Exploring Haven Riviera Resort, Cancun, Mexico
Over 4th of July weekend in 2021, I left the country for the first time since 2019. With Mexico being one of few countries open over this past summer (with very little restrictions), it was a no-brainer.
I’ve been to Cancun a few times in my life and each time I go, there seems to be more “coming soon” than the time before (Disney, Cirque, and Dreamworks parks, as well as more upscale resorts by Ritz-Carlton and Marriott are coming in the next few years). This time, I was headed to a brand-new resort called Haven Riviera Cancun - an adults-only, all-inclusive place that re-defines luxury at every turn.
ABOUT THIS INCREDIBLE RESORT
Hipotels, purchased 250 acres of the “Golden Mile” to build Mexico’s first-ever deluxe all-inclusive resort at a higher (but still reasonable) price point that attracts hip jet-setters (including a ton of athletes when I was there) who would have previously taken the trek to Mayakoba. It features a huge convention center towards the front of the property, a family resort, an 18-hole golf course, a 17,000 square-foot spa, numerous five-star restaurants, extremely well-appointed suites, a Serenity VIP club (for those with their own private pools), and 66,000 feet of pool.
The architecture, though, is what kept my attention much of the time. Hipotels’ goal is to embrace the property as much as possible, using Earth’s key elements as their guide, especially the sun. Thus, the hotel is elevated in the front to give the best views of the sunset over the jungle (the atrium has full natural light during the day), while the back of the resort lends itself to spectacular sun rises.
According to the many articles I’ve read on its architecture, a few things stand out:
No design element was an accident. For example, the round hole in the overhang, when you walk through the “tunnel” back to your suite, is meant to frame the moon at its highest place in the sky (see the gallery below).
It uses as many natural materials as it can for both sustainability reasons, as well as for the overall vibe they are aiming to create.
They wanted it to be state-of-the art, bringing in modern amenities, such as a dumbwaiter door from the outside of the suite that allows contactless food delivery (you can open it from the inside of your suite).
A NOD TO THE FOOD
Oftentimes, all-inclusive resort food is hit-or-miss. I can honestly say that there wasn’t a single bad restaurant, cafe, or bar at Haven. Each culinary experience brought it’s own distinct cuisine with impeccable service. Below are my recommendations for each:
Flavours - While it’s a buffet, it happens to be a fairly incredible buffet for breakfast and lunch, and for those with Celiac or gluten-sensitivities, it’s especially great.
Agua Bendita - All I can say is, the Tomahawk is worth the extra money. You even get to be salt “bae” at the table.
Olios - The Trio of Deviled eggs, braised pork rib, and chocolate silk pie were absolutely incredible.
Satsu - Order the meat that you can cook right on your own mini hibachi, as well as any of the sushi.
Mocaccino - All I can say is… gelato.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
How to get there - Hire a driver. Considering you are still going through Cancun, there are a lot of scammers out there. Having pre-scheduled transportation is your best bet to get through the rest of the airport quickly.
Which room to reserve - Go for the best possible room you can afford, but if anything else, get an ocean view and on a higher floor. The views are spectacular!
Alcoholic drinks - If you order an alcoholic mixed drink, ask for a double. They tend to only pour half shots.
