Carr. Federal 307 Chet-Pto. Juarez, Puerto Morelos, QROO, 77580, Mexico
Contact: +1 (888) 605-1350
honest review
Best Rooms at This Puerto Morelos Resort (Top Suites Ranked by View, Value & Perks)
Trying to decide if Excellence Riviera Cancun is worth booking? This in-depth review breaks down the adults-only atmosphere, all-inclusive inclusions, suite setup, pools, dining, bars, beach setting, Excellence Club perks, spa costs, and real drawbacks—so you can see whether the resort matches your priorities. Whether you are planning a couples trip, honeymoon-style escape, wedding stay, or relaxed Puerto Morelos vacation, this breakdown shows who will love the resort and who may want to think twice.
Planning your stay guide
Wondering "Is Excellence Riviera Cancun worth it?" This honest review explains the real value of this adults-only all-inclusive in Puerto Morelos—what's amazing, what's not, and who it's best for (couples, honeymooners, anniversary trips, and adults seeking romantic beachfront luxury).
Quick verdict:
Yes—Excellence Riviera Cancun is worth it if you want an upscale adults-only all-inclusive with pristine beachfront, romantic ambiance, excellent dining variety, and luxurious suite accommodations. It's less ideal if you want high-energy nightlife, prefer Cancun Hotel Zone proximity, or need family-friendly accommodations.
Best for: couples + honeymooners
Best vibe: romantic luxury + beachfront serenity
Best length: 5–7 nights
Not ideal for: families with children
Tip: This resort's signature appeal is "adults-only romance + pristine beachfront"—perfect for couples who want intimate luxury with world-class service.
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Explore the resort
Continue planning your stay at Excellence Riviera Cancun with these quick guides. Explore suite categories and Excellence Club benefits, browse specialty restaurants and bars, preview spa treatments and romantic experiences, and learn about weddings and honeymoon packages—so you can book the best adults-only getaway.
Is Excellence Riviera Cancun Worth It?
For most travelers looking for an adults-only all-inclusive in Riviera Maya, Excellence Riviera Cancun is worth it because it delivers exceptional romantic experiences: pristine white-sand beach, spacious junior suites with ocean views or swim-up access, 10 specialty restaurants, luxurious spa, Excellence Club upgrades, and attentive service—all within an intimate, couples-focused setting.
Worth it if you want…
- Adults-only luxury with romantic beachfront ambiance
- Pristine beach in Puerto Morelos with calm, swimmable water
- Spacious suites with ocean views, Excellence Club benefits, or swim-up access
- Exceptional dining variety (10 specialty restaurants)
- Full-service spa with couples' treatments and hydrotherapy
- Excellence Club perks including private beach areas and premium services
Not worth it if you want…
- Family accommodations (this is adults-only 18+)
- Walking distance to Cancun Hotel Zone nightlife
- High-energy pool party atmosphere
- Budget-focused all-inclusive (this is upscale luxury tier)
- Immediate proximity to major attractions (requires 20-30 min transfers)
Best-trip formula: Book 5–7 nights, choose an Excellence Club suite for maximum value, plan 1-2 romantic excursions (sunset catamaran, cenote tour, or Tulum), and balance resort relaxation with spa treatments and nightly specialty dining experiences.
Excellence Riviera Cancun Pros & Cons (Honest Breakdown)
Top pros
- Pristine beachfront location in Puerto Morelos with soft white sand and calm Caribbean water
- 10 specialty restaurants including The Lobster House, Chez Isabelle, The Grill, Agave, and more
- Spacious junior suites with modern amenities, balconies, and luxury bathrooms
- Excellence Club upgrades offer premium perks (private beach areas, exclusive lounges, upgraded minibar)
- Adults-only atmosphere perfect for couples, honeymooners, and romantic getaways
- Full-service Miilé Spa with hydrotherapy circuit and couples' treatments
- Quieter Riviera Maya setting away from Cancun Hotel Zone crowds
- Swim-up suite options for direct pool access
Top cons
- Located 30-40 minutes from Cancun International Airport (longer transfer than Hotel Zone)
- Not walkable to Cancun nightlife, shopping, or dining off-property
- Premium restaurant reservations can fill quickly during peak seasons
- Beach can experience seasonal seaweed (sargazo) like all Caribbean beaches
- Excellence Club upgrades add cost but are highly recommended for best experience
- Some guests find entertainment options quieter than high-energy resorts
- No children allowed (adults-only policy may not suit all travel groups)
What to Expect at Excellence Riviera Cancun
This section covers what travelers actually search for: Riviera Maya location benefits, beach quality, dining experiences, suite categories, and whether the adults-only setting delivers good value for romantic getaways.
