Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya Hotel Review

While my eyes fixate on the fiery oranges and reds on the horizon, toes buried in the warm sand, I listen to a shaman in a feathered headpiece speaking quietly in Mayan. It’s 7 a.m. in Cancun, Mexico, and our group of four—my mother, a yoga instructor, the shaman, and me—are the only people on a pristine stretch of white sand taking part in a traditional sun salutation ceremony.

My mom and I spent three days in the 100-acre Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya, which officially opened on Nov. 1, 2022. While this is not the brand’s first resort in Mexico—it overtook an existing hotel in Los Cabos in 2019—Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya is the first newly built resort in the Hilton-owned brand’s Caribbean and Latin American portfolio.

“Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya distinguishes itself through its secluded beachfront location, design that harmonizes with the surrounding mangroves, strong activity and culinary programming, and a commitment to personalized service rooted in the brand’s legacy of elegance,” Nazaret Carbonari, the resort’s general manager, told Travel + Leisure.

Cancun often conjures up images of rowdy spring breakers and crowded beaches, but there’s none of that here. The hotel has clearly hit the location jackpot, nestled behind a lush mangrove preserve, but just 15 minutes from the airport. And while, technically, all beaches in Mexico are public, the quiet stretch of white-sand coastline fronting the new resort didn’t get much traffic during our stay, so it felt like we had access to a private beach, in addition to the two large swimming pools overlooking the ocean. The hotel definitely takes advantage of its prime beachfront location, offering panoramic vistas of the water from all of its guest rooms and restaurants.

However, the signature Waldorf Astoria sophistication permeates throughout the resort. The grand lobby features a series of chandeliers, sleek sofas, marble coffee tables, and wooden chairs. It is anchored by the trademark Waldorf Astoria clock, a meeting place for guests. At this hotel, it is made of luxe marble and mother of pearl and features Mayan symbols. To ensure the sprawling hotel doesn’t feel overwhelming, the spaces are broken down into smaller, more intimate vignettes and lounge areas, with greenery and a neutral color palette.

The outdoor spaces have a dynamic, terraced layout with swaying palms and local plants growing in between the sundecks and cabanas, delivering privacy, plenty of tropical vibes, and reminding travelers of the richness of the Yucatán jungle.

Below, my full review of the Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya.

The Rooms

Water is a major theme throughout the hotel’s design. Along with the breathtaking ocean views, each of the 173 rooms and suites also has a private balcony with an outdoor soaking tub. Furniture in organic forms replicates natural formations while pearlescent inlays, shells, and shimmering motifs are reminiscent of the sparkling sea’s surface,

“Leveraging the use of natural sensory stimuli and biophilia to support wellness, emotional engagement, and restoration, the design imbues a connection to nature through modern lines, repetitive patterns, and undulating forms that mimic the sea,” said Stefano Falbo, vice president and associate principal of SB Architects, which worked on the project alongside interior design firm HBA and landscape architecture and urban design firm EDSA.

My mom and I stayed in a 675-square-foot deluxe oceanfront guest room with two queen-size beds. The bathroom featured double vanities and a duo of closets, providing each of us with our own space to get ready in the morning. The glass-enclosed shower had two doors, including one leading to the balcony, so you could technically leave it open to let in fresh air (and enjoy the views) while showering. Naturally, we spent most of our time on the balcony, talking, reading, soaking up the endless turquoise Caribbean vistas, and cooling off in our plunge pool.

Food and Drink

The hotel recently appointed a new executive chef, Jonathan Santiago, who transitioned from One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos.

“The resort’s culinary offerings celebrate the region’s rich flavors, with Malpeque’s wood-fired seafood and Ja’o’s elevated Mexican dishes at the forefront,” Carbonari said.

The five distinct dining spaces include Chaya, which serves breakfast and dinner (and serious décor inspiration), and the lunch spot Ja’o, where highlights include juicy pork tacos with grilled pineapple habanero puree, herb quelite salad with avocado, pink pine nuts, and fresh cheese, and the sikil pak dip, prepared from roasted pumpkin seeds and tomatoes.

But if you, like me, are all about seafood, then Malpeque is your place. The elegant dining room features an open kitchen with a fire grill—each dish incorporates an element of fire, char, or smoke.

