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Visiting Riviera Maya in Mexico

Marian Krueger

(Azul Fives, Riviera Maya, Mexico)

Have you ever visited Mexico?

Maybe you’ve been to Cancun and you think that is all that Mexico has to offer, but it’s certainly not.  While Mexico is one-fifth the size of the United States, it is the fifth largest country in the Americas and the 14th largest independent nation in the world.  Cancun is one of Mexico’s most popular cities to visit, but if you’re looking for a vacation destination in Mexico, why not consider Riviera Maya.

The 112-mile stretch of coastline that stretches from Puerto Morelos to the north and to Tulum in the south is known as Riviera Maya with everything that you could possibly want in a vacation.  Playa del Carmen has great shopping, dining, nightlife, and golf; the Great Maya Reef is the largest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere; enjoy a visit to Xel-Há, the world’s largest natural aquarium; and of course, no visit here would be complete without a visit to Tulum, a pre-Columbian walled city or Chichen Itza.

One of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza is probably best known for El Castillo, a pyramid with 365 steps with 91 steps on each of its four sides and one step at the top making it a large 3D calendar.  Twice a year during the spring and autumn equinoxes, crowds gather to witness the “serpent”.  During sunset, a shadow falls on the pyramid creating a shadowy snake as it descends the steps to meet up with its head at the base of the staircase.

After your day of snorkeling, golf, or Mayan history, you’ll want to be able to relax at a beautiful resort near a beach.   Here is a list of beaches in Riviera Maya:

  • Akumal
  • Paamul
  • Playa del Carmen
  • Playacar
  • Puerto Aventuras
  • Puerto Morelos
  • Sian Ka’an
  • Soliman Bay
  • Tankah Bay
  • Tulum
  • Xcacel
  • Xpu-ha

Snorkeling and kayaking are best in the bays.  Akumal, Soliman, and Tankah are examples of beaches with an outer reef break while Playa del Carmen and Tulum are examples of beaches without an outer reef break but plenty of sand.

Whereas Cancun might be best known for its year-round Spring Break atmosphere, Riviera Maya has a more laid back atmosphere and is a great bet for couples and families alike.  You can find adult-only all-inclusive resorts, small boutique hotels, and large chain resorts.   From high end, luxury resorts like Secrets Maroma Beach Cancun in Playa del Carmen, Rosewood Mayakoba, or El Dorado Seaside Suites to specialty lodging like Hidden Beach Resort – Au Natural Club or a vacation condo or apartment, there is absolutely something for everyone.

In addition to white sand beaches, did you think you might find gourmet dining in Riviera Maya?  Absolutely!  Although the 30-year-old acclaimed Michelin trained chef, Jonatan Gomez Luna, despises the descriptor “molecular gastronomy,” he certainly isn’t arguing the success of his restaurant, Le Chique at the Azul Sensatori resort in Puerto Morelos.  Dine on an eight- or 14-course meal consisting of foie gras, truffles, and so much more.  Consistently winning awards and on the top five list of best restaurants in Mexico, if you’re a foodie, you might want to consider a trip to Le Chique and Azul Sensatori.

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation in Mexico, consider a trip to Riviera Maya and enjoy sun, sand, culture, great food, and so much more.

Pack your bag, passport, and in about an hour (more or less depending on your final destination), you’ll be able to start your Mexican holiday with a margarita in one hand and your toes nestled in the white sand.