MEXICO

INTRO TEXT FROM JUNGLES AND MYSTICAL MAYAN TEMPLES TO VIBRANT, MODERN CITIES AND MAGNIFICENT BEACHFRONT RESORTS, MEXICO IS AS DIVERSE AS IT IS UTTERLY ENTHRALLING.

VICEROY, LOS CABOS

Mexico is a country awash with vibrant colours, from the papier mâché skeletons and sugar skulls of the famous Day of the Dead celebrations to garish souvenir sombreros and juicy prickly pears just begging to be tasted. You’ll be met with world class beachfront resorts, magnificent jungles and that famous national tipple, tequila. Indulge in luxurious spa treatments, sip cocktails under a thatched palapa on a secluded beach, or take the road of exploration to mystical Mayan sites.

Our stylish hotels are located on the Caribbean coast of the beautiful Riviera Maya on the Yucatán Peninsula, home to some of the most stunning beaches and richest coral beds in Mexico. The sand is so fine and soft that you would be forgiven for not straying too far from your sun lounger, but it’s worth it for the fantastic windsurfing, sailing, snorkelling and diving on offer. In northwest Mexico, where the Sea of Cortes meets the Pacific Ocean, the Los Cabos is a place of rugged natural beauty, with desert landscapes of cacti and ochre mountains tumbling down to stunning shorelines. Marine activities include surfing, fishing and whale watching; various cacti, dune adventures and breathtaking stargazing await in the desert; while the plush resorts, sun-washed beaches and charming villages make Los Cabos an ideal choice for your luxury Mexico escape.

While many come to Mexico simply for its stunning shores and balmy days, the ruins of the ancient Mayan civilisation are also a fascinating draw. As the sun beats down on Chichén Itzá, have a bottle of water on hand to tour the central pyramid and clap your hands at the base to hear the resounding echo of the legendary Quetzal call in return.

EXPLORE THE RIVIERA MAYA WHEN TO GO

MÉRIDA IS A MUST Spend some time in the cultural city of Mérida and get a feel for the real Mexico. The city retains the colonial architectural style of years gone by with cobbled streets and brightly painted houses. The main square boasts a beautiful cathedral and is fringed with restaurants, cafés and street vendors selling local foods and handicrafts. DAY TRIP TO ISLA MUJERES Take a boat trip over to the beautiful Isla Mujeres for a really special day out. While there, rent a golf buggy to explore the island, visit the turtle farm, have lunch in a local restaurant and then relax in a hammock under the palm trees on the beautiful white sand beach of Playa Norte.

SNORKEL THE BARRIER REEF The Mayan Riviera boasts the world’s second largest reef after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, so the snorkelling and diving here is fantastic. Take a trip to the island of Cozumel and you’ll be treated to vertical walls, coral pinnacles and gentle drift dives. Or, head north to Cancún between June and September for the extraordinary opportunity to snorkel with giant whale sharks. WHALE WATCHING IN LOS CABOS From December to April each year Humpback Whales and Gray Whales migrate down to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. You could even encounter the world’s largest animal, the astounding blue whale. Simply sit back, catch the wind in your hair, and let our expert guides illuminate their world. From a 2 hour trip to a full-day adventure - whether it’s a cruise on a luxurious yacht or a thrilling ride on a Zodiac boat, this once-in-a-lifetime experience is not to be missed.

SPRING & AUTUMN EQUINOX The spring and autumn equinoxes occur in March and September and are a popular time to visit the Temple of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzá. You will be astounded at the skill of the ancient Mayan astronomers and stone masons when you witness the natural light-and-shadow effect on the temple. The undulating shadow is said to represent the plumed serpent god, Kukulcán, crawling down the side of the pyramid.

GETTING THERE

Cancún: British Airways fly direct from Gatwick up to five times per week.

Los Cabos: In-direct flights are available via the United States, or Mexico City. Puerto Vallarta: For Riviera Nayarit, in-direct flights are via the United States with various connections available.

Note: All our inclusive holiday prices are based on economy flights with British Airways to Cancún, United Airlines to Los Cabos and American Airlines for Puerto Vallarta.

LOS CABOS

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MEXICO

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MEXICO CITY

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CANCÚN

1. Nobu Hotel Los Cabos (p130) 2. One&Only Palmilla (p127) Zoëtry Casa Del Mar (p131) Montage Los Cabos (p130) Viceroy Los Cabos (p129) 3. One&Only Mandarina (p127) 4. Chablé Yucatan Resort & Spa (p123) 5. Dreams Sapphire (p126)

Moon Palace (p125) Haven Riviera (p124)

Zoëtry Paraiso (p121) 6. Andaz Mayakoba (p120) Banyan Tree Mayakoba (p124) Chablé Maroma Resort & Spa (p123) Fairmont Mayakoba (p118)

Paradisus Playa del Carmen (p122) Paradisus La Perla (p122) 7. Unico 20° 87° (p119) Secrets Akumal (p121) Dreams Tulum (p126)