Return to Riviera Maya

from Food, Wine, Travel Magazine May 2021—Where We're Going Next

by foodwinetravelmagazine

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Return

to Riviera Maya

By Noreen Kompanik

Akumal Bay

Dos Ojos Cenote Playa Ruinas overlooking the Caribbean Sea

Hasta que nos encontremos de nuevo, Riviera Maya—until we meet again. This was our fond but sad farewell as our plane took off from Mexico on our last visit there.

Hugging the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Riviera Maya encompasses an 80-mile stretch between the popular resort city of Cancún in the north and the Mayan ruins of Tulum to the south.

Its ‘Riviera’ moniker is well deserved. Beaches are magnificent, as are its tourmaline waters with spectacular offshore coral reefs ideal for snorkeling and diving. Add in magical Mayan ruins, fascinating cenotes surrounded by a jungle-y paradise and incredible cuisine, and Riviera Maya has become one of our favorite family destinations.

Exploring Magical Mayan Ruins

adventure excursions. And resort restaurants were simply outstanding. This return trip, our reservation is with UNICO, another luxury all-inclusive set on the stunning beaches of Riviera Maya. When the Mayans built their marvelous cities thousands of years ago, their technology was utterly impressive. Tulum, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea is one of the last to be built by the Mayans, and its Hasta que nos archeological sites are very much intact. encontremos Tulum is one of the most preserved historic coastal sites in all of Mexico, de nuevo and the only Mayan city built along the water. Rumored to have some the world’s most magical energy, its main temple, El Castillo, was expertly designed by astronomers. Constructed in direct alignment with the summer solstice, sunrise on this day Staying in Riviera Maya shines directly through a series of windows and We never used to be fans of all-inclusive resorts. into other structures. That is until COVID, and then of course, making certain we’re choosing the right one. With safety Visiting the Cenotes and security top concerns, we had a wonderful Sacred to the ancient Mayans, cenote (sen-o-tay) experience at the magnificent Grand Residences means “sacred well.” Cenotes are geological Riviera Cancun, located near Playa Del Carmen. freshwater sinkholes formed thousands of years This resort had everything we needed— ago when limestone ground caved in, creating beautifully appointed rooms, luxury pools, swim underwater reservoirs. These cenotes were vital to up bars, white sandy beaches overlooking Mayan society providing a critical water source turquoise waters, and a central location for

during times of drought. They were also believed to be secret entrances to the underworld. Dos Ojos (Two Eyes) was one of our favorites. Located on a nature preserve, two cenotes connect into a large cavern forming one of the longest underwater cave systems in the world. The crystal clear, azure water was refreshingly cool and pure, providing a welcome respite from the heat of the day—and a spectacular setting for exploring, cave diving and snorkeling.

Playing in Akumal Bay

Though the beaches all throughout Riviera Maya are immaculate and breathtaking, one of our favorites is Akumal Bay. This “place of turtles,” a delightful stretch of sand and crystalline waters is a natural refuge for sea turtles laying their eggs on Half Moon Bay Beach from May through November.

Its wide stretch of stunning beaches encompasses a series of five bays. The protected offshore reefs are ideal for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, or exploring its underground rivers. The peaceful beachfront and palapas enticed us to chill with a cold margarita and Mexican beer after our snorkeling adventure.

Dining in Paradise

We’ve had some of the best Mexican cuisine in Riviera Maya. And our mouths are already watering knowing what’s in store on our next upcoming trip.

One of our best foodie experiences was dining in a candlelit 10,000-year-old cavern. Alux Restaurant (pronounced a-loosh) located in the heart of Playa del Carmen takes its name from sprite-like mythical Mayan entities said to appear at night seeking places to hide and play. The underground restaurant rambles through a grand spectacle of natural rock formations with stunning stalagmites and stalactites. Food is lavish and tantalizing with affordable offerings from the land and sea with a Mayan twist. And of course, we kept our eyes open for the mischievous sprites.

Thanks to fresh bounties from the sea, ceviche in Riviera Maya is incredible no matter the venue. Our favorite happens to be Punta Bonita at Rosewood Mayakoba. We’re certain the spectacular panoramic views of the Caribbean also helped make for an unforgettable lunch, but the Mexican ceviche here is spectacular.

We counting the days to experience our glorious Caribbean paradise again. And we can’t wait!