Riviera Maya

Austin isn’t known for brutal winters by any means, but by February I begin daydreaming that I’m poolside with a margarita, enjoying a perfect 80-degree day. Thankfully I can make my wildest dreams come true by jumping on a quick flight down to Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

The Riviera Maya is a beautiful stretch of coastline, stretching between Cancun and Tulum. The region is known for its white sandy beaches, sunshine, and jungle biosphere. The Riviera Maya has so much to offer a wide variety of travelers—land and water adventures, tours of ancient Mayan ruins, day trips to nearby Isla Mujeres or Cozymel, nightlife, wellness-focused retreats, and so much more.

Before you book your next vacation to the Riviera Maya, be sure you know which region of the 85-mile stretch best fits what you want to get out of your vacation. If you’re wanting to explore Tulum, for example, then staying in Playa Mujeres isn't the best option for you as you’ll spend a full day traveling between the two spots. So, let’s quickly touch on a few of the popular destinations in the region.

Cancun

If you’re of a certain age (like myself) you might associate Cancun with MTV Spring Break. Envision foam parties, intoxicated celebrities, and bad late 90s music. Today, Cancun isn’t quite as much of party central as nearby Playa Del Carmen, but there you’ll still find miles of towering hotels and all-inclusive resorts, lively nightlife and international restaurants. This is the perfect spot if you’re wanting to save some money but still be on a beautiful beach with restaurants, clubs and bars within walking distance. There are exceptions to this, though, and here you’ll also find a handful of deluxe resorts.

Playa Mujeres

Just north of Cancun, Playa Mujeres is a gated enclave of laid-back luxury resort properties. This is a very popular area for travelers who want to spend most of their time relaxing at their resort. Here you’ll find both adults-only and family-focused resorts with beautiful grounds and a tranquil environment. The most popular excursion for those staying here is a catamaran day trip to nearby Isla Mujeres. Depending on the time of year, you might even get to snorkel with whale sharks.

Mayakoba

Known as the hub of premier luxury resorts in the Riviera Maya, Mayakoba is a private, gated resort community about 10 minutes north of Playa Del Carmen. This area is embraced by the nature of the jungle and guests will often find themselves in completely private rooms overlooking nothing but lagoons and greenery. Of course, though, you'll find pristine beaches on property as well.

Playa Del Carmen

Those who want to explore a bustling beach town for restaurants and nightlife will love staying in Playa Del Carmen. You can find some economical resort options nearby as well as higher end resorts. This is also a great spot to stay if you want to catch the ferry over to Cozumel.

Tulum

A bohemian paradise, Tulum has rapidly become one of the most popular destinations in the region. Here you'll find Instagram-worthy beaches, immaculately designed hotels, a cenote-filled jungle, and a vibrant spiritual scene. The Mayan Ruins are nearby, but most travelers will want to stay a bit further down the road along the beach-front hotel row. You won't find any mega-resorts or chain restaurants in Tulum, and the town is known for its trendy restaurants and bars. Keep in mind Tulum is about an hour south of Playa Del Carmen(which means about two hours from Cancun).

Now that you know which area is perfect for you, pack your bags and head the Riviera Maya!

Article by Angelique Dale

Angelique is a travel agent and the owner of Four Points Mom Travels

angelique@fourpointsmom.com | fourpointsmom.com | Facebook & Instagram - @fourpointsmomtravels