We ordered the catch of the day for two, which was snook from the Gulf of Mexico, grilled and marinated in spices. The fish was probably enough to feed a family of four, but as delicious and tender as it was, my mother and I did a pretty decent job (almost) finishing it. We paired it with whole grilled cauliflower as a side dish and glasses of a light, fruity Mexican cabernet sauvignon.

Activities and Experiences

While for me, the main event on the Riviera Maya is always the beach and the sea, guests who prefer to lounge poolside have plenty of space to do so—the hotel has two waterfront zig-zag-shaped infinity pools surrounded by chaise lounges, cabanas, and abundant greenery. The impeccable pool service ensures that guests don’t have to lift a finger to enjoy a chilled cocktail or a plate of light bites. Wellness activities like yoga and Pilates classes, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking, along with a fully equipped gym, are also available.

I found that the terrific service at the hotel extends beyond its walls, as well. The resort has partnered with a local tour company to build a custom adventure itinerary for guests of the Waldorf Astoria. The day-long trip, during which an extremely knowledgeable guide accompanied us, took us in a private vehicle (with plenty of snacks for the road) to the Ek’ Balam Mayan archaeological site. Then, we were off to a nearby cenote, Hubiku, where our guide had sun chairs and catering set up. It was like a private beach club with cenote access. After a refreshing dip in the water and a shot of tequila, we ended the day and the tour with lunch and some free time at colonial Valladolid.

The Spa

Incorporating elements of local culture and Mayan traditions is another central theme throughout the resort’s facilities and décor. And nowhere is this more evident than the 40,000 square-foot Waldorf Astoria Spa. Everything about it is geared toward delivering an authentic experience inspired by the nature and cultural heritage of the region—from the bright and spacious, sun-filled lobby with a sunken circular seating area, a nod to the thousands of cenotes dotting the Yucatán, to the spectacular landscaping surrounding the 21 treatment rooms and swimming pool, and the signature treatments inspired by the Ceiba tree.

Omar Sanchez, the spa’s manager, explained that the ancient Mayans believed Ceiba trees, of which there are several planted here, connect our world with the underworld through their roots and with the heavens through their branches. That’s why my sumptuous 80-minute aromatherapy massage, called Yellow Ceiba, started from my feet (it ended in the private plunge pool outside the treatment room). The spa’s range of products also features an exclusive body lotion with Ceiba tree oil.

The spa’s hydrotherapy pool is another highlight, as it sits among palms and lush native vegetation, and is the perfect spot to relax between treatments.

Family-Friendly Offerings

While I didn’t take advantage of any of the family-friendly activities at the resort, I would definitely bring my six-year-old son for a beach getaway. The hotel has a family pool and offers activities such as treasure hunts, painting, and cookie-making to keep the little ones busy and entertained.

For families traveling with infants, the resort also provides cribs, child-friendly toiletries, bottle warmers, bathrobes, and coloring books.

Location

The resort is just 15 minutes from Cancun International Airport, making it an ideal getaway, even for long weekends (especially if you live on the East Coast and your local airport has direct flights to Cancun). While the hotel itself is very quiet and tranquil, if you’re in the mood for some of Cancun’s vibrancy and nightlife, the city is about 17 miles away and is easy to reach via taxi or private transfer, which the hotel’s concierge can assist with. For guests in the mood for snorkeling (watch out for whale sharks), the resort can arrange a yacht tour to Isla Mujeres.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya has guest rooms equipped with roll-in showers, handrails, a handheld shower head, and a shower chair.

The resort’s grounds feature 237 acres of protected mangrove forest recognized as a “voluntarily conserved area” by the Mexican government. During the hotel’s construction, the team incorporated aerial bridges, underground tunnels, speed reducers, and special crossings to protect the wildlife in the area. Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya participates in Hilton’s “LightStay” program to track and reduce its environmental impact. According to data from the resort, it has recycled more than 343,921 pounds of waste in 2024.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya is part of Hilton Honors, Hilton’s loyalty program, rewarding members with discounts, no resort fees when you book a stay entirely on points, complimentary amenities like WiFi, and priority check-in. The resort is also part of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts portfolio, which provides cardmembers with perks like late check-in, room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, and $100 resort credit.

Nightly rates at Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya start from $875.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.