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Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma
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Margaritaville Resorts

Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma

Riviera Cancun (Puerto Morelos), Mexico

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About·Contact·Privacy·Terms·Disclaimer·Editorial

© 2026 Resort Flock

Family-FriendlyLuxury & Gourmet
5.0 Stars
146 Rooms
4 Restaurants
4 Pools
Opened 2020

What Guests Say

8.2/ 10

Good

Based on 2.1k reviews

Category Scores

Dining
8.5
Service
9.4
Rooms
9.3
Cleanliness
9.3
Location
9
Value
8.4

Guests Love

  • Exceptional Staff

    Guests consistently praise the phenomenal, friendly, and attentive staff who go above and beyond to make them feel at home and enhance their stay.

  • High-Quality Dining

    The food and drinks receive widespread acclaim for their deliciousness, variety, and consistency, with à la carte options and premium beverages being particular favorites.

  • Pristine Cleanliness

    The resort maintains an excellent standard of cleanliness across all areas, from rooms and pools to restaurants, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic environment.

  • Intimate & Relaxing Vibe

    Due to its smaller size, the resort offers a less crowded, more personal, and tranquil atmosphere, appealing to guests seeking a peaceful yet engaging getaway.

  • Comfortable Accommodations

    Rooms and suites are highly rated for being spacious, comfortable, well-appointed, and featuring fun, fresh designs that contribute to a pleasant and enjoyable stay.

Guests Warn

  • Beach Seaweed

    While the resort actively works to clean it, the natural presence of seaweed on the beach can sometimes affect the overall beach experience for guests.

  • Road Access Issues

    The road leading into the resort has been described as being in poor condition, potentially making access difficult for ride-sharing services like Uber.

  • Excursion Provider Concerns

    Some guests have reported negative experiences with Ruta Maya, the excursion company partnered with the resort, suggesting caution or alternative booking for tours.

  • Limited Activity Variety

    For guests on longer stays, some felt that the range of onsite activity options and the quality of sports equipment could be more extensive.

Aggregate score derived from public review platforms. Category scores reflect our editorial assessment based on analysis of guest reviews. ResortFlock is not affiliated with or endorsed by any review platform.

Awards & Recognition

Very Good Guest Rating

8.4 out of 10

Expedia

Highly Ranked

Among hotels in Puerto Morelos

TripAdvisor

Reviewed by Resort Flock Staff·Last updated April 2026

Overview

Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun opened on July 1, 2020, following a full conversion and rebranding of the former Azul Beach Resort Riviera Maya by Karisma. At 148 rooms, it is considerably more intimate than the larger Island Reserve properties in Cap Cana and Riviera Maya — this scale is the primary differentiator. The resort sits approximately 20–27 km from Cancun International Airport (CUN), with an estimated 19–26 minute drive through Puerto Morelos.

The Island Reserve Inclusive concept here integrates the Margaritaville brand's casual-luxe atmosphere with Karisma's Gourmet Inclusive program: all four a la carte restaurants included for daily meals, 24-hour room service, premium beverages, and the Joe Merchant's Coffee & Provisions system for customizing the in-room minibar. At 148 rooms, the resort operates at a scale where staff-to-guest ratios allow for genuinely personal service — a consistent theme in guest reviews.

For families: the property welcomes all ages and operates a kids' program, but without the dedicated multi-zone kids' club infrastructure of the larger Nickelodeon or Palace properties. For adults who want the Margaritaville brand experience without a 500-room resort: this is the right property. For guests who want a deep roster of dining options and activities: the adjacent Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya (adults-only, 355 suites) or the Cap Cana properties offer more.

Practically: the beach at Puerto Morelos sits adjacent to the Mesoamerican Reef, which affects water conditions. Swimming is generally calm, though water clarity varies. The beachfront LandShark venue and the Gourmet Inclusive program cover all meals from the four a la carte restaurants without specialty surcharges. The Joe Merchant's minibar system is a consistent guest highlight — stock it on arrival day.