The location advantage
Excellence Riviera Cancun's Puerto Morelos beachfront location offers the best of Riviera Maya: pristine beach, quieter atmosphere than Cancun Hotel Zone, and central access to excursions. You're 20-30 minutes from Playa del Carmen, 45 minutes from Tulum, and ideally positioned for cenote tours and cultural sites.
- Best for: couples who want beach serenity + easy excursion access
- Beach quality: soft white sand, calm turquoise water, less crowded than Hotel Zone
- Transfer time: 30-40 minutes from Cancun International Airport
- Tip: plan excursions to Tulum, cenotes, or Isla Mujeres to maximize location value
Beach & pool experience
Expect pristine white-sand Caribbean beach with calm, swimmable water ideal for couples. The resort features multiple pools including swim-up pool areas, infinity pools with ocean views, and Excellence Club exclusive pool zones with enhanced service and privacy.
- Beach quality: consistently rated among top Riviera Maya beaches
- Pool variety: multiple pools including swim-up access suites
- Best for: couples who want both romantic beach time and luxurious pool experiences
- Tip: Excellence Club beach areas offer premium loungers and dedicated service
Dining & bars
Excellence Riviera Cancun offers 10 specialty restaurants and 11 bars, making it one of the most diverse dining experiences in the adults-only all-inclusive category. Restaurants include The Lobster House (seafood), Chez Isabelle (French), The Grill (steakhouse), Agave (Mexican), Basmati (Asian fusion), and more.
- Restaurant highlights: The Lobster House, Chez Isabelle, The Grill, Agave, Basmati, Flavor Market, Magna, The Kitchen Table
- Bar variety: Martini, Blue, Sports Bar, Aroma, plus swim-up and beach bars
- Best strategy: make reservations early for popular venues like The Lobster House
- Tip: try a different restaurant each night to maximize dining variety
Suite categories & upgrades
The resort offers six suite categories ranging from Junior Suite Spa or Pool View to the luxurious Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suite. Excellence Club upgrades provide premium amenities including private beach areas, exclusive lounges, upgraded minibars, and enhanced room service.
- Suite options: Junior Suite Spa or Pool View, Junior Suite Ocean View, Excellence Club Junior Suite Ocean Front, Excellence Club Junior Swim-up Ocean View, Excellence Club Junior Suite Pool View, Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suite
- Excellence Club benefits: premium worth the upgrade for most couples
- Best value: Excellence Club Junior Suite Ocean Front or Swim-up Ocean View
- Tip: swim-up suites offer romantic privacy with direct pool access
How to Decide If It's Worth It (Fast Value Checklist)
| Question | If "yes"… | If "no"… |
|---|---|---|
| Are you traveling as a couple (honeymoon/anniversary/romantic trip)? | Excellence Riviera Cancun is a perfect match. | This resort is adults-only—not suitable for families with children. |
| Do you value pristine beach quality over nightlife proximity? | Riviera Maya location delivers exceptional beach experiences. | Cancun Hotel Zone resorts offer better access to nightlife and clubs. |
| Will you spend most time on-property enjoying resort amenities? | You'll maximize all-inclusive value with beach, dining, spa, and pools. | If planning many excursions, consider shorter stays or lower-tier options. |
| Is dining variety important to your vacation experience? | 10 specialty restaurants provide exceptional variety for 5-7 nights. | Smaller resorts with fewer venues may suit shorter trips better. |
| Are you willing to upgrade to Excellence Club for premium perks? | Excellence Club significantly enhances the experience and value. | Standard suites are beautiful, but Excellence Club maximizes luxury. |
Tips to Make Your Stay Feel More "Worth It"
Book the optimal length of stay
Most couples maximize value at 5–7 nights. This gives you time to enjoy the beach and pools, experience all 10 specialty restaurants, book spa treatments, and include 1-2 romantic excursions to nearby attractions like Tulum, cenotes, or sunset catamaran tours.
- 4-5 nights = romantic escape with essential experiences
- 6-7 nights = ideal balance of resort relaxation + exploration
- 7+ nights = deep relaxation with multiple spa days and excursions
Consider Excellence Club upgrade
Excellence Club suites offer significant value-adds: private beach areas with premium service, exclusive lounges, upgraded minibar with premium spirits, priority restaurant reservations, enhanced concierge services, and private check-in. For most couples, the upgrade enhances the romantic experience substantially.
- Best upgrade: Excellence Club Junior Suite Ocean Front or Swim-up Ocean View
- Private beach areas: less crowded with attentive service
- Lounge access: perfect for morning coffee or sunset cocktails
- Premium minibar: top-shelf spirits and daily refreshments
Plan strategic romantic experiences
Maximize your romantic getaway by booking couples' spa treatments, scheduling at least one beachfront dinner at sunset, and planning one memorable excursion like a private catamaran tour or cenote swim. The resort also offers romance packages with champagne, flowers, and special turndown service.
