Riviera Maya Overview, Mexico
All-Inclusive Resorts We’ve Enjoyed on the Riviera Maya
All you can eat and drink, all day long and into the night, with free activities, sports and entertainment – what could be better? For a central location, we have focused on the vicinity of beach town Playa del Carmen. It has a more laid-back vibe than the at-times frenetic Cancun. There’s no shortage of active adventures, restaurants, dancing, bars, clubs, shopping, spas, and it is a hub for outstanding organized Yucatan tours, if you enjoy that sort of experience. We have stayed at 3 different resort chains within a 15 minute drive of Playa del Carmen, listed here in general order of increasing expense. Great deals are to be had at these locations. There are plenty of others. We just haven’t had time to try them all yet.
Ocean Maya Royale
Best food of the three resorts, great activities, nightly entertainment, gracious staff, and resident deer, iguanas and coatimundis (cousin of raccoons). We would go back for sure if we didn’t have so many other resorts to check out. Find out more.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
From Cancun to Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula
Contrary to much media hype, Mexico is NOT dangerous; no more so than any big city in the US or Europe. Take sensible precautions and you’ll be fine. Generally, our advice is to avoid border towns, Vera Cruz, Mazatlan and Acapulco. Lock up and don’t leave anything visible in parked cars. Be aware of your purse, wallet and electronics and take steps to secure them. We find the vast majority of Mexicans as a people are gracious hosts, honest, and very friendly. The art, culture, wildlife, and social interactions have made our travels in Mexico a rich and rewarding experience. Great tequila doesn’t hurt either!
Budget Travel
Riu Lupita
The smallest of the Riu chain of 4 resorts in the area. It offers a free shuttle to beaches, other Riu resorts and into town at night to enjoy the nightlife and shopping when the temperature moderates a bit to make the experience more pleasant. Would we go back? For the price, absolutely! Discover more.
Occidental Grande Xcaret
Part ecological and archaeological preserve, magnificent coastline, cultural activities, nightly entertainment, sports, multiple pools, swim-up bar beneath a waterfall, and so much more made this Diane’s favorite of the three all-inclusives. This is a destination in itself, yet still affordable. You’ll just have to see for yourself.
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