It’s the newest all-inclusive in the Barceló resort portfolio, the sparkling new, adults-only Barceló Maya Riviera, part of now six-resort compound on the Caribbean coast of Mexico that includes the Barceló Maya Palace, Barceló Maya Colonial, Barceló Maya Tropical, Barceló Maya Caribe and Barceló Maya Beach. 

I knew I would like it based on my most recent visit to the Barceló Bavaro Beach Resort in Punta Cana — and I was not disappointed.

The resort, which just opened its doors last month, has a mix of 850 junior suites and suites, more than half of which have an ocean view, and 110 of which are full swim-up suites (the latter are in addition to four pools at the property). 

In a welcome touch, every room has a hydro massage tub on the balcony, a definite perk in an age where more and more resort brands are adding private tubs and pools to their units to meet rising customer demand. 

The rooms are crisp and sleek, something that has become a signature in the Barceló experience: when you stay at a Barcelo, you know you’re going to be staying at a well-manicured, very good looking resort — and that’s even more true at the Maya Riviera. 

The dining options are broad: there’s the Terraza Miramar buffet, which has an extensive variety of cuisines for both breakfast and lunch; the hibachi-style Sapporo Nikkei eatery; La Dolce Vita, a terrific Italian spot that notably includes not just a salad bar, but a full-fledged antipasto bar. 

And then there’s the lovely La Comedie French eatery. 

The Maya Riviera’s position in the wider complex mean you get the best of both worlds: the adults-only serenity you’re looking for coupled with access to the adjacent properties’ amenities, which include a water park, a sports bar, a bowling alley, a basketball and a host of entertainment options, including the Maya Riviera’s own 24-hour lobby bar. (If you’re looking for more adventure, the nearby Ventura Fly & Ride Park is a must for any vacation here, with a very cool zip line and go-karting as well.)

If you want to check out the five other resorts, Barceló has regular shuttle service every 10 or 15 minutes to shepherd guests around the Barceló Maya Grand Resort complex. 

And as an adults-only property, weddings are a big factor: and the resort complex has its own beautiful open-air chapel, with beach wedding options as well — right on the sand. 

One of the most significant elements of the all-inclusive Barceló Maya Riviera is the compound’s new Barceló Maya Arena convention center — with 190,000 square feet of customizable event space, and a huge part of the resort’s meetings push going forward. 

This is a lovely all-inclusive — and a wonderful addition to the Barceló collection and the Riviera Maya. 

For more, visit Barceló Maya Riviera. 

Susan Barlow is one of Caribbean Journal’s all-inclusive editors. 

— CJ