Drink-flavoured popsicles await newcomers

Aldina Alday is inviting tourists to have a margarita in Margaritaville. Or a mojito, paloma or any number of other available drinks at any of her Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Maya resort’s intriguingly named bars.

Alday is the sales manager at the 355-room resort, which opened in June and is one of a number of Margaritaville resorts that will remind guests of late musician Jimmy Buffett, who popularized the name with his classic song that included the line Wastin’ Away in Margaritaville.

And Alday notes that her resort and margarita drinks go hand in hand, with newly arrived guests immediately being served margarita-flavoured popsicles, rather than a drink as is often the case when guests check in in a tropical resort.

“It’s a great idea,” she says of the frozen treats that mimic that most Mexican of drinks. “They (guests) always ask if there’s alcohol in them.”

A lobby bar in turn actually has margarita glasses dangling from the ceilings and a replica agave plant, with tequila — the alcohol in a margarita — derived from agave.

The adults-only resort is a new addition to the area’s lodging scene, having opened in June, and offering the sort of relaxed ambiance associated with Buffett’s music. Exterior walls are white and light blue and images of parrots can be seen throughout the property, referencing the fact that those who appreciated Buffett’s music were called ParrotHeads.

Resort bars have such catchy names as License to Chill and It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere in the World.

A citrus scent is noticeable in much of the resort. The beach-fronting resort has 5 restaurants, four bars and a spa. The area is also home to the 148-room Margaritaville Island Reserve Riviera Cancun, which welcomes families.

Meanwhile, Buffett is no longer with us but Alday says her resort is doing its part to keep memories of him alive, with guests able to expect to hear some of his songs while staying in the resort. “We keep Jimmy Buffett music going,” she states.