About
Mexican Riviera
Essentially a place for laid back, sun-soaked relaxation, the Riviera Maya also has a sprinkling of fun Caribbean flavour. From the busy beaches of Cancun where you can try your hand at a whole manner of different watersports, to the tranquil sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen, there’s a strip of sand for everyone at the Mexican Riviera Maya. A Mexican Riviera Maya holiday is all about relaxation. When you lie back on a sun-lounger on the soft, white sand of Playa del Carmen, and listen to the waves gently lapping against the shore, you’ll think you’ve been transported to heaven. For some, however, relaxation is about more than simply sunbathing. Those who have steam to let off will be in their element in party town Cancun. With a dozen nightclubs and hundreds of bars, you’re sure to find your perfect place to party. Those who prefer to spend their energy during daylight hours will enjoy one of Cancun’s adventure tours or a boat trip. You can also trek in the jungle, quad bike, cycle, kayak, snorkel, play beach games and enjoy watersports at many locations along the Riviera Maya. When you choose Mexican Riviera Maya tours you can have the best of both activity and relaxation. Why not spend a few days partying in Cancun, followed by a few days relaxing on the white sandy beaches of Playa del Carmen? Alternatively, history buffs may want to spend time exploring the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum, or Chichen Itza, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Both these sites of historical importance are easily explored in a day trip during a Mexican Riviera Maya holiday.
Extremely tourist friendly, several world class hotel resorts stand proudly on the Riviera Maya beaches. Many of them are four and five star, all inclusive palaces where guests are treated like royalty. With many of the hotels on the Riviera Maya featuring multiple swimming pools, gourmet dining, 24-hour room service, beach beds and stretches of private beach, you may well find that you never want to leave. Another feature of many hotels that is sure to be appreciated by those who want to relax is the spa. Offering such delights as facials, body wraps and beachfront massages at sunset, these spas are a haven for the stressed out and work weary. Food is another thing that the luxury hotels of the Riviera Maya do exceptionally well. Fresh fish is seen on most menus, as is traditional Mexican cuisine; such as delicious fajitas and tortillas. In the large resort hotels it is not uncommon to find several gourmet restaurants, where you can sample whatever food you happen to be in the mood for. Although it may be tempting to hole up in your luxury hotel for the duration of your Mexican Riviera Maya holiday, you should make an effort to explore some of the magical attractions nearby. Xcaret is a popular eco park where visitors can swim and snorkel in beautiful and mysterious underground river caves. With its own beach, bright blue lagoons and natural pools for swimming, Xcaret is a must for water lovers. Also featuring many other natural exhibitions including a tropical jungle trail, butterfly pavilion, coral reef aquarium, turtles area and a spider monkey island, Xcaret is full of exotic wildlife. Another amazing eco park on the Riviera Maya is Xel-Ha. The largest natural aquarium in the world, Xel-Ha has amazing snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. Fantastic for all the family, both Xcaret and Xel-Ha offer visitors the chance to swim with dolphins. A truly memorable experience that is sure to stay with you for a lifetime, getting close to these beautiful marine creatures is a dream come true for many. The Mexican Riviera Maya is also famous for its archaeological sites, and it is possible to get good value twin tickets for the water parks and the Mayan ruins of Tulum. The best time to visit the Riviera Maya is through the winter months of October to March. This time of year will see high temperatures, sunshine and very little rain. July and August are the months best avoided as this is when Mexico is vulnerable to hurricanes. Although the temperatures are still hot during this period, intense rain can be common. September, April and May could be the best months for UK travellers to visit the Riviera Maya as few Americans travel to Mexico during those months. This means that the resorts will be quiet, but the weather still pleasant, which makes the perfect conditions for a Mexican Riviera Maya holiday.