Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya Review [All-Inclusive and Adults Only]

The author stayed as an invited guest of Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya. All opinions are the author’s own.

There’s nothing quite like escaping the daily grind for a few days to sit by a pool with a refreshing drink and book in hand and have zero responsibilities — which is why I try to make room for 1 all-inclusive vacation each year.

Whether it’s the ease of a quick flight or the draw of a worry-free weekend where every detail is handled, Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula continues to be a go-to destination for good reason. In fact, this was my fifth year in a row flying down to Cancun, and I’ve tried a new resort every time.

This year, my boyfriend and I stayed at the adults-only Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya — 1 of 3 all-inclusive properties in the Margaritaville portfolio — to see firsthand what it’s like to spend a weekend immersed in a lifestyle brand built entirely around island-style escapism.

Here’s what I discovered during my 3-night stay in July 2025.

About Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya

Inspired by the “no worries” tropical lifestyle made famous by singer-songwriter Jimmy Buffett, the Margaritaville brand has built a fan base beyond music and into hospitality. With more than 20 hotels, resorts, and all-inclusive properties across the U.S., Caribbean, and Mexico (and more on the way!), Margaritaville has become synonymous with beachy fun and escapism.

At the heart of it all are the Parrotheads, the name for Buffett’s devoted fans, many of whom follow his music and carefree living. This wasn’t my first visit to a Margaritaville hotel, as I had briefly stayed at the location in Times Square when it opened in 2021, so I was already familiar with this hospitality brand.

Just like the hotel in New York, the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya isn’t just for die-hard Parrotheads. During my stay, the type of guests ranged from parents vacationing with their college-age kids, honeymooning couples, groups of friends celebrating bachelorette parties, and retirees soaking up the sun.

The resort had all the energy of a classic beach vacation, enhanced by its playful, island-inspired decor that carried through from the pools to the guest rooms. Whether you’re a Parrothead or just looking for a carefree getaway, the resort delivered on its promise of laid-back luxury.

Booking Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya

You get the best rates when booking your stay at the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya directly through the resort’s official website. There are often special offers here, such as discounted room rates or property credits to enhance your stay.

The peak travel season for Cancun and the Riviera Maya typically runs from December through March, aligning with winter getaways and spring break. From April to November, the region enters sargassum season, followed by the start of hurricane season in the summer — making it a prime time to score deals.

For example, room rates in August typically range from $250 to $350 per night for 2 guests. In contrast, rates during the winter months can climb to $500 to $650 per night. Booking with a travel card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or the American Express^® Green Card allows you to earn 2x and 3x points on travel purchases, respectively.

You can also book the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya on a credit card travel portal, such as AmexTravel.com, Chase Travel, or Capital One Travel.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express earns 5x points on prepaid hotels booked directly through AmexTravel.com, or if you want to redeem Amex Membership Rewards points for a stay, each point is worth 1 cent apiece. (Unfortunately, the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya isn’t part of the Hotel Collection or the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts Collection.)

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

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Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$695

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Good to Excellent

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Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel^® up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel^®.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
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• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card^®.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
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• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

When booking hotels through the Chase Travel portal, you can earn 8x points with the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® or 5x points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You can also redeem Ultimate Rewards points for hotel stays through the portal at a value of up to 2 cents per point with the Chase Sapphire Reserve card or up to 1.5 cents with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card with the Points Boost feature.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.

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$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

20.24% - 28.74% Variable

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Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

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Card Highlights

• Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
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• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music - all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 - a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card earns an industry-leading 10x miles on hotels booked through Capital One Travel. Your pool of Capital One miles can also be redeemed for these hotels at a rate of 1 cent apiece.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

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The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,350

Annual Fee

$395

APR

Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)

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Excellent (740-840)

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

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Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $395 annual fee
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
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• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
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• Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^®

Financial Snapshot

• APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Capital One Miles

 

Hot Tip:

If you’re planning to use your points and miles through a credit card travel portal, keep in mind that you don’t have to cover the entire stay with rewards. You can always redeem a portion and pay the rest out of pocket.

Location

The best airport to fly into to visit the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya is Cancun International Airport (CUN). It takes just 20 to 25 minutes by car to get there, and I arranged a private transfer (about $75) directly with the resort before our trip.

