The Riviera Maya, Mexico is one of the world's most popular tropical beach destinations because of the value and ease of access traveling here, and is the #1 selling destination for ULTIMATE VACATIONS. Riviera Mayahas excellent options for your vacation, honeymoon or destination wedding due to having the greatest collection of all-inclusive resorts of any destination, anywhere. From good quality moderate resorts to deluxe adult-only or family specialized all-inclusive resorts, Riviera Maya offers the best value.
The white sand beaches of Riviera Maya extend from just south of the Cancun airport for approximately 89 miles. This magical destination successfully combines the breathtaking craggy coastline made up of white sand beaches with the gorgeous turquoise Caribbean Sea, the world's most generous collection of all-inclusive resorts and still protects the extraordinary ancient Mayan civilization.
There is a distinct difference between the Riviera Maya and Cancun. The Riviera Maya is laid back, tranquil. We like to say Cancun has high rise hotels and Riviera Maya has resorts. There are few high rise resorts here. Resorts are set back from the main road past exotic jungles, along the gorgeous aqua and turquoise colors of the Mexican Caribbean Sea. You will not walk outside your resort and see Applebee's across the street, yet using local transportation or through a tour you can get anywhere easily. As you can read for yourself through the more than 20 exclusive resort reviews we have personally complied on our web site for this area that Riviera Maya has a wealth of accommodations. No where else will you find the extraordinary amount of diverse all-inclusive resorts, and at the best value anywhere.
ULTIMATE VACATIONS can recommend the perfect Riviera Maya all-inclusive resort for your occasion - from family friendly resorts with anything from pleasant accommodations to gourmet Gerber baby food and hopping teen centers with Wii tournaments all the way to deluxe romantic beachside Casitas or private rooftop terraces with your own exclusive infinity pool. Dining at a Riviera Maya all-inclusive resort can vary from ample buffets to as many as 10 unique gourmet quality a la carte restaurants per resort. And we know where they all are from our extensive collective personal experiences.
The Riviera Maya is a wonderful gateway to activity. With attractions including white sand beaches, clear Caribbean seas, beautiful reefs teeming with colorful marine life - thanks to the world's second longest barrier reef just off shore, snorkeling and diving options, access to some of the world's most significant archeological sites, several celebrity designed (think Nicklaus, Jones, Von Hagge, Norman, Dye) and Championship golf courses, and more than 100 cenotes (fresh water pools) for swimming and snorkeling, Riviera Maya has something for everyone and is bursting with cultural and natural wonders. Need more convinving? Zip Line across the jungle; swim with the dolphins; snorkel reefs via catamaran, explore subterranean rivers; visit natual aquariums; or experience the Mayan empire - including Tulum (with a dreamy beach), Coba, or any other historical sites. Playa del Carmen (37 miles south of the Cancun airport) is a vibrant and charming pedestrian shopping and nightlife area (over 60 bars) on the region's famed 5th Avenue, located in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Cabs are waiting at every hotel to whisk you away to Playa del Carmen, and in most instances the driver is happy to wait for you to complete your in-town mission and drive you back to your hotel. The cost of the cab is typically posted at each hotel and is an established set fare. Playa del Carmen is your gateway to Cozumel via ferry's operating on regular schedules and on last check the fare was approximately $14 U.S. each way.
Check out our Activities Section for information on Tulum, Xel-Ha, Chichen-Itza, and Xcaret, plus all the sporting activities available in the Riviera Maya. As the Riviera Maya is predominately an all-inclusive resort area. The bar continues to be raised on World Class resorts in this area featuring renowned spas and true gourmet cuisine. You select between adult-only upscale resorts and family friendly resorts that cater to multiple generations at the same time. ULTIMATE VACATIONS inspects the Riviera Maya and its popular resorts and attractions several times each year. Simply stated, there is no better value for your investment in an All-Inclusive vacation than Riviera Maya, Mexico. Your dreams and our first hand knowledge will deliver the ultimate all-inclusive vacation, honeymoon or destination wedding customized for you. That's an ULTIMATE VACATIONS fact.