Riviera Maya Luxury Hotels

The waters of the Caribbean lie calm and peaceful here under the brilliance of an awakening sky in this place chosen by the gods for the enjoyment of man. The plants, beautiful aromatic flowers, and the plethora of wildlife all bask in this unending paradise under the bemused gaze of the heavens that offer the warming gifts of the sun by day – and by night, the most romantic moments created by the pale light of the moon and constellations of a starry sky.

The Riviera Maya, also known as Mayan Riviera and commonly confused with Playa del Carmen, is located in Mexico on the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo and is nestled alongside the Caribbean Sea. Playa del Carmen is a part of the Riviera Maya, although it lies to the south.  The actual Riviera Maya area starts in Puerto Morelos (south of Cancun) and ends in Felipe Carrillo Puerto (south of Tulum).

The unspoiled Caribbean coast of the Riviera Maya stretches south of Cancun for 75 miles, fronted by the second-largest coral reef in the world.  Tranquil powder-sand beaches washed by translucent blue waters, lush tropical jungles, Mayan heritage, and the spirit of Mexico all contribute to the seductiveness of this inspiring land. The Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakoba, and Fairmont Mayakoba, three of our luxury resorts in the area, are located 30 minutes south of Cancun and north of the seaside village of Playa del Carmen. These resorts are unique unto themselves but share one common quality: a perfect balance between the lush mangroves characteristic of the area and beautiful sandy beaches.

Visitors enjoy easy access to nearby Mayan ruins, breathtaking beaches, countless water sports, and world-class diving in the Great Mayan Reef.

The mysticism and magic of an ancient culture is still present.  Serene sunlight flickers and dances on emerald lagoon waters, and the rolling surf of the Caribbean washes the shore, creating a natural symphony of sound and smell. This is the heart of Mexico’s famed Riviera Maya.

A rich backdrop of tropical forest and the cerulean blue of the Caribbean Sea lap miles of white sandy Yucatan coastline. This is easily one of the most irresistible destinations in the world. On top of this, underwater explorers have the second-largest reef in the world, teeming with a wonderful diversity of marine life. For naturalists, there’s the unique ecosystem in the surrounding mangroves and jungle, even the rare opportunity to view nesting turtles on the beach.  But unusually for such a paradise, there is also a wealth of fascinating history to be explored. Dotted throughout the area are the ancient cities of the Maya. You can climb any number of pyramids and walk through the ceremonial buildings that they inhabited; dive in sacred freshwater cenotes, and let your mind evoke the Maya’s gladiatorial challenges on the remarkably intact ball courts of Chichen-Itza. These fascinating archaeological sites are extremely well-preserved, allowing us to unravel the mysteries of a highly sophisticated culture that died out nearly one thousand years ago.

The Riviera Maya area can also be a very romantic destination if you consider staying at some of the boutique resorts we feature in our portfolio. Closer to Cancun, you can stay at some very spa-oriented resorts like Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita or Maroma Resort and Spa; and closer to Playa del Carmen you can choose to stay at Tides Riviera Maya or Hotel Esencia.

Riviera Maya Destinations Facts

CURRENCY:

The Mexican Pesos comes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500, but USD are also generally accepted at most stores, restaurants and in hotels. You can exchange currency at a bank or exchange house. Exchange rates may vary.

CLIMATE:

All year round you can expect sun and warm weather with an average temperature high of 30 degrees Centigrade or 86 F. The hottest months are between May and September when temperatures can reach 32 degrees Centigrade, 90 F. There are also two rainy seasons during October to January and April to July; however they can be a welcome refresher during the heat of the day.

MONTHLY AVERAGE TEMPERATURES:

ELECTRICITY:

110 volts AC.

TIME ZONE:

Riviera Mayas's Standard time zone is UTC/GMT -6 hours. Nevertheless there is Daylight savings time from April to October which puts the area on a UTC/GMT -5 hours during that season.

LANGUAGE:

Spanish is the official language. However, because it is a place with a very high volume of tourism, English is also spoken in most hotels, shops and service industries.

SHOPPING HOUR:

Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

 

LOCAL FACILITIES:

Playa del Carmen has many shops along 5th Avenue. 10 minutes drive, 15 km. Puerto Morelos, is a fishing village with a small tourist industry. It has a limited number of shops selling groceries and souvenirs. 14 minute drive, 16 km. Puerto Aventuras, is a luxurious residential community, there are a few boutiques and an Italian bakery. 28 minute drive, 30 km.

VISA REQUIREMENTS:

Visa and passport requirements frequently change. We do our best to keep this information as current as possible; however, we recommend  that all visitors check with their embassy or consulate before their departure.

Mexico tourist visa is not required for citizens of United States for a stay up to 180 days.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

WORLD-CLASS SCUBA DIVING:

The Riviera Maya is rated one of the best scuba diving locations in the world with miraculously colorful reefs and a spectacular variety of sea life. They offer PADI certification courses from beginner to advanced open water. They can also arrange dives in the fresh water underwater caves, called cenotes.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

HORSEBACK RIDING - HALF AND FULL DAY TOURS

View the flora and fauna from horse back, canter along the white sands by the sea. Stop for a refreshing swim, perhaps your horse will take a cooling dip too. The tour organizers will collect you from the hotel and can make all your arrangements.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Visit to Playa del Carmen

Take a trip into nearby Playa del Carmen, with shops, restaurants and also its eponymous beach. Shopping along Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue) is varied but quite casual. In town you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes and into the evening there are numerous bars and clubs.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Cedam Museum Visit