It’s important to know that the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya is oceanfront but has no swimmable beach. That wasn’t a deal-breaker for us, as we were here to relax at the pools, but if a full beach day is on your wishlist, you’ll want to plan an outing. Nearby beach towns like Puerto Morelos offer sandy shorelines just a 15-minute drive away, or you can book an excursion to Cozumel for turquoise waters.

Situated in the Riviera Maya, the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya is surrounded by well-known resorts like Hyatt Ziva Riviera Maya, Secrets Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, and Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa.

While this Margaritaville is an adults-only all-inclusive property, those looking for a family-friendly resort can head just 10 minutes up the road to the Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Cancún.

Again, if your main goal is poolside relaxation, you should be covered, as there are 3 generous pools, swim-up bars, and plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas available.

Check-In

After passing through the secured entrance, we arrived at the resort and were promptly greeted by baggage handlers who took our luggage straight to our room.

Inside, we were welcomed with a signature margarita popsicle — a fun touch, though my boyfriend and I don’t drink, so we politely passed on the boozy treat.

The Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya opened in June 2023, and you could still tell how new (and well-kept) the property was. The lobby was expansive and open, offering views of the resort’s only indoor bar, the rest of the property, and the beach beyond. We immediately loved the upscale, coastal vibe.

We handed over our passports and my Chase Sapphire Preferred card to cover any room incidentals, then received our room keys. From there, we were invited to scan a QR code to download the resort’s app, which included everything from dining details and activity schedules to other important resort info.

Our room key came with a note mentioning “7,500 points,” which the front desk staff explained could be used at the coffee shop downstairs to pick out items for stocking our in-room minibar (more on that later).

A front desk staff member escorted us to our room and gave us a helpful orientation. I quickly noticed that the property was spacious but not overly intimidating, and it only took us a few hours to feel comfortable navigating it.

We immediately noticed the scent of seaweed buildup on the beach, though it’s prevalent along the entire Yucatán region during its peak (July). Fortunately, we adjusted to it within a few hours, and since our plan was to spend long afternoons at the pool, it didn’t impact our stay. Still, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re visiting in the summer.

We then arrived at our room on the top (fifth) floor and were happy to see our bags delivered.

King Paradise Room

The Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya has 355 guest rooms, including suites, most of which have pool or ocean views.

As soon as I stepped inside our assigned King Paradise Room, I was struck by how spacious it felt, with thoughtful touches that carried through the signature Margaritaville theme. Far from feeling sterile, the space was full of personality. The bright blue and white walls, paired with tasteful artwork, instantly made me feel like I was in the Florida Keys.

To the right of the entrance was the bathroom and, nearby, a sliding-door closet and a minibar.

The flat-screen TV was right above the large desk, offering live cable and movies for purchase. On the desk sat a Bluetooth speaker, and beneath it was a charming dresser designed to look like a vintage suitcase.

The room had plenty of outlets for charging our devices, conveniently above the nightstands and at the desk.

I loved the large compass design on the headboard, complemented by stylish sconce lamps on both sides. The king bed itself was incredibly comfortable, and we loved the variety of firm and plush pillows and the crisp white linens.

I also really loved the room’s sitting area, which featured a cozy lounger.

It was the perfect spot to unwind and play a few card games after a sun-filled day.

We nearly overlooked this welcome treat, initially mistaking it for decor. But it turned out to be a shortbread cookie topped with fondant, and the seashells were actually made of chocolate.

The room only got better from there — the balcony was absolutely breathtaking! From our top-floor perch, we loved the beach-style chairs and incredible views overlooking the lively pool scene below, along with the soothing sound of ocean waves.

The minibar setup was interesting, and not just because the room had a cocktail shaker to make our own margaritas. Typically at an all-inclusive resort, you can expect complimentary snacks and drinks stocked up.

To our surprise, the fridge initially only had bottled water. That’s because guests could actually customize their own minibar at the coffee shop downstairs, using their points to pick out snacks, beer, sodas, and more. I thought this was a fun and unique concept, something more resorts should consider doing!

There was also a small coffee machine on the counter, but I ended up grabbing freshly brewed coffee downstairs every morning.

Inside the sliding-door closet, we found a couple of Egyptian-cotton robes (which felt ultraluxurious after a long day at the pool) along with a luggage rack and an iron. I wished there were slippers, but I couldn’t find any here.

