Vacations in the Riviera Maya in the best hotels in the Mexican Caribbean. Relax at an all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya. The Mexican holiday of your dreams
After intense weeks of urban tourism and running around so as not to miss anything, it is time for a vacation at a Riviera Maya Resort. Wake up without an alarm clock in a room with soft white sheets and views of the Mayan paradise without care. Sounds impressive, right?
Six reasons to spend your vacations in a Riviera Maya resort
1. Enjoy a week with the relaxation filter while on vacation in the Riviera Maya
Upon arrival at the hotel in the Riviera Maya, you will notice the relaxed atmosphere that defines the idyllic regions of Mexico. Please turn off your phone (turn it on only in an emergency to induce envy) and head over to pick out your spa treatment. The Riviera Maya resorts have a variety of massages and beauty treatments: a tailor-made wellness center.
Choose your personalized treatment and spend the day surrounded by essential oils and relaxing and revitalizing massages that will leave you in the clouds until it’s time to fly home.
2. Visit the idyllic beaches of the Mayan paradise in the Mexican Caribbean
After the relaxation session, it’s time to explore your surroundings in a relaxed, Caribbean-style way. Remember, you are on vacation!
Its vast landscapes are composed of more than 200 natural ecosystems including mangroves, forests, wetlands, lagoons, and savannas. The area is also home to Mayan archaeological sites, with stunning temples, plazas, and other ruins providing insight into the culture and history of the region. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the reserve on guided tours, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, biking, bird watching, and more.
Playa del Carmen: What to do in the most fun city of the Riviera Maya
The municipality of Quintana Roo is home to Playa del Carmen, the epicenter of the Caribbean. It boasts views worthy of a screen saver and innumerable leisure alternatives along Fifth Avenue. Many water sports and other activities like yoga are available on this beach. What could be more relaxing than meditating with the sound of the waves of the Atlantic Ocean in the background?
Sian Ka’an Nature Reserve, one of the best excursions in the Yucatan Peninsula
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, this remarkable nature reserve has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is the largest nature reserve in the Mexican Caribbean and is a haven of untouched nature, with dunes, cenotes (swimming holes), and coral reefs, in addition to 300 species of birds, 1,000 species of plants, and 100 species of animals.
3. Discover the water sports of the Riviera Maya
Scuba diving
The Riviera Maya is one of the best places for diving at all levels. With the gentle currents (always under the guidance of a diving instructor) and shallow reefs, you will fall in love with the underwater world of the Mexican Caribbean.
In Quintana Roo, where the Riviera Maya is located, snorkelers and professional divers will feel at home in their paradise. Marine species, such as hawksbill turtles, ordinary eagle rays, moray eels, lobsters, trumpet fish, and even sharks and manatees, can be observed at all depths.
The best places to dive are Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal, and the cenote swimming holes. Dive in a cenote swimming is the most incredible immersion experience the Riviera Maya offers. Cenotes are deep freshwater caves located under the sea, and many feature interlocking caverns and stalagmites and stalactites dating back millions of years. It is recommended always to be accompanied by a guide on a dive.
Flyboard, kitesurfing and stand-up paddle
If you feel more comfortable on land and prefer to enjoy the sea on the surface (or even from above), vacations in the Riviera Maya offer you other sports alternatives.
Ask about sports activities at your resort’s reception and try one of the board sports available in the Mexican Caribbean.
Kitesurfing consists of gliding through the water using a motorized kite and a small board while controlling the direction of the wind to jump and perform exciting tricks. Flyboarding, on the other hand, is a motorized water sport. A device that works with underwater tubes is strapped to the feet of the user so that they can propel themselves vertically and feel like they are flying over the water. If you prefer a less intense activity, rent a stand-up paddle board and navigate the water while enjoying the scenery and the sea breeze.
4. Mexican cuisine
A trip is more than just relaxing at a resort, taking a dip in idyllic beaches, and playing sports; it also involves delighting your palate with local cuisine. Bring on the delicious Mexican tacos!
The history of Mexican tacos dates back to the time of Moctezuma, the Huey Tlatoani (Aztec ruler), when corn tortillas were used as eating spoons. These meals were prepared on a stone and consisted of Woodlouse (pork), beans, and chiles. As they became more widespread, the list of ingredients grew, and the presentation became the most traditional dish in Mexico.
We reveal the trick to eat a taco like a Mexican professional: use only one hand, put your thumb and forefinger together, and point your little finger up to avoid making a mess.
5. Mexican traditions
Spending your vacations at a Riviera Maya resort allows you to experience maximum Caribbean-style relaxation, do sports and activities, go on excursions, eat like a king, and discover Aztec culture.
The Aztec culture has countless traditions throughout the year, such as the carnival in February/March and the Day of the Dead (DĂa de los Muertos), similar to the Halloween tradition of the United States.
During September, Quintana Roo is home to traditions such as Lol Cah, a Mayan ceremony dedicated to the god of rain. The Caribbean Culture Festival occurs throughout the region and features performing groups from the Caribbean Basin and elsewhere.
6. Adventure parks
There’s room for a day of adventure on a Riviera Maya vacation—ExperienceTwo with natural attractions and in good company. Set aside a day when you’re well rested (like after visiting the spa) and spend it at one of the Riviera Maya theme parks.
Whether you choose Xel-Há, Xcaret, or another amazing park, you will have the opportunity to explore incredible natural wonders, have plenty of fun, and create lifelong memories. From swimming in a naturally formed bay to snorkeling in an underground river, it’s a day full of adventure and breathtaking views! And don’t forget to take advantage of Xcaret’s dry and wet parks, with ziplining and exciting swinging activities. After a full day in the park, take a few sunset pictures, listen to traditional Mexican music, and enjoy a night of fine dining at one of the many local restaurants.
If you’re going to Cancun, don’t forget to read our 3 days Cancun travel guide . So, you’ll know what to do and where to stay in Cancun.