If you know me or know my travel history, it’s no secret that I’m a HUGE fan of vacationing at all-inclusive resorts specifically in the Riviera Maya. I think you get the absolute BEST value and bang for your buck than you do at all-inclusives anywhere else in the world. This does not mean I think the food is always Michelin star, the service can lack here and there, and sometimes you experience issues in the room. But for the price you pay, I think all-inclusives in Riviera Maya, Mexico knock the socks off other countries.
One of my favorite resorts in this area is the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya. And if you’ve started researching a trip to the Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, you’ve probably come across the option to upgrade to the “Privé” package. But is it actually worth the extra cost, or is the standard all-inclusive experience more than enough? Sure, you can probably type that question into ChatGPT but ChatGPT hasn’t seen the pool at 9:00am in the morning to tell you how many chairs are available, it hasn’t tasted the lobster they serve at dinner.
My short answer: The Valentin Privé package can be worth it if you value personalized service, reserved pool or beach seating, premium drinks, and a few extra luxuries. However, if you’re happy spending your days enjoying the pools, restaurants, and included amenities, you may be perfectly happy without it.
The good news? Valentin Imperial already offers a lot with its standard all-inclusive package, so upgrading isn’t a requirement for having a fantastic vacation.
As a travel advisor, I believe the best resort upgrade isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. It’s the one that makes the biggest difference to your vacation. Let’s break down what Privé includes, how much it costs, and when I think it makes sense to splurge.
What Is the Valentin Privé Package?
The Valentin Privé package is an upgraded experience available at Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
You can think of it as a way to add extra convenience, personalized service, and a few VIP touches to your stay. Rather than paying for a completely different vacation experience, you’re upgrading certain parts of the vacation you already booked. The package focuses on several perks that can make a difference during your stay, particularly if you enjoy spending time by the pool, prefer premium things, or want a little extra attention during a romantic getaway.
What Is Included in the Valentin Privé Package?
One of the best ways to decide whether the upgrade is worthwhile is to look at exactly what you’re getting.
Benefits include: (as of October 2026, this is always subject to change)
- Private check-in and checkout: Skip the standard check-in process and use the dedicated Privé Lounge.
- Dedicated concierge service: Get assistance before arrival and during your stay, including help with restaurant reservations.
- Reserved Bali bed: Have a Bali bed reserved under your name at the pool or beach.
- Exclusive lounge access: Visit the Privé Lounge for premium drinks, light snacks, and concierge assistance.
- Premium in-room drinks: Enjoy a selection of upgraded beverages from the Privé menu.
- Welcome amenities: Receive a bottle of sparkling wine, fresh flowers, fruit, and petits fours in your room.
- Lobster at à la carte restaurants: Enjoy lobster without the additional charge that otherwise applies to this item.
- Additional touches: Receive a Valentin beach bag and access to early check-in or late checkout when available.
How Much Does Valentin Privé Cost?
As of today, the resort’s published Privé package price is $85 USD per person, per night, with a minimum three-night stay. The resort notes that the price is subject to change, so treat this as a reference point rather than a guaranteed quote. When you book this resort with me, we can roll this cost into your entire trip package to include flights as well.
That isn’t a small upgrade, especially if you’re staying for a full week. The real question is whether you’ll use enough of the benefits to justify the extra expense.
The Biggest Benefits of Valentin Privé: What Makes It Worth Considering?
1. A Reserved Bali Bed at the Pool or Beach (my fav!!!!)
If you’ve ever been to an all-inclusive resort, you’ve probably already experience the “towel game.” You wake up leisurely, mosey over to breakfast and by the time you’re ready to get to the pool, you find that the best loungers are already taken. MAJOR bummer.
One of the standout Privé benefits is a Bali bed reserved under your name at the pool or beach.
For couples who plan to spend most of their vacation relaxing outdoors, this could be one of the most valuable perks in the entire package. You can settle in (at any time of day!), order a drink, read a book, and enjoy your day without making the search for a comfortable spot part of your morning routine. There’s no consequence if you wanted to sleep in until 11am, you’ll still have that seat waiting for you.
Who will appreciate this most? Couples who love leisurely pool days, beach lounging, and having a designated place to relax. There’s lots of chairs at the main pool here, but the towel game is definitely alive and well.
Who might not need it? Travelers who spend most of their time exploring, taking excursions, visiting the spa, or moving between different areas of the resort.
2. Premium Drinks and Exclusive Lounge Access
For travelers who enjoy a good cocktail or prefer a higher-end selection of beverages, Privé offers an upgraded drinks experience. You have to understand that these premium liquors are typically only available in the exclusive lounge, you won’t be getting top shelf at the pool with your pool service.
The exclusive lounge also provides another place to unwind, with premium bar service and light snacks during its published operating hours.
