If you’re searching for a clear picture of what you actually get at this all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya, this review breaks down the inclusions, the location logistics, and what recent guests say. We’ve pulled together official sources and third-party descriptions so you can decide whether it fits your vacation plans. The resort sits in Playacar, part of the coastal city of Playa del Carmen, and is described as an oceanfront property by its operator (Wyndham Hotels & Resorts).
Last checked: 2026-09-26
Compare the lowest rates and guest reviews. Many options with free cancellation.Check rates
Bundle flight + hotel and compare deals and rewards in one place.Check ratesThis link contains affiliate advertising. Prices and availability may change on the destination site.
Resort type: All-inclusive · Location: Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico · Beachfront: Yes, oceanfront · Restaurants: 7 · Kids Club: Yes · Spa: Yes
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-09-26.
Sources reviewed: official property website (wyndhamhotels.com, vivaresortsbywyndham.com), neutral review platform (TripAdvisor), tour operator sites (Transat, Sunwing, WestJet), and online travel agencies (Expedia, Hotels.com).
This review is based on publicly available information; no on-site visit was conducted, no staff were interviewed, and prices were not independently verified (rates vary by season and availability).
Snapshot: key facts about Viva Maya by Wyndham
- Beachfront property in Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico (Wyndham)
- 5 on-site restaurants; buffet and à-la-carte included (Viva Maya official site)
- Viva Kids’ Club for ages 4–12, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Viva Maya by Wyndham)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Resort type | All-inclusive |
| Location | Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico |
| Beachfront | Yes, oceanfront |
| Restaurants | 7 (official site lists 5; third‑party sources list 7) |
| Kids Club | Yes, ages 4–12 |
| Spa | Yes (treatments extra) |
| Wi‑Fi | Included in designated areas |
Is Viva Maya by Wyndham good?
The resort earns a mixed but generally positive reception from guests. On TripAdvisor, travellers frequently praise the beachfront location, the number of pools, and the variety of dining options. The family‑friendly atmosphere is a recurring highlight, especially the kids’ club and the calm, swimmable beach. Some reviewers note that food quality varies between the buffet and à‑la‑carte restaurants, and that service can be inconsistent during peak periods.
The all‑inclusive package, as described by the operator, covers meals, snacks, beverages (including alcohol), non‑motorized water sports, daily activities, and evening entertainment (Wyndham brand page). This breadth of inclusions appeals strongly to families and first‑time all‑inclusive visitors.
Guest satisfaction overview
Reviewers on TripAdvisor – with samples spanning 2023 to 2025 – often give the resort 4 out of 5 dots. Praise centres on the beach, pool areas, and the quantity of included activities. Criticism focuses on the condition of some rooms (reported as “dated” by a minority) and the occasional shortage of loungers near the main pool. One travel‑review listing described rooms as “generally clean and equipped with a balcony, queen beds, television, small fridge, safe, iron, and enclosed shower” (Monarc).
Review highlights from TripAdvisor
Multiple reviewers mention the helpful staff at the kids’ club and the quality of the Mexican à‑la‑carte restaurant. Themed evening shows and the disco are called out as fun for families. A smaller number of guests report noise from the disco at night, which may affect light sleepers in rooms nearby.
What is included at Viva Maya by Wyndham?
According to the official resort website, the all‑inclusive package covers: “Breakfast/lunch/dinner; Snacks 24 hours; Unlimited cocktails, drinks and house wines” (Viva Maya official dining page). A welcome cocktail is also mentioned. The property lists five on‑site restaurants (an international buffet plus à‑la‑carte options serving Mexican, Italian, international, and Mediterranean cuisines) according to the operator site (Viva Resorts by Wyndham).
All‑inclusive package details
Meals, snacks, and beverages (including alcoholic ones) are included 24 hours a day. The official Wyndham brand page states that “all meals and snacks, unlimited beverages, cocktails, and wine” are part of the offer, along with taxes and gratuities (Wyndham Hotels overview). However, the brochure distinguishes between included and extra‑cost items: motorized water sports, excursions, deep‑sea fishing, horseback riding, and golf are listed as “available at extra cost” (Viva Resorts by Wyndham brochure).
Restaurants and dining
Five restaurants are listed on the resort’s official homepage, though some OTAs count seven (likely including snack bars and a poolside grill). The operator’s current page mentions “several à‑la‑carte restaurants” in addition to the international buffet. Cuisines include Mexican, Italian, international, and Mediterranean (Viva Resorts by Wyndham). A third‑party listing identifies “5 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges, plus a poolside bar” (Hotels.com).
