A Fabulous Escape to Paradise: Our Stay at Paradisus La Perla, Rivera Maya
A Review of Paradisus La Perla, Riviera Maya: Our Girls’ Getaway At An All-Inclusive Resort
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If you're looking for a luxurious, sun-drenched escape that blends upscale accommodations, incredible food and drinks, and picture-perfect surroundings—look no further than Paradisus La Perla in Riviera Maya. I recently had the pleasure of staying at this dreamy, all-inclusive, adults-only resort for a bachelorette party, and let me tell you—it exceeded every expectation.
We were a group of women between the ages of 34 and 40 looking for relaxation, celebration, and a little indulgence. Paradisus La Perla delivered on all fronts, and then some. From the moment we arrived until the second we (reluctantly) left, every detail was flawless. Whether you’re planning a bachelorette trip, a girls’ getaway, a honeymoon, or even a solo retreat—this resort is a must.
Let me break it all down and give you a peek into why La Perla left such a lasting impression. Check out my TikTok video below which shows a lot of what I write about in this post.
✨ First Impressions & Check-In: A Warm Welcome
The moment we stepped onto the property, we were greeted by smiling faces willing to get our luggage to our rooms as quickly as possible so that we could get started with our vacation. The open-air lobby is stunning, with modern architecture and lush greenery that instantly makes you feel like you’ve arrived in paradise. The vibe is upscale yet relaxed, with soft music playing, water features flowing, and that intoxicating scent of tropical vacation. It was giving me White Lotus vibes in terms of the gorgeous design.
We stayed on the La Perla side, which is adults-only, and that alone made a huge difference. The energy was tranquil and elegant, but never boring. If you’re looking for a more peaceful, refined experience without the bustle of kids splashing in the pool, this is absolutely the side to choose. However, if you are looking for a place to bring your family (I have two kids and was thinking about coming back the entire time), they have a whole other side of the resort geared towards families.
Your first stop also includes getting your cute wooden all-inclusive bracelet which you’ll wear all week. The bracelets serve as your room key and signifies to the staff which part of the hotel you are staying in.
🛌 The Accommodations: Stylish, Spacious, and Super Comfortable
Our rooms were modern, clean, and huge—way more spacious than I anticipated. We each had a junior suite, and it felt like our own mini-apartment. The bathrooms? Spa-level luxury. Dual rainfall showers, a soaking tub, and enough space for us to get ready together before a night out.
Some of us were lucky enough to book Reserve-level rooms, which gave us a few fabulous extras like upgraded amenities, a private concierge, and access to exclusive areas around the resort. After seeing the extras, I do recommend you book reserve if it is within your budget. There were several very appealing perks!
Our suites had a private terrace with a pool view and plenty of lounging space—perfect for sipping coffee in the morning or champagne in the afternoon (which we did... a lot). Everything about the room felt upscale without being pretentious. Plush bedding, fluffy robes, and a stocked mini-bar that got refilled daily—yes, with our preferred drinks.
🍽️ The Food: Truly Exceptional and Beyond What You’d Expect at an All-Inclusive
Let’s talk food. Because WOW. Keep in mind I’m a food designer. My whole life revolves around flavor and food.
The La Perla menus and restaurants blew us away. The resort has more than a dozen restaurants shared between the La Perla (adults only) and Playa Del Carmen (family-friendly) sides, and we got to try many of them. This is the type of resort where you’ll need to make a reservation. Pro Tip - if you can only get a 9 pm seating, make the reservation. You can test your luck by swinging by early to see if they had any cancellations. They did when we had a reservation at Flora, so they were able to move us to a 7:00 dinner instead of 9:00 pm because we had a reservation and because they had a no-show.
Some highlights (there are so many more!)
Lemon Fish – Sultry, romantic, and totally laid-back. This spot has warm, earthy tones—think soft reds and sandy browns—with ambient lighting that sets a dreamy mood. It serves up incredible Latin-fusion dishes and features a standout ceviche bar. Whether you dine in the intimate indoor space or out on the terrace with views of the lush gardens, it’s an unforgettable experience. And yes, it's exclusively for adults.
Flora – Flora is a dining experience truly inspired by nature and the spirit of the flower goddess herself. Everything on the menu celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients—grown nearby and packed with flavor. The restaurant embraces a zero-kilometer philosophy, meaning the dishes highlight sustainable, homegrown Mexican ingredients. It’s where bold, authentic flavors meet a beautifully intentional approach to food—and the result is absolutely delicious.
