My husband and I visited the Valentine Imperial Riviera Maya to celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary, and if I had to sum up our stay in one word, it would be: MAGICAL. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed like family—greeted with cool towels and a refreshing welcome drink that set the perfect tone for our incredible getaway.

Our room wasn’t quite ready until about 2 pm, but after a prompt and smooth check-in, we were free to dive into all the amazing amenities the resort has to offer. We started with a cozy coffee and ice cream break at Café Sisal. I highly recommend the horchata latte paired with the coconut ice cream—the flavors were divine and a fantastic introduction to authentic local tastes.

Then, we headed to the buffet at Le Marché. Normally, I think buffets mean a lot of food but not much that’s really good. However, since it was close to the lobby and we were waiting for our room, it seemed like the perfect choice. To my surprise, the food selection, presentation, and taste far exceeded my expectations. Freshly made tacos, tortes, sushi, pasta—every dish was a delight and confirmed that the culinary experience here is truly something special.

Once our room was ready, a bellman promptly grabbed our luggage and whisked us away on a golf cart to show us to our Deluxe Jr. Suite—the lowest category, but honestly, it felt like pure luxury. We had specifically requested a king-sized bed, a higher floor, a central location, and proximity to the main pool. The resort delivered perfectly, placing us on the 3rd floor of building 4, with a back entrance that led straight to the pool.

Our suite offered plenty of storage space, a single sink, a large walk-in shower, and a jetted tub—perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. The cozy couch and private balcony overlooking a beautiful jungle view were icing on the cake. One neat touch all the suites have is a wireless Bluetooth system that you can easily pair with your phone, letting you jam to your favorite tunes throughout your stay.

I had the chance to tour several of the room categories during our stay, and each offered unique features—from fully stocked bars and swim-out suites to large balconies with massive Jacuzzis on the deck. The one I particularly fell in love with was the Emerald Junior Suite. Located in a natural, romantic setting just steps from the beach with partial ocean views, these rooms are absolutely stunning. The bathrooms feature an oversized Venetian tile jetted tub with enhanced panoramic views and a double rain shower. The first-floor rooms offer a hammock, two lounge chairs, and direct walk-out access to the beach.

My husband and I already talked about upgrading to one of these suites on our next trip. In fact, halfway through our stay, we inquired about upgrading—and for a reasonable amount, we were moved the very next day with the help of a bellman. This was definitely a highlight of the trip! We stayed in building 12, which was perfect: only a short walk to the main pool and the beachside restaurant. Outside our room was a small, private section of the beach with palapas. The windows were treated so we had full privacy—seeing out but no one could see in. Plus, there was a “secret bar” right to the side, where we could easily grab a morning drink and head back to enjoy the massive jetted tub in our suite.

The resort is fairly large and sprawled out, but getting around is a breeze with golf carts running regularly and available just a call away. The grounds are truly picturesque, with a lush jungle-like feel that brings you close to nature. You’ll enjoy spotting all kinds of local wildlife as you explore. The pathways are beautifully lit in the evening, creating a magical atmosphere along with charming fountains and unique venue spaces that perfectly embrace the Mexican hacienda style. The combination of indoor and outdoor areas feels thoughtfully designed to offer privacy and intimacy, making every corner of the resort Instagram-worthy.

One of the highlights of the resort was the main pool—one of the largest in the Riviera Maya. It’s an oasis of fun and relaxation with two swim-up bars and a dynamic schedule of activities that change every half hour or so. We enjoyed a fantastic mix of aqua yoga, pool biking, water volleyball, aquatic blackjack, aquagym, water polo, foam parties (yes, foam parties!), mechanical bull rides, and even an aquatic show that kept the fun flowing all day long. There were also two food trucks near the pool area serving delicious lunch and snacks, which was a fun and convenient touch.

For those seeking a quieter vibe, the resort offers two calmer pools, perfect for rest and relaxation. One of these pools even features a snack shack and bar, so you can unwind with a refreshing drink or light bite without missing out on comfort and convenience.

If you want to explore even more activities, there’s a vast array to choose from! We loved seeing options like rifle shooting, cooking classes, Spanish lessons, dancing, crafts, Bingo, Pickleball, 5Ks, a daily bike tour, and much, much more. Whether you’re wanting to get active, learn something new, or simply have fun, the resort offers the perfect variety to keep every day exciting.

