Riviera Maya anyone????

[busy mom]

We are planning a trip to this area over Thanksgiving. Would love opinions on all-inclusive resorts that my teenagers will enjoy. Also, any first-hand accounts of the weather this time of year (late November) would be helpful.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Try looking on tripadvisor.com.

 

[Darcy03231]

Can't help on the weather in November but when we went in late April it was gorgeous.

Our family really likes the Iberostar resorts. We went when our kids were teens (and younger) and the kids all had a great time. We've stayed in several over the years and have never been disappointed.

 

[Jimsig]

Our family really likes the Iberostar resorts. We went when our kids were teens (and younger) and the kids all had a great time. We've stayed in several over the years and have never been disappointed.

I second the Iberostar resorts. We stayed at one of the Paraiso resorts there and had a lot of fun. We were there for a destination wedding.

 

[pink_fins]

We stayed at hotel Calalonia, Ryivera maya. 4 resturants, two buffets. a couple of snack bars. swim up bar LOL They have vendhors come a few days a week to sell their wares. There is a lady with a cart that you can paint your own piece of pottery.She takes it home, enhances it and brings it back the next day. I have done several thru the years.

As far as things to do. We always used a taxi and visited places like Playa, snorkeled some cenotes in the mornings till about 1-2 then just hung around the pools. Their beach is sorta rockey so bring along water shoes.

I am sure there are zip lines and lots of other things for the younger set to do when you leave the resort during the day.

We have been there twice and took my sister. She loved it...she took a catamaran tour and o forgot you have the historical sites like Tulum, Chiza nia (sp) etc. That is an adventure in it self you will never forget...

 

[crisi]

Both places we stayed had not good beaches, so I wouldn't recommend them if you want a beach, which teens tend to want. But one was a private villa. Which meant that you did your own cooking and made your own margaritas, but was really nice and really not terribly expensive (particularly if you vacation with friends).

Riveria Maya is a coral reef, which means that some of the properties do not have functional beaches. (and often even those with beaches have coral outcroppings - sharp and hard).

 

[platamama]

A couple of years ago we stayed at Barcelo Maya Beach and had a great time there. The beach was nice with decent snorkeling.

 

[katie111]

We love the Mayan Riviera. Just got back from our 4th trip there last week. We went once in late November. Weather was beautiful but the pools were chilly. The ocean water was a perfect temp. Therefore, I would try to pick a resort with a nice beach. We've stayed at 4 different resorts and liked all of them but our kids are much younger so I'm not sure which ones teenagers would enjoy. Seemed like they were having a good time at the Barcelo Mayan Palace when we stayed there.

Check out Selvatica for zip lining and Xel-ha which is a natural waterpark. My kids loved these & I think teens would love them as well.

 

[CaliforniaDreamin]

http://www.valentinmaya.com/


We stayed here last year. It was gorgeous. Can't complain about anything. There were many places to eat and the beach was stunning. Loved the pools, staff was exceptionally friendly. I highly recommend it.

ETA: Just re-read your post. Didn't pick up on the fact that this is a family trip with your teens. Sorry! That's what I get for skimming. This resort is 18 and over. BUT, if you love the area, then maybe you will plan another trip for just you and DH.

 

[busy mom]

bump

 

[rickdeni]

In the Riviera Maya the Iberostars or the Dreams are best equipped for children or teens.

 

[jel0511]

We're going to Dreams Riveria Cancun for Thanksgiving. Never been, but got some good reviews......

 

[cdrn1]

We went to Riviera Maya in early November a few years ago. The weather was perfect. Low 80's, sunshine all week. We stayed at the Riu Palace Mexico, which was very nice and included being able to use the facilities at almost all of the Riu resorts, which were in walking distance. We enjoyed it a lot.

 

[mickeyboat]

We stayed at the Barcelo Maya Palace last April, and really enjoyed it. It has a beautiful, long beach with great snorkeling right at the resort.

Here is an "unofficial" site to look through. There is a discussion board there, too.

http://www.unofficial-barcelo-maya.com/site/