My Honest Review of Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya
(Mexico Adults-Only All-Inclusive)I spent a long weekend at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Ma...
Kathy Barnhart
Independent Travel Agent
Email Me Travel Inquiry Form Registration Form | Payment Form | Travel Lead FormMy Honest Review of Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya
(Mexico Adults-Only All-Inclusive)
I spent a long weekend at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya, and I wanted to share my experience so you can decide if it might be a good fit for your next adults-only Mexico trip.
Arrival & First Impressions
I arrived on a Friday afternoon with really no idea what to expect. As soon as I stepped out of the car, someone helped with my luggage and guided me to the front desk. While I was checking in, they offered me a margarita popsicle — very fitting for “Margaritaville.”
My room wasn’t ready yet (I arrived early and didn’t expect it to be), so my friend and I went to grab tacos at the poolside restaurant. Our server offered us dessert and brought out fruit tarts. It's not a dessert I would typically order but they were really good and I’m glad he offered.
By the time we finished eating, my room was ready. A staff member walked me there, pointed out a few locations along the way, and showed me how some things in the room worked — like the lightswitches that show a red/green “service or no service” light outside the door. My luggage arrived shortly after. It was a super easy check-in overall.
My Room
My room was on the 5th floor with a balcony overlooking the pool area and the ocean. It felt fresh, spacious, and comfortable. Inside the room I had:
- a king bed
- a desk
- a couch and small table
- a closet with robes
- an in-room fridge (restocked daily with water)
- an espresso machine
- a large shower and private toilet room
A tiny detail I loved: they had a small live green plant in the bathroom. It probably sounds random, but natural touches like that make a big difference to me.
This resort also has a “stock your own minibar” option. You get points with your stay and can use them in the coffee shop to choose your drinks and snacks — things you actually want — and they simply scan your bracelet. Your fridge has bottled water and they re-stock that for you daily.
Food & Restaurants
There are four main restaurants on the property. Two require dining reservations, which you can make at the concierge desk on your arrival day.
Frank & Lola's Italian Trattoria
Our first dinner was here. We shared multiple appetizers, and the pizza ended up being the biggest surprise — really good brick-oven crust. I ordered the mushroom ravioli and we shared several desserts. They had tiramisu, which is one of my favorites.
The Boathouse (Buffet)
I ate breakfast here twice. There’s a good variety and friendly service, plus cooked-to-order options. I tried cactus for the first time and really enjoyed the fresh fruit you don’t often get in the U.S. One morning I had guacamole and chips with my coffee and fruit — the perfect breakfast.
LandShark Brewery & Grill
This has a lively sports-bar vibe with TVs and music. I ordered grilled fish with risotto, and the key lime pie was one of the best I’ve ever eaten. Our group shared appetizers and enjoyed the whole meal. There was a football game on that night, so the atmosphere matched what you’d expect at a sports bar. This is also where you’ll find live music in the evenings, and it stays open until 1 a.m.
Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions
I stopped here multiple times a day — iced lattes, iced mochas, and little desserts. This is also where you pick up your minibar items using your points. Honest review: the coffee wasn’t as good as my local place at home, but it didn’t stop me from going back multiple times a day. I preferred the iced lattes over the mochas-the lattes had a stronger espresso flavor. The hot cappuccinos were good too. I normally add vanilla or hazelnut flavor to my drinks.
JWB Steakhouse
My Sunday dinner was a tender, flavorful steak, a salad with really fresh greens, and crème brûlée for dessert — all excellent.
Pools, Vibe & Entertainment
There are several pools in one big area in the center of the resort, and the resort is designed so you can choose your preferred vibe.
Quiet Pools
This was my personal favorite. Peaceful, relaxing, and even though it’s near the more lively pool, the music didn’t bother me. There’s also a shallow pool with loungers in the water, which is perfect on hot sunny days. This is the perfect spot to read a book, nap, or chat with a friend
Oceanfront Pool
More energy here — music, activities, and during my trip, a foam party. I’d never seen one before, and watching the bubbles float across the pool was really fun. The group in the pool looked like they were having the best time.
Floating Taco Bar
Such a fun experience! Some call it the floating taco bar, others may refer to it as the avocado boat. A big tray of 48 tacos floated across the quiet pool to us while we had lunch in the water. There were four kinds — tacos al pastor were my favorite, closely followed by the fish tacos, but honestly, I liked ALL of them.
This takes place near the swim-up bar, so drinks were easy to get. My favorite pool drink was the non-alcoholic mojito (“nojito”) with fresh lime and mint. This taco experience is an extra cost, not part of the all-inclusive, and serves up to eight people — great for friend groups or for meeting new taco-loving friends.
Silent Disco
One of the entertainment options the weekend I visited. Everyone wears headphones and chooses between two live DJ channels. These are always fun — whether you dance or just people-watch.
Salted Rim Margarita Bar
This is the main bar in the lobby. We spent time here after dinner at the steakhouse. There was live saxophone music and plenty of people around, but it didn’t feel loud or rowdy. I had a tropical mocktail with freeze-dried pineapple — so good.
Extra Amenities (I Didn’t Personally Use)
Good to know the resort also offers:
- a full fitness center
- pickleball courts
- cornhole and other lawn games
- a complete spa with hydrotherapy (my friend had a massage and said it was wonderful)
Resort Layout & Atmosphere
The resort has 355 suites and feels small-to-medium-sized. It’s extremely walkable, and I never once felt lost. The elevators list what’s on each floor, which is helpful.
The vibe is:
- relaxed
- friendly
- casual
- not loud
- not boring
- easygoing
I noticed guests of all ages — couples, friend groups, birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorette groups. It’s not a loud party resort, but there’s plenty of entertainment if you want it. And even during the busier times, there were always quiet spots.
Twice, I started to head back to my room, but it was so calm and beautiful outside that I didn’t want to go in yet. I grabbed an iced drink and a dessert from the coffee shop and sat at a little outdoor table overlooking the palm trees, immaculate landscaping, and pool views.
The Beach Situation
This resort does not have a walkable sandy beach.
You do get:
- ocean views
- the sound of waves
- palm trees
- loungers by the pools
You do not get:
- long beach walks
- ocean swimming
- a wide sandy shoreline
I’m a beach girl, but I still enjoyed my stay. The pools and ocean views were enough for me. Just something to know before booking.
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely, YES.
I would return for:
- a weekend with my husband
- a girls’ trip
- a birthday weekend
- a relaxed adults-only getaway where I don’t want to think too hard about anything
It’s clean, friendly, easy to navigate, and has a great mix of quiet areas and fun activities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an adults-only all-inclusive that’s clean, relaxed, easy to get around, and offers great pools, good food, and friendly service, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya is an excellent option.
If long beach walks or ocean swimming are must-haves, this isn’t the right fit — but for pool lovers who want sunshine, good food, and a casual vibe, it’s an excellent choice.
Ready to Visit?
If you're feeling inspired to check out Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya — I’d love to help.
Start here:
https://www.vincentvacations.com/agents/kemberallen/travelform
I look forward to helping you plan something wonderful!
Kathy Barnhart
Disney Travel Agent Little Rock
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I love travel, family, and meeting new people. As a travel agent with Vincent Vacations, I help others plan trips that fit their lives and their people.