Blue Agave Taqueria – If you’re heading to Paradisus Playa del Carmen, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a truly authentic Mexican taco. This spot is all about bold, traditional flavors that capture the spirit and culture of Mexico in every bite. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience a taste of local folklore and culinary heritage—open to all guests at the resort.
The Reserve Restaurants – With our upgraded Reserve status, we had access to exclusive dining options, including SANTE, which felt like dining at a boutique coastal restaurant—quiet, stylish, and personalized.
Twel2lvet – This is the ice cream shop that is open all day. Unlimited ice cream in all the flavors - yes please!
Nespresso Coffee Corner – Our favorite morning spot - get your favorite coffee drink and pastry to start your day before heading over to breakfast. They had this orange bread with chia that was out of this world.
There are also snack bars by the pool with full menus, a smoothie bar, and 24-hour room service (which we absolutely took advantage of after late nights). We ate sooooo much seafood - every fish and shrimp I had was outstanding.
🍹 The Drinks: Creative Cocktails & Poolside Perfection
Let’s just say—our cups were never empty. Whether we were lounging in the pool in our rented cabannas, dancing by the bar, or enjoying a late-night laugh fest in the lobby, the drinks kept coming. I recommend the margaritas over ice! The Aperol Spritz’s were fabulous as well.
Each bar had its own vibe. The Swim-Up Bar made some of the most creative tropical cocktails, while the Lobby Bar was perfect for a sophisticated martini or a round of espresso martinis before dinner.
If you’re into wine, beer, or more traditional spirits, you’ll have plenty of options, but we loved how open the bartenders were to customizing drinks. The staff remembered our preferences by Day 2—major gold star.
Also, can we talk about the cocktail presentations? Beautiful garnishes, fresh herbs, and glassware that made every drink feel like an experience.
💦 The Pool Scene: Luxe, Relaxed, and Beautiful
The main pool on the La Perla side was hands-down our favorite hangout spot. It’s large, beautifully designed, and has plenty of loungers and shaded areas. The vibe was upbeat but never rowdy, with a chill playlist in the background and servers circulating constantly with food and drinks.
They have gorgeous cabanas that I 100% recommend - we had two of them reserved for our group of 13 for 3 days in a row. The team of serves for this area were the best in the game - our drinks were always full and the food kept coming allll…day…..long!!!
We also had exclusive access to the Reserve Pool, which was quieter and perfect for a mid-morning recharge or a post-brunch nap in a Bali bed. The Reserve section truly felt like a secluded oasis. We spend most of our time at the main pool, but this was a nice retreat.
Pro tip: If you want to snag one of the luxury chairs by the pool, make sure to get there early—they fill up quickly! Alternatively, you can always upgrade to a cabana and then not worry about securing a chair, which I think is a great value. Cabana rentals often come with a drink package, and sometimes even a food package, depending on your package level. If I return, I'd definitely rent a cabana again!
The Paradisus Playa del Carmen resort (the family side of the hotel) offers a vibrant and engaging water play area for children, ensuring endless fun under the sun. The Aquazone Water Park features multiple pools, including one equipped with five exciting water slides, splash pads, and a large dumping bucket, providing a thrilling experience for kids. Additionally, a smaller pool caters to toddlers, allowing them to enjoy water activities in a safe environment. This water park is conveniently located near the Kidsdom area, making it easily accessible for families staying at the resort. It's a perfect spot for children to cool off and have a blast, offering a memorable addition to the family vacation experience.
💦 The YHI Spaaaaaaaa
The YHI Spa at Paradisus La Perla is an absolute sanctuary—luxurious, tranquil, and thoughtfully designed to help you fully unwind. From the moment you walk in, you're met with calming scents, serene lighting, and an atmosphere that instantly melts stress away. The spa menu is extensive and filled with high-quality services, from therapeutic massages and facials to body scrubs and rituals rooted in ancient wellness practices.
But one of the true highlights is the hydrotherapy area, which is nothing short of stunning. Think cool plunge pools, hot tubs, warm tubs, refreshing infused waters, and an ability to order champaign (for and extra cost) like we did for a hot tub soak. You’ll find a beautifully maintained sauna, steam room, sensory shower experiences, and the multiple hydrotherapy pools mentioned above—all designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Whether you're enjoying a deep tissue massage or simply cycling through the hydrotherapy circuit, the spa at La Perla delivers a five-star experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, pampered, and deeply relaxed.
What truly made the YHI Spa experience exceptional was the staff. Their warm, attentive, and professional care created a serene and welcoming atmosphere that elevated the entire visit. From the moment you walk in, they set the tone for a relaxing and rejuvenating spa experience.
