5 Days in Riviera Maya: A Dreamy Beach Destination Wedding Adventure

Traveling to Riviera Maya was an unforgettable experience, filled with firsts: my first airplane ride, my first time in Mexico, and my first stay at an all-inclusive resort. The trip had its challenges (almost constant rain and, unfortunately, my period for half the trip), but the good moments far outweighed the bad. Our journey began months before our wedding when my husband mentioned his cousin’s dreamy beach destination wedding in Mexico.

After we were married, we booked our flights and an all-inclusive stay, eagerly anticipating our trip to Cancun’s Riviera Maya—a region with lush jungles, cenotes, and endless palm trees.

My First Flight and Arrival in Cancun

I’ll never forget my first airplane experience. The takeoff was exhilarating, the view from the window was beautiful, and I even enjoyed the landing.

I came prepared with Netflix downloads and music for the flight there but learned quickly that organizing something on my iPad helped pass the time on the way home! Despite some turbulence, the whole experience left me wanting to fly again.

Landing in Cancun brought the first of several new experiences. The airport felt similar to Toronto at first, but that changed quickly when we encountered Spanish-speaking staff, eager taxi drivers, and the intense Cancun humidity.

A few overly helpful taxi drivers even tried to steer us toward their friends’ cars, which made us wary, but Google Translate helped me communicate with a friendly airport worker who directed us to our pre-arranged shuttle. Soon, we were on our way to the resort.

Barcelo Maya Palace: Rain, Relaxation, and Wedding Festivities

The shuttle ride to Barcelo Maya Palace was supposed to take 45 minutes, but it stretched closer to 90. We passed resort after resort along the way, building our excitement. Barcelo is a sprawling property along the Gulf of Mexico, with multiple hotels, pools, and amenities.

We arrived, eager to settle in, but learned our room wouldn’t be ready for another four hours.

Feeling tired and sticky from the journey, we set off to explore and grab food—braving an unexpected downpour along the way. Unfortunately, the rain continued almost nonstop for the first three days!

Friday night was our first event: a welcome party with a beach-inspired colour palette of browns, greens, oranges, and blues. I wore a brown dress, as seen in my Terracotta & Sage outfit post!

Saturday night brought a fun wigs and mustache party. I matched a blue dress with a lilac wig, seeing people step out of their comfort zones for a night of laughs.

On Sunday, tired of the rain, our group hopped in the pool, playing water volleyball and embracing the drizzle.

When the sun finally came out on Monday, the entire resort seemed to come alive with blue waves, green palms, and wildlife. We jumped into the ocean for the first time, feeling the saltwater and soft sand underfoot—exactly what I’d been hoping for.

The Dreamy Beach Destination Wedding at Blue Venado

The big day arrived on Monday evening, and we headed to Blue Venado for the dreamy beach destination wedding. We boarded a shuttle with other guests and took a scenic route down a narrow path through lush jungle. Nestled right on the shoreline, Blue Venado is secluded and naturally stunning, with open views of the turquoise sea.

This hidden gem is known for its privacy and beautiful fusion of rustic charm and elegance, making it feel worlds away from the bustling resorts.

The ceremony was simple yet beautifully elegant, with baby’s breath, white roses, and tan bunny tails creating a soft, romantic look against the tropical backdrop.

A neon sign reading “Till Death Do Us Party” added a touch of chic style.

The vibe was dreamy and relaxed, especially with the photo-worthy swing nestled between two palm trees—a little slice of paradise for guests to enjoy and capture memories.

During the unity ceremony, the couple mixed coloured sands to “The Blessing,” the same song my husband and I used at our own wedding. Seeing it from a guest’s perspective brought back so many special memories and made the moment all the more moving.

After the ceremony, we headed to the reception area in a large, open-air thatched-roof hut, where the décor was absolutely flawless. The reception had everything you’d want: an incredible LED-lit dance floor, a lively and engaging MC who kept the energy high, and a DJ who knew just how to read the room.

The food was also fantastic, and I ordered the salmon, which was great. The entire night was filled with fun, laughter, and great music, making it the perfect end to a beautiful day.

Dining and Entertainment at the Resort

The resort offered a range of dining experiences. Each night featured a different cuisine, and reservations were a must.

The French restaurant at La Brasserie on Saturday night was a highlight, with rich portions and delicious flavors. Sunday night’s Brazilian steakhouse at Rodizio served massive steaks that my husband loved, though I opted for a smaller meal.

Our last dinner at the Japanese restaurant, Kyoto, was unforgettable, with the chef preparing teppanyaki in front of us.

The entertainment was lively, especially the Michael Jackson tribute show. I was so impressed by the impersonator and had fun hearing all his classic hits performed live!

Farewell Cancun, Until Next Time

As our time in Cancun wound down, we spent our last day unwinding by the pool, strolling along the beach, savouring a final trip to the buffet, and wrapping it all up with a good round of cards.

Wednesday morning, we made our way to the airport, and by the time our flight touched down, Toronto greeted us in full autumn glory. The vivid fall colours were just as beautiful as all that tropical green.

But as wonderful as it is to be home, I’m already feeling the itch to travel again! Reflecting on the unforgettable memories from Cancun only fuels that excitement, especially knowing where we’re headed next. Let’s just say, our next adventure promises a dash of magic, a lot of enchantment, and a visit to the happiest place on Earth. Stay tuned—there’s so much more to come! 🌴✨🎢