Our recent trip to Mexico was nothing short of magical—a perfect blend of luxury relaxation and a touch of adventure, with bold self-expression. As a couple of 14 years with two kids, my partner and I had been craving a kid-free getaway that combined sun-soaked beaches, non-mom bikinis, and something a little more intimate to celebrate our connection.
We chose the Riviera Maya region, booking a week at the adults-only TRS Coral Hotel in Costa Mujeres, just north of Cancun. We ventured off resort most days on our own Mayan temples, local restaurants, Xplor Fuego, and capped it off with a steamy boudoir photo shoot with Jorge Rodriguez at Isla Blanca. If you're considering a similar itinerary, here's our detailed review.
Flying into Cancun International Airport was seamless, and the 40-minute transfer to Costa Mujeres was hassle-free. Transport to and from the resort was easily setup when we purchased the all inclusive package. The area is quieter than the bustling Hotel Zone, which suited us perfectly, we wanted tranquility without isolation. Upon arriving at TRS Coral Hotel, we were greeted with chilled towels and welcome cocktails, setting a tone of effortless luxury. This five-star, all-inclusive resort is part of the Palladium Hotel Group and caters exclusively to adults, making it an ideal spot for couples seeking romance and reprieve. Yet you still have access to the entire Palladium grounds, pool, and restaurants.
Our Loft Suite Jacuzzi Terrace Ocean View was impressive with two stories, an expansive balcony with and modern furnishings, it was a massive 1065 square feet with a king-sized bed, and a rainfall shower. The decor blended contemporary minimalism with tropical accents—think sleek white furniture, warm wood tones, and pops of turquoise reminiscent of the Caribbean Sea. Mornings started with coffee from Thebes coffee shop, followed by breakfast at one of many options.
The pool is the centerpiece of the resort, with lots of space and the perfect temperature. There is no shortage of daybeds and cabanas to choose from. It also wasn’t a made rush in the morning to get your seating. There was always good seating available by the pool or on the beach. The waitstaff were attentive and delivered endless piña coladas. We spent an afternoon at the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness Center, indulging in couples' massages that incorporated local Mayan-inspired techniques with hot stones and essential oils. The 80-minute session left us relaxed, and then enjoyed the hydrotherapy circuit, complete with saunas, steam rooms, and vitality pools.
Dining options were abundant and varied, thanks to access to both TRS Coral's restaurants and those at the adjacent Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres. Breakfast at the buffet was a feast of fresh fruits, made-to-order omelets, and Mexican specialties like chilaquiles. For lunch, we favored the beachside grill at El Dorado, where pizza and tacos al pastor were standouts. Evenings brought fine dining: Capricho offered Mediterranean fusion with dishes like seared tuna and risotto, while Bhogali served innovative Indian cuisine that surprised us with its authenticity. The butter chicken was amazing. The all-inclusive drinks were top-shelf, with premium liquors and craft cocktails at bars like the chic Gravity Sky Bar, with panoramic ocean views and live DJ sets at sunset.
The resort's beach is pristine, with powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Even though you were supposed to make reservations for restaurants daily, we found that we could walk into any of them and be seated relatively quickly. TRS Coral strikes a balance between lively pool events and serene spots for quiet reading. It's luxurious without feeling stuffy.
One evening, we explored the resort's entertainment offerings, at the Chic Cabaret & Restaurant optional add-on with gourmet dining and theatrical performances. It was fun, dinner entertainment paired with unlimited champagne. The remoteness of Costa Mujeres meant we didn't venture off-site much early on, but that allowed us to fully unwind. By day three, we felt recharged and ready for adventure.
No trip to the Riviera Maya is complete without some cenotes and zip lines, so we booked tickets to Xplor Fuego, the nighttime edition of the Xplor adventure park. Located about 45 minutes south in Playa del Carmen, this park transforms after dark into a fiery wonderland, with torches, bonfires, and illuminated paths adding a mystical edge. Admission included all activities, a buffet dinner, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
We rented our own car, arrived at 5:00 PM, just before the evening crowds, and were outfitted with helmets equipped with photo chips (for easy capture of action shots, available for purchase later). The park leverages the region's natural cenotes, caves, and jungles for eco-adventures, and the "Fuego" version amps up the drama with fire elements. We started with the zip line circuit, a series of 8 lines. The highest tower is about 148 feet, offering breathtaking views of the sunset.
Next, we tackled the amphibious vehicles, rugged ATVs that navigate bumpy jungle trails and splash through underground rivers. Driving in the dark added an extra thrill, with headlamps cutting through the humidity and fire pits marking turns. It felt like an Indiana Jones escapade, though the steering was clunky—pro tip: go slow to avoid jolts. We cooled off in the underground rivers, floating on inner tubes through stalactite-filled caves adorned with glowing lights. The water was refreshingly chilly, around 75°F, and life jackets kept things safe for non-swimmers.
Rafting the subterranean streams was another highlight; we paddled with hand oars through narrow passages, spotting bioluminescent effects created by the park's lighting. The buffet dinner midway through was surprisingly robust, with fresh salads, grilled meats, pasta, and Mexican all-you-can-eat. We refuelled with energy for the final activities, including a toboggan slide that ends in a splash pool.
Xplor Fuego runs until 11:30 PM. The park is well-organized, with short lines (we went mid-week), clean facilities, and helpful staff. Water shoes are recommended. Downsides? It's along drive from TRS Coral Resort. But having rented our own car made it much more bearable. Also, photos cost extra, but they're worth it for the memories. Overall, it was a great counterpoint to our resort lounging, blending nature and fun.
“But the boldest moment of the trip was still ahead.”
Location: Isla Blanca.