Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, the Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma Riviera Cancun is a Family-Friendly All-Inclusive that offers a slice of paradise. Along the white sands of Quintana Roo, guests enjoy a secluded getaway with just 146 suites, spread across 11 buildings.
As guests arrive, they enter an open-air lobby with hanging beds and fountains, evoking the serenity of a wellness resort. On the property, there are four restaurants and six bars, plus 24-hour room service.
The property boasts lush tropical landscaping, including towering palm and banana trees. Guests can snooze in a hammock surrounded by hibiscus blooms. With four pools, you’ll find a pool to fit your vibe. There is also a full-service spa.
What I Loved About the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun
The low-key vibe with fewer than 150 rooms
The Number of Swim Out rooms
Rita Taco House
What I Wanted at the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun
Doors on the Bathing Suite
Better Sargassum Management
The Margaritaville Island Reserve Properties
About 30 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma Riviera Cancun is a family-friendly all-inclusive resort. Its sister resort is about 5 minutes away and is an adult property for those 18+.
The Island Reserve experience caters to guests who want to reconnect, relax and refresh. Its properties blend a laid-back atmosphere with luxurious appointments.
During their getaway, guests can unwind in a hammock and daydream. Or they can pick up a new cooking skill or cocktail recipe. It’s all on the menu.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resort
The Riviera Cancun property underwent a complete renovation and opened in 2020. It was the former Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun.
This property offers a wellness spa vibe from the time I entered the open-air lobby. With palapa roofs, hanging beds and bubbling fountains, the surrounding set the stage for a peaceful getaway.
The property includes mature tropical landscaping, so I saw lots of blooming hibiscus and towering palm trees and bananas. The trees were so tall, they supported hammocks. I slipped into one to indulge one afternoon as I stared at the sky and listened to the breeze rustle through the palm fronds.
The Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma Riviera Cancun might be family-friendly, but it’s not a kid-centric resort. Meaning, I saw older adults vacationing without kids in tow.
I didn’t see kids running around screaming and splashing water in my face at the pool. As a mom of three, I appreciated the low-key vibe.
Also worth noting, since kids frequent this resort, there’s less of a booty show. If you visit all-inclusives, some of the adults-only properties can be a scene. Not the case at this resort.
Now, if your kids want a water park, then this resort lacks one. However, my 17-year-old son loved our swim-up room. This resort offers lots of swim-up rooms, more than I typically see in other resorts.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya Adults Only All Inclusive
The Riviera Maya property is a new build, opening in 2023. The property includes 355 suites with four restaurants, four bars and a spa.
With a U-shaped design, the rooms surround the outdoor pool complex, which features several pools. The overall vibe was lively, with music and several swim-up bars.
Some ground-level suites offer swim-out options, with a sunning ledge. The Boat House offers casual meals in the center of the pool complex, in a swimsuit-friendly format.
The beach area at the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is smaller and is due for a beach overhaul due to erosion. The beach was closed during my visit due to a sargassum bloom.
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My Room Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun
During my visit, I enjoyed a Swim Up Paradise Junior Suite with two queen beds. Using an outdoor corridor to enter, the suite offered an extensive bathing suite, a sleeping area, plus a table and two chairs inside.
The beds were dressed in pristine white linens, accented with a subtle white-on-white parrot detail. For those traveling with babies or toddlers, there was room for a pack-and-play. At the end of each bed, there was a storage bench, great for storing my backpack.
I also found a large-screen TV mounted across from the beds, with a console under it. The large sliding glass door overlooked the pool area.
The beachy vibe is accented by pops of turquoise against a backdrop of white. The room features an in-room safe and a beverage bar, which includes a mini fridge stocked with several bottles of water. The coffee maker is outfitted with ceramic coffee cups and includes a tea service.
Guests can outfit their beverage bar with options from Joe’sJoe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions, located close to the main lobby. In my room, I found double-old-fashioned glasses, highball glasses and Margarita glasses.