As someone who’s left behind plenty of items in hotel rooms over the years, I really appreciated the open-faced cubbies in the closet, which made it easy to keep our things organized and visible. There was also a safe.

There was also a ceiling fan in our hotel room, which I had never seen before! That said, even without the fan, the room stayed perfectly cool throughout our stay. The thermostat worked great, and coming back to an ice-cold room after a hot, humid day in the sun was incredibly refreshing.

Bathroom

The bathroom absolutely wowed me, too, and it was also spacious.

I especially loved that the toilet was in a separate, enclosed space.

To the left was a rainfall shower. While I’m not usually a fan of partial-glass doors, this setup worked well thanks to the shower’s deep layout, ensuring no water splashed out.

The shower toiletries were true to the Margaritaville brand, too, and smelled great. My favorite was the mojito-scented shampoo.

There was a single vanity and plenty of counter space to house all of my skincare and haircare products.

Just like the shower products, the hand soap and lotion featured tropical-inspired scents that added to the island vibe.

I also appreciated the thoughtful extras, like the dental kit, shaving kit, and cotton buds, which housekeeping restocked daily.

Amenities

Pools

Because there wasn’t any beach access, the pools were clearly the centerpiece at this resort. There were 3 massive pools, 2 of which had their own swim-up bar.

There were plenty of comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas, a few loungers in the pool, and a few cabanas for an additional upcharge.

The first pool, with the SOS swim-up bar, seemed much less crowded.

We saw lots of people reading books and casually chatting, and we spent many afternoons here.

Near the first pool, there was a convenient shack where you could grab beach towels on the go.

The main pool sat closest to the ocean and featured the massive 5 O’Clock Somewhere swim-up bar.

It was easily the daytime hot spot, complete with energetic music and a volleyball net for added fun. The vibe leaned more toward current pop hits and early 2000s throwbacks, catering to a broader crowd.

The third pool was the only one without a swim-up bar and was the quietest of the 3. There was also a hot tub that was popular in the evenings.

This pool also flowed into a shallow area with just a few inches of water, featuring a mix of loungers, tables, and chairs.

For added luxury (and privacy), you could even book a room with a swim-up pool. Most of them were on the ground floor, though there were even more private swim-up pool suites on the fourth floor.

Fitness Center

The Fins Up fitness center was located on the fifth floor, just steps away from our guest room. This dimly lit room had free weights and machines.

Toward the back of the gym, there was some cardio equipment and a few more weight machines.

We cooled down after our workout on the terrace for morning stretches.

St. Somewhere Spa

I’m a firm believer that no resort vacation is complete without indulging in a spa service. The St. Somewhere Spa, just past the fitness center on the fifth floor, was a treat.

We booked a 30-minute couple’s massage, facial, and a hydrotherapy session with the concierge. Once we arrived at the spa, there were men’s and women’s locker rooms and bathrooms to change into our robes before our services.

The hydrotherapy room had a steam room, sauna, and 3 pools with multiple stations for water massages. I got to try them all by activating different jets, each one targeting specific areas like my neck, legs, and other sore spots.

After spending 10 minutes in the steam room, jumping into this cold plunge pool was a delight.

The couple’s massage focused on the upper body, and the facial was equally relaxing and rejuvenating. We found that the massage therapists were communicative and attentive to our needs, adequately focused on areas of tension.

Sports Court

On the resort’s third floor, the outdoor sports court included 2 pickleball courts and a shuffleboard court, allowing guests to stay active.

During our July stay, the midday heat made it tough to play pickleball, but we discovered that about an hour before sunset (just ahead of our 6:30 p.m. dinner reservation) was the ideal time. The temperature had cooled just enough, and the lighting created the perfect atmosphere for a quick, fun match.

Activities and Entertainment

I highly recommend downloading the Margaritaville Island Reserve app (iOS, Android) to stay plugged in on the schedule of free activities happening throughout your stay. Some of the most popular events during our visit were music trivia and the animated foam party at the main pool, as well as the guacamole-making lesson at the SOS Swim-Up Bar.

Since we visited over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the resort went all out with fair-style games at the main Flip-Flop pavilion.

We really enjoyed the lineup of live music, which added to the festive atmosphere.

If you’re planning a summer visit, don’t miss the resort’s annual Summer of Music series, running from May 1 to September 15. Throughout our weekend stay, the resort brought out live saxophone, violin, and guitar performers playing cover songs from the ’80s to today, from “Levitating” by Dua Lipa to “Africa” by Toto.

