Escape to Paradise: Discovering the Luxury of Haven Riviera Cancun

We visited the newly opened Haven Riviera Cancun in October 2023 for a trip with a group of friends (30’s - early 40’s).  The resort offers an oceanfront,  adults-only, all-inclusive experience with 3 pools and a private area for guests selecting the Serenity Club level rooms and experiences.  In this review, I’ll cover an overview of Resort Amenities, activities, dining, accommodations and of course, recommendations!

First Impressions

First impressions of the resort are that is it beautiful and very close to the airport.  It is approximately a 15 minute drive out of the main hotel zone and near Puerto Morales and the protected reef.  You will need to take around a 10 minute ride from the highway to get to the actual lobby, which can be bumpy.  The hotel does not offer transportation to and from the hotel at this point, so look at booking through a preferred partner such as Amstar.

We booked the Serenity level rooms, which included a private check-in and check-out service, our own personal butler for the week (We had Edith who is available during most hours on whats app to help with anything you may need including dinner reservations).  We were also allowed to select 2 bottles of top-shelf liquor for our stay and aromatherapy selections.  Booking this level room also gives you 2 complementary hydrotherapy treatments at their world-class MySenses spa.  This hotel gives you beautiful wooden fob bracelets to wear during your stay.  The regular bands are black and the Serenity level bands are a tan/gold color, which allows the staff to know which category you are in…. Not sure I like this too much - more on that later as to why.  

Check out our Haven Resort Walkthrough Video:

Accommodations

*Serenity Club Junior Suite Ocean Front, Source: Haven.com 

We selected the Serenity Club Oceanfront Junior Suite, King and were located in building 4, right by the central pool and lobby.  This was a great location, which allowed us access to the Serenity only areas on the north side of this 240 acre resort.  There are a lot of room options available, including quite a lot of swim-up suites.  Most rooms offer hot tubs on the balcony and offer ocean or pool views.  The bathroom was great, very large closet and shower and the room was spacious with Balinese beds.  The TV turned off every 15 minutes on it’s own, so we just watched Netflix on our laptop at bedtime ;) 

All the room options are great, so don’t feel like you have to get the top level!  However, I would encourage you to upgrade to Serenity level based on all of the amenities and extra restaurant, pool area, spa access and top shelf alcohol.  

It is important to note that they recently finished a new area of the resort, built specifically for large group conventions, trainings, company gatherings, etc. The 14,000 sq ft. convention center, lobby and group area is secluded to ensure privacy and productivity as well as group bonding and fun.  

Resort Amenities

The resort has excellent amenities including 3 separate pool areas, multiple bars, fitness center and world-class spa including hydrotherapy, sauna, steam, cold plunge, in addition to massage services.  The resort also has a beautiful yurt and offers a traditional Temazcal Aztec Spiritual experience that you can add on during your stay.  

Pools:

We enjoyed the central pool for more “lively activities” - there is a DJ all day as well as interactive games and activities for adults.  The circle pool is a more “relaxing” / lounging vibe.  The Serenity Club level pool is solely for those in this room category and offers all top-shelf liquor (which is not always available at the other pool bars - wristband gives away what type of liquor you can get).  I’ll expand on why I didn’t care for the different liquors for wristbands:

I was there with a group of friends who were NOT staying in the club level rooms.  When ordering drinks, it was a little awkward when I asked for a “titos and soda” but the bartender had to tell us that I was the only one allowed to have the titos. There is also a breakfast/lunch spot called Vistas that is for serenity club only, but is located above the circle pool area, so it feels “elitist” to be eating up high above others who can’t get up there…. This is just my opinion; I know most hotels offer certain restaurants or bars exclusive to top category room levels; however, those resorts also serve top shelf liquor to everyone and there are not different wrist bands based on category, which IMO cause there to be a feeling of “elite/VIP” vs “everyone else”...I am being very very picky here, but something to note.  

