We were a group of 6. (3 x female couples). As always, being same sex couples you never really know the reception you will receive from the establishments/staff and guests. However, I need had not worried. There are far too many elements and things that happened for me to include in this review, but I will try to be concise. The trip was to celebrate my 50th Birthday - we stayed for 14 nights in April - May. The moment we arrived this place exceeded all our expectations. The decor of the whole hotel is stunning..... it is a feast to the eyes….. everything is thought about with so many different areas to explore, and the wildlife is spectacular to see when walking around. Me & my wife had booked a suite with a partial beach view, and received an upgrade to a full beach view…the view was out of this world. Upon arrival a birthday cake was in the room and a little card (I had a total of 3 birthday cakes left in the room on the run up to the big day). The most magical element are the staff. They can't do enough for you, always happy, friendly, chatty, fun and hilarious. Every single one absolutely made our holiday! We managed to eat at all of the restaurants (expect those as part of serenity), some twice, one 3 times, It was hard to pick a favourite as all of very high quality and standard. We also had room service, lunch at minstrels and snacks from the coffee shop..... No one goes hungry as there is so much food and drink choices. We drank wine most nights, and paid extra for some really special bottles.... If you like red wine I recommend you try 'Duetto' Tempranillo - Cabernet Sauvignon, it has to be the most succulent and flavoursome wine ever, and worth every penny! On my birthday we wanted to watch the Leeds united FA cup, and they streamed the match for us in the auditorium, that was pretty amazing and my friends at home had to make do with a standard TV!! My wife booked a private dinner for us all on the beach to celebrate my birthday, this is one memory I won’t ever forget…from the Set up, Service (Martin), lanterns, music, 5 courses and the home baked cake, all outstanding and so beautiful and a few tears were shed.....If you can do it, absolutely book it. The day after my birthday, the hotel arranged another birthday cake and a mariachi band to sing happy birthday at dinner, so I could extend my celebrations, it was such a thoughtful thing to do. We booked 4 trips through the onsite excursions team - They managed everything efficently and even rearranged a trip for us within 3 hours of us having to go, as one of our party was unwell (luckily they have 2 x onsite doctors 24/7, so they were able to get the care an medication without leaving the hotel) We took in a few shows, played bingo, lotto, took part in lots games, played pool volleyball, beach volleyball, darts, table tennis, shuffleboard, attended the foam party, danced, sang, had hookah, drank lots of tequila & Mexican candy, partook in aqua, yoga, and had some amazing conversations with other guests. We went out sailing and kayaking, and saw turtles TWICE!! I would advocate to use this onsite facility, located under the deck on the beach, you just need to purchase a band from reception that only costs $8 and you can use it as much as you want. Don’t let the seaweed put you off, as it is really not as bad as people make out. We walked on the beach daily, and the beach that we visited in Playa Del Carmen was far worse for seaweed, here they constantly clear it. I love this place, it has a special place in my heart and I hope one day I can return. Thank you all at Haven Riviera for making this a dream holiday and one birthday I will never forget.
