Meagan Drillinger
Even the most devoted of Barcelo customers will be floored when they feast their eyes on what the brand has cooked up with its new adults-only concept. The Barcelo Maya Riviera — Adults Only hotel opened its doors on Dec. 15 and is completely unlike anything you've seen from Barcelo Hotels & Resorts before.
It starts with the sleek design, which is a far cry from the other five Barcelo resorts in the same complex. While the other resorts swing more traditionalist, hacienda-style, the all-new luxury, adults-only section is chic and modern, with clean lines, muted colors and direct views out to sea.
"The mix of modern-style furnishings and local Mexican art displayed throughout the property delivers a design package that is both authentic, colorful and fresh," said Stefania Ballotta, director of sales and marketing at Barcelo Maya Grand Resort.
The lobby arrival experience sets the stage with a breezy, open-air experience that leads to an expansive outdoor patio, infinity pool and a straight look out at the turquoise Caribbean. Within the lobby is a private Premium Level lounge, where guests who are staying in the elevated category have a private check-in, as well as a space to come enjoy snacks and beverages throughout the day.
The resort rooms fan out from the lobby in a U-shape, meaning that most of the 850 all-suite guestrooms have an ocean view. Of the rooms, 110 of them are swim-up suites.
The resort is 24 hours, as well, meaning at any time of day there is something to do or some place to be. The lobby bar, for example, is open all night (though they stop serving alcohol at 4 a.m.). There are four pools, five bars and five restaurants, as well.
The majority of the restaurants can be found on "Restaurant Row," with venues devoted to Mexican, French, Italian and Japanese cuisines. Highlights are the taco bar station at the Mexican restaurant, and the Teppanyaki tables at the Japanese restaurant. Teppanyaki at an all-inclusive can be hit-or-miss, and speaking from numerous teppanyaki experiences this one does not disappoint. The all-day dining venue, Miramar, is also top-notch, with live cooking stations, fresh salads, fruits and even sashimi that they prepare fresh in front of you.
The resort has a small spa and fitness center, though perfectly equipped for any gym rat. But the real wellness experience is at the nearby Barcelo Maya Caribe. A massive wellness complex includes a massive gym as well as the U-Spa, which has everything from a hydrotherapy circuit to Vichy showers and a flotation room, decorated to look like the night sky. Note: Guests of Barcelo Maya Riviera have access to all the facilities and restaurants of the other five resorts.
Early last year, the entire complex unveiled the new Ventura Fly & Ride Park, an adventure park featuring ziplines, bungee swings, gravity-driven roller coasters, go-carts, and off-road vehicles. For an additional fee, guests at any of the six resorts can partake in this on-property adventure park.
The Barcelo Maya Riviera — Adults Only elevates the brand to a whole new level. If you think you knew Barcelo before, you will be beyond impressed with what they now have to offer.
The resort's starting rates vary per month, but starting rates for January are $323.