This can be particularly appealing if you like having somewhere to escape the busiest parts of the resort and want a bit of air conditioning. It’s a nice extra for couples who enjoy a more relaxed, elevated atmosphere between pool time, dinner, and evening entertainment.
That said, the standard all-inclusive package already includes a selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. If you’re perfectly happy with the drinks included in your regular stay, this benefit alone might not justify the additional cost.
3. Personalized Service and Restaurant Assistance (dinner reservation booking help is #3 on my personal favs list!)
Valentin Imperial already has a substantial dining lineup, including multiple à la carte restaurants. One of the things that makes the Privé upgrade appealing is having a dedicated concierge who can help with restaurant reservations and other arrangements. Right when you arrive, you can visit them and have them make all the reservations for you. I love eating dinner at 7 or 8 and this can be a super popular time. Having the reservation gives me a couple hours after the pool to relax, freshen up and not feel rushed getting to dinner.
For travelers who prefer to have the details handled for them, that extra assistance can make a vacation feel smoother and more pampered.
It can be especially appealing during a honeymoon or anniversary trip when you’d rather focus on enjoying your time together than managing logistics.
However, don’t assume that every restaurant requires a reservation or that standard guests are unable to enjoy the dining experience. The regular all-inclusive offering is already extensive, and you should confirm the current reservation rules before making a decision but most recently reservations are not required, you’ll just have to wait.
4. Romantic Welcome Amenities
Fresh flowers, sparkling wine, fruit, and petits fours are lovely touches, particularly when you’re celebrating something special.
If you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or romantic escape, these extras can help your arrival feel a little more memorable.
Of course, welcome amenities are temporary. If you’re choosing between spending several hundred dollars on Privé or putting that money toward a special excursion, spa treatment, or extra night at the resort, think about which experience you’ll remember most.
5. Lobster Without the Additional Charge (my #2!)
This is another benefit worth considering if you enjoy seafood and aren’t super picky about it.
The Privé package includes lobster at the resort’s à la carte restaurants, whereas this item will otherwise incur an additional charge.
If lobster is something you’d happily order during your stay, the potential savings contribute to the value of the package. If you don’t eat seafood or wouldn’t order lobster anyway, this benefit has little practical value to you. Please keep in mind this is small, Caribbean lobster (duh!) and if you’re used to huge, Maine lobster tail, this will be a let down for you. Another pro tip: they can cook it a few different ways, grilled, blackened, steamed, etc.
Remember the value depends on which of these extras you would genuinely use.
Valentin Imperial Privé vs. Standard All-Inclusive: What’s the Difference?
This is where I think the decision becomes much easier.
Valentin Imperial is already an adults-only, all-inclusive resort with a huge range of amenities which is why it’s one of my favs. Its standard offering includes meals, a selection of drinks, 24-hour room service, a daily-restocked minibar, pools, entertainment, and access to the resort’s restaurants.
Privé builds on that foundation with additional convenience and exclusive benefits. I made a table to help you compare the options side by side.
| Feature | Standard all-inclusive | Valentin Privé |
|---|---|---|
| Meals and standard all-inclusive drinks | Included | Included |
| 24-hour room service | Included | Included |
| Daily-restocked minibar | Included | In-room full bottles of liquor |
| Dedicated Privé Lounge access | Not included | Included |
| Dedicated Privé concierge | Not included | Included |
| Reserved Bali bed under your name | Not included | Included |
| Welcome flowers and sparkling wine | Not guaranteed as a standard benefit | Included |
| Lobster at à la carte restaurants | Additional charge | Included |
| Early check-in and late checkout | Subject to standard arrangements | Available subject to availability |
In other words, you’re paying for an enhanced experience, not access to the basic necessities of a great all-inclusive vacation.
So if your priority is excellent value, delicious meals, pool time, and a comfortable suite, standard all-inclusive may be all you need.
If your priority is a more personalized experience with dedicated seating and premium extras, Privé becomes more attractive.
Is Valentin Privé Worth It for a Honeymoon?
For honeymooners, I think Privé is absolutely worth considering. A honeymoon is often one of those trips where couples want to indulge a little more than usual. You may be celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, planning long afternoons by the pool, and looking forward to a few romantic touches along the way.
The reserved Bali bed, upgraded beverages, concierge service, and welcome amenities all contribute to that elevated experience. However, I wouldn’t automatically recommend Privé to every honeymoon couple.
If you plan to spend most of your days off-property, book excursions, or explore the Riviera Maya, you may not use enough of the perks to justify the price.
My advice? Decide how you want your honeymoon to feel before deciding which package to book. If your ideal honeymoon involves long, lazy pool days, cocktails, and minimal planning, Privé may be a worthwhile upgrade. If you’re an adventurous couple who will barely be at the resort during daylight hours, put that money toward experiences you’ll enjoy more.
