However, my choices left a lot to be desired, and I would have been better off going to buffet (food display).

The Beach: Don’t be surprised…there is none. The waves come right up to the edge of the property. There is no room for beach chairs. At the time I was there, we weren’t even allowed to step on the sand. The water close to the property isn’t the prettiest. If you are a “pool person” and putting your toes in the sand isn’t a requirement for a fabulous vacation, you can still enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean—especially at sunrise in the morning and twilight in the evening.

Overall recommendation: I would highly recommend this property to a couple looking for a weekend getaway or a girl’s trip looking for lively pool activities and fun evening entertainment. Four nights would be plenty. More than that, and you may get bored. I was there during the week, and it was fairly quiet. As we were leaving on a Friday, the crowd and atmosphere was definitely getting more lively. If a beautiful beach and pristine clear ocean are a must, this isn’t the resort for you.

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As a travel advisor, I visit several resorts each year, and Secrets Vallarta Bay stands out for its blend of luxury, service, and location. Here are my top five favorite things about this adults-only, all-inclusive gem in Puerto Vallarta.

My Top 5 Favorite Things About Secrets Vallarta Bay

Stunning Oceanfront Location

Secrets Vallarta Bay is perched right on the beach, offering panoramic views of Banderas Bay. Waking up to the sound of waves and dining with the sunset as the backdrop are truly unforgettable. The resort’s design maximizes these views. Whether you are relaxing in your ocean view room, sitting by the pool, or dining at one of the oceanfront restaurants, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific.

The Adults-only Secrets Vallarta Bay shares the property with its sister resort, the family-friendly Dreams Vallarta Bay. The two resorts are split down the middle. Secrets guests can enjoy the dining and amenities offered at Dreams, which adds to the many options available. The family-friendly side did not disrupt our adults-only vacation at all! We could see the water slide and a few kiddos around the pool from our room balcony, but around the Secrets pool and beach, you would never know a family-friendly option was right next door. They do an excellent job of keeping the two distinct and separate.

Gourmet Dining Options

Food is a highlight here, with multiple à la carte restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to authentic Mexican cuisine. I enjoy quality and variety, and Secrets Vallarta Bay did not disappoint. Highlights of where we dined during our stay:


Restaurant	Cuisine	Highlights
Himitsu	Asian Cuisine	Asian inspired décor: spicy edamame and sushi. Teppenyaki dining is the only place you’ll need a reservation
Bordeaux	French	Elegant atmosphere: pear salad with spinach, blue cheese and fois gras foam; Poisson Blanc Meuniere with zucchini and asparagus risotto
Oceana	Gourmet Seafood	Beachfront with spectacular ocean views: spinach salad with hearts of palm, bacon and a balsamic vinaigrette, grilled octopus with guajillo marinade, olive oil and sweet potato chip

Gentlemen, be sure to pack a pair of long pants, as many restaurants have a dress code in the evening.

Exceptional Service

From the moment we arrived, the entire staff made us feel relaxed and welcome. From the front desk and bellman to the room attendants and restaurant team, everyone was professional, polite, and truly seemed to enjoy what they do every day. The pool attendants were readily available but never seemed to be “hovering”. And the concierge team is particularly attentive and can help with everything from special occasion celebrations to local excursions.

Relaxed Yet Sophisticated Atmosphere

This resort strikes the perfect balance between laid-back beach vibes and upscale elegance. The pools are serene, the common areas are stylish without being stuffy, and there’s always a quiet corner if you want to unwind. It’s ideal for couples seeking romance, but also great for friends traveling together.

We enjoyed bingo around the pool and watched sunrise yoga and a pool golf game from a distance. The activities staff were friendly and engaging, but never pushy.

Thoughtful Amenities

Little touches make a big difference here. Complimentary minibars are restocked daily. Floats, activities and games are available poolside. I found the onsite app user friendly, and responses to my requests were prompt and attentive. There’s even a nightly entertainment program, so you’re never short of things to do.

For those staying in one of the Preferred Club rooms, you will have access to private check-in and check-out, a private lounge that offers hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, exquisite desserts and premium liquors.

My Personal Takeaway

Secrets Vallarta Bay is a destination where luxury meets natural beauty and outstanding service. My recent visit left me with fond memories and a desire to return. It’s a perfect choice for adult travelers seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed getaway.