A tropical haven where emerald waters and white sand beaches await: our Riviera Maya travel guide
15 April 2022
Riviera Maya villas
The perfect stay
in Riviera Maya
Sitting just off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and bathed in sunshine, history and culture is the Riviera Maya. Think miles of pristine, white sandy beaches, deep blue oceans, and lush vegetation. A place filled with natural wonder, it’s also a thriving and diverse region that welcomes visitors all year round. Snorkel with turtles and whale sharks off the coast, or explore limestone caves dripping with stalactites. It’s all possible when you book one of our villas in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Kitesurf on Tulum Beach, or leave the sand behind and discover more about the Mayan culture in Tulum town. Our top tip: head there first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and to catch the dazzling sunrise over the Caribbean Sea. For a totally different swimming experience, head to the region’s cenotes. These sinkholes create deep pools that are truly unique. Avoid the popular ones and head off the tourist trail to the delightfully serene cenote Nicte Ha. Back on dry land, it’s time to get a taste of the Yucatan, which has a distinctive cuisine. Three of its main ingredients are the hot habanero chilli, annatto, and surprisingly, Seville oranges. Get stuck into the national dish of Conchinita Pibil or pit-cooked pork wrapped in banana leaves and marinated in sour orange and annatto.
Kitesurf on Tulum Beach, or leave the sand behind and discover more about the Mayan culture in Tulum town. Our top tip: head there first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and to catch the dazzling sunrise over the Caribbean Sea. For a totally different swimming experience, head to the region’s cenotes. These sinkholes create deep pools that are truly unique. Avoid the popular ones and head off the tourist trail to the delightfully serene cenote Nicte Ha. Back on dry land, it’s time to get a taste of the Yucatan, which has a distinctive cuisine. Three of its main ingredients are the hot habanero chilli, annatto, and surprisingly, Seville oranges. Get stuck into the national dish of Conchinita Pibil or pit-cooked pork wrapped in banana leaves and marinated in sour orange and annatto.
There are plenty more local dishes to try back at your luxury villa in Riviera Maya. Hire a private chef and feast on authentic Yucatecan dishes such as Sopa de Lima, a delightfully light and fresh chicken and tortilla soup with limes. Your dedicated concierge will arrange dining reservations in the region’s best restaurants and make sure you beat the crowds at Tulum with some pre-booked tickets. Our team is here to make sure your stay at one of our villas in Riviera Maya is simply divine from start to finish.
Things
you can't miss in Riviera Maya
- Visit Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Charter a catamaran and set sail to the Islas Mujeres.
- Watch a performance by the Cirque du Soleil at La Joya.
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Popular destinations in Riviera Maya
Tulum, home of the Maya
Once the site of a vast Mayan walled city, Tulum is now a desirable destination in the heart of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. It still retains its historic importance as one of Mexico's best preserved coastal Mayan ports. Tulum is famous for three key buildings, the Temple of the Frescoes, the Temple of the Descending God, and El Castillo, a remarkably well-preserved Mayan pyramid. As well as these incredible buildings, Tulum is renowned for its amazing beaches and cenotes and the biosphere reserve of Sian Ka’an.
Playa del Carmen, activities galore
Playa Del Carmen is a busy resort on the Yucatan Peninsula. A plethora of white-sand beaches, a laid-back lifestyle and plenty of restaurants, boutiques and bars make this a popular location for visitors all year round. The clear Caribbean waters make this an ideal destination for snorkelling and diving. Various natural reserves surround the region, from beaches frequented by rare turtles to cenotes and lush jungles filled with wildlife. From scuba diving and golf to camel treks and Mayan temples, Playa is a family-friendly place filled with sunshine, culture, and fun.
Solidaridad, history on every corner
Home to the hugely important Mayan archaeological site of Xcaret, Solidaridad is one of 11 municipalities that combine to make up the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. As well as some of the best preserved Mayan temples and pyramids in Mexico, it’s also home to deep cenotes, charming villages and towns, and isolated beaches dusted with white sand. At its heart are Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras, where you’ll find seafood restaurants serving freshly caught marlin, Mahi-Mahi and tuna. With so much history and culture on offer, one visit is never enough.
