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Viva Azteca and Viva Maya eliminate vacation FOMO with an all-inclusive “stay at one, play at two” experience that combines tranquil beaches, lively entertainment, and effortless access to Playa del Carmen.
Vacation FOMO doesn’t exist here. Viva Azteca by Wyndham and Viva Maya by Wyndham eliminate the hardest part of planning an all-inclusive escape with one promise: stay at one, play at two.
Cancun has long been one of Texas’ favorite beach escapes and most sought-after travel destinations. Just an hour south of Cancun, Riviera Maya stretches nearly 80 miles along the Caribbean coast, where more than 300 resorts dot destinations including Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Tulum.
Choosing one can feel impossible. Viva Resorts by Wyndham eliminates the guesswork. Whether you’re looking for an all-day party that goes well into the night, or a tranquil day by the ocean serenaded by the waves, Viva Azteca by Wyndham and Viva Maya by Wyndham have you covered. No decisions required.
Stay at one, Play at two
The Viva Resorts by Wyndham collection features eight resorts spanning three destinations including Mexico, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. In Playa del Carmen, Viva Azteca and Viva Maya are located just a short walk apart. Each offers its own award-winning personality.
The family-friendly sister resorts crush decision fatigue with a “stay at one, play at two” dual-resort model. Wristbands give guests access to both properties, allowing vacationers the best of both worlds: a lively resort, and one primed for well-earned rest and relaxation.
Named one of the top 10% hotels in the world by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for 2026, Viva Azteca and Viva Maya offer accessibility that stretches your dollar for a no-compromise, all-inclusive escape.
Viva Azteca by Wyndham
Viva Resorts by Wyndham are budget-friendly resorts that don’t skimp. Prime travel season is November through January, but summer brings much lower prices. A four-night stay for two in July is less than $1,000. Add on round-trip transportation to your stay for a stress-free arrival. Prices range around $28 per person. The resorts are located just under one hour south of the airport. Upon arrival, guests are treated with a welcome drink.
Nestled inside the gated Playacar complex, Viva Azteca is the quieter of the two resorts. Colonial -style architecture, Aztec-inspired decor, lush tropical landscaping and more than 335 rooms create a peaceful retreat overlooking the Caribbean sea. Enjoy a quaint spa offering massages and more, and oceanfront lounging with an exclusive VIP area for Club Viva members. There’s a family game room and theater with nightly performances. Our room featured a king-size bed, balcony overlooking the main pool, and in-room jetted tub.
The resort is anchored by El Cenote, a gigantic palapa-style 24-hour bar and snack station that offers a vantage point of the main pool and beach views. Buffet El Nopal serves a reservation-free international spread. The culinary team shines with its Mexican cuisines such as the guisos. The flavorful stews are filled with fresh clams, beef, or vegetables.
There are three á la carte restaurants where reservations are highly recommended. Xul-Ha, a Mayan term for “where the water ends,” is a traditional Mayan restaurant tucked beneath a canopy of greenery. It’s situated next to a slim corridor adorned by a life-size Aztec calendar. Plates such as the Salbutes, fried corn dough with chicken, red onion, and vegetables, and Kéet Kay, grilled grouper with papadzul sauce, immerse vacationers in Mayan culture.
Viva Maya by Wyndham
Viva Maya amps up the energy with multiple pools, a full-entertainment program, themed parties, and live performances. The resort features 480 rooms, but guests will have their itineraries packed with things to do.
Downtime isn’t part of the plan at Viva Maya. Anything from dance classes to markets, a climbing wall, and archery are available. Both resorts offer nonmotorized sports including kayaking and guided Hobie sailboat rides.
Similar to Viva Azteca, there’s an international buffet called La Terraza. Arrecife Snack Bar is a 24-hour poolside bar with fries, burgers, and hot dogs. For sit-down dinners, Miramare offers pizza, pastas, and salads for dinner. Portofino delves into Mediterranean cuisine, while Hacienda Don Diego specializes in dishes inspired by the Yucatan Peninsula. Viva Café leans into fusion dishes. Reservations can be made at the guest service desk.
The Party Starts in Playa del Carmen
Contrary to popular belief, leave the resorts. Playa del Carmen is a vibrant city immersed in culture and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The fast-growing city is famous for its Quinta Avenida, a pedestrian-only walkway that doubles as a day-time shopping destination with an unparalleled nightlife.
By day, walk the bustling neighborhood for artisan goods and big name stores, as you sip a margarita and enjoy a mid-day ribeye taco with fiery salsa. If anything, stop by for street art. The streets are a kaleidoscope of color with aerosol masterpieces lining every way. Return at night to find one of the highest-energy clubs in the country: Coco Bongo.
The world-famous nightclub is a sensory overload. Think Las Vegas meets a utopian universe where Madonna, ABBA, and BeetleJuice walk amongst all. Representatives of Coco Bongo can be found at both resorts offering tiered tickets to the club. Royal Service tier is the way to go for first timers, offering a reserved table, seats, waiter service, a premium open bar, and food. It’s a front-row seat to the aerial acrobatics performances, thrumming with euphoria that will ensure a night to remember.
The Mayan Underworld
Viva Azteca and Viva Maya flaunt white sandy beaches, clear skies with stars shining bright at night, and waves as far as the eye can see, but the Yucatán Peninsula’s greatest wonders lie beneath the surface. Book an excursion with Aventuras Mayas to venture into the mystic Mayan underworld, where cenotes, caves and turquoise waters reveal a different side of the Riviera Maya.
The Mayan Adventure Tour winds through three ecosystems. The adrenaline rush begins with a leap from a 12-foot ledge into a crystal-clear open cenote before a zip-line sends you soaring before splashing into the cool water below. Afterwards, soak in the scenery snorkeling through the open waters.
The all-inclusive journey continues to Aktun Koh, a semi-open limestone cenote revered by the Maya as a window to the underworld. Glowing with stalactites and stalagmites frame waters so clear you can see nearly 50 feet down. After a hearty lunch, the adventure ends in Akumal, where you’ll snorkel alongside schools of tropical fish in the blue-green waters of Yal-Kú Lagoon, where freshwater blends with the Caribbean.
Return to Viva Azteca or Viva Maya sun-soaked, where a frosty piña colada awaits. After chasing adventure, the resorts feel less like checking in and more like coming home. With two distinct personalities connected by one wristband, the neighboring properties prove their greatest luxury not choosing between rest and exploration, but having it all.
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Desiree Gutierrez is a Dallas-based award-winning lifestyle journalist who has written for D Magazine, Papertown Magazine, Dallas Observer and more. Her writing spans arts and culture, food, travel, beauty, and wellness. You can find her in an airport lounge jetting off to her next destination or enjoying a nightcap at a swanky restaurant bar. Follow her Instagram to see where she’s headed next.
