Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya Hotel Review

As my eyes focus on the bright oranges and reds that are bursting on the horizon I listen to the soft Mayan language of a shaman with a feathered hat. It’s 7 am in Cancun, Mexico, and our group of four—my mother, a yoga instructor, the shaman, and me—are the only people on a pristine stretch of white sand taking part in a traditional sun salutation ceremony.

The 100-acre park was a great place to spend three days with my mom. Waldorf Astoria Riviera MayaThe resort will officially open on November 1, 2022. While this is not the brand’s first resort in Mexico—it overtook an existing hotel in Los Cabos in 2019—Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya is the first newly built resort in the Hilton-owned brand’s Caribbean and Latin American portfolio.

Nazaret carbonari, the resort’s general manager, said: “Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya is distinguished by its beachfront location and design that blends in with the mangroves. It also has a strong culinary and activity program, as well as a commitment to personalized services rooted in the legacy of elegance.” Travel + Leisure.

Cancun This hotel is not the typical spring breaker resort. There are no rowdy Spring Breakers here. It’s a great location, nestled in a mangrove forest, yet only 15 minutes away from the airport. While all beaches are open to the public in Mexico, we felt that the beach fronting this new resort was a private one. We also enjoyed the two swimming pools with ocean views. This hotel makes the most of its prime location on the beach, with panoramic views from its rooms and restaurants.

The Waldorf Astoria’s signature sophistication, however, is evident throughout the resort. The grand lobby is decorated with chandeliers, leather sofas, marble tables and wooden chairs. The Waldorf clock, the signature of Waldorf-Astoria, is at its center. It’s a great place to gather for guests. This clock is made out of marble and mother-of-pearl and has Mayan symbols. The hotel is divided into smaller, more intimate lounges and vignettes to make it feel less overwhelming.

The outdoor spaces have a dynamic, terraced layout with swaying palms and local plants growing in between the sundecks and cabanas, delivering privacy, plenty of tropical vibes, and reminding travelers of the richness of the Yucatán jungle.

Here is my complete review of the Waldorf Astoria, Riviera Maya.

The Rooms

Water is a prominent theme in the hotel’s interior design. The 173 rooms, suites, and apartments all have a balcony with a soaking tub. The furniture is designed in organic shapes to mimic natural formations. Shells, pearlescent inlays, and shimmering designs are reminiscent of sparkling sea surface.

The design combines modern lines with repetitive patterns and undulating, sea-like forms to create a connection with nature.

My mother and I stayed together in a 675 sq. ft. deluxe oceanfront room with two queen beds. Double vanities, two closets and double sinks were in the bathroom. This gave us each our own area to prepare for the day. You could leave the glass enclosed shower door open while you shower to enjoy the fresh air and the view. The balcony was where we spent most our time, talking, reading and taking in the turquoise Caribbean views.

Food and Drink

The hotel recently appointed a new executive chef, Jonathan Santiago, who transitioned from One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos.

“The resort’s culinary offerings celebrate the region’s rich flavors, with Malpeque’s wood-fired seafood and Ja’o’s elevated Mexican dishes at the forefront,” Carbonari said.

The five distinct dining spaces include Chaya, which serves breakfast and dinner (and serious décor inspiration), and the lunch spot Ja’o, where highlights include juicy pork tacos with grilled pineapple habanero puree, herb quelite salad with avocado, pink pine nuts, and fresh cheese, and the sikil pak Dip prepared with roasted pumpkinseeds and tomatoes.

Malpeque, however, is the place to go if, like me you are a seafood lover. The elegant dining room features an open kitchen with a fire grill—each dish incorporates an element of fire, char, or smoke.

We ordered the fish of the day, which was a snook caught in the Gulf of Mexico. It was grilled with spices and served to two people. My mother and I were able to (almost) finish the fish, which was more than enough for a family of 4. We served it with a whole grilled cauliflower and a light fruity Mexican cabernet.

Activities and Experiences

While for me, the main event on the Riviera Maya is always the beach and the sea, guests who prefer to lounge poolside have plenty of space to do so—the hotel has two waterfront zig-zag-shaped infinity pools surrounded by chaise lounges, cabanas, and abundant greenery. The impeccable pool service means that guests do not have to lift their finger to enjoy an ice-cold cocktail or a platter of light bites. Yoga and Pilates classes are available, as well as stand-up paddling, kayaking and yoga. A fully equipped gym is also on offer.

The excellent service of the hotel extended beyond its walls. The Waldorf Astoria has partnered up with a local company to create a customized adventure itinerary. A very knowledgeable guide was with us for the entire day. We traveled in a vehicle equipped with snacks to take us to the Ek’ Balam Mayan site. Our guide set up sun chairs and food at Hubiku, a nearby cenote. This was a cenote beach club that allowed you to access the water. We ended our day with a tequila shot and a refreshing dip into the water. Then we had lunch in colonial Valladolid and enjoyed some free time.

The Spa

Incorporating elements of local culture and Mayan traditions is another central theme throughout the resort’s facilities and décor. The Waldorf Astoria Spa is a 40,000-square-foot space that embodies this theme. Everything about it is geared toward delivering an authentic experience inspired by the nature and cultural heritage of the region—from the bright and spacious, sun-filled lobby with a sunken circular seating area, a nod to the thousands of cenotes dotting the Yucatán, to the spectacular landscaping surrounding the 21 treatment rooms and swimming pool, and the signature treatments inspired by the Ceiba tree.

Omar Sanchez explained that ancient Mayans believed Ceiba, which are planted in the spa, connected our world to the underworld via their roots, and the heavens via their branches. Yellow Ceiba is the name of my 80-minute aromatherapy treatment, which began with my feet. (It ended in the private plunge pools outside the treatment rooms). The range of products at the spa includes an exclusive body cream with Ceiba Tree oil.

It is a great place to relax in between treatments. The hydrotherapy pool at the spa is surrounded by palm trees and native vegetation.

Enjoy Family-Friendly Offers

Although I did not take advantage of the activities for families at the resort I would bring my son, who is six years old, to a beach vacation. The hotel offers a pool for families and activities like treasure hunts, cookie-making, and painting to keep children entertained.

For families traveling with infants, the resort also provides cribs, child-friendly toiletries, bottle warmers, bathrobes, and coloring books.

Location

The resort is only 15 minutes away from Cancun International Airport. This makes it a great getaway for long weekends, especially if you are on the East Coast. The hotel is quiet and tranquil but if you want to experience Cancun’s vibrant nightlife and vibrancy, it is only 17 miles away. You can reach the city via taxi or a private transfer that the concierge will help arrange. The resort offers a variety of activities for guests who want to snorkel (but beware of whale sharks). Isla Mujeres.

Accessibility, Sustainability and Sustainability

Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya offers guest rooms with roll-in rain showers, handrails and handheld shower heads.

The resort grounds include 237 acres in protected mangrove forests, which are recognized by the Mexican Government as “volunteer conserved areas”. The team built the hotel with aerial bridges and underground tunnels as well as speed reducers and special crossings in order to protect wildlife. Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya is a part of Hilton’s LightStay program, which tracks and reduces its environmental impact. According to data from the resort, it has recycled more than 343,921 pounds of waste in 2024.

The Best Value for Your Stay

The Waldorf Astoria in Riviera Maya belongs to Hilton Honors. This is Hilton’s loyalty programme, which rewards members with discounts and complimentary amenities such as WiFi. The resort is part of American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts, which offers cardholders perks such as late check-ins, room upgrades and daily breakfasts for two.

The nightly rate at Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya starts from $875.

Each hotel reviewed by T+L is chosen based on its alignment with our values. core values.