Slice Of Paradise

It’s water, water everywhere at Haven Riviera Cancun.

From the two expansive pools to the private beach to the impressive hydrotherapy circuit in the spa, there are endless ways to chill out and revel in the lap of luxury at this adults-only, all-inclusive luxury resort.

Opened in late 2018, the 333-room property – all of which are suites – is situated on 250 lush acres and was designed with a horizontal orientation to maximize ocean views from guest rooms as well as public spaces. 

As a member of the Preferred Hotels and Resorts L.V.X. Collection and The Hotel Collection 2020 by American Express, Haven Riviera Cancun offers a boutique-style experience with top-notch, personalized service and an intimate vibe. Another plus: The pristine property, which is impeccably maintained, is walkable and easy to navigate due to its compact size. It’s truly heaven on earth.

For guests seeking the ultimate in pampering, the Serenity Club is the way to go. With this special designation, you’ll be greeted with a private check-in before being whisked away to your oceanfront suite. If you opt for a swim-out room, you’ll not only enjoy a private pool – but the beach will be mere steps away.

The list of perks for Serenity Club guests goes on and on: an exclusive lounge area with food and drink, butler service, a premium aromatherapy menu, a personalized premium mini bar that’s restocked daily, a Nespresso machine with premium capsules, a premium pillow menu (take your pick from four), a sleep well kit, a good night treat from the general manager and invites to the general manager’s cocktail reception. Plus, while other guests are filling their plates at the breakfast buffet, you’ll enjoy a full-service, à la carte meal overlooking the ocean or pool.

Whether you choose the Serenity Club or not, you’ll probably spend much of your time at the resort’s two stunning pools, offering panoramic ocean views, wait service, swim-up bars and snack bars. Many guests like to congregate in the giant hot tub within the main pool, with ample seating and conveniently located next to the swim-up bar. Later in the day, a DJ takes up residence in the bar to spin some tunes. The Havens pool has a zero-entry design that encourages guests to drag their lounge chairs into the water, keeping them cool while catching rays and sipping margaritas.

While guests can keep busy with options like watersports, golf, tennis, exercise classes, volleyball games and ping-pong tournaments, the MySenses Spa is hard to resist. The 15,000-square-feet venue offers a full slate of services, many of which incorporate Mayan healing philosophies. 

Whatever treatment you desire, don’t miss the extensive hydrotherapy circuit. (Serenity Club guests have complimentary access.) It comprises experiences meant to massage and stimulate the body via jets of water and extreme temperature fluctuations, including a sauna, a high-density aroma steam room, a hammam-style steam room with herbarium, a sensation shower, an ice fountain, a cold mist shower, a pressure shower, a cold plunge pool, a giant hot tub, a cascade shower, a cervical shower, tubular beds and a bubble floor. A staffer walks you through the steps (after a quick scalp massage) to ensure you get the most benefit from the therapies.

After that, you’ll be ready to eat. Haven Riviera Cancun offers plenty of dining options, ranging from room service and tantalizing buffets to fine dining, including Agua Bendita, the Mexican steakhouse; Satsu, the Asian fusion restaurant; and Olios, a fine-dining Mediterranean venue. You can also grab a quick coffee or snack at Mocaccino or watch mixologists handcraft cocktails at Limes.

Once dinner’s over, guests head to Moons, a lounge and entertainment venue featuring cabarets, comedians, live bands and magicians. It’s the perfect spot for a nightcap.

Speaking of perfect spots, Haven Riviera Cancun is conveniently located – in more ways than one. First, it’s only a 15-minute drive from Cancun International Airport; set aside some time on your way home to peruse the airport shops for keepsakes like tequila, silver jewelry, sugar skulls and the like.

Plus, area residents are in luck: They can fly direct from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport to Cancun via Spirit Airlines, and it takes just about two hours. With the carrier’s newly designed seats, it’s a quick, comfortable, affordable trip.

In short, it has never been easier to reach heaven on earth. O

Haven Riviera Cancun is located at Ctra. Federal 307, Chetumal, Mexico. For more information, visit havenresorts.com.