Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Riu Cancun All-Inclusive Luxury
Escape to Paradise: Riu Cancun - More Than Just a Vacation (Spoiler: I’m Still Dreaming of the Spa)
Okay, deep breaths. I’m back from Riu Cancun, and honestly? I'm still unpacking. Not just my suitcase, but also the entire experience. Riu Cancun calls itself "Adults-Only Luxury." Let’s just say it mostly delivers. Buckle up, buttercups, because this review is going to be less "objective travel writer" and more "overenthusiastic, slightly sunburnt human who just wants to go back."
First Impressions - The Good, The Confusing, and The Minor Annoyances (Because Perfection Is a Myth, People!)
Arriving at the Riu Cancun is… well, it's impressive. The lobby is gleaming, all marble and those ridiculously oversized chandeliers you see in fancy hotels. Accessibility? Yeah, they seem to have it covered. Elevators everywhere, ramps, the whole shebang. Didn't need to personally experience it, but everything looked accessible. Check-in/out [express] and Contactless Check-in/out? They were certainly trying to be efficient. Which, honestly, is a lifesaver after a long flight!
Internet Woes (Because Even Paradise Needs Wi-Fi and My Netflix Addiction Demands It!)
Internet access? Yes! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Hallelujah! Internet [LAN]? I think they had it (I saw a cable in a room, but who uses that anymore?), but let’s be real, I was all about that wireless life. Internet services? They do, but I didn't even glance at the services, I was ready to connect to my social media and catch up on my shows on my Laptop workspace. (I didn't really work but I pretended) . The Wi-Fi in the rooms was decent, no major buffering during my movie marathons. Wi-Fi in public areas? Also good! Though, sometimes, those poolside selfies took a bit to upload. Small price to pay for the Insta-worthy views, right? (Side note: My phone had a meltdown trying to handle all the photo options. I'll be bringing a bigger phone next time.)
Rooms: My Mini-Palace (With a Few Quirks)
The room itself was… well, it was pretty darn luxurious. Air conditioning? Absolutely. Thank goodness because Cancun is HOT. Air conditioning in public area? Yes. Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Room decorations the room was not bad, the colors are a little too matchy, Non-smoking is the way to go, and Smoke detector saved my life, I was too worried about the view and forgetting where I am. The Mini bar was a lifesaver, it was Free bottled water. I was having a blast, except my room key decided to play hide-and-seek, I panicked. Luckily, front desk sorted it out with minimal eye-rolling.
Food & Drink: Endless Possibilities (and a Few Misses)
Okay, food. This is where it gets… complicated. Dining, drinking, and snacking is awesome, but let's start with the basics. Breakfast [buffet]? Yep. Buffet in restaurant? You betcha. Asian breakfast?, Western breakfast Everything you could imagine. From pancakes that taste like heaven to omelets made to order, the breakfast buffet was a highlight. Breakfast takeaway service? I didn't use it, but good to know it's there. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop was so great, coffee all the time, any time.
Restaurants? Multiple! A la carte in restaurant? Yes! International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant,Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant Amazing, some restaurants were better than others. Room service [24-hour]? Glorious. Especially at 3 am when those late-night cravings hit.
Poolside bar? Essential. Bar? Several. Happy hour? Definitely. Bottle of water? Always available. Snack bar? Yes.
The "Misses"? Some of the themed restaurants were a bit… hit or miss. The Asian one was amazing and the italian one was just good.
Ways to Relax: Where I Lost My Heart (and My Ability to Function)
Okay, get ready. This is where I transformed into a puddle of pure bliss. Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom The spa at Riu Cancun is… chef’s kiss. I'm not exaggerating when I say it's the best spa experience I've ever had. The Pool with view was gorgeous and every detail was perfect. The Fitness center was available, I didn't go.
I booked a massage. The masseuse was incredible. I've never felt so relaxed. I almost fell asleep mid-massage. Almost. And then? The sauna. The steam room. The foot bath! I wandered around in a state of pure, unadulterated bliss. I'm not sure what they put in that spa water, but I wanted to drink it by the gallon.
