Riviera Maya

[tcufrog]

My dh and I are hoping to take a romantic trip together without the kids next year if we can get the babysitting worked out. One place we're considering is the Riviera Maya. Neither one of us has been there so I'm starting to do some research. Since so many of my fellow DISers are well traveled I thought I ask y'all what y'all thought of the place.

We're considering the Riviera Maya because it's only a 2 1/2 hour flight for us and we want to go somewhere with romantic places to stay where we might not run into a lot of kids.

My husband has read about how unsafe it is to travel to Mexico. How safe is the area for tourists?

Another concern of my husband is whether we'll get bored since we're not lay on the beach types. We're more into culture, nature and history. Will there be enough for us to do.

Finally when is the best time to go?

 

[Wishing on a star]

Completely and totally safe!!!!

My husband and I took a getaway to Secrets Maroma Beach. An Adults ONLY all-inclusive resort right on a very nice beach. I can recommend, but, it is way pricey (overpriced) you really have to find a good deal. (send me a PM if you might consider booking this, to see if I might be able to help) One reason for this is because it is on Maroma Beach. Very very nice!

There are several wonderful Adult Only resorts at Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. Most Adult Only resorts will be more upscale all-inclusive. And, they will cost more.

Be aware that if you aren't at Cancun on that Cancun beach (which will usually have surf too high for swimming, but is spectacular) Other resorts on the Riviera Maya to the North and the South of Cancun cannot be assumed to have a great beach.

Another adult only resort south of Cancun that will have a more reasonable pricepoint, and still seems very nice is the Valelntin Imperial Maya (VIM)

If you do not spend time on Tripadvisor, that is where you will find all of the info and reviews, etc. That is where you need to be researching!

 

[Wishing on a star]

PLENTY to do....
The ruins. Tulum are the closest.
Snorkeling... The Mexican Federal Marine/Reef preserve at Puerto Morelos is amazing.
Adventure day-trips, like ziplining, maybe going to the Cenotes (large caves and openings that are part of the underground river system on the Mayan Rivera.

PS: by all means, DO lay on a gorgeous beach and relax and enjoy a few adult libations!!!

As far as when to go....
If you are flexible, I would go after Spring Break, into May.... The prices will fall at some point in there. The rainy season, which can be VERY rainy, can start by the first of June. We have been in April and in Early May, weather was fantastic on our two trips.

 

[YachtClubWoman]

My dh and I are hoping to take a romantic trip together without the kids next year if we can get the babysitting worked out. One place we're considering is the Riviera Maya. Neither one of us has been there so I'm starting to do some research. Since so many of my fellow DISers are well traveled I thought I ask y'all what y'all thought of the place.

We're considering the Riviera Maya because it's only a 2 1/2 hour flight for us and we want to go somewhere with romantic places to stay where we might not run into a lot of kids.

My husband has read about how unsafe it is to travel to Mexico. How safe is the area for tourists?

Another concern of my husband is whether we'll get bored since we're not lay on the beach types. We're more into culture, nature and history. Will there be enough for us to do.

Finally when is the best time to go?

I vote secrets Maroma beach - my husband and I are going back for our 4th time the end of Oct

 

[Jeff in BigD]

We just got back from our honeymoon in Riviera Maya. We stayed at an all inclusive & stayed on property most of the time. We went to X-caret & did some deep sea fishing. We never felt unsafe during that time either.

 

[shortbun]

I've been to the Riviera Maya several times. I like the Akumal area. There used to be a couple small places right on the beach that were charming and less expensive than those huge, all inclusive hotels. Imho, those hotels make you want to stay there to take advantage of all you've paid for. We always rent a car at the Cancun Airport. You can not get lost going south. There is only one road. We like having a car so we can really explore. The unsafe part of Mexico is under California down the coast and in to Mexico City; it's basically a triangle that is no where near the Yucatan Peninsula. It would be like saying you didn't want to go to Texas because California was unsafe. It's that far and there aren't even good roads between the two areas. The sightseeing possibilities are vast if you like ruins, culture and natural sights. There's a biosphere/reserve south of Akumal, a full day's trip-full. The ruins of Chitzenitza, Xelha, Tulum, Coba(another full day trip) and like someone else said, cenotes to explore and dive. Timing can be important. I was there in November once and a category 5 was headed straight for us. We got lucky because it stalled and turned, headed into Central America. Anyway, it starts raining early summer and hurricane season is usually late July through November. Dec-Easter can be expensive although traditionally, the 1st week of January is cheap IF there are packages even being offerred. Winter is best weather wise, May is usually well priced and decent weather. Summer is very hot and makes sightseeing sometimes uncomfortable as well as being mid priced rather than inexpensive. It's also wet. Keep an eye out for the large moths that are like pieces of artwork as they spread their wings and attach themselves to the ceramic walls of hotel lobbys. They are beautiful. We have friends who have purchased palapa style housing on the coast way below Akumal. They love it; it's very remote and only for folks wanting to simply veg. Happy travel shopping. I don't know where you are but Apple Vacations often has good prices.

 

[shortbun]

http://www.hotelakumalcaribe.com/
Really explore this website. There are several, small, charming hotels in Akumal represented on the site. scroll down and play around a little bit to find them. I used to sell all the deluxe, all-inclusives to my clients but I also tried to encourage them to stay at one of these charming spots. Hotel Akumal Caribe is a sweet spot.

 

[ronandannette]

We just got back from our honeymoon in Riviera Maya. We stayed at an all inclusive & stayed on property most of the time. We went to X-caret & did some deep sea fishing. We never felt unsafe during that time either.

Did you find a deal on this by any chance? I'm researching excursions right now for a trip in November. The prices I'm finding are basically about $100/hr. per person Are better prices to be had booking last-minute right with the captains?

 

[Jeff in BigD]

Did you find a deal on this by any chance? I'm researching excursions right now for a trip in November. The prices I'm finding are basically about $100/hr. per person Are better prices to be had booking last-minute right with the captains?

The resort lobby had desk for a 3rd party travel agency (Lomas) - we got a 4hr excursion for $100 per person. They included transportation to & from our resort. DW caught a 45lb Jack Crevalle which they cooked for us - very tasty!

You may be able to arrange it through their website:
http://www.lomas-travel.com/riviera_maya/

 

[Nickunited]

In May I honeymooned in the Rivera Maya and I too vote Secrets Maroma Beach. Great Adults only venue which the best beach in the area.


Safety was not an issue as the people on the peninsula live off of toursist so they welcome the sight of tourists.

We did a tour of Chichenitza as well as walked around Playa Del Carmen and never felt like our lives were in danger.

Its absolutely beautiful down there and we enjoyed it so much that we said if we are looking to get out of town for a weekend on the beach, instead of going to a beach in FLA, we will stay on the plane an extra half hour or what not and just go back there.

Go. Enjoy. If you can pull the price, go Secrets!

This was our view for 8 days