Sensimar Resort Riviera Maya

Sensimar Resort Riviera Maya, formerly El Dorado Sensimar Riviera Maya, is an adult-only property celebrated for its romantic vibe and quality dining. The well-manicured grounds feature paved pathways, lots of palm trees, and several nooks for lounging or lying in hammocks. Sounds of ocean waves and sea air help aid in the overall relaxing nature of the hotel. When the resort opened back in the 1990s, there were only four rooms. Over the years the property expanded, and it's now home to 380 guest rooms. Sensimar is adjacent to another sister property, giving the guests a few more options for dining and entertainment. Expect to see older couples, many return guests from the U.K. and Germany. 

Sensimar Resort Riviera Maya is located on a soft white-sand beach on Kantenah Bay, about 10 minutes from Puerto Adventuras and an hour south of Cancun. There’s nothing within walking distance here, though its three-minute driving proximity to the main highway makes it convenient for easy day trips to both Tulum (20 minutes south) and Playa del Carmen (30 minutes north). 

There are 380 guest rooms in the Sensimar Resort Riviera Maya section of this resort complex, and while they have an upscale vibe, they feel more basic and somewhat dated that other hotels of this caliber. The traditional look consists of marble floors, simply canopy beds, and dated wood furniture, plus earth-tone linens and beach-themed artwork. Room size stays pretty much the same throughout categories, leaving location and view as the primary deciding factor. Two-person whirlpool tubs in bedroom areas, bathrobes, slippers, and optional turndown service help add to the luxe vibe, while daily restocked minibars with water, beer, and soda add value. Guests can also expect iPod docks, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, and air-conditioning, as well as furnished outdoor spaces. Bathrooms have marble showers, quality toiletries, and hairdryers.Jacuzzi Junior Suites have garden views, Luxury Jacuzzi Junior Suites inch closer to the beach, and Beachfront Jacuzzi Junior Suites have the best beach views. Swim Up Jacuzzi Junior Suites have direct access to a shared plunge pool with swim-out bar, both accessible to anyone staying at the resort. Premium-level suites are located on higher floors and have extras like menus for aromatherapy and pillows and a separate concierge.

Sensimar Resort Riviera Maya's beach area is more of a shallow lagoon with built-in breakers to quell the surf. Waist-deep waders enjoy the calm, clear waters, and guests can rent kayaks or snorkel gear for free. Strategically placed palms, a soft white-sand beach area, and lack of music keep things tranquil, and Bali beds and basic loungers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 

It's probably no surprise that a resort known for its gastronomy has 10 different restaurants for guests to choose from, though only six of these restaurants are located directly on Sensimar Resort Riviera Maya's property (with the others next door at the Sensimar Suites sister property). Options cover Mexican, Italian, Asian, Latin fusion, and several "world" cuisine menus. Expect four options for breakfast and lunch, eight restaurants open for dinner, and a relaxed dress code that permits shorts and flip-flops (though no beach attire). Noteworthy features include a margarita bar in the the Culinarium, breakfast served at picnic tables in the sand, a private dining room (fee) inside the popular Italian restaurant Mia Casa, and an "international food display" that's fancy branding for a buffet. Reservations are only required for the Asian restaurant and gourmet pub with open kitchen. Room service is available 24/7 for free. 

This resort is large and packed with features, especially since guests have access to a handful of extras located on the Sensimar property next door. Guests can expect four pools, though counted in this number are the two shared plunge pools associated with the Swim Up Jacuzzi Junior Suites. Conveniently, all pools have a bar area, including a late-night bar connected to the relaxing pool (the latter is also used as a bar for guests waiting for seats at dinner) and small swim-up bar in the sports pool. The resort's all-inclusive package also covers premium alcohol at seven bars (10 if you count the bars inside restaurants), and, thanks to bars at every pool, on the beach, and a sports bar open late (until 2 a.m. during our stay), guests don't have to go far for a drink. The Naay Spa is a favorite among guests, with its 16 treatment rooms, barber shop, and guided hydrotherapy circuit (fee), and treatments that often include typical Mayan ingredients like chocolate. This area is home the resort's smaller gym with a handful of elliptical machines and all-in-one weight machine, while the next door property houses a larger fitness center with more equipment and pool views. Coconut painting, beach butlers, access to two fitness rooms, and traveling pop-up restaurants are some of this resort's standout features, while freebies like free scuba introductions in the pool, international calls, and free mezcal tastings are nice perks. Active features include tennis courts and beach volleyball, as well as a life-sized chessboard and table tennis. All-inclusive rates include nightly shows and daily activities, all restaurants and bars, Wi-Fi, use of the spa's steam room and sauna, and perks like yoga classes and salsa lessons.