🧖♀️ The Reserve Experience: Worth Every Penny
Upgrading to The Reserve gave us that VIP feeling from start to finish. We had our own concierge, who handled our dinner reservations, spa bookings, and even left thoughtful little surprises in our room (think champagne and treats).
With The Reserve, we had access to:
A private pool and beach area with top-tier service
Exclusive lounges and restaurants
Priority reservations at the more popular dining spots
Personalized check-in and check-out
For a special occasion like a bachelorette party, it added so much value and made the whole trip feel extra luxurious.
🌴 Landscaping & Grounds: Immaculate and Dreamy
One of the most breathtaking parts of this resort is how lush and beautifully landscaped the entire property is. There are serene koi ponds, palm-lined walkways, and hidden spots with fountains and tropical plants that make you feel like you're walking through a botanical garden.
Everything was immaculately maintained—from the marble walkways to the manicured hedges. Even after a rain shower, the grounds crew was out ensuring everything was perfect. The attention to detail here is so noticeable and really adds to the resort’s overall sense of elegance and serenity.
The beach at La Perla by Meliá is absolutely breathtaking—powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and plenty of space to unwind and soak in the sun. A charming wooden bridge leads you from the heart of the resort down to the shoreline, adding a touch of rustic elegance to your beachside stroll. Once you arrive, you’ll find rows of comfortable lounge chairs and luxury cabanas available for relaxation, each offering the perfect spot to take in the ocean breeze and panoramic views. Whether you're looking to kick back with a cocktail or take a peaceful walk along the shore, the beach area at La Perla is as tranquil and stunning as it gets.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Vibes on the Playa del Carmen Side
While we stayed on the adults-only La Perla side, we did take a stroll through the La Esmeralda side, which is the family-friendly portion of the resort. It’s absolutely ideal for families with kids.
There’s a fantastic splash park, supervised kid zones, and family-friendly dining options. The energy on that side is vibrant and lively, perfect for parents who want to relax while their kids are having a blast. It’s amazing how the two sides manage to coexist so seamlessly while still catering to totally different vibes.
If you're traveling with a group that includes both couples and families, this dual setup is a great way to keep everyone happy without compromise.
🙌 The Staff: Truly the Heart of the Resort
What really made our trip unforgettable was the incredible staff. Every single team member we encountered was warm, helpful, and genuinely excited to be part of our experience. From housekeeping and concierge to the bartenders and entertainment team, everyone went above and beyond.
Our concierge helped coordinate a bachelorette dinner with special touches like custom desserts and a decorated table. The servers remembered our names. The spa staff treated us like royalty. Every interaction felt sincere and thoughtful.
It’s rare to find such consistent service across a resort this size, but La Perla nails it.
💃 The Nightlife and Bachelorette Fun
Even though we weren’t in the middle of a party city, we still had plenty of fun nights without ever leaving the resort. The evening entertainment was great—live music, themed productions, and dancing at Kicks Sports Bar (open late).
One of the highlights was the Silent Disco Party. If you’ve never been to a Silent Disco, DO NOT MISS THIS. If you have been, well I know you’ll be there because once you silent disco once, you’ll do it again and again! They publish a weekly schedule of activities that you’ll get upon check in where you can find the dates and the times for the night time shows and activities.
🌞 Final Thoughts: Why We Can’t Wait to Go Back
Our stay at Paradisus La Perla was more than a vacation—it was a celebration of friendship, luxury, and relaxation. Every detail, from the food to the drinks, the rooms to the pools, was executed with care and style.
If you're planning a bachelorette party, girls' getaway, or romantic retreat, this is your place. We came home refreshed, tan, and full of stories—and already talking about when we can return.
In short? Highly, highly recommend.
If you have any questions about planning a trip to La Perla, or need tips on what to pack for a girls' trip to Riviera Maya, drop them in the comments—I’d love to help you make your own escape to paradise!
Below is a video I made on Tiktok upon our return - definitely had some post-vacation blues!
Things to Pack for Your Mexico Vacation:
1) Custom Beach Totes for you and your party from Etsy:
2) A big, fun beach towel such as this anchor towel or octopus towel!
3) Sunscreen, unless you want to pay >$50 per bottle at the resort. One thing we noticed is that they had a big bottle of sunscreen by the pool bar for emergencies, but be sure to bring you own bottles in several varieties.
4) The perfect beach / pool cover up by CUPSHE
5) Vacation slides - get yourself a new pair of sandals that go with everything!
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