Beverages including alcohol
The resort advertises unlimited cocktails, drinks, and house wine as part of the package, plus 24‑hour bar service (Viva Maya official dining page). Premium imported or top‑shelf spirits are not specifically mentioned in the gathered sources and may incur an additional charge – this is common across mid‑market all‑inclusives.
Kids Club and entertainment
The Viva Kids’ Club welcomes children aged 4 to 12 and operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Viva Maya official dining page). Included daily activities range from dance classes and archery to trapeze sessions. Evening shows and a disco are also part of the entertainment program, as noted on the Wyndham brand page (Wyndham Trademark portfolio).
How far is Viva Maya by Wyndham from the airport?
The resort is about 50 kilometres from Cancún International Airport (CUN). Multiple sources – including tour operator descriptions and public knowledge – place the distance at roughly 50 km, with a typical travel time of 45 to 60 minutes by shuttle or taxi.
Distance to Cancun International Airport
Public knowledge and operator listings consistently report the distance as approximately 50 km. The resort is located in Playacar, just south of Playa del Carmen’s downtown area, which places it about 50 km south of Cancún.
Transfer options
Airport transfers are not automatically included in the all‑inclusive package. The resort’s direct description does not promise transfers. However, some tour‑operator packages – for example, those from WestJet – include round‑trip airport transfers (WestJet package listing). Travellers booking through Sunwing or other operators may also find transfers bundled (Sunwing).
Estimated travel time
Based on the distance and typical road conditions, the journey takes between 45 and 60 minutes by road. Private taxis and shared shuttles are widely available at the airport.
The bottom line: Budget for transfers unless you book a package that includes them. The short drive from the airport makes it convenient for late arrivals.
What activities are available at Viva Maya by Wyndham?
The resort offers a wide slate of included activities, as well as optional paid excursions. Official sources list non‑motorized water sports, tennis, archery, trapeze, fitness classes, dance lessons, and evening entertainment (Viva Resorts by Wyndham).
Water sports and beach activities
Non‑motorized water sports such as paddleboarding, snorkelling equipment, and beach volleyball are included in the all‑inclusive package. The beach is oceanfront and described as swimmable, though seasonal sargassum (seaweed) can affect conditions – this is a regional pattern not unique to the resort.
Entertainment and nightlife
Daily activities are organised by the animation team, and live shows, themed parties, and a disco run in the evenings. The Wyndham brand page advertises “live evening entertainment, themed parties, a disco, and dance lessons” as part of the package (Wyndham Trademark portfolio).
Spa and wellness
A full‑service spa is on site, but treatments (massages, facials, salon services) are not included in the standard all‑inclusive rate. The resort also has a fitness studio, sauna, and jacuzzi available for guest use (Viva Maya official dining page).
Nearby attractions
The resort is within easy reach of Playa del Carmen’s Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida), a pedestrian shopping and dining strip about 10 minutes by taxi. The Mayan ruins of Tulum and the eco‑park Xcaret are common day‑trip options, though these involve extra costs and are not resort‑included.
Specifications at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 604 (per Sunwing listing) |
| Swimming pools | 3 outdoor pools (adult, main, children’s) plus a poolside bar |
| Restaurants | 5 (official); 7 (some OTA listings) |
| Bars/lounges | 3 bars/lounges + poolside bar |
| Kids club | Ages 4–12, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m. |
| Wi‑Fi | Free in designated hotspots |
| Included sports | Non‑motorised water sports, tennis, archery, trapeze, fitness |
| Extra‑cost activities | Motorised water sports, excursions, golf, spa treatments, safe deposit box |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Beachfront location with calm swimming area
- Wide variety of included activities and entertainment
- Kids’ club with long hours
- Multiple dining options including à‑la‑carte
- Unlimited drinks (including alcohol) and snacks
Cons
- Some rooms reported as dated by recent guests
- Wi‑Fi limited to designated hotspots, not guaranteed in all rooms
- Environmental tax and safe deposit box charge extra
- Noise from disco may affect nearby rooms
- Airport transfers not always included
Best for segments
Families are the primary audience. The kids’ club, family‑friendly pools, and activities like archery and trapeze are designed for parents travelling with children aged 4–12. The all‑inclusive format simplifies budgeting for meals and drinks.
