Spanning 80 breath-taking miles of Mexican Caribbean coastline, the Riviera Maya is the nation’s most popular tourist haunt, and is frequented by travellers from the US and Europe seeking a veritable slice of paradise.
Characterised by long, sandy beaches, crystalline waters and lavish all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels, its tourism infrastructure is developed to such a degree that you can enjoy a stress-free break here in the lap of luxury and be left wanting for nothing. The region’s main airport is Cancun International, from which all of the coast’s major resort towns are easily reachable via transfer.
Here are five reasons the Riviera Maya is Mexico’s leading luxury destination, and the perfect place for a dream getaway in 2023.
Opulent hotels and resorts
From Cancun to Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen to Tulum, the Riviera Maya’s most popular resort towns are well developed for tourism. The first three are home to opulent mega-resorts offering plush rooms and suites, impressive dining scenes and high-end facilities including state-of-the-art fitness centres and spas, and some of the best all-inclusive packages in the world.
Rustic Tulum, meanwhile, offers an alternative boutique hotel scene and is home to some of the prettiest small accommodation options available. You might have to compromise on luxuries like air conditioning to stay at the private, adults-only resort and wellness centre Azulk, but with treetop dining and one of the most Instagram-worthy beachfront settings in all of Mexico, it’s well worth a visit – even if only for a night or two.
Breath-taking beaches and incredible snorkelling
The Riviera Maya is famous for its stunning white sand beaches and clear, turquoise waters, and they truly have to be seen to be believed. Fringed by swaying palms, sunbathing or taking a sunrise stroll along the powdery soft sand and listening to the waves gently lapping the shore is the epitome of bliss, and the ocean is home to the second largest coral reef in the world, making it the perfect spot to indulge in a spot of snorkelling. You can expect to see everything from colourful parrot fish and stingrays to green turtles – head to Akumal Bay for the best chances of spotting the latter.
Stunning cenotes
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is home to over 6,000 cenotes subterranean natural limestone pools that are the perfect for taking a dip and cooling off from the heat of the Caribbean sunshine. These impressive pools are usually accessible via holes in the ground, with some even resembling vast underground caves, and are filled with freshwater and endemic wildlife. Characterised by stalagmites and stalactites, visiting one is a truly unique experience you won’t want to miss – and on the Riviera Maya, you’ll never have to travel far to find one.
Cenote Cristalino in Puerto Aventuras is a small open-air cenote that offers a quiet place to relax and unwind, while the Gran Cenote is located just between Tulum and the Coba ruins, making it the perfect stop during a busy day of exploring – but these are just a taster of the many you could add to your itinerary. Ask your hotel concierge or transfer company, who will be happy to suggest some of those nearest to your accommodation of choice.
Historic sights
With the impressive Tulum ruins located right on your doorstep, it’s easy to get an insight into the nation’s history without having to travel too far. This 13th-century, walled Mayan archaeological site is set on the cliff tops in the picturesque Tulum National Park, and just so happens to overlook one of the prettiest beaches in the region. It includes the Castillo, which was built as a watchtower, and the Templo de las Pinturas, the paintings of which have been partially restored, and is a must if you’re looking for a memorable way to spend a day.
The Coba archaeological site, with its pyramid-shaped temples overlooking the surrounding jungle, is also worth a visit – while excursions to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site Chichen Itza – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – can be easily organised through your hotel.
A decadent food scene
Mexican cuisine is easily some of the best in the world, and nowhere does it taste better than in Mexico itself. Trying some of the authentic local dishes is a must, and many of the high-end resorts on the Riviera Maya have done a great job of incorporating it into their a la carte offerings alongside international specialities including Japanese, Peruvian and Brazilian cuisine.
Many five-star resorts offer a large number of restaurants to choose from on site, but in major resort towns like Playa del Carmen, you’ll find plenty of exciting dining spots if you’re looking to try something new. If you’re visiting the latter, then head to unique fine dining eatery Alux, where you can dine in a magical setting inside an ancient cave.
Tempo by Martin Berasategui, meanwhile, is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant located within the Paradisus Cancun Resort hotel zone, and offers breath-taking views of the Caribbean Sea whilst enjoying an indulgent tasting menu based around fresh, local ingredients and drawing inspiration from across the globe.