Situated in Puerto Aventuras, this small museum houses various pieces of interesting salvage from shipwrecks over the past 400 years.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Museum of Mexican Art

This is a recently opened Museum in Cancún which displays handcrafts, Mayan relics and photography from all over Mexico.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Mayan Encounter - Full Day Tour

A day combining a visit to Coba Mayan Ruins followed by a visit to a living Mayan community who offer an informed guide to the surrounding flaura and fauna. Finally for physical adventure; zip wiring through the jungle canopy and diving into the cool depths of the cenote.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Jungle Crossing - Full Day Tour

Begin with a 4x4 drive through the jungle to reach Nohoch Nah Chich cenote. Here you can snorkel in the crystal clear cave waters, admiring stalactites and stalagmites. Afterwards travel to the Caribbean shores for sea kayaking and reef snorkeling.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Mayan Zip Line - Half Day Tour

Combining cycling, swimming and flying through the jungle canopy, this tour includes informed guidance on Mayan subsistence farming and the traditional Mayan purification ceremonies, which are demonstrated by a mystic cenote.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Snorkeling Trip

In 15 minutes you can snorkel off Punta Maroma Reef, one of the 'best beaches in then go to to the whale shark migration route to snorkel with the world’s largest fish in its natural habitat. For something entirely different snorkel in the jungle’s freshwater cenotes, gliding through crystal clear water past stalagmites and stalactites.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Deep Sea and Fly Fishing

Take a boat to the Yucatan Channel in search of Marlin, Barracuda, Kingfish and Sailfish. Or settle by the peaceful lagoons, these world renowned flat fishing locations offer snooks, tarpons and jacks. An ecological fishing policy is observed.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Tulum Trip

Tulum is a Mayan fortress by the sea, a wonderful situation for this 10th century archaeological site. There are over 40 structures to explore; including temples, sacrificial sites and homes.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Xcaret

Xcaret is renowned as an all day destination where you can explore some well preserved Maya ruins. It is a highly developed site, with many organized attractions such as swimming with dolphins and a jungle adventure park. At night, enjoy a wonderful dinner show exploring classic Mexico.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Chichen-Itza

The most famous archaeological site in the Yucatan and one of the most famous sites in the world. It covers four square miles and includes many highlights including an extremely well preserved ball court, the 75 foot El Castillo pyramid, temple of jaguars and a sacred cenote.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Coba

The grandest city in the Yucatan sprawling over 40 square miles, and while much of the site remains unexcavated there are still 6,000 ruins visible including Nohoch Mul, the tallest Mayan pyramid in northern Yucatan.

Things To Do in Riviera Maya

Xel-Ha

Cancun ecological park and archaeological area with turtle and dolphin sanctuaries and a research center

Recommended Restaurants in Riviera Maya

A LITTLE MORE EXTRA!

Book your trip to Rosewood Mayakoba and get instantly a $100.00 Sense Spa credit per day!

Hotel:
Rosewood Mayakoba

Rate Includes:

Travel Window: 03-Jan-2010 / 30-Apr-2010
Booking Window: 03-Jan-2010 / 29-Apr-2010

Terms and Conditions: All promotions are subject to availability at the time of booking.

 

 

FREE NIGHTS!

Stay 4 nights and pay only 3, or stay 7 nights and pay only 5! Plus up to $350.00 resort credit!

Hotel:
Esencia Hotel Riviera Maya

Rate Includes:

Travel Window: 05-Jan-2010 / 30-Apr-2010
Booking Window: 05-Jan-2010 / 29-Apr-2010

Terms and Conditions: All promotions are subject to availability at the time of booking.

 

 

NIGHT FREE!

Enjoy even more your vacations! Stay 5 nights and pay only 4!

Hotel:
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Riviera Maya

Rate Includes:

Travel Window: 05-Jan-2010 / 25-Mar-2010
Booking Window: 05-Jan-2010 / 24-Mar-2010

Terms and Conditions: All promotions are subject to availability at the time of booking.

 

 

30% Off First Quarter 2010

Receive 30% Off Room Rates and Spa when you book a room for the first quarter of 2010.  You can even upgrade to the next room category for $30 per night. 

Hotel:
The Tides Riviera Maya

Rate Includes:

Luxury accommodations and continental breakfast for two in the room.

Travel Window: 01-Jan-2010 / 31-Mar-2010
Booking Window: 06-Oct-2009 / 31-Mar-2010

Terms and Conditions: All promotions subject to availability at the time of booking.

 

 

Receive Instant Discount on Every Package

Up to $500 instant discount on your Package:

2 Night Package: $50 discount 3 Night Package: $60 discount 4 Night Package: $80 discount 5 Night Package: $100 discount 6 Night Package: $120 discount 7 Night Package: $150 discount

This instant discount is once per stay and based on 1 room. If more than 1 room is booked under the same package then the instant discount will be equivalent to the amount of rooms reserved.

Offer valid for a limited time only.

Call Today: 1-800-231-4095

Hotel:
Fairmont Mayakoba

Rate Includes:

Travel Window: 08-Aug-2009 / 20-Jan-2011
Booking Window: 01-Aug-2009 / 30-Sep-2011

Terms and Conditions: Certain restrictions apply

 

 

BIG SAVINGS!

Book your trip to Royal Hideaway Playacar Hotel and get 20% off in all room categories!

Hotel:
Royal Hideaway Hotel

Rate Includes:

Travel Window: 31-Jan-2010 / 04-Apr-2010
Booking Window: 31-Jan-2010 / 03-Apr-2010

Terms and Conditions: All promotions are subject to availability at the time of booking.