Riviera Maya villas you will love
Our vacation rentals Riviera Maya
16 Tulum
18 PEOPLE -
8 Bedrooms -
9 Bathrooms
Villa Amara
10 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
5 Bathrooms
Villa Kaa Nah
10 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
6 Bathrooms
Hacienda Chekul
8 PEOPLE -
4 Bedrooms -
5 Bathrooms
Casa Bautista
12 PEOPLE -
4 Bedrooms -
4 Bathrooms
Villa Verde
10 PEOPLE -
4 Bedrooms -
4 Bathrooms
“Whenever I swim in a cenote I can feel my Mayan ancestry calling to me. You're constantly reminded of this mysterious culture around every corner in Riviera Maya.”
Anthony Barrera
Why stay with us?
Curated and inspected homes, villas & chalets
Luxury linen and toiletries
Round the clock support
Complimentary weekly clean
Dedicated concierge
Earn & redeem Accor ALL loyalty Reward points
Personal Meet & Greet
Complimentary medical support in partnership with AXA
Enhance your Riviera Maya stay
Book additional services to make the most out of your trip. Add services at the time of booking or with your concierge before the stay.
Essential Riviera Maya information
When to visit
JAN
73F
FEB
73F
MAR
77F
APR
78F
MAY
80F
JUN
82F
JUL
82F
AUG
82F
SEP
82F
OCT
80F
NOV
77F
DEC
75F
Please note: these are the average temperatures reported but can vary greatly due to weather conditions, such as heat waves etc. We kindly invite you to contact us for more information, including confirmation that your chosen villa has air conditioning, to ensure a comfortable stay.
Best time to go
During spring: hot, sunny, and with fewer crowds, spring is an ideal time to visit this beautiful part of Mexico. Bear in mind that the US Spring Break will bring the crowds in. But they normally stick to the major resorts so if you head off the beaten track a little you should find plenty of solitude and peace. Temperatures are around the mid-70s°F, and you’ll probably need both a jumper for the cooler evenings and your sunscreen for the hot days.
During summer: from June onwards, you’re into the rainy season, but the showers are short and then the sun soon pops back out. This is one of the quieter times of the year in the Riviera Maya. It’s also the best time of the year to see the magnificent whale sharks that swim off the coast. Temperatures are up in the 80s°F with high humidity.
During autumn: the humidity eases and the temperatures drop back a little during the autumn. You’ll also get a chance to join in with the festivities including Mexico’s Independence Day and the culturally-important Day of the Dead. Temperatures are back in the high 70s°F, but can drop a little in the evenings.
During winter: leave the cold behind and spend your winter vacation at one of our villas in Riviera Maya. The temperatures are blissfully balmy, the water is warm for snorkelling and swimming, and this is also the perfect season for diving. Ocean visibility is at its best and the water is at its warmest. Head to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef for the best underwater experience.
How to get there
Make the journey as memorable as the arrival. Your dedicated concierge can arrange transportation from the closest airport to your Riviera Maya villa.
By plane
You’ll fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN). This is the second-busiest airport in Mexico and most international carriers land here, except flights from Australia or Asia. Your dedicated concierge will be able to pre-arrange a VIP limousine transfer to your Riviera Maya.
By private jet
Cancun International Airport also accepts private jets. Some of our Riviera Maya villas have space for helicopter landings, which can be arranged by your dedicated concierge.
By car
Your dedicated concierge can arrange car hire, including Jeeps or 4x4s which may be more suitable if you wish to explore the Yucatan’s more remote and wild interior. While the region’s roads are generally good, some access roads are still dirt roads and can be challenging for anything other than a 4x4.
Local Tips
- Do not drink tap water - It’s best to drink only bottled water and to avoid having ice cubes in your drinks.
- Some places do not accept credit cards so it is advisable to bring cash with you, especially during activities.
- The customary tip is usually between 10% and 15% of the total bill but always check the bill carefully before you leave a gratuity as it may already be included.
- Not all of the beaches have lifeguards. The currents can also be very strong in certain areas of the coast, so be careful of big waves and rip-tides when swimming offshore.
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