Onsite Review: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

POOLHard Rock Hotel Riviera MayaBy Paloma Villaverde de RicoHaven’t been to the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya lately? Maybe it’s time you swung by because this sprawling resort is really revving up its offerings, with new accommodations, new dining experiences and a sizeable pool whose cabanas are going to make your clients swoon. POOLSIDE CABANAS There are two sides to this Mexican resort, literally—the family-friendly Hacienda and the adults-only Heaven. We’re putting the focus on Heaven as that’s where the resort has really stepped up its game. The aesthetics for these new additions—most especially felt at the dining venues—is a departure from the traditional Hard Rock style, affording a more rustic-luxe feel with a natural and earthy palette that invites the outside in and brings warmth to the space. Think wicker and rope chandeliers, Havana tiles, light stone walls and elegant wood furnishings. The new accommodations—the 482.-sq.-ft. Deluxe Swim-Ups—do still carry the pops of color Hard Rock resorts are known for, but it’s a more muted, chic approach. And those new guestrooms come with their own private plunge pool, a hydro spa tub and a perfect view of the new and lively Eden Pool. At the latter, guests will find a full-service bar as well as the new VIP poolside super-cabanas—Liam, Noel and Supernova (and yes, music selection at Hard Rock resorts—heard throughout the grounds—is always a cut above).CHAIRS OUTSIDE The uber-modern spacious cabanas offer elegant wood flooring, stone walls and are fully equipped with ample comfy seating both inside and out, including the must-have pool loungers, a mini-fridge and a bar. Clients who book these—and they are highly recommendable—have full access to snack menus and wait service (during the time we spent there, our service was spot-on). When it comes to the new dining offerings, there’s a trio of delights: Umo, a Mexican Yucatan-inspired restaurant offering Mayan PIB oven-style dishes (that would be an underground oven) and handmade artisanal tortillas; Wai, where one finds Thai food including handmade noodles; and Faro, a lovely food hall with nine different stations featuring cuisines from around the world. DINING Recommend had the opportunity to dine at Wai, where we sampled the yummy Rangoon Boo (wontons stuffed with crab meat), the crispy spring rolls (cooked to perfection) and a savory Pad Thai. The food is on par with what’s on the menu in trendy restaurants in any cosmopolitan city. We also had breakfast and lunch at Faro, which is a departure from the typical buffet restaurant and does have a food hall vibe with an attendant at every station cooking food in real-time—from Mexico Lindo, where, yes, one can grab a couple of tacos, to Water & Earth, with its fresh seafood offerings. There’s also an indulgent dessert station called, appropriately enough, Sweet. Breakfast comes with a healthy station offering some of the best juices this writer has ever had. Of note: While exploring the resort, we happened to notice a sign for the Awaken Your Senses culinary experience that piqued our interest. It’s an interactive and multi-sensory dining experience that incorporates high-resolution video projection, an interactive touch table, scent synchronization, augmented reality and a surround sound system, all paired with a curated selection of dishes. INSIDE DINING Speaking of surround sound system, the signature, exclusive-to-Hard Rock Smooth Operator spa treatment we opted for at the Rock Spa (located in the Heaven lobby) features a music playlist (guests are given two choices and, no, they’re not your typical spa tunes), a rhythmical dry brushing and a detoxifying wrap. Treatments are complemented by a well-thought-out hydrotherapy ritual that does include the highly popular cold plunge pool. Contact Information Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya: hardrockhotels.com/riviera-mayaPRINCESS CRUISESPRINCESS CRUISES IFCCOVEREXPLORA JOURNEYSTable of ContentsTURKISH AIRLINESEditor's NotesSANDALSSANDALS SPREADAdvisor Speak: Meet Susanna Steinbeck — Passion for Travel Led Her HereCruise: Mindful Vacations at SeaCruise: Mindful of Our PlanetOCEANIA CRUISESCaribbean/Mexico: Green Wellcations for the WinPALLADIUM HOTEL GROUPSAINT LUCIA SCSAINT LUCIASANDALS SCOnsite Review: 5 Unmissable 'Beyond the Beach' Experiences in BarbadosOnsite Review: Hard Rock Hotel Riviera MayaOnsite Review: This Punta Cana Hottie Rolls Out the Red Carpet for Adults—TRS Turquesa HotelNorth America: Sustainable Las Vegas—Betting on GreenMGM SCMGM RESORTSWEBINAR HOUSE ADRECOMMEND EDU HOUSE ADRCA AWARDS HOUSE AD