Our Latin America specialist Caroline (below) is still buzzing after her recent trip to Mexico. She tells us about her adventures on the beautiful Riviera Maya, where her biggest surprise was the variety and contrast that each day on the coast offered, from ancient history and panoramic landscapes to unique and inquisitive wildlife.
Step away from the pool…
Mexico’s stunning Riviera Maya has so much more to offer than powder-white sand beaches and brilliant sunshine and, in my opinion, this is lesson number one when considering this wonderful corner of the world as your next holiday destination. So, forget any preconceptions (that mental image of Spring break in Cancun) and open your mind to the treasure trove that is the Riviera Maya…
This long stretch of beautiful Caribbean coastline really packs a punch, offering a whole host of unique experiences that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. On top of the impressive landscapes and ancient history, such as the Mayan ruins of Tulum...
...you'll come across traditional dancing on the beach...
...and delicious local food - check out my beachfront lunch at the beautiful Rosewood Mayakoba...
... and the coast adds even more surprises, with its hundreds of species of colourful birds and some unusual wildlife. At the idyllic Soliman Bay, I never ceased to be amazed at the low-flying flocks of pelicans regularly appearing from the trees and making their way to their next stop.
At the lovely Hotel Esencia (below), as well as enjoying breakfast on the beach (a definite highlight), I caught the head of an iguana peeping out from the cool of its underground hideaway. This of course caused endless entertainment for the children, who I regularly found giggling as they played peekaboo with the resident creatures.
Something for everyone…
The beauty of the Riviera Maya is that it is not only appealing to one type of person – there really is something for everyone here. Some hotels, such as La Zebra in Tulum (below), cater just as well for young honeymooners as families. The honeymooners might be looking for an exotic beach destination where they can indulge in pampering, cocktails on the beach and salsa nights, all without venturing far from the hotel, but for families, the vast range of water sports and variety of guided excursions are plenty to keep everyone happy.
While it’s true there are several traditional all-inclusive resorts dotted along the coast between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, explore further and discover unique and luxurious boutique hotels that have really carved out their own identity. The benefits to smaller, more boutique properties are many, but one that I found particularly impressive is that a number of them, such as Jashita in Tulum (below), have a strong focus on sustainability and work hard to preserve their immediate environment by keeping their environmental footprint to a minimum – without forgetting the fabulous facilities and extremely attentive service: you’ll find yourself on first-name terms with the staff.
So, with all that said, if you’ve got zero interest in nature, wildlife, sunshine, postcard-perfect beaches, ancient ruins, adrenaline-fuelled adventure activities or delicious food, then perhaps the Riviera Maya isn't the right place for you…
In the know…
Timing is everything! While you do get some perfect sunny days and crystal clear waters in the Riviera Maya, as with nearly every destination Exsus specialises in, different months of the year can mean a very different holiday experience. There are a few variables to consider when you're finalising your travel dates, and these include sea turtle nesting season, hurricane season, and periods of heatwaves and heavy rain. Our first-hand knowledge will ensure you don’t get caught out. Check out our travel calendar for our tips on where to go and when!
