These Riviera Maya hot spots have everything you need for a destination affair
by Katie James Watkinson Updated 10/03/19 PRODUCT DISCLOSURE
If you dream of saying “I do” while surrounded by sun, sand, and margaritas, then a destination wedding in Mexico is perfect for you. And with more five-star beach resorts on the Riviera Maya than you can count on two hands, it’s safe to say you have your pick of venue. To find the perfect one for you, first consider the size and vibe of your wedding. Most Mexican resorts have multiple event spaces, some of which are suited for larger weddings, while others have a more intimate feel that’s great for small guest lists.
The good news is no matter which resort in Mexico you choose, you’re guaranteed two things: quality, flavorful cuisine and damn good tequila. What more do you need? Oh, a rocking DJ and mariachi-style band to set the mood, plus fun activities to keep your guests busy. That could include a day-trip to the Mayan ruins in Tulum or shopping on Quinta Avenida in Playa del Carmen. (Chances are your more rowdy guests will stay the night to go clubbing.) But no matter which destination wedding venue you go with, rest assured that these Mexican resorts have teams of planners who are well equipped to handle all the details—a must-have, because you’ll want to enjoy your own wedding too, of course.
COLIN COWIE
- Hotel Esencia
Everyone from Lupita Nyong’o to Emily Ratajkowski has stayed at this hidden gem, located halfway between Tulum and Playa del Carmen on the Riviera Maya. And with three restaurants, a bar, gym, and boutique—all for less than 100 guests—it’s easy to see the appeal. If you really want to wow your crowd, you’re in luck: Esencia has 10 stunning ocean suites, as well as Japanese-Peruvian fusion restaurant Mistura, led by top chef Dimitris Katrivesis. With cocktail receptions in the garden and dinner beneath the thatched palapa, there’s plenty to keep your guests busy, not to mention complimentary yoga, two oceanfront pools (talk about pool party potential), an all-natural spa with hydrotherapy treatments, and one of the most pristine stretches of sand in all of Mexico.
Host your ceremony on the beach or in the garden—like Jason Wu did when he got married here—followed by a seated reception on the main lawn with twinkle lights overhead. You needn’t go more than a few steps for a major outdoor dance party, led by the inimitable DJ Dulce Gómez. But any Esencia wedding isn’t complete without an after-party beach bonfire, including mini empanadas, chilaquiles, and mezcal-infused ice pops.
COURTESY OF ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA
- Rosewood Mayakoba
Top planners like Jennifer Zabinski of JZ Events (who threw Serena Williams’s epic NOLA nuptials) have created stunning events at this jungle-meets-beach resort. Guests can choose from 129 suites and six villas, which are either set among tranquil mangroves or along the beach. Kick off your weekend at La Ceiba Garden & Kitchen, for a traditional Mexican open-air grill, or at Aqui Me Quedo (“Here I Stay”), the new beachfront venue. The relaxed, breezy space is outfitted with lounge seating and a vintage food truck that turns out everything from freshly caught fish-and-shrimp ceviche to masa tortillas topped with wood-smoked pork belly, black beans, and avocado purée.
For the main event, choose between a jungle or beach ceremony, followed by a reception under the beachfront palapa, which has different raised platforms for myriad seating arrangements to accommodate both small and large parties. Before the big day, take time out for just the two of you: At Sense, a Rosewood Spa, you can partake in a traditional Mexican temazcal purification ceremony or the Kuxtal Sensory Garden Ritual with a third-generation shaman at the hotel’s own cenote (a natural sinkhole considered sacred in Mayan culture).
QUENTIN BACON
- Nizuc Resort & Spa
This resort may be located just 10 minutes by car from the Cancún airport, but it feels worlds away from the chaotic masses of the nearby big-box all-inclusives. The 274 suites and villas are spread across nine acres, so you never feel overwhelmed by a lack of privacy and your guests can spread out across multiple beaches and two large pools (one is adults only). Couples have their pick of reception venues, including the beautiful Terra Nostra, the Mediterranean restaurant floating among mangroves, and La Punta Grill & Lounge, a Balinese-style beachfront spot with insanely romantic vibes. And with a full-service events team, you won’t have to lift a finger to plan your sunset beach ceremony or a pre-wedding day of pampering at the ESPA spa, which you obviously need.
COURTESY OF VICEROY RIVIERA MAYA
- Viceroy Riviera Maya
Foodie couples need look no further than this boutique, all-villa property. Not only can you serve your guests delicious traditional Mexican fare, you can also surprise their palates with high-concept dishes like lobster medallions with tarragon aioli, fresh oysters with jalapeño mignonette, and duck confit with cilantro crème fraîche. And with six different venues to host a weekend’s worth of events, your guests will never get bored with the scene. Our favorite spot? La Marea, the fine-dining restaurant that’s located on its own loft, offering maximum privacy and picture-perfect views of the beach and gardens.
A view of the lobby at Habitas Tulum, in Mexico.
COURTESY OF HABITAS TULUM
- Habitas Tulum
Habitas Tulum has quickly become the boho beach town’s hottest wedding venue. That’s thanks to its architectural ingenuity (complete with glass-and-steel structures on the sand) and Insta-worthy glamping-style accommodations. Host your “I dos” under shaded palms in front of the clubhouse, the hotel’s central hub, followed by a toes-in-the-sand reception. Couples can work directly with chef Federico Cappi to plan a bespoke menu of mouthwatering dishes, like slow-roasted grilled leg of lamb and oven-roasted fish of the day. If you’ve got a festive crew, take the after-party to the oceanfront infinity pool, cued to the soundtrack of waves crashing on the beach.
COURTESY OF BANYAN TREE MAYAKOBA
- Banyan Tree Mayakoba
This Asian hotel brand is known for its tranquil vibes and white-glove service, and its first property in Mexico is no exception. Though it’s set within the Mayakoba resort complex, Banyan Tree is a standalone gem amid dunes, mangroves, and freshwater lagoons. Guests will love the freestanding villas, outfitted with handcrafted Mayan furnishings, and the top-notch spa. Smaller groups should plan an intimate rehearsal dinner at La Cava, the hotel’s wine cellar. Once all your guests arrive, take the party to El Pueblito, Mayakoba’s central event space, fashioned after a traditional Mexican village, or to Mayapán Garden, a relaxed outdoor lawn that’s perfect for dining under the stars. Though the festivities will come to an end on Sunday, stay an extra night before departing for the honeymoon. We promise a romantic dinner aboard Banyan Tree’s traditional trajinera boat while floating through the canals is the perfect send-off.
(Brides)