My Bathing Suite
The bathroom offers a luxurious jetted soaking tub with a double marble vanity with mounted vessel sinks. The mirrors are backlit, and the area includes a vanity mirror.
There’s a large walk-in shower, tiled in earthy mosaic tiles and featuring a ceiling-mounted showerhead, plus a handheld wand. It and the water closet are outfitted an opaque glass doors.
The bathing suite was luxurious and spacious; however, it lacked a privacy door. During my stay with my 17-year-old son, we alternated our bathing and clothes changing for more privacy.
Opposite the bathroom, I found a bank of reach-in storage. There was an in-room safe, several wood and satin lingerie hangers. Along with a hanging rod, there were shelves and drawers. However, there wasn’t a luggage rack, iron or ironing board in the room.
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Stranded on a Sandbar—SOS Pool Area
Off our room, there was a small stone patio, furnished with a pair of green Adirondack chairs and a table between them. This area also featured a pull-out swimsuit rack, a convenient feature.
The attached pool featured a uniform depth of four feet, and I had a standard metal pool ladder to exit to my room. During my visit, I saw guests sitting in the chairs while watching the kids play. Or you can bring a float for peaceful floating.
I saw several family rooms with floaties, pool toys and even collections of dolls on their patios. The kids really loved the swim-up rooms, my son included. He cannonballed into it more than once.
The swim-up rooms join the largest pool complex at the Margaritaville Island Reserve by Karisma Riviera Cancun. The SOS pool area features a swim-up bar, hanging beds, pool bridges, a volleyball net, hammocks, a ping pong table and a jumbo chess set. The area was nicely shaded during my visit.
Outdoor Spaces at the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun
There are several pools at the resort, and three overlook the water. Most offer bars next to them. Pool floats are welcome.
The License to Chill Pool includes a bar and is tucked away into a corner of the resort, overlooking the beach. It is an adults-only area and includes a sunning shelf with loungers.
The 5 O’Clock Somewhere Pool and Bar is mid-resort and overlooks the beach. It continues with the island vibe and offers nightly games and entertainment, like karaoke.
Blended Smoothie Bar is located mid-resort near the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar. Open from morning until noon, this spot offers customizable smoothies. My son enjoyed a berry smoothie one morning and a protein smoothie the next.
In the opposite corner of the resort, a small rectangular pool is located next to Rita’s Taco House. This was rarely occupied, so head there if you want your own sanctuary.
Between the 11 buildings on the property, I found lots of quiet corners with lush tropical landscaping, plus swings and hammocks. In fact, this family-friendly resort was more zen than most adults-only resorts.
The beach along Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun offers umbrellaed loungers, Balinese daybeds and an overwater pavilion with swimming stairs. Guests can enjoy non-motorized water sports, like kayaking and SUP boards.
Reservations are needed for the Balinese Beds. For the watersports, head to the lobby for the required wristband.
During my June visit, the resort was experiencing a Sargassum bloom that affected the beaches. The resort had crews working on seaweed abatement; however, it was never fully removed.
According to the resort, this area will invest in a seaweed boom in the near future. This is a barrier that collects the seaweed yet allows water and waves to flow through.
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Restaurants at the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun features four restaurants. Some are open-air, most offer outdoor dining and others are open for dinner only.
Guests can start their day at The Beach House with a daily continental breakfast buffet. It is followed by international fare for lunch and dinner, including its Mexican night, plus a show. Open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Joe’s Merchant’s Coffee and Provisions serves barista-made drinks and a variety of sweet and savory snacks. I came here daily from an afternoon iced coffee. It is also a convenience store with items to stock your in-room mini-fridge.
The Rita Taco House is a standout with regional tacos from across Mexico. Many start their meal with the Nacho Tower. We had Tacos Al Pastor, Baja Fish Tacos, Carnitas Tacos and more.
With its site on the water, paired with an ocean-front patio, it is a favorite. During our multiple visits, we sampled its guacamole. It serves Modelo beer and cocktails. Open from noon to 5 p.m.