Wi-Fi

Guests could access complimentary Wi-Fi immediately upon arrival — no password needed. I found the connection to be extremely fast and reliable while in our room or inside any of the resort buildings, handling streaming and browsing on our phones and laptops.

However, I noticed that the connection wasn’t as strong when we were out by the pools, so we often left our devices in our rooms during the day.

Concierge

The concierge desk was in the main pavilion, and staff was always on hand to help guests with restaurant and spa reservations and any other inquiries.

Margaritaville Store

You can’t leave a vacation without picking up a souvenir. Whether you were looking for gifts to bring home or a little something for yourself, the Margaritaville Store was the perfect place to browse between meals.

There was a lot to look at, as the store was stocked with everything from Parrothead-themed merch to resort-inspired apparel.

Hot Tip:

There was an ATM just outside the Margaritaville store. We withdrew $50 per day, then asked the front desk to break our bills into smaller amounts for tipping (yes, tipping is recommended at all-inclusives!).

Food and Beverages

The Boathouse (Buffet)

When you think of all-inclusive resort buffets, you may not have high expectations. However, the Boathouse, right next to the Flip-Flop Pavilion, exceeded them in every way.

The Boathouse was open daily for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dinner service was available Monday to Wednesday and Fridays, but the app noted any changes.

The Boathouse was the only locale open for breakfast in the mornings, but there were plenty of hot and cold foods.

My favorites included the made-to-order omelet station, fresh local fruit (the guava was especially delicious), and perfectly crispy bacon. I also appreciated the unique breakfast dishes, like tamales and chicken taquitos, which added a flavorful twist to the usual morning fare.

For lunch service a few days per week, the buffet moved just outside the building for a fun cookout called Cheeseburger in Paradise.

It was just as delicious as the indoor meals, featuring juicy burgers with a wide variety of toppings, along with sides like chips and salsa and hot, crispy fries. The casual outdoor setting and great food made it a perfect midday break to munch by the pool.

Lastly, Margaritaville Resort hosts special themed dinners at The Boathouse a few times per week, adding a festive and memorable touch to the dining experience.

During our stay, we attended Mexican Night, which featured a vibrant traditional dance performance and an impressive spread of authentic Mexican cuisine.

The bustling atmosphere and delicious food made it one of the highlights of our trip.

One of the staff members, Sergio, prepared tacos to order with fresh, flavorful toppings like pickled onions, extra-spicy salsa, and a heaping portion of cilantro. His friendly energy and attention to detail added to the experience.

Frank & Lola’s

There were a couple of reservation-only restaurants at the Margaritaville Resort, and you could ask the concierge to get you tables. Frank & Lola’s was an Italian trattoria serving pasta, seafood, and wood-fired pizzas, but it was only open for dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

I loved the ambience, and the setting, service, and decor created the feeling of dining in an upscale restaurant.

We sat right behind the pizza oven and ordered a salami pizza to split.

The pizza was super tasty and perfectly portioned for a personal pie. The dough struck a great balance (chewy yet light), with a slightly crisp crust that added just the right texture.

The chicken Parmesan entree was also enjoyable and crispy, with a side of mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables.

The appetizers we ordered fell flat in comparison, so I’d skip the Caprese salad and the tuna tartare next time. However, we would definitely go back for our own personal pizzas next time — they tasted super fresh!

Landshark Brewery and Grill

Have you ever been to an on-site brewery at an all-inclusive resort? This was a first for me, and it was such a fun surprise.

The Landshark Brewery and Grill served lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering a casual menu and house-brewed beer. Though I don’t drink beer, I know the free brewery tour was a huge hit for guests. It’s offered a few times per week.

At night, it transformed into a vibrant hot spot with a DJ and full bar service from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily, making it a great place to keep the energy going after a day in the sun.

This sports bar offered a great selection of pub-style fare, from loaded nachos and flavorful tacos to hot buffalo wings.

Everything we tried was delicious, and the laid-back vibe made it an easy favorite.

We even stopped by for a late-night snack just before it transitioned into a buzzing bar scene, which made it the perfect spot to grab a bite and hang out before the nightlife picked up. Tucked away in the back was a pool table.

This outdoor fire pit area outside of Landshark was a nice place to relax at night.

