Planning a honeymoon should be exciting, right? For me, it was slightly overwhelming, especially when it came to choosing the perfect location in Mexico. With countless all-inclusive resorts scattered across the country, the decision felt monumental. My wonderful new husband took charge, a task I gladly relinquished. And boy, did he deliver! He unearthed a gem in Riviera Maya, a place that completely exceeded any expectations I had, even if I was initially thinking about the Pacific coast vibes of somewhere like Cabo and figuring out “Cabo Mexico Time” differences.
Honestly, I’m practically abandoning my brand new spouse on our honeymoon to write this – that’s how strongly I feel about TRS Grand Palladium in the Riviera Maya. And no, this isn’t a paid endorsement (though TRS, my inbox is open!).
My honeymoon wish list was simple: sunshine, beachfront, and pure relaxation. The Riviera Maya didn’t just meet these criteria; it catapulted them into another dimension. If you’re seeking an escape from those winter blues, or frankly, any blues at all, this is your destination. Honeymoon or not, you deserve this.
We arrived utterly spent after a red-eye flight and were immediately immersed in the largest resort I’d ever encountered. Our taxi navigated us through charming cobblestone paths, flanked by lush greenery, swaying palms, and lightning-fast iguanas. We zipped past numerous grand lobbies before finally arriving at the brand-new TRS section. The lobby was a vision of pristine white marble and expansive open space, and the aroma was simply divine. This adults-only enclave, just a month old, offered multiple pools, open-air restaurants, and cabanas, all blissfully free from the energetic noise levels that children often bring. Though, let’s be honest, adults are equally capable of embracing the playful spirit, especially when faced with incredibly inviting fountains in the middle of an infinity pool! Definitely guilty as charged.
All-inclusive is unequivocally the only way to truly vacation. The constant flow of refreshing drinks, poolside sushi and wraps, and complimentary room service was a novelty that never wore off. There’s an unparalleled sense of freedom in simply getting up and leaving after lunch or dinner, without a second thought about the bill. It’s a taste of the high life, maybe how Jay-Z and Beyoncé feel daily, and it definitely elevated our honeymoon to a baller status.
Our room was a sanctuary, complete with its own private plunge pool accessible directly from our patio. The décor echoed the lobby’s aesthetic with white marble and a sleek, modern design. Five full-sized bottles of premium liquor adorned the counter above a fully stocked mini-bar. Our incredible personal butler, Ramon, then gave us the lay of the land.
A quick aside: Ramon shared his dream of visiting Seattle someday, and another staff member confessed his obsession with Grey’s Anatomy. He was fascinated by stories of city life and thrilled that my cat is named Meredith Grey. Seahawks and Starbucks swag are definitely in order to keep the Seattle spirit thriving here!
Golf carts are in constant motion, whisking guests between lobbies, buffets, and various events. Vendors showcase jewelry, sunglasses, and hats, while live bands keep the energy high each evening. We dedicated more than a day to the spa, indulging in couples massages and invigorating salt scrubs. But the spa’s crown jewel is the lazy river, a circuitous route that meanders through the steam room, sauna, Turkish baths, and hot tubs, culminating in a vast infinity pool. Grab a fresh smoothie from the juice bar, sip it poolside, and drift back at your leisure. As someone who isn’t the strongest swimmer, I was completely in my element!
We ventured beyond the resort bubble for a day to snorkel off Cozumel Island and immerse ourselves in the local culture of Playa del Carmen. A brief twenty-minute taxi ride brought us to Playa del Carmen, where a ferry transported us to the warmest, clearest azure waters I’ve ever witnessed. Tropical fish in vibrant colors danced gracefully around us. Just as I was finding my comfort zone in the water, a massive stingray came barreling directly towards us! A few choice words may have escaped my lips as I frantically swam back to the boat. The stingray, thankfully, veered off and continued on its way. Later, a local informed us that stingrays are generally quite friendly and even playful with humans. I tried to downplay my less-than-composed reaction, but considering Steve Irwin’s unfortunate encounter, I wasn’t taking any chances!
Playa Del Carmen proved to be the perfect finale to our last night in Mexico, featuring a fine dining experience inside a cave. Yes, a CAVE! At Alux Restaurant and Lounge, we savored steak and lobster surrounded by dramatically lit stalagmites, with live Spanish guitar providing the perfect ambiance. Alux is an absolute must-do when you’re in the area.
With endless stretches of beachfront, resorts galore, and countless companies offering scuba diving, parasailing, and tours of Mayan ruins, this region of Mexico is truly a treasure. While places like Cabo San Lucas are well-known and operate on Mountain Standard Time for much of the year (aligning with “cabo mexico time” searches), the Riviera Maya offers a different kind of magic, running on Eastern Standard Time and providing a uniquely Caribbean-infused Mexican experience. Whether you’re concerned about “cabo mexico time” or simply seeking the perfect tropical escape, the Riviera Maya, and specifically TRS Grand Palladium, should be at the top of your list.
