I must confess that I’m not overly familiar with the music of legendary singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett. But I soon realized that didn’t matter as I settled into the vibe at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun.
Opened in 2020 after a major overhaul and rebranding of the former Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya by Karisma, the Margaritaville Island Reserve exudes the laidback, comfortable atmosphere that you’d expect from a hotel carrying the name of “Margaritaville,” a 1977 song by Buffett.
References to his songs and philosophy are present throughout the property, from building names to signage, but it’s never distracting.
From the time guests enter the small, palapa-topped, open-air lobby, it’s clear that they’ll never be far from relaxing Caribbean views. The manageable size of the property, in fact, is one of the biggest selling points, in my opinion. This is a beautifully landscaped, uncrowded getaway designed to soothe and delight the senses. No building is taller than two stories, and walkways lead through lovely green areas and past multiple swimming pools, dining venues and — of course — a beautiful stretch of beach with supremely gentle waters.
One of the on-site swimming pools at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun
Credit: 2021 Karisma Hotels & ResortsThe guestrooms have a fresh, casual and comfortable style, with touches of Key West, Fla., and Mexican Caribbean design elements. My amply proportioned room was bathed in pleasing tones of blue-green and white, and featured a large-screen television, king-size bed and modern features such as plugs and USB charging docks at eye level next to the bed and desk. I was also impressed with the bathroom amenities, which are decidedly more fragrant than most, with “coconut telegraph” hand soap, “banana wind” body lotion, “mojito” shampoo and “margarita” body wash. My balcony, which faced a pool and bar and offered a view from the side of the Caribbean Sea, became my favorite hangout during my stay.
Those looking for larger accommodations might consider the presidential suite, which sits near a pool and the beach. It’s a sizeable one-bedroom space with a comfortable living room.
Regardless of room category, however, guests at Margaritaville can make use of what I found to be a very creative approach to the minibar concept, which allows guests to customize its contents. Upon arrival, guests will find their small refrigerator contains only bottled water, but each client receives a certain number of points based on the length of stay and room category (I got 2,500 points per night for a two-night stay). Those points can be redeemed at Joe Merchant, a gourmet convenience store that stocks a variety of food and beverage options that can be purchased with cash, credit card or points.
The goal of this approach is to give guests greater flexibility to stock their minibar with the items they most like. At first, I was a bit confused by the system, but I ended up loving it, as it made it easy for me to stop by and get whatever I needed. In addition, the convenience store has a section of light bites and desserts — all made on-site — that are included in the room rate without the need to use points; the chocolatey desserts were actually among the best I’ve had at an all-inclusive resort, and perfect for taking back to my room and savoring.
The food and beverage experience, in fact, was one of the most enjoyable aspects of my stay at Margaritaville. In addition to excellent pasta at Frank & Lola’s, which specializes in Italian cuisine, I indulged in a tasty lunch of seafood mac and cheese at the Beach House, an open-air eatery that faces the beach. I also lingered over sumptuous Asian-Latin cuisine at Latino, one of the hotel’s most stylish a-la-carte restaurants; dug into expertly prepared Mexican cuisine at Rita’s Taco House; and was delighted by the floating taco bar experience, during which I relaxed in the pool while munching on a variety of deliciously made tacos that floated on a giant tray nearby.
An on-site Blender Bike activity allows clients to blend a drink by riding a stationary bicycle.
Credit: 2021 Karisma Hotels & ResortsI also enjoyed my first-ever rum-tasting session, featuring some of the best brands from Mexico, Cuba and Guatemala (the Mexican label Rum Prohibido was my favorite). And I simultaneously gained and spent calories during the Blender Bike activity, during which guests can power a drink blender by peddling a stationary bicycle.
Entertainment is easy to find at Margaritaville; I enjoyed the musical performances and even karaoke sessions that took place with a live band at the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar. Families with children, meanwhile, can make good use of the kids’ club, which is included in the room rate.
On my final day, I was treated to a wonderful, 80-minute massage at the St. Somewhere Spa, an 8,000-square-foot venue that offers everything from hydrotherapy and facials to body treatments and reflexology. The treatment rooms are especially large and comfortable, and the gym is well equipped, too. It even has a bicycle that’s not attached to a cocktail blender.
The Details
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun
