6 reasons to stay at a Riviera Maya resort

Upon arriving at the hotel in the Riviera Maya, you will notice the relaxed atmosphere that defines Mexico’s idyllic regions. Switch off your phone (turn it on only in the event of an emergency to induce envy) and make your way to choose your spa treatment. Riviera Maya resorts have a variety of massage and beauty treatments: a tailored wellness center.

Choose your personalized treatment and spend the day surrounded by essential oils along with relaxing and revitalizing massages that will leave you on cloud nine until it’s time to fly home.

After the relaxation session, it’s time to explore your surroundings in a Caribbean-style, laid-back manner.  Remember that you’re on vacation!

The Quintana Roo municipality is home to Playa del Carmen, a Caribbean epicenter. It boasts screensaver-worthy views and countless leisure alternatives along its Quinta Avenida (5th Avenue). Many water sports as well as other activities such as yoga are available at this beach. What could be more relaxing than meditating to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean’s waves in the background?

Also read: Yoga at the Caribbean

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the largest nature reserve in the Mexican Caribbean. The area features untouched nature: dunes, cenotes (swimming holes) and coral reefs, as well as more than 300 bird species, 1,000 plant species and 100 animal species.

The Riviera Maya is one of the best places for scuba diving on every level. With the gentle currents (always under the guidance of a scuba diving instructor) and shallow reefs, you will fall in love with the underwater world of the Mexican Caribbean.

In Quintana Roo, the region where the Riviera Maya is located, snorkeling enthusiasts and professional scuba divers will feel at home in their own paradise. Marine species can be seen at all depths, such as hawksbill turtles, common eagle rays, moray eels, lobsters, trumpetfish, and even sharks and manatees.

The top scuba diving spots are Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal and the cenote swimming holes. Scuba diving in a cenote swimming hole is the most amazing immersion experience that the Rivera Maya has to offer. Cenotes are deep, fresh-water caves located under the sea, and many feature intertwining caverns as well as stalagmites and stalactites that date back millions of years. It is recommended to always be accompanied by a guide on an immersion.

If you feel more at home on land and prefer to enjoy the sea along the surface (or even from above), Riviera Maya vacations offer other sports alternatives.

Ask about sports activities at the front desk of your resort and try one of the board sports available in the Mexican Caribbean.

Kitesurfing consists of gliding along the water using a power kite and a small board, while controlling the wind direction to jump and perform exciting tricks. Flyboarding, on the other hand, is a motorized water sport. A device that operates with underwater tubes is strapped onto the feet of the user so they can propel themselves vertically and feel like they are flying above the water. If you prefer an activity that is less intense, rent a stand-up paddle board and surf along the water while enjoying the landscape and the sea breeze.

A trip is more than just relaxing at a resort, going for swims at the idyllic beaches and trying out sports; it also consists of treating your taste buds to the local cuisine. Bring on the delicious Mexican tacos!

The history of Mexican tacos dates back to the era of Moctezuma, the Huey Tlatoani (Aztec ruler), when corn tortillas were used as spoons for eating. These meals were prepared on a stone and consisted of cochinilla (pork), beans and chili peppers. As they slowly became widespread, the list of ingredients grew and the presentation evolved to become Mexico’s most traditional dish.

We reveal the trick for eating a taco like a Mexican pro: use just one hand, press your thumb and index finger together, and point your pinkie upwards to avoid making a mess.

Spending your vacation at a Riviera Maya resort gives you the chance to experience the ultimate form of Caribbean-style relaxation, do sports and activities, go on excursions, eat like a king and discover the Aztec culture.

The Aztec culture has countless traditions throughout the year, such as the carnival that takes place in February/March and the Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is similar to the Halloween tradition of the United States.

During the month of September, Quintana Roo is home to traditions such as Lol Cah, which is a Mayan ceremony dedicated to the god of rain. The Caribbean Culture Festival takes place throughout the region and features artistic groups from the Caribbean Basin and other places.

There is room for a day of adventure on a Riviera Maya vacation. Adventure with natural attractions and in good company. Set aside a day when you are well-rested (such as after visiting the spa) and spend it at one of the Riviera Maya theme parks.

Choose from Xcaret, Xplore, Xel-ha, Xenses and Xoximilco for a full-blown Mayan experience.