We stayed at the all inclusive Margaritaville resort for $350 a night. It was worth it

Named after Buffett’s famous song, Margaritaville is inspired by the singer’s laid-back tropical lifestyle.

From decorative surfboards inscribed with song lyrics to an Instagram-worthy mural of a parrot, subtle homages to Buffett can be found throughout.

I’m not familiar with his music, but it was fun walking around the resort and finding these Easter eggs.

I love that it’s an adults-only resort because I want to enjoy a margarita without the kids experiencing a sugar crash nearby.

But if you’re traveling with kids, the neighboring Margaritaville Island Reserve Cancun is equally luxurious and family-friendly.

The resort’s rooms strike the perfect balance between fun and luxury.

For maximum relaxation, you can even luxuriate in a swim-up suite..

These suites are not your run-of-the-mill suites found at most all-inclusive resorts, but instead feature bright turquoise hues, lovely tropical artwork and unique furnishings.

I loved the chest, which was designed to look like a vintage steamship trunk.

The crisp white sheets of my king-size bed were decorated with tiny monochromatic parrots, and the bathroom was stocked with luxurious banana-scented lotion.

These little details added a fun touch to my stay.

Depending on the package booked, guests will be awarded points that can be used to customise their in-room minibars with items from Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions, a coffee shop and concession stand.

In addition to alcoholic drinks, they also have a wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks and sweets, including some of my favorite Mexican snack foods, like chili dipped mango candy.

I had so much fun choosing things to decorate my room, like a kid in a candy store.

Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya has four specialty bars where you can enjoy every type of margarita.

I loved enjoying a mango margarita on the rocks while relaxing by the pool.

If you’re looking to imbibe more, you can use your points to rent a margarita maker for your room with a range of cocktails, or you can mix up your own cocktails as every room’s minibar comes equipped with a cocktail shaker, cutting board, knife and lime squeezer.

Devoted fans of the Margaritaville restaurant chain may initially be disappointed that they won’t be able to enjoy their Volcano Nachos in a kitschy setting.

However, the food and drinks served are so tasty that it’s hard to imagine missing out on this chain.

This resort caters to foodies and features beautiful “food displays” rather than standard buffets.

I usually avoid resort buffets whenever possible, but the Mexican food display included local specialties like tacos al pastor and chocolate tamales, and it was one of my favorite dinners of the entire trip.

I have experienced many resort breakfast buffets and the Margaritaville breakfast buffet is one of the best I have ever had.

In addition to the usual menu items like omelets and bacon, there was also a section for chilaquiles, which were made to order.

We also had the opportunity to enjoy our meal in a boat-shaped booth, which was a lot of fun.

Standalone restaurants at resorts can often feel bland, but that’s not the case at Frank & Lola’s, an upscale Italian restaurant named after a Buffett song.

It’s so stylish that it feels like it could exist in the real world (outside the resort) and I love how the space is decorated with cute vintage-inspired clocks and radios.

Additionally, the osso buco (veal entree) was delicious.

On this trip, I accomplished one of the things on my bucket list: enjoying a floating taco picnic.

My friend and I ordered the “Avocado Boat” taco experience, which includes over 60 tacos served by the pool.

Admittedly, it was too much for three people to eat, but the tacos were delicious.

In addition to hot dogs, burgers and a wide selection of tacos, the poolside “Licensed to Chill” bar also serves several types of ceviche.

Of course, we washed it all down with margaritas.

Beneath a chandelier made of margarita glasses, the Lobby Bar serves up inventive cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices.

My favorite drink was a martini made with grilled cactus extract.

But if you ever tire of tropical cocktails, there’s also an on-site microbrewery, something I’ve never seen at any other all-inclusive resort.

LandShark Bar & Grill brews beer on-site and serves upscale pub fare and live music.

The busiest area is the main pool facing the sea. It’s home to the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, which also hosts poolside DJs and weekly foam parties.

Other areas of the resort have a relaxing vibe, with soft music and on-site hammocks, but everything is so close together that you won’t feel cut off from the vibrancy of the resort, even when you’re by the tranquil pool.

For a change from your regular swim-sun-bathe routine, the resort’s rooftop pickleball court is the perfect spot.

Guests can enjoy a few games and have drinks courtside while taking in the great views.

There’s also glow-in-the-dark pickleball at night.

This resort combines everything you love about a boutique hotel—quirky décor, luxurious beds, and chef-prepared meals—with the ease and convenience of an all-inclusive resort.

Room service is also included, a luxurious perk.

It’s easy to see why Buffett fans (aka Parrot Heads) love this Cancun resort, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed my stay.

Every detail, from the amazing views to the endless tacos, was fun, indulgent and perfectly cheesy.

I’ve been to a lot of all inclusive resorts, including some in Mexico, but Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya tops them all.