Lorry Perkins
Writer, Travel Blogger
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All-Inclusive Resorts in Riviera Maya: You Can’t Always Believe What You Read
Before we left for our first trip to an all-inclusive at the Blue Bay Esmeralda in Riviera Maya, we checked reviews on Tripadvisor to learn more about the resort. “The beach has horrible, mangroves.” “They burn trash in the morning on the property and it stinks!” (Oh no, what did we sign up for?)
The Beach is Beautiful
Truth is, if you go directly into the water in front of the property, there are mangroves which are shrubs or small trees that grow just off of the coast in the water. If you walk in a diagonal from the resort, the beach is pristine, and you can see your feet when you are in neck-high water. Added bonus: you can walk for a mile on this beautiful beach past a number of resorts and sites.
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Since I knew about the burning trash, which happens about once a week, we were prepared We woke up one day for breakfast, smelled something burning, and walked to the far side of the resort by the beach for a terrific breakfast. Lesson learned. Each all-inclusive in Riviera Maya Mexico is different. There may be little glitches that send a sensitive traveler into a tirade, but if you are there to relax, you can find an alternative without throwing a fit and ruining your vacation.
We have never had an incident that dampened our vacation, but plenty of people “bitch and moan” on Tripadvisor. If you see nothing but bad reports, steer clear of that place, but if you stay at a 4 or 5 apple resort, you can usually have a better vacation than just about anywhere in the states for the price. Considering the weather in Riviera Maya and the beautiful beaches in Mexico, this is a perfect destination for adults and families at a variety of price points. There is something for everyone with so many all-inclusive resorts to choose from. Consult Tripadvisor before you book so that you have an idea of what to expect. If anything is a deal-breaker, there are plenty of other resorts to choose from.
Book Your Travel
When traveling to Riviera Maya, we always book with our travel agent Jim Lucente. Rest assured that you will know the latest Covid protocols and have the added layer of a professional to contact directly with any questions or concerns. I highly recommend that you contact Jim Lucente, owner of Lucente Travel, at 412-299-7699 or email him at jim@lucentetravel.com to book your all-inclusive vacation.
If you prefer to book online, you can book here or compare reviews at Tripadvisor.
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I remember staying at an all inclusive resort as a kid, and I felt on top of the world. I drank so many virgin pina coladas just because I could haha. Also, I have learned not to take reviews too seriously. People really do love to complain.
We never really book all-inclusive resorts because of all the negative comments that they often get. I loved this article because it is a true reminder that sometimes you just have to go and experience instead of “believing what you read”. Great read!
I must admit it has been awhile since we last headed to the Riviera Maya in search of an all inclusive resort. Good to get your view to balance what we might read on Trip Advisor. And you are right, the ambiance can’t be beat for the price. Nice to know your travel advisor can help with all facets of travel to this area.
We have always be apprehensive to book an all inclusive resort but after reading this will look more into it as it looks like a great deal. Thanks for sharing!
As soon as things are back to normal – whatever that will look like – I’d like to visit Mexico again. However, my preferred kind of travel is a bit different so that I stay at resorts only for one or two nights before I hit the road again 😉
Blue Bay Esmerelda on Riviera Maya seems a nice place for vacation. Fantastic pool and four-poster beds on the beach. I love this part of Mexico. It’s fabulous for chilling. But I don’t choose holiday resorts too often. I prefer smaller boutique hotels or apartments. I don’t believe in opinions too much because everyone has different subjective feelings.
This place sounds different. I don’t think I would mind the mangroves too much it sounds like a unique beach experience. But the burning of the trash, I’m unsure about that. At least the pool and good breakfast would make up for that.