Pros

  • +At 148 rooms, staff-to-guest ratios allow genuine personal service that the 500-room Margaritaville properties cannot match — guests are recognized by name from the second day
  • +The Gourmet Inclusive program covers all four a la carte restaurants without specialty surcharges — meaningful savings versus properties where specialty dining is extra
  • +Puerto Morelos is one of the calmer small towns on the Riviera Maya — a 10-minute walk from the resort puts guests in a real fishing village rather than a tourist strip

Cons

  • −148 rooms means less activity variety — guests who want multiple pools, multiple entertainment zones, and 10+ restaurants should book a larger Island Reserve property
  • −Water clarity at Puerto Morelos varies with reef proximity and conditions — not the postcard-clear Caribbean water seen at some Riviera Maya properties
  • −The property lacks the scale of kids' programming infrastructure of the larger family resorts — families with young children who need structured entertainment should consider the Wave section at Cap Cana instead

Tips

  • Stock the Joe Merchant's minibar system on arrival day — it's a genuine Gourmet Inclusive perk that many guests don't discover until midway through their stay
  • Walk to Puerto Morelos town (about 10 minutes) for the Sunday artisan market and local restaurants — the village is one of the most authentic small towns remaining on the Riviera Maya
  • Book Balché restaurant for at least one dinner — the regional Mexican menu is the most specific to the destination and worth prioritizing over the generic international options

What's Included

Included in Your Stay

  • Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner daily, including all à la carte restaurants.
  • 24-hour room service.
  • All local and selected international premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and juices.
  • Refreshing welcome treat upon arrival (e.g., flip-flops and welcome drinks).
  • Customizable in-room bars through Joe Merchant's Coffee & Provisions.
  • Daily activities program (e.g., Latin dance, beach soccer, sunrise yoga, flip-flop Olympics).
  • Select non-motorized water sports (e.g., paddleboarding).
  • Supervised Parakeet Kid's Club for children aged 4-12 years.
  • WiFi access throughout the entire property.
  • International phone calls.
  • Live daily entertainment, including evening shows, live music, and blackjack tournaments.
  • Access to fitness facilities, aerobics classes, and yoga sessions.

Available at Extra Cost

  • Spa treatments, massages, and beauty salon services at St. Somewhere Spa.
  • Babysitting or childcare services (confirm directly for any associated fees).
  • Laundry and ironing service.
  • Certain specialized room service and concierge services, if applicable.
  • Beach cabanas, which typically incur a surcharge.
  • Excursions and tours booked through external providers or the resort's partner (e.g., Ruta Maya).
  • Environmental Sanitation Fees, which are usually payable locally upon arrival or check-out.

Explore More on Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma

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FAQ

Is Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma all-inclusive?
Yes, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma is an all-inclusive resort. Most dining, drinks, and activities are included in your stay.
Is Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma adults-only?
No, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma is family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. The resort features a kids club.
How many restaurants does Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma have?
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma has 4 restaurants and dining venues.
How many pools does Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma have?
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma has 4 swimming pools.
How many rooms does Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma have?
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma has 146 rooms and suites.
What is the star rating of Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma?
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma is a 5.0-star resort.
Where is Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma located?
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma is located in Riviera Cancun (Puerto Morelos), Mexico.
What resort chain is Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma part of?
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma is part of Margaritaville Resorts.
Does Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma have a spa?
Yes, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma has an on-site spa. The St.
Does Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma have beach access?
Yes, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma has beach access.
Does Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma have a kids club?
Yes, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma has a kids club with supervised activities for children.
Is Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma good for families?
Yes, Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma is family-friendly and welcomes guests of all ages. It features a kids club with supervised activities. The resort has 4 pools.
What's included at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma?
Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma includes Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner daily, including all à la carte restaurants., 24-hour room service., All local and selected international premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and juices., Refreshing welcome treat upon arrival (e.g., flip-flops and welcome drinks)., Customizable in-room bars through Joe Merchant's Coffee & Provisions., and more.
What is the best room at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma?
The top room category at Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun by Karisma is the Presidential Swim-Up Chill Out Suite. Experience the ultimate luxury of a Presidential suite with the added convenience of direct pool access from your terrace.