Dining and Beverages:

The dining was OK.  You are required to make reservations for dinner, which I have been spoiled not to do at other resorts recently.  Having a group, this wasn’t too bad, so we were all on the same page and luckily our butler was able to help us accommodate!  We met another couple and ended up with 10 for dinner one night, which they made happen.  

Being a newer resort, I think there is room for improvement here.  The breakfast buffet Flavours offered good variety, but you do need to plan to get there early or expect a long wait.  Serenity Club has a private breakfast in Tahini, which offers a mimosa cart and upscale options.

Here is a list of offerings along with my short thoughts:

Dinner:

Note: Room Service is available 24 hours a day and it was very fast; delivered within an hour and full options available

• Agua Bendita Mexican Steakhouse - we ate here twice and purchased higher end steaks to flambroil - which was amazing! If you have a group - this is the way to go.  

• Olios - Mediterranean - I skipped this one

• Satsu - Asian Fusion + Hibachi.  Important to note - you need to make a reservation for the hibachi when you arrive - it fills up as there are limited spots and we got lucky to get one.  

• Vora del Mar - Italian;  This was a not-so-great attempt at Italian.  It was just ok.  

• Tahani - Serenity Club only - beautiful ambiance, service and a la carte options.

• Flavours - open for breakfast, lunch and dinner - buffet style, casual

Breakfast and Lunch:

• Vistas - open for breakfast and lunch - Serenity Club only.

• MIstrals - Snack Bar - served same hot dogs and burgers daily - lunch/snack

• Flavours - Buffet

• Vora Mar - outside serving same Snack Bar items between central pool and Serenity Pool

Bars:

• Lime’s Bar - fun for pre dinner drinks, located on same level as the restaurants.

• Moet Corner - mixology bar

• Central pool - Bar - nightly music, outside

• Mocaccino - Coffee Bar in main lobby

• Moons - night club (didn’t go, but the offered different shows nightly like burlesque, magic, etc.)

Entertainment and Activities

Golf:

If you are a golfer, this is a big one!  The Nick Price designed “El Tinto Golf Course” is among the best in Cancun and Haven guests get complimentary green fees!! Guests staying in the Serenity Club for a minimum of 3-nights will also receive one (1) complimentary cart per round. If staying 4-7 nights, guests will enjoy (2) carts during their stay/play. Guests staying in Serenity Club for 8 nights or longer will receive three (3) carts per stay/play. Something to consider if planning a golf trip! :) 

Source: https://eltintogolfcoursecancun.com/about-el-tinto-golf-course-cancun/

MySenses Spa:

I personally used the MySenses Spa three separate times.  Staying in Serenity, we were offered a one time hydrotherapy session (30 minutes).  I then booked another session with a massage afterwards.  Finally, the last day we there was a special for Serenity Club level to upgrade to a one hour hydro + sauna/steam combo and 15 minute scalp massage for just $19 USD.  SOLD!  This is a beautiful spa and a MUST visit during your stay.  

Onsite Entertainment:

Haven's Resort activities include a tennis and basketball court, Ping Pong, Beach Volleyball, Kayak/Hobby Cat (may be additional charge), Yoga, Pool fitness classes,  Macramé and Cooking Classes, and more. 

Conclusion and Recommendation

Overall this was an excellent resort experience and a great price for all of the amenities you get, especially compared to similar resorts.  I would definitely recommend this resort for any adults-only group trips, couples, as well as corporate sales events, conventions or trainings! The expanse of the resort allows many areas to find the vibe you are seeking and we met travelers of all ages.

If you are considering this resort, reach out to me!  I am here to help - I’d love to answer any questions you may have as well as help you plan your next vacation or group trip to the beautiful Haven.

Check out our Haven trip videos from this October with our crazy group here: 

Go to the “Contact” page now to easily schedule an initial discussion with us to get things started!  Thank you for reading and following our travel adventures!  Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel and to follow along @travelmorewithkristin on Instagram for the latest travel tips, tricks and our newest locations visited.  

Thank you!

Kristin & Will

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