Travelers
who are looking for a
fantastic all-inclusive resort
destination that is priced far
below most tropical
destinations in and around the
Caribbean should look into
Mexico’s Riviera Maya. This
area has fast become a very
popular tropical vacation
getaway for travelers from
around the world. The Riviera
Maya is located on the
Caribbean side of Mexico and
encompasses the stretch of
coastline ranging from about 5
miles to 60 miles south of
Cancun.
Don’t be misled into
thinking that because you fly
into Cancun to get to the
Riviera Maya that it is
anything like Cancun and its
spring break, party-like
atmosphere…it is far from
it. The Riviera Maya has been
set aside by the Mexican
government as a semi-protected
area, and as such it cannot
become the touristy, high-rise
resort type of destination you
find in the Cancun hotel zone.
Resorts can only be built
3-stories or less in height
and they have to be
constructed to embrace the
surrounding vegetation,
wildlife, and topography. It
is a much more family-friendly
and romantic vacation
destination.
Resorts in the Riviera Maya
are primarily all-inclusive
properties. Because of the
remote locations of many of
the properties there are very
few offsite dining areas.
All-inclusive resorts give the
traveler the benefit of having
everything paid for prior to
their arrival. All meals,
drinks (alcoholic and
non-alcoholic), non-motorized water sports,
and other amenities are
included in package prices.
The more upscale all-inclusive
resorts of 4-star and higher
quality typically have many
different restaurant options
ranging from buffet to
world-class a la carte
cuisine….all-included! Some
of the more popular resort
chains in the Riviera Maya
include Iberostar Resorts,
Palace Resorts, and Secrets
Resorts & Spas. Resorts
run anywhere from more
family-related types of
properties or resorts for the
budget-minded to very upscale
adults-only spa resorts.
One of the best reasons to
choose the Mexico Riviera Maya
for your next vacation is not
just for the superb quality
resorts and great value, but
also for the fantastic tours
and excursions that are
available in around the
Yucatan Peninsula region. This
area is teeming with Mayan
ruins and ancient architecture
that are very popular with
tourists. The most majestic of
the local Mayan ruins are the
pyramids of Chichen Itza.
These incredibly preserved
pyramids date back to 400AD
and this awe-inspiring tour
will leave with you many
wonderful memories. There are
many other Mayan ruins tours
you can take as well. In
addition to ruins you can also
experience many eco-based
tours that take you to game
and marine preserves where you
will find amazing wildlife and
snorkeling that is nothing
short of amazing. Another
popular day-trip for those
staying in the Riviera Maya
region is the island of
Cozumel. You can reach this
quaint island by ferry from
the town of Playa del Carmen
located in the heart of the
Riviera Maya. It is a short 45
minute ferry ride and once
there you will find duty-free
shopping, great dining, and
some of the world’s best
SCUBA diving and snorkeling.
If you have taken tropical
vacations in the Caribbean or
Hawaii and are looking for a
new destination to go to the
Riviera Maya is an excellent
choice that will definitely
impress and have you ready to
come back to again and again.
Barry deCocq is a co-owner
and managing director of
Tropical Sands Vacations (http://www.tropicalSands.com),
a discount Mexico and
Caribbean travel brokerage
specializing in all-inclusive
resorts. Contact at info@tropicalsands.com.
