Mexico's Riviera Maya: A Beautiful Beach Resort Destination

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Mexico's Riviera Maya: A Beautiful Beach Resort Destination

Author: Barry deCocq

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 watersports, 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 visit, the Riviera Maya
is an excellent choice that will definitely impress and have you
ready to come back to again and again.

About the author:
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