The All-Inclusive Collection’s Hard Rock Hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean have quite established themselves, even outside of the globally recognized major brand licensing that lends the all-inclusive chain its name and theme, with new builds like the spectacular property in Los Cabos, and updates to existing sprawling properties such as that in Punta Cana.
Yet even with all of that, the all-inclusive Hard Rock Riviera Maya continues to be a classic tune and an easy default for families, weddings, and large corporate groups, as well as a failsafe recommendation for travel advisors. But why?
Having personally been (and been impressed, might I add) to the other aforementioned properties, I wanted to see for myself why this relative oldie remained such a goodie. And having caught wind of some great dining updates to the property, this winter seemed a perfect time to make an easy escape from the cold fronts of the U.S. East Coast.
Here’s my first-person perspective as to why this resort continues to be a crowd-pleaser, holding its place as a vacation classic year after year, and what’s changed since it was first established as one of the most classic resorts of the All-Inclusive Collection.
Heaven for Adults, Family-Friendly for Multigen … and More?
Many may remember the big buzz around dividing this massive property into two different sections, giving adults their own child-free zones for relaxation and romance. This proved to be a big hit, even with families as the adults slipped off to date nights, spa appointments, and early morning workouts or yoga sessions at the pagoda.
But one of the leads that get buried under this major differentiator is that there are even more alternate experiences for other niches as well. For example, there are various other categories of guests, all with different color-coded wristbands and corresponding privileges.
Like Rock Royalty levels get full-size Rock Spa® bath products in their rooms, welcome amenities, available aromatherapy and pillow menus, priority reservations, access to special areas, and more. And visitors and brand fans benefit from a loyalty program that earns them points every time they visit any Hard Rock location, including the cafes, casinos, and Rock Shops! They even earn reciprocal benefits with certain cruise lines.
Plus, while it’s always been a great destination wedding spot thanks to this flexibility within a single property, allowing couples to let their guests choose to travel with or without their kids, it’s also fantastic for other types of groups, such as family reunions.
But did you know they have an enormous convention center right on site and within easy access of the Azul lobby? And by massive, I mean 91,556 square feet suitable for up to 1,500 attendees. I sure didn’t, and was so impressed with the size and presentation of this area. With various ballrooms, an easy theater setup, smaller conference rooms for meetings, several foyers for pre-events and cocktail hours, and more, this resort is a corporate gathering’s dream.
Artist Buyouts for Ultimate Music Experiences
As a resort centered round music, of course the live entertainment program here is robust. That’s a given. But what I didn’t know until I got there was the fact that artists will sometimes buy out the entire resort and throw concerts and limited engagement performances for an absolutely epic experience.
The week I was there, they were setting up the gigantic square on the Rojo side for a once-in-a-lifetime engagement for Cypress Hill fans for a four-day festival called Closer to the Sun featuring a dozen other artists. Boostive was the other headliner, and Slightly Stoopid, Sublime, G. Love Fortunate Youth, DJ Z-Trip, and others played throughout the event as well. Fan banners and flags were visible from balconies for those who wanted to have some R&R before the parties – they had primo rooms that provided the ultimate experience of watching live bands from one’s tropical resort balcony while ordering in all-inclusive room service and partaking in a robust beverage program. And if that kind of VIP feeling isn’t hard rock, I don’t know what is.
Ever-Evolving and Expanding Dining Programs
Food-based travel is a big deal for many, and with increasingly competitive and gourmet options within the booming all-inclusive market, it’s more important than ever that the F&B program stay fresh. One of the keys to this property’s success is that the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya quietly does so.
The Heaven side has two recently opened restaurants that are well worth securing reservations for. WAI wows with tasting portions and diverse flavors that are significantly more true-to-Thai flavors than you’ll find at most all-inclusive resort restaurants attempting this style of cuisine, even going to far as to make their own noodles. UMO, its companion venue across the bar in the lobby that divides this pair of new venues, serves up generous portions of traditional cuisine from the Yucatan. A whole page devoted to the various creative ways corn is used in the region is a delight and a self-guided tasting.
The two current buffets are also anything but dated. Faro Gastro Market is semi-self-serve, with clearly labeled kiosks that are fully staffed wrapping the back half of this outlet. Dining is oceanfront, though, from most tables, and patio seating is also available.
And don’t let the “American” label and trucker theme of La Isla fool you into thinking there’s nothing but staid comfort fare. Barbecue stations, hot dogs, and more are scattered around the perimeter like a food court, and you’ll want to do a lap around before picking out your final selections. The breakfast there is fantastic with plenty of Mexican fare, too, and well worth the visit.
Personally, I’m excited for future guests to experience the currently in-renovation The Market buffet that’s being built adjacent to the family-friendly lobby side. I got a sneak peek through the exterior windows of the brick oven for pizza, the new design details that were awaiting installation, and stations being built.
Of course, these are only some of the highlights and a smattering of what I’m able to offer my first-person perspective on, given the wide selection of dining and snack choices throughout the property. With a property footprint and high capacity as large as this one, a week certainly isn’t enough to eat your way through the constantly updated selection. But this approach of refreshing, renovating, and innovating? Well, that’s exactly why the All-Inclusive Collection’s Hard Rock Riviera Maya property continues to be a classic tune.