Things to Do: Beyond Lounging (If You Can Tear Yourself Away From the Spa)
Swimming pool? Several. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Many. Lounging by the pool is a valid life choice at Riu Cancun. There was a definite 'vibe' happening. Lots of people soaking up the sun, sipping cocktails and people-watching.
Cleanliness and Safety: Keeping it Clean and Safe
Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment The hotel seemed to take Covid precautions seriously. Lots of hand sanitizers and distancing measures, which made me feel safe. The staff were masked up, and there were frequent cleaning cycles.
For the Kids (Not My Department, But Here's What I Noticed)
Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal It's an adult-only hotel, so I didn't see any kids. I was relieved.
Getting Around: Easy Breezy
Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking Getting around was easy. Airport transfers were readily available. Taxi service was efficient. Parking was an option, if you rented a car.
Services and Conveniences: Because Life Needs Perks
Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center Concierge was helpful. Daily housekeeping was fantastic. Dry cleaning came in handy. So, yes, all the usual conveniences.
My Overall Verdict:
Riu Cancun is excellent. Great food, amazing spa, and enough amenities to keep you happy. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just warning: you might come home with a serious spa addiction. And maybe a slightly sunburnt nose.
Escape to Slovakia's Fairytale: Luxurious Stay at Barbakan Levoca's GARNI Hotel
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-formatted itinerary. This is… the Riu Cancun, Adults Only, All Inclusive survival guide, told by someone who definitely needs a vacation after this vacation. (And probably therapy. Maybe a therapist in Cancun… hmm…)
The Messy, Gloriously Imperfect Riu Cancun Itinerary - Because Let's Be Real, Ain't Nobody got Time for Perfect:
Day 1: Arrival and… Well, Let's See How This Goes
- 1:00 PM: Land in Cancun. Argh. The humidity hits you like a wet, salty hug. It's… enthusiastic. Already sweating, and I haven't even gotten to the tequila yet. Airport chaos: a throng of sunburned tourists, luggage carousel nightmares, and that one guy who’s already wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a look that screams "I regret all my life choices."
- 2:30 PM: Shuttle to the Riu Cancun. The driver is clearly on a mission to win the "Most Erratic Driver" award. We're all clutching the armrests, praying to whatever deity looks after tourists.
- 3:00 PM: Check-in. And… wait. And wait. And wait. Seems like there’s always a queue at the front desk, and a few couples squabbling already. My room better not be near a screaming kid. Oh, wait…
- 3:30 PM: Finally in the room! Ocean view, baby! And… the air conditioning is glorious. I have already made my peace with the world again. A quick scout around: the mini-bar is stocked, which is a sign of a possible good day.
- 4:00 PM: Strategic beverage procurement. First, a quick visit to the lobby bar. I need immediate hydration and a little fortification. "Dos margaritas, por favor, and make one strong enough to forget I just spent 3 hours in an airport." Apparently, the bartender understands. Salute to him.
- 4:30 PM: Exploring the resort. Okay, this is where I can start to relax. Pool checks (so many pools!), beach observations (sand! Sea! Sun!) and the all-important scouting of the buffet situation before the hunger kicks in. Uh oh.
- 5:30 PM: The Buffet - Battle of the Buffets. This is NOT a drill. This is where the survival of the day hinges. First impressions? Overwhelming. The sheer volume of food is impressive but terrifying. The selection is like a culinary gamble. I grab a little bit of everything thinking it will be fine. And the fish is suspect, so I'm already feeling a pang of regret over that one.
- 7:30 PM: Sunset at the beach. OMG. This is why I came here. The sun dips into the ocean like a giant orange, and the sky is ablaze with pinks and purples. Suddenly, I’m feeling like a romantic poet. Or possibly just tipsy.
- 8:30 PM: Dinner at the resort's "Mexican" restaurant (the name is something fancy that escapes me). The food is… okay. And the music is a little too upbeat for my current state of existential contemplation. I'm starting to realize I probably should have made a reservation. I should have pre-booked all the reservations!
