Given the region's seemingly endless supply of pools, beaches, spas, entertainment and so on, it can be difficult for all-inclusives in Cancun and the Riviera Maya to distinguish themselves. But a new dining experience at the Royalton Riviera Cancun could be a game-changer.
The property's C/X Culinary Experience takes place downstairs at Dorado, the adults-only restaurant on the Hideaway at Royalton side of the property. (The Royalton Riviera Cancun is for families, while the Hideaway at Royalton Riviera is adults-only.) The experience is available only for adults and is priced at $80 per person.
I entered the private, washed-in-white dining room, with its glass back wall that peeks into the wine cave. A small, open kitchen leaves just enough room for the chef, who is waiting to guide you through the seven-course menu.
Then it's time to take a seat and enjoy the show. Each course is designed with diner interaction in mind. For example, I was handed tiny tongs as a plate of raw yellowfin tuna was brought out on a sizzling volcanic stone and was instructed to cook my tuna to my heart's content.
Another course was a selection of sea scallops, presented on a plate with a tiny torch, which I used to melt sugar over them, creating a crusted, caramel glaze. Other courses included an airy black-truffle risotto, wildly delicious sea bass and lamb.
Each dish is also perfectly paired with wines, ranging from light and sparkly to a full-bodied red. But the piece de resistance of the meal is dessert: a giant, hollow chocolate egg, which we were instructed to raise in the air and drop on the table. The chocolate shell shattered, scattering across the table, leaving a trail of dainty, bite-size truffles in its wake, all of which had been stuffed carefully inside of the egg. It's a playful and delightfully sweet end to an already spectacular experience.
If you're making the move to include this decadent experience, round out the entire stay by booking rooms at the Hideaway at Royalton. The adults-only section of the resort is a quieter spinoff, far enough away from the fray of the family-friendly side but still close enough to access all of the bars, restaurants and entertainment. The Hideaway has 340 rooms as well as its own private pool and a host of adults-only activities.
Some of the activities include Champagne soirees on the private Sky Terrace, chocolate parties and gala dinners. Guests of both resorts can upgrade to the Diamond Club, which includes additional amenities like butler service, a selection of in-suite liquors, preferential reservations and access to the Diamond Club Lounge.
What you'll come to the Royalton Riviera Cancun for is the ease and comfort of an all-inclusive. What you'll stay for are the special touches, such as the C/X Culinary Experience, that set it apart from its competitors.
Rates at the Royalton Riviera Cancun start at $151 per person, per night; Hideaway rates start at $180 per person, per night. See www.royaltonresorts.com.