- Spa tip: book couples' massage at Miilé Spa with hydrotherapy circuit
- Dining tip: request beachfront tables at sunset for romantic ambiance
- Excursion tip: private catamaran tours to Isla Mujeres or cenote tours
- Special occasions: inform concierge about anniversaries/honeymoons for surprises
Excellence Riviera Cancun vs. Cancun Hotel Zone: Location Comparison
One of the most common questions: "Should I stay in Riviera Maya or Cancun Hotel Zone?" Here's how Excellence Riviera Cancun's Puerto Morelos location compares to Cancun Hotel Zone adults-only resort options.
Excellence Riviera Cancun (Puerto Morelos)
- 30-40 min from Cancun airport
- Pristine beach with less tourist density
- Quieter, more romantic atmosphere than Hotel Zone
- Ideal location for excursions to Tulum, cenotes, and Playa del Carmen
- Best for: couples prioritizing beach quality + romantic seclusion
- Charming Puerto Morelos town within 10-15 minutes
Cancun Hotel Zone Adults-Only Resorts
- 15-25 min from Cancun airport
- Walkable access to nightlife, shopping, restaurants
- More energetic atmosphere with Hotel Zone activity
- Beach quality varies; can be more crowded
- Best for: couples who want nightlife access + resort amenities
- Immediate proximity to Cancun's main tourist attractions
Quick recommendation: Choose Excellence Riviera Cancun if you prioritize pristine beach, romantic seclusion, and don't need walkable access to Cancun nightlife. Choose Hotel Zone resorts if you want shorter airport transfers and easy access to Cancun's clubs, restaurants, and shopping.
FAQ: Is Excellence Riviera Cancun Worth It?
Is Excellence Riviera Cancun worth it for honeymooners?
Absolutely—Excellence Riviera Cancun is one of the top honeymoon destinations in Riviera Maya. The adults-only atmosphere, pristine beachfront, spacious suites, exceptional dining variety, and romantic amenities (couples' spa, sunset dinners, swim-up suites) create an ideal honeymoon experience. Many couples choose Excellence Club upgrades for added luxury and privacy.
Is Excellence Riviera Cancun worth it for couples celebrating anniversaries?
Yes—the resort specializes in romantic celebrations with special anniversary packages, champagne and flowers arrangements, beachfront dining experiences, and couples' spa treatments. The 10 specialty restaurants provide dining variety for multi-night stays, and the Excellence Club benefits enhance anniversary trips significantly.
What's the best length of stay at Excellence Riviera Cancun?
5–7 nights is optimal for most couples. This length allows you to experience all 10 specialty restaurants, enjoy beach and pool time, book spa treatments, and include 1-2 romantic excursions (Tulum, cenotes, catamaran tours) without feeling rushed.
Is the Excellence Club upgrade worth it?
For most couples, yes—Excellence Club upgrades provide exceptional value through private beach areas with premium service, exclusive lounges, upgraded minibars with top-shelf spirits, priority restaurant reservations, and enhanced concierge services. The privacy, service quality, and perks justify the upgrade cost for romantic getaways.
How does Excellence Riviera Cancun compare to other adults-only resorts?
Excellence Riviera Cancun stands out for its pristine Puerto Morelos beachfront, 10 specialty restaurants, spacious junior suites, and Excellence Club premium tier. It offers more dining variety than most competitors and better beach quality than Cancun Hotel Zone options, though it's farther from nightlife. It's ideal for couples prioritizing beach quality, dining experiences, and romantic ambiance over nightlife proximity.
When is Excellence Riviera Cancun NOT worth it?
It may not be worth it if you're traveling with children (adults-only 18+ policy), want walking access to Cancun Hotel Zone nightlife and clubs, prefer high-energy pool party atmospheres, or need budget-focused all-inclusive options. The resort is also not ideal for travelers who plan to spend minimal time on-property or prefer smaller boutique hotel experiences.
How far is Excellence Riviera Cancun from Cancun International Airport?
Approximately 30-40 minutes by car, which is longer than Cancun Hotel Zone resorts (15-25 minutes) but significantly closer than Tulum (90+ minutes). The transfer time is reasonable for the benefit of Puerto Morelos' pristine beaches and quieter Riviera Maya atmosphere. Most couples find the transfer time worthwhile for the beach quality and romantic setting.
What are the best suite categories at Excellence Riviera Cancun?
The most popular suite categories are Excellence Club Junior Suite Ocean Front (direct ocean views with Excellence Club benefits) and Excellence Club Junior Swim-up Ocean View (ocean views with private swim-up pool access). Both offer exceptional value for couples. The Two-Story Rooftop Terrace Suite is the ultimate luxury option for special celebrations.