- 10:00 PM: The show! (They always have a show). It's themed. Tonight, it's the Michael Jackson show. I'm skeptical but curious. Let's see if the entertainment lives up to its hype, and if the margaritas kick in.
Day 2: Poolside Drama and the Great Tequila Tasting
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Head pounding, but I'm alive! This is already a win. Grab the sunglasses, and the sunscreen – and the sunscreen is crucial.
- 9:00 AM: Poolside chair acquisition. The Hunger Games of beach chairs. I'm already imagining battling for a spot by the pool, maybe I'll use a towel as a weapon? Luckily, it's not that cutthroat yet.
- 9:30 AM-1:00 PM: Actual relaxation! Swimming. Sunbathing. Reading. Drinking. Repeat. I find my own little corner of paradise. It is possible.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at poolside. I think I will have a burger, fries, and all the toppings I can manage. A little bit of greasy heaven and the people watching is sublime.
- 3:00 PM: The Tequila Tasting. YES. This is what I came for. I'm the designated driver (of tequila), and I will sample and I will report back. The tasting room is a small, stuffy room, but the guide knows his stuff. I learn things about tequila that I never, ever imagined. The first shot goes down smooth and then… well… let's just say the afternoon melts into a hazy, gloriously messy blur. I forget the notes. I forget everything.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. I have no idea which one. And no idea what I’m eating. But everything tastes good.
- 9:00 PM: More alcohol is consumed. Then, possibly, passed out. I think.
Day 3: Adventure and…Regret (and More Tequila)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up with a searing headache and the distinct feeling that I may have promised the universe something I cannot deliver.
- 10:00 AM: Boat trip. I actually signed up for this. I'm not sure what kind. But I think it involves snorkelling. This is a terrible idea. I’m feeling vulnerable. And seasick. The water, though, is beautiful. I spot some cool fish. And I manage to not throw up. Victory!
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. Another buffet battle. I eat, I survive.
- 4:00 PM: Nap. Needed, desperately. The sun is no joke, and my head is still screaming at me.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. Back to the buffet. I’m starting to think I'm a buffet connoisseur. Still, there are a few things I didn't try.
- 8:00 PM: Drinks, maybe karaoke. I can't promise anything. No promises.
- Midnight: Possibly in the pool. Who knows? It's a blur.
Day 4: Departure and the Sweet Taste of Freedom
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. No headache! This is a miracle!
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast. This is it; I will make the most of my last chance at chilaquiles.
- 10:00 AM: Last swim. I savor it. I bask in the sun. I take a deep breath.
- 11:00 AM: Pack. And then… check out. Time to go.
- 1:00 PM: Airport. Back to real life.
- 3:00 PM: Finally home. Is it already time for my next vacation?
Final Thoughts:
The Riu Cancun? It’s… complicated. There were moments of pure bliss, moments of utter chaos, and a whole lot of tequila-fueled decisions. Some regrets. Lots of laughs. And memories I'll probably never forget (or maybe I will). It's a messy, beautiful, slightly sunburned adventure. Would I go back? Probably. But next time, I'm bringing a hat. And maybe a therapist.
Now, I need a nap.
Escape to Paradise: Blind Pass Resort Motel's St. Pete Beach Bliss
So, is this "Adults-Only" thing actually *true*? I'm picturing a zoo.
Yup. Kid-free zone. Praise the sweet baby Jesus! You *will* find the occasional couple attempting the "romantic getaway" thing, which is cute... until they start whispering sweet nothings at 3 AM in the hallway. But seriously, no screaming toddlers, no splashing in the pool like they're training for the Olympics. It's a *huge* win. I swear, the moment you step on property, you can *feel* the calm wash over you. Like a thousand tiny tiny angels doing a synchronized swim in your brain. Bliss.
The "All-Inclusive Luxury"... is it actually luxurious? Or just... more booze?