License to Chill and Wet Feet Bar

Who doesn’t love a poolside grill? License to Chill was our go-to lunch spot after spending all day in the sun, as it was conveniently located by all of the pools.

The food and bar service was available daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Lava Lava tacos, made with crispy fried fish, were bursting with flavor and easily a standout on the menu. The chicken burrito was another favorite, as it was generous in size and packed with savory, well-seasoned filling.

JWB Steakhouse

The JWB Steakhouse was, hands-down, our favorite dinner spot of the trip. Open daily from 6 to 10 p.m. and available by reservation only, it delivered an elevated dining experience from start to finish.

You’ll definitely want to snag a reservation at this steakhouse during your stay. It featured its own aging room, an extensive wine pairing list, and upgrades for premium cuts of meat.

For starters, we had the shrimp cocktail and beef empanadas, both of which were absolutely delicious and set the tone for the rest of the meal.

The tenderloin was cooked to medium-rare perfection, and I ordered a side of fresh vegetables and creamed spinach.

We split a steak so we could have enough room for dessert — likely the best sweet treats we had all weekend — so don’t miss the crème brulée and the 3-tiered chocolate cake.

Joe Merchants

The coffee shop, Joe Merchants, was open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. for espresso, tea, pastries, and sandwiches. It was conveniently near the pool.

Joe Merchant’s was the perfect place to kick off our mornings before heading to the breakfast buffet. We loved grabbing an iced latte or a refreshing smoothie to start the day.

The shop also offered alcoholic beverages, sodas, and snacks for purchase, but what made it interesting was that this was where you redeemed the points awarded at check-in to customize your in-room minibar.

We started with 7,500 points and barely made a dent, as most beverages ranged from just 300 to 500 points each. It was a fun, flexible system that let you stock your minibar exactly how you liked it.

Salted Rim Bar

The Salted Rim Bar, by the main lobby, was the resort’s only indoor bar. It was open from 12 to 11 p.m. daily.

The cocktails here looked much more elevated than those at the swim-up bar.

Overall, the Salted Rim Bar was a spacious and beautifully designed area with plenty of barstools and loungers. It regularly hosted live music and game nights.

5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar

The 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar was easily the star of the show. Located at the main pool, this massive swim-up bar was the hub of daytime activity.

Even during the busiest hours, there were multiple bartenders working, and we were always greeted with a smile.

We ordered multiple virgin piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris over the weekend, all of which were delicious.

SOS Bar

The SOS Bar, at the resort’s first pool, was a hybrid swim-up and walk-up bar, making it easy to grab a drink whether you were in the water or lounging nearby.

It also served as the fun setting for the guacamole-making lessons, adding a bit of culinary flair to the poolside experience.

Service

Having been to several all-inclusive resorts over the years, I really appreciated that Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya wasn’t overwhelmingly large. There was more than enough to do during our long weekend stay, but the more intimate size made the experience feel personal.

We loved that many of the staff rotated between the breakfast buffet, the poolside grill, and dinner service — it gave us the chance to recognize familiar faces and feel genuinely welcome throughout our stay.

For instance, we loved the poolside service, as waiters regularly made their way around the loungers, offering to bring drinks. As we ordered countless virgin piña coladas, the staff got to know us and remembered our preferences for the rest of the weekend.

At the buffet, the staff was quick to offer drink refills and clear plates. The service was just as polished and attentive at the sit-down restaurants, where every dish the servers recommended was a fantastic choice. The taco and omelet station chefs were also willing to cater to every request.

Over at the spa, the staff members were also there to care for us from start to finish, offering infused water or herbal tea between our hydrotherapy session and our massage.

Final Thoughts

The Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Riviera Maya is the kind of place where you can truly unwind and be taken care of. It’s the perfect destination for a long weekend getaway, with plenty of fun and engaging activities. The food and beverages exceeded our expectations — easily some of the best we’ve had at an all-inclusive resort.

While there’s no direct beach access, it wasn’t a deal-breaker to us. Everyone was in good spirits and seemed to be there to enjoy the incredible pools and lively swim-up bars. For those craving a bit more adventure, planning an excursion to a nearby island or exploring the region’s stunning cenotes was easy.

With reasonable room rates and special events like the Summer of Music, this resort is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to relax, recharge, and have a great time. We’re looking forward to returning for future getaways.