All‑inclusive seekers looking for a straightforward, no‑surprises resort will appreciate the clear inclusions: all meals, snacks, house‑brand drinks, and non‑motorised sports. The resort doesn’t aim to be ultra‑luxury, but it delivers what it advertises.
Beach lovers will enjoy the oceanfront setting. The beach in Playacar is generally calm and clean, though sargassum can appear seasonally.
Pricing band block
Nightly rates reported on TripAdvisor range from approximately C$285 to C$681 (Canadian dollars, as recorded on the platform). These prices vary significantly by season, room type, and booking channel. Direct bookings through Wyndham may offer different inclusions than tour‑operator packages.
The price per person per night from Canadian tour operators (Sunwing, WestJet) typically falls in a mid‑range band for Riviera Maya all‑inclusives. We recommend comparing total package cost – especially whether transfers are included – before booking.
Location and getting there
The resort is situated in Playacar, a gated residential and resort enclave on the southern edge of Playa del Carmen. It faces the Caribbean Sea. Cancún International Airport (CUN) is the main gateway, about 50 km north. The journey by road takes 45–60 minutes via Highway 307. Public transport (ADO buses) run from the airport to Playa del Carmen, but a taxi or shuttle is more practical for those with luggage.
Alternatives in set
For readers considering other options in the same category, two comparable resorts in similar destinations are worth a look:
- Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos – a higher‑energy all‑inclusive in Baja California Sur.
- Grand Palladium Punta Cana – another family‑friendly beachfront option in the Dominican Republic.
Both are different geographies but share a similar all‑inclusive, resort‑based holiday concept.
Our pick recommendation
Our pick: Viva Maya by Wyndham is a solid choice for families who want a dependable all‑inclusive with plenty of included activities and a good beach. The kids’ club and multiple dining outlets make it easier for parents to relax. It doesn’t aim to be the most luxurious resort in the Riviera Maya, but for a mid‑market, straightforward vacation, it delivers.
“Your all-inclusive vacation includes all meals and snacks, unlimited beverages, cocktails, and wine, a selection of land and water sports, and daily activities and entertainment.”
— Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Official hotel brand
“All Inclusive: Breakfast/lunch/dinner; Snacks 24 hours; Unlimited cocktails, drinks and house wines.”
— Viva Maya by Wyndham, Official resort
Frequently asked questions
Is Viva Maya a party hotel?
No, it’s primarily a family‑friendly resort. Evening entertainment and a disco are available, but the atmosphere is generally relaxed. Some reviewers mention noise from the disco, but it’s not a “party hotel” in the style of spring‑break properties.
Does all‑inclusive include alcohol?
Yes. Unlimited cocktails, house wines, and standard drinks are included. Premium or top‑shelf spirits are not mentioned in official sources and may cost extra – a common practice at mid‑scale all‑inclusives.
How close is Riviera Maya to Cancun?
The Riviera Maya region stretches south from Cancún. Viva Maya is located in Playacar, Playa del Carmen, about 50 km from Cancún International Airport – around a 45‑ to 60‑minute drive.
Is Riviera Maya high end?
The Riviera Maya contains a mix of budget, mid‑range, and luxury resorts. Viva Maya by Wyndham sits in the mid‑range tier, offering an all‑inclusive experience without ultra‑luxury pricing.
Is there much to do in Riviera Maya?
Yes. Beyond the resort, guests can visit eco‑parks (Xcaret, Xel‑Ha), Mayan ruins (Tulum, Coba), cenotes, and Playa del Carmen’s shopping strip. Many of these require additional fees and transportation.
What is the nicest resort in Riviera Maya?
The “nicest” varies by traveller priority. For families, Viva Maya is a strong mid‑range option. Higher‑end choices include properties like Banyan Tree Mayakoba or Rosewood Mayakoba, but they come with significantly higher price points.
Sources cited
- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts – Viva Maya overview
- Wyndham – Trademark all‑inclusive portfolio page
- Viva Maya official – Dining & bars
- Viva Maya official home page
- Viva Resorts by Wyndham – Viva Maya page
- Viva Resorts – Brochure (PDF)
- Expedia – Viva Maya listing
- Hotels.com – Viva Maya listing
- Sunwing – package listing
- WestJet – package listing
- TripAdvisor – guest reviews