An art lovers’ guide to the Riviera Maya

Homebase:  Occidental Costa Cancún

The Mayans were incredible artists – and this creative heritage comes to life at Museo Maya de Cancún, located in the heart of the city’s hotel zone. Offering access to one of the Yucatán’s most important collections of Mayan art, the sleekly designed museum features more than 400 incredible pieces of sculpture, ceramics and jewelry. It’s Mexican art and culture at its most fascinating.

Good to know: Of course, some of the most amazing Mayan art in the Riviera Maya can be found right where the Mayans left it. Chichén Itzá, Tulum and many other spots throughout the region are filled with incredible sculptures and carving that give insight into the Mayan civilization.

Homebase:  Royal Hideaway Playacar

Mexican art of a more recent vintage is on display at the Riviera Art Gallery in Playa del Carmen – just one of many great Playa del Carmen art galleries. Here, you’ll find oil and acrylic paintings, lithographs, photographs and more, created not only by Mexican artists but also by creative minds from across the world. If you see something you like, you’re in luck: Riviera Art Gallery ships worldwide.

Good to know: Art In 5^th Avenue – taking place every Thursday evening on Playa del Carmen 5^th Avenue – is the perfect way to experience Playa del Carmen’s thriving arts scene. The event sees La Quinta Avenida transform into an open-air Mexican art studio, with artists setting up easels right on the street, capturing the world around them on canvas. Who knows – you might end up in a modern masterpiece!

Homebase:  Occidental at Xcaret Destination

Get a look at authentic Mexican culture. Located within the Xcaret Eco-Park, the Mexican Folk Art Museum is an eye-opening look at indigenous Mexican art from over the decades. You’ll see all kinds of handcrafted artisanal pieces from all Mexican regions, each one representative of a unique part of Mexican life and creativity.

Good to know: Xcaret Eco-Park is located adjacent to Occidental at Xcaret Destination. The all-inclusive resort’s offers the Unlimited Xcaret Xperience package, designed exclusively for hotel guests, offers unlimited access to the Xcaret park during your stay.

Homebase:  Barceló Maya Grand Resort

Tulum’s new annual arts and culture festival is a feast for the senses. The goal of Art With Me GNP is to bring together people of all backgrounds to raise awareness work together and solve global issues in creative ways. Beyond the good cause, the art stands alone as some of the most captivating you’ll ever encounter, with eye-popping installations that have to be seen to be believed.

Good to know: The 2019 Art With Me GNP festival takes place April 25-28.

Homebase:  Barceló Maya Grand Resort

Known for her imaginative and surreal self-portraits, Kahlo’s art is perhaps even more popular and influential than ever today. At Playa del Carmen’s Museo Frida Kahlo Riviera Maya, you’ll gain insight into her life and work – and the many ways that they intertwined – from her early life to her turbulent relationship with artist Diego Rivera.