When I Would Skip the Privé Package
There are several situations where I would seriously consider saving the money.
1. You’re staying for a week and the upgrade stretches your budget.
At the published reference rate of $85 per person, per night, seven nights for two adults adds approximately $1,190. That’s a pretty significant amount of money that could go toward excursions, upgraded flights, a longer vacation, or another special experience.
2. You’re happy with the standard drinks selection.
If premium spirits aren’t important to you, you may not get much additional value from the upgraded beverage benefits.
3. You don’t spend much time at the pool or beach.
The reserved Bali bed is one of the package’s most tangible perks. If you’re always out exploring, it may not be particularly useful.
4. You prefer to keep your vacation simple.
Valentin Imperial already offers a full all-inclusive experience. Enough said. Don’t upgrade to this package if you won’t take advantage of the benefits
5. You’d rather spend the money on something else.
A romantic dinner, spa treatment, excursion, or additional night somewhere special may be more valuable to you than the package benefits.
There isn’t a wrong choice here. It’s about spending your vacation budget on the things that matter most to you.
My Verdict: Should You Upgrade to Valentin Privé?
So, is the Valentin Imperial Privé package worth it?
I’d lean toward yes for couples who prioritize poolside relaxation, premium drinks, and personalized service. I’d lean toward no for travelers who are primarily looking for a fantastic adults-only all-inclusive resort at a strict budget.
Here’s my quick breakdown:
- Honeymooners: Worth considering, especially if you’ll spend plenty of time at the resort.
- Anniversary trips: A nice way to add a few elevated touches to a special vacation.
- Pool and beach lovers: One of the strongest reasons to upgrade because of the reserved Bali bed.
- Foodies who love lobster: Potentially worthwhile if you’ll take advantage of the included lobster.
- Budget-conscious travelers: Standard all-inclusive is already a strong starting point.
- Adventure-focused travelers: Probably better to put the extra money toward excursions or other experiences.
The most important thing to remember is that Privé is an upgrade to an already comprehensive all-inclusive stay. You aren’t choosing between a good vacation and a bad one. You’re deciding whether the additional service and perks are worth the additional expense for your travel style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Valentin Imperial Privé
How much does Valentin Privé cost per person?
The resort’s published reference price is $85 USD per person, per night, with a minimum three-night stay. Rates and conditions can change, so verify the price for your travel dates before booking.
Does Valentin Privé include a Bali bed?
Yes! The published package includes a Bali bed reserved under the guest’s name at the pool or beach. Confirm the current arrangements and location with the resort before arrival.
Does Valentin Imperial Privé include lobster?
Yes. The published Privé package includes lobster at the resort’s à la carte restaurants without the additional charge that otherwise applies to this item.
Is Valentin Imperial worth it without Privé?
Yes, the standard all-inclusive package includes a substantial range of amenities, including meals, drinks, room service, pools, entertainment, and restaurants. Privé adds extra benefits but isn’t necessary to enjoy the resort.
Is Valentin Privé worth it for a honeymoon?
It can be, especially for couples who plan to spend plenty of time at the pool or beach and appreciate personalized service, premium drinks, and romantic welcome amenities. Couples who prioritize excursions or other experiences may prefer to spend the additional budget elsewhere.
Can you add Valentin Privé after booking?
Ask the resort or your travel advisor whether the package can be added to your existing reservation, what the current rate is, and whether your room category and dates qualify. Confirm the final terms before relying on the upgrade. If the package is important to you, it’s best to book in advance as it does sell out.
Is Valentin Privé the same as booking a Privé suite?
No. The Privé package is an upgraded service and amenity package, while a Privé suite is a specific room category. Some suites include Privé benefits, and the Imperial Privé Suite has additional features beyond the standard package. Check your exact room inclusions carefully to avoid paying twice for benefits that are already included.
Need Help Deciding Which Valentin Imperial Package Is Right for You?
Choosing a resort is only part of planning a great vacation. The right room category, travel dates, special offers, and additional perks can all affect the experience and the overall cost.
At Sojourney Travel with Sydney, I help couples find the right fit for their honeymoon, anniversary, or adults-only getaway. My goal is to help you spend your budget where it will make the biggest difference, without paying extra for things you won’t use.
Planning a trip to Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya? Let’s talk about your dates, budget, and ideal vacation style so we can compare the available options and determine whether Privé makes sense for your stay.
Contact Sojourney Travel with Sydney to start planning your next getaway.
All information here is accurate as of October 2026 to the best of my knowledge. Things change quickly in travel and without warning. It’s best to consult directly with your travel advisor or hotel directly to confirm all pricing, terms and details.
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