Okay, let's be real. It's *Riu*. Think of it as... semi-luxurious. The rooms are nice (though the air conditioning might, at times, sound like a disgruntled jet engine). The food is... well, the buffet is a sprawling wonderland of deliciousness (and some questionable choices). The a la carte restaurants? Hit or miss. The steakhouse? Meh. The Italian? Pretty decent, actually. But the booze? THAT'S where the luxury lies. Top-shelf stuff is readily available, and the bartenders are masters of their craft (and quick to refill your glass, which is the *most* luxurious thing of all). I once saw a guy order a "surprise me" cocktail. The bartender looked him dead in the eye and said, "Okay... are you sure?" The result? Legendary.
Okay, the food. Tell me the *truth*. What's the survival strategy?
Right. The buffet. It's a glorious, chaotic free-for-all. My advice? Embrace the chaos. Go early. Avoid the rush. Load up on the fresh fruit (pineapple is your friend!). Experiment! Try things you wouldn't normally. And for God's sake, *don't* overdo it on the first day. You'll regret it. Trust me, I speak from experience. I once ate so many tiny empanadas I thought I might actually explode. Oh, and the little cheese-filled bread rolls? Addictive. Dangerously so. Consider yourself warned.
Pools and Beaches - are they swimmable and relaxing?
The pools are fantastic! Clean, well-maintained, and strategically placed to maximize sun exposure. The swim-up bar is your friend. Make friends with the bartenders, tip well, and your drink glass will never be empty. The beach? Ah, the beach... The sand is sugar-white, the water is the turquoise you dream about... *BUT* it can get wavy. There are days it's perfect for swimming, and other days that it's a red-flag-wave-fest meant to keep you in the pool with your drink. Remember to take your beach towel on the walk.
What's the "vibe," really? Like, is it Spring Break for grown-ups?
Not really. It's more... relaxed. There are definitely party-ers, especially around the pool, but there are also plenty of couples enjoying quiet dinners or reading books on the beach. It's a good mix. You can be as raucous or as mellow as you want. It’s a vacation, people! Embrace it! There's a healthy dose of couples trying to rekindle the flame (adorable), a few solo travelers living their best lives (inspiring), and a whole bunch of people just looking to unwind and have a good time. The vibe shifts depending on the time of year, of course. You'll see younger folks and older folks. The best vibe is *whatever you make it*.
Are the staff actually *nice*? Or are they just putting on a show?
Honestly? They're wonderful. Generally speaking, the staff at the Riu Cancun are absolutely fantastic. They work *hard*. And they're genuinely friendly and helpful. Yes, they're providing a service, but they seem to genuinely enjoy the fact they are helping people have a good time. Tip them well! It goes a long way. I had one bartender who remembered my name and my drink order after one day. That's the kind of service that makes you feel like royalty. Or, you know, at least slightly less like a regular schlub.
Okay, let's get granular. Rooms. Are they… clean? Big? Worth the money?
The rooms are decent. They're definitely not the *reason* you're going. They're clean enough. The beds are comfortable, or so I thought on the first day! I was more interested in the beach. But then I woke up the second day with the worst backache of my life! It took me a few days to figure out this wasn't so nice after all. The balcony view is usually pretty great. If you get a room with a view, that's a major win. You can sit out there in the evenings with a cocktail and watch the sunset. (Or, you know, watch the party across the street, depending on your taste.) And are they worth the money? That depends on what you're looking for. For an all-inclusive in Cancun, it's a solid value. Just don't expect the Ritz.
What excursions are worth doing? Or should I just stay put with my drink and my book? (Tempting...)
Okay, this is the tricky part. You *could* stay glued to the swim-up bar all day every day. No judgment. Seriously. But if you're feeling adventurous, there are options! * **Chichen Itza:** Yes, it's a long day, but the Mayan ruins are incredible. Do it. Just pack snacks and water. * **Isla Mujeres:** Take the ferry over. Rent a golf cart and explore the island. It's a fun day trip. * **Xcaret/Xplor:** Theme parks... go, if you are into this things. Personally, I'm a "stay put with my drink and book" kind of person. But hey, it’s your vacation! Do what makes you happy.
AnyUptown Lodging