The Valentine Imperial Riviera Maya is truly a foodie-lover’s paradise! Several of the dishes we tasted were honestly some of our “best ever.” The presentation was stunning—a true feast for the eyes—and the flavors were even better. Dining here is a genuine gourmet experience, with exceptional attention to detail in every dish. Here are some of the fantastic restaurant options to try:

• L’Olivo serves Italian cuisine, and I can’t rave enough about the Carbonara and Tiramisu—some of the best I’ve ever had!
• Ginger offers Japanese cuisine with Teppanyaki available by reservation. We chose to dine at the sushi counter where everything was super fresh and delicious. If you’re adventurous, go for the chef’s choice sushi platter—you won’t be disappointed!
• L’Alsace is the French venue with delightful dishes like escargot and blue cheese crust stuffed mushrooms, filet mignon, and Crêpes Suzette. For a unique treat, try the frog legs.
• Taman Sari is the Asian fusion restaurant featuring stuffed samosas, Vietnamese spring rolls, and, in my opinion, the best duck and Pad Thai on the planet. Don’t miss the dessert—ask for the “Secret Box.”
• La Hacienda offers authentic Mexican cuisine with dishes like ceviche, huitlacoche crepes, octopus tacos, cochinita pibil, and banana ice cream with Nutella. It’s the best Mexican food I’ve ever tasted!
• Mar y Tierra, located right on the beach, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Enjoy chilaquiles, shrimp burritos, Mexican pizza, and flan. For dinner, indulge in steak and seafood with stunning ocean views.

And the best part? All of this incredible dining is included in your stay!

The Valentine Imperial Riviera Maya delights in the little details that make your stay even more memorable. One of the first things you notice is the unique, specially crafted fragrance that fills the lobby—it’s so beloved that you can even purchase it in the gift shop to take that magical scent home.

Each dining venue features its own special “drink of the day,” and all the ones we tried were absolutely delicious, perfectly complementing the culinary experience.

As the sun sets, a charming churro cart rolls out, where a man expertly hand-makes fresh churros. These treats are dusted with cinnamon and sugar and can be filled with either silky vanilla or cajeta, a rich caramel-like sauce made from slow-cooked goat’s milk. I’m still craving those churros now that I’m home—it’s safe to say I’m experiencing serious churro withdrawal!

At La Hacienda, the Mexican restaurant, you’ll find an enticing candy cart filled with a variety of unique candies, many of which I had never even encountered in all my previous visits to Mexico. These thoughtful touches add an extra layer of magic and delight to the resort experience.

Around the entire resort, live entertainment is a beloved highlight. At Don Miguel’s, a talented pianist plays while you enjoy cocktails crafted by expert mixologists—each drink a spectacle in itself. You’ll find drinks covered by huge bubbles, others with swirling dry ice, and Mexican coffee served tableside for a truly memorable experience. In Plaza España each evening, a wonderful variety of Mariachi bands, trios, and the beloved Imperial Band perform, creating an authentic festive atmosphere you won’t want to miss.

Music lovers are also treated at the main pool, where a variety of DJs keep the energy alive alongside stunning live performances by saxophonists, violin players, and guitarists. The blend of vibrant entertainment and beautiful surroundings makes every moment by the pool unforgettable.

Each evening, there was a different show to enjoy. Some of our favorites included the Mexican show featuring a wonderful singer and dancers; the Circus show with a unicyclist, contortionists, aerialist, and juggler; the Magic show that left us amazed; and the incredible Fire Show which was Mucho Fuego! As a seasoned cruiser who loves Broadway-style entertainment, these shows are smaller scale and locally performed, so it’s good to gauge expectations. Compared to other resorts we have visited, we thought this was some of the best entertainment we’ve seen.

The beach is a long, beautiful stretch with plenty of palapas and chairs for relaxing. As with many places in the Riviera Maya, there is a presence of sargassum seaweed at times, but it did not diminish the breathtaking ocean views. There are two bars on the beach offering wonderful beach service so you can sip a refreshing drink without leaving your chair. Daily activities like beach volleyball and cornhole keep the fun going by the shore. The entertainment staff throughout the property are incredible, always energetic and engaging, making sure guests enjoy every moment.

On the evening of our anniversary, for an extra fee, my husband surprised me with a private dinner on the beach. We were picked up in a golf cart and whisked away along a rose petal–lined path to the beach. We enjoyed seven courses, each unique, beautiful, and scrumptious. It was a night we will never forget.

Every moment of our stay kept building on that magical feeling, blending stunning surroundings with delicious food and heartfelt service. Valentine Imperial Riviera Maya truly made our anniversary unforgettable.