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Rating Index Rating
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3.9
192 Reviews (192)
5 Stars
90
4 Stars
67
3 Stars
16
2 Stars
12
1 Stars
7
Conditions
3.6
Value
3.6
Layout
4.3
Friendliness
4.5
Pace
4.3
Amenities
3.9
72.3%
Recommend this course
164 out of 192 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
4.2
6 Reviews (6)
5 Stars
2
4 Stars
3
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
4.3
Value
3.8
Layout
4.0
Pace
4.3
Amenities
3.6
StaffFriendliness
4.7
83.3%
Recommend this course
5 out of 6 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.6
19 Reviews (19)
5 Stars
7
4 Stars
5
3 Stars
2
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
3
Conditions
3.4
Value
3.5
Layout
4.2
Pace
4.2
Amenities
3.9
StaffFriendliness
4.6
63.2%
Recommend this course
12 out of 19 reviews
Read Reviews

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

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Reviews

3.9
192 Reviews (192)
Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great course

Great par 3 challenging and very enjoyable. Played with the wife. Lots of water and sand to add to the challenge. We loved this course and planned to golf again. If you want to challenge your par 3 play. This is the course

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

The Par Three Challenge

This par 3 course is in very good condition.

The greens are true and plus the greens will hold a good lob shot. I played this course 3 times and always enjoyed the course and the challenges it offers you. I LIKE IT.

The restaurant is also very good with a friendly staff to help you. Susanna is great.

DOWNSIDE— for the money you pay to play golf

ONE bottle of water- COME ON MAN

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Much Harder than Expected

Was on vacation at a neighboring resort and bought the GolfNow Hot Deal. Took a cab over with my wife and they charged a very resealable $10 rider fee for my wife. Played the back black tees. Course layout was very good which included a 276 yd par 3 along with several other 195 yd ones into the wind with water straight across the front and an island green. Hole distance average was 166 from the black tees so it’s not just short shots. The day I played the greens where very slow. Very hot & humid in early Sept. only complaint I had was from the Vandanda was the cab driver back to the Valentine which was only a mile or two charged me $18., going was $12 from my resort. Thanks

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Challenging course

My overall experience was excellent. I really enjoyed playing this nicely manicured but challenging course. It does take some time to get to the clubhouse so yes as described in other reviews get there early. The course was empty so I had it all for myself, the service was very good. I would highly recommend playing it especially for the price that I got online. Happy golfing!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 25+
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great course

It´s a very fun executive course. Nice environment, no crowds. I play alone all the way. The only thing to keep in mind is the security checks. You should get to the resort at least 40 minutes before your tee time. You have to leave your car near the lobby and then a cart drives you to the field. I read about this in a helpful review on this site and avoid me the headache. It can be pretty annoying if you arrive just on time.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great little par 3 tucked away in the Mayan Riviera but...

But..........If you are an outsider to the properties, you need to allow an extra 3/4 to one hour to park your car, wait for staff to inspect your car, wait in line to pay for parking along with everyone checking in/out of hotels, wait in line for the correct shuttle to take you to golf course. Arriving 45 minutes before our tee times did not allow for the parking lot fiasco, let alone time to hit a few practice balls or purchase snacks prior, etc. Should you choose to take a taxi to the course, you will still have to deal with bell hops, shuttles and lineups...This experience really turned us off the course and not sure if we will come again to the almost empty Vidanta. .

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 4
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart

The best executive course I have ever played.

My wife and I played this on a 73 degree day with not to much humidity. I played from the black tees and I couldn't believe it when I got to the 13th hole that was a 276 yards. there are a lot of long holes at and thing there where 4 or 5 holes over 200 yards and I think the shorter on was 110 yards. Getting to the cours was a little challenging from getting dropped off at the main lobby to taking the tram ride to the corse so book plenty of time to get there if your not staying at the resort. The course was in great shape that staff was very good (giving us a ride back the the main lobby in the golf cart so we didn't have to take the tram ride. We purchased this on golf now for $36 and worth every cent of of that. I would not pay the $105 that they wanted. We played the front in 1 hour and 15 minutes but the back was much slower at 1 hour 45 minutes but the weather was great and they have beer . all and all was a nice afternoon so if you don't want to spend the entire day golfing this is the place to go.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Jack’s 18 @ vidanta

This course is a great test for your short game. Playing from the back tees you get to pull out your driver. My daughter and son played it twice and my daughter played the best golgame of her life.

I highly recommend playing fif you ever get Mexico

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 11
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 74
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Resort course

I must’ve missed the part where it said it was a par three course. Nevertheless the course is very challenging. Classic Nicklaus greens. Unfortunately it had rained the day before and affected the conditions. But overall I like the course and will play it again.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Played On
Reviews 5
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Very nice course to practice your short game

I had a very nice time on this 18-hole par-3 course within the massive Vidanrta resort complex. It was a little hard to find the clubhouse, because there isn’t one (though it appears one is under construction). The staff are very friendly. I might’ve been less favorable if I had paid the full price but got a hot deal for about half price for a late morning start. The course was largely empty and I played alone at a leisurely pace - I still finished in about three hours. The course is well-kept and pretty - there are ample water and sand hazards. The greens are strategically located to be challenging. The back nine is much more challenging than the front nine. They give you one bottle of water so if you don’t want to pay for more bring your own. No bathroom at start but 2 on the course. No map needed- you can see every green from the tees. There is a beverage cart with typical Mexican tourist prices. No hole is longer than 223 yards from the black tees, the blue tees are definitely pitch and putt. Overall would play this course again if on the Myan Riviera. It’s a great warm-up course or to really practice your short game.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Great little couse

Unexpectably difficult par three course. I used from gap wedge to driver. (276 yrd hole). Lots of water, bring more balls than you would expect to lose. Also swirling winds which the staff said are constant. Will play again.

New club house being built.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Fair
Played On
Reviews 9
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Fun course for golfnow price only...

Being a par 3 course, it has a really nice layout with some long par 3's. Not worth the rack rate of $105. Need a coupon or golfnow to make it worthwhile. It is in really good condition, with many iguanas rooming the course. Plenty of trouble on the course, but a fair track. Enjoy & have fun, & play for what it's worth...

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Awesome challenge

Agree with other reviews. This is a very nice course. It is as tough a par 3 course as you’ll see. Playing from the back tees you’ll be seriously challenged on many of the holes:4,5,9, 13,14, 18. Tough. Water carry on many of these. My wife and I loved it.

Fair price, great quality, super great staff. The hardest working people and most humble you’ll ever meet.

Highly recommended. We’ll be back for sure.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 96
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Top 250 Contributor
British Columbia Advisor
First Time Playing

Great Par 3

Probably the best par 3 course I've played. The condition of the course was near perfect, challenging pins and a great way to warm up to play some of the great full courses in the area.

I would play this course again and I would recommend to friends coming to the area.

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Played On
Reviews 7
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace 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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