Dinner at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun
For dinner, guests can dine at Frank & Lola’s Italian Trattoria. Diners start their meal with a bread basket with a collection.
My son and I ordered two different appetizers: fried calamari and arancini. We followed with Chicken Parmigiana. For dessert, we indulged in the Tiramisu. This restaurant serves wine as well. It is a premium dining experience.
Another dinner-only option is Latino for fusion cuisine. Its menu focuses on Latin-inspired dishes with Asian favorites, including several types of sushi. Both offer reservations, which are available upon arrival at the property.
During our stay, we took a cooking class. We made guacamole with two whole avocados, plus freshly cut tomatoes, onion and jalapenos. After savoring freshly made guacamole from tree-ripened Mexican avocados, you will never be the same. The avocados are buttery in Mexico.
They also offer a ceviche-making class during the week. To learn more about their activities and classes, download the Margaritaville App. Complimentary Wifi is strong and covers the entire resort.
The Bars at the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun
There are six bars at the Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun. The 5 O’Clock Somewhere bar is open the majority of the day.
It is centrally located under a palapa roof and hosts entertainment, like karaoke. This is the place for a Margarita. I recommend trying a Mango. It is open until 11 p.m.
The License to Chill Bar is next to the pool by the same name. This area is open during the day and located overlooking the beach.
Rita’s Taco House offers a full bar. It features beer and beer cocktails, like Micheladas. You can order your drinks to go.
The Compass Bar is located next to the lobby. It is open in the evening only from 5 p.m. to midnight. Here, guests will find the finest mixologists.
During my stay, I attended a tequila tasting where we sampled four different types of tequila and learned more about the plant and the process.
St. Somewhere Spa by Karisma
The St. Somewhere Spa by Karisma offers a rejuvenating space with 8,000 square feet. There, guests can enjoy the hydrotherapy circuit, including a redwood dry sauna, an aromatherapy steam room, a cool plunge pool and a whirlpool to awaken their senses.
During my visit, I enjoyed a 25-minute massage. My therapist focused on my problem areas after my intake questionnaire. She balanced strength to address knots without overworking the area.
My services began in the thermal area, where I indulged in the redwood sauna (one of my favorites), then followed with some time in the aromatherapy steam room. A quick shower, then I took a quick dunk in the cold plunge pool. I relaxed in the whirlpool tub before my therapist found me for my massage.
The St. Somewhere Spa offers seven treatment rooms, including a bridal suite. It offers beauty services along with wellness treatments. The fitness room is located in the same area.
During my stay, we also visited the fitness room. I used the cardio equipment, and my son used the free weights.
Seasonal Events and Activities at the Margaritaville Island Reserve
The Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun offers the Parakeet Kids club for kids 4 to 12. It is complimentary for guests and offers games, activities and even movie nights.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun hosts activities for guests throughout the day, including tequila tastings, cooking classes, karaoke and more. To stay up-to-date, download its app for daily activities.
The Summer of Music program includes musical performances so guests can enjoy live music, pop-up events and specials at the spa. The restaurants also offer Summer of Music specials.
Tropical Oktoberfest mixes seasonal beer and tacos. There are pretzels, floating taco trays and the Oktoberfest Rally with a stein-holding contest.
Mexico Travel Tips
You can use the Cancun International Airport (CUN). It serves over 125 worldwide destinations with nonstop service and offers a large duty-free shopping area. It is about 30 minutes by transportation.
The U.S. dollar is widely accepted throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. Though change will be in returned in Mexican Pesos, so bring lots of smaller bills for small purchases and tips.
Safety is always important when traveling. I have a cell phone plan that includes Mexico, so I have data service. When traveling off the resort, I always know where I am going and use reputable transportation companies.
All vehicles are required to pass through a checkpoint to enter the lobby area. So, passengers need to be prepared to give their name to the guard.
This article was written after a press trip. It contains an affiliate link.
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