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Rating Index Rating
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3.7
203 Reviews (203)
5 Stars
91
4 Stars
72
3 Stars
19
2 Stars
13
1 Stars
8
Conditions
3.7
Value
3.3
Layout
4.2
Friendliness
4.3
Pace
4.0
Amenities
3.8
66.4%
Recommend this course
170 out of 203 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.4
11 Reviews (11)
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.5
Value
2.5
Layout
4.1
Pace
3.5
Amenities
3.5
StaffFriendliness
3.6
54.5%
Recommend this course
6 out of 11 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.6
17 Reviews (17)
5 Stars
3
4 Stars
8
3 Stars
4
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
1
Conditions
3.8
Value
3.0
Layout
4.1
Pace
3.8
Amenities
3.5
StaffFriendliness
4.0
64.7%
Recommend this course
11 out of 17 reviews
Read Reviews
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AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
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Course Highlights
This executive par-3 course within the Vidanta resort impresses with well-kept grounds, creative water-feature layouts, and a smooth pace of play. Exceptionally friendly staff consistently go above and beyond to welcome golfers and ensure a seamless experience.

About

Holes 18
Type Resort
Style Executive
Par 54
Length 2923 yards
Slope N/A
Rating N/A

Located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Vidanta Riviera Maya (formerly known as El Manglar Golf Club at Vidanta Riviera Maya and Nicklaus Par Three Experience at Vidanta Riviera Maya) is a par 3 Jack Nicklaus masterpiece. The contrast that exists with the colors of this course gives it a natural Caribbean beauty - its bunkers with radiating white sand, the lakes surrounded by natural stones, area part of the game, and the type of green used on this course’s greens blend your target with the outlying weeds, making it a challenge to make par.

The beauty, the nature and the timelessness of this golf course will not only challenge, but inspire you. Lakes accompany you throughout twelve of the course’s holes, the native vegetation of the Mayan Jungle is your natural enemy and spectator and will distract you. This is all part of the challenge to win and determines the time you spend in the game. Also the design of the greens reflects history since it is constructed with styles found half of century ago.

Donut hole description. The spectacular 17th hole is characterized by its great degree of difficulty. Besides having two bunkers, one at each end, it also has a bunker in the center of the green which makes it unique to its kind. Additionally, the green is in the middle of the lake which makes it very difficult to make the covered par.

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The Nicklaus Design Course at Vidanta Riviera Maya
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Course Details

Year Built 2003
Fairways Bermuda 419 Grass
Greens Tifdwarf Grass
Golf Season Year round
Architect Nicklaus (2003) Greg Letsche (2003)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
GPS No
Pull-carts No
Caddies No
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed No
Dress code Proper golfing attire required

Food & Beverage

Snacks, Restaurant

Lodging

Lodging Available

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Banquet Facilities, Showers, Lockers

Accolades

The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
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12 rounds of waived fees
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Reviews

3.7
203 Reviews (203)
Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 66
Handicap Don't know
Skill Beginner
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 1000 Contributor
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Tough 3 -par course

Very challenging 3-par course for all skill levels. Be prepared to lose a few balls in the jungle and/or in the several water hazards.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 25
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

Great Par 3 course

For a par 3 course it was in excellent condition and presented a fair challenge of golf skill.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 5
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

El Manglar

I paid $75 which included golf, cart and club rental. The clubs were newer model Titleists and in good shape. The course was very interesting to play with holes of varying lengths and difficulty. Several holes challenged you with risk vs. reward decisions which was great. Adding to the interest was a giant lizard next to one of the greens eyeing me for lunch which I firmly believe affected my missed birdie putt. On another hole there was a live crocodile exhibit. Club selection was difficult due to the wind. All in all, it was an enjoyable experience and well worth the money.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Friendliness Good
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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Golf Packages

Iberostar Paraiso Beach Stay & Play Package

FROM $287 (USD)
CANCUN, MX | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at Iberostar Paraiso Beach and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of El Camaleon Golf Course, Riviera Cancun Golf Course, PGA Riviera Maya Golf Course, Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Course, and Gran Coyote Golf Course.

Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo Stay & Play Package

FROM $317 (USD)
CANCUN, MX | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at Iberostar Selection Paraiso Lindo and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of El Camaleon Golf Course, Riviera Cancun Golf Course, PGA Riviera Maya Golf Course, Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Course, and Gran Coyote Golf Course.

Iberostar Selection Cancun Stay & Play Package

FROM $247 (USD)
CANCUN, MX | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at Iberostar Selection Cancun and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of Iberostar Cancun Golf Course or Riviera Cancun Golf Course.

Iberostar Grand Paraiso Stay & Play Package

FROM $407 (USD)
CANCUN, MX | Enjoy up to 7 nights’ accommodations at Iberostar Grand Paraiso and up to 5 rounds of golf at your choice of El Camaleon Golf Course, Riviera Cancun Golf Course, PGA Riviera Maya Golf Course, Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Course, and Gran Coyote Golf Course.
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