You know what Jimmy Buffet says. "If life gives you limes, make margaritas." Well, we were all served our fair share of limes in 2020, so if there's anytime to indulge in the world's largest margarita, it's 2021. If that's the case, it has to be imbibed at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun -- a resort where the atmosphere, staff and guests are all about having a good time, which we all desperately need right about now. Add to that an endless flow of margaritas and you'll be snacking on that cheeseburger in paradise in no time.
The Karisma property is the first Margaritaville-branded resort in Mexico. And when I say Margaritaville-branded, I mean no detail has been spared. For those unfamiliar, Margaritaville is the brainchild of world-famous musician, actor and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffet. His followers are known as Parrotheads, and they will be thrilled to discover the Jimmy Buffet Easter eggs hidden throughout the property. Some are obvious, like the 5 O'clock Somewhere Bar, while others will only be deciphered by the most loyal of fans.
A margarita at the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
A larger, adults-only property on the Riviera Maya is expected to open later this year. For now, the family-friendly property in Puerto Morelos offers 148 suites, four restaurants, four pools, six bars and a spa. At this particular Margaritaville, the party begins (and never really stops) at the centrally located 5 O'clock Somewhere Bar. The island-inspired bar, set apart by its massive thatched roof, is where it all happens, from live nightly music to often much-needed bloody marys in the morning. The bar looks out over one of the main pools as well as the Caribbean Sea.
Grab a welcome margarita (or a skinny margarita, for those who prefer something a little less sweet) and head to one of the nine room categories. Rooms start at the Paradise Room, which are 312 square feet, and range up to the Presidential Swim Up Chill Out Suite, which are 624 square feet and have access to the pool directly from the terrace. We checked into a Paradise Suite, which offered 538 square feet of space, a separate living area and a large terrace.
Margaritaville Island Reserve is part of Karisma's Gourmet Inclusive experience, meaning everything food-and-beverage-related is packed into the room rate. Guests are awarded points per room guest, and these points can be exchanged for additional items at Joe Merchant's Coffee & Provisions store. Stock up on beer, wine and snacks to customize your in-room minibar.
A guestroom at the resort in Puerto Morelos. Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger
When it comes to the restaurants and bars, Karisma is known for quality. Having stayed at multiple Karisma properties throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, I was simply blown away by the quality of food at Margaritaville. A chef's cooking class is an absolute must (especially if you've indulged in one too many margaritas the night before). Lunch at Rita's Taco House is superb, as are the huevos rancheros for breakfast at the Beach House.
Come the evening, a live band is always getting the party going. Sip a few tequilas over at the License to Chill bar before heading to the main pool area to belt out classic cover band tunes and, of course, Jimmy Buffet hits. The after-party always continues at the late-night Compass bar. If you're not an honorary Parrothead by the end of the evening, you're doing something wrong.
A spa and fitness center are available, too. But without a doubt you'll find most guests kicking back at one of the many swim-up bars. One thing to remember at Margaritaville is that it's always 5 o'clock somewhere.