Riviera Maya (Mexico)

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Riviera Maya, a sublime length of coastline which stretches from Punta Brava just south of Cancun International Airport to Punta Allen just south of Tulum, is that rare thing - a Riviera which, as yet, hasn't been totally swamped with identi-kit resorts and traffic-clogged promenades. It's understandably popular, though, yet somehow this region manages to retain its character, thanks, in part, to the liberal sprinkling of fascinating historical ruins amid the swanky hotels and inviting coves.

Beaches

The Riviera Maya is of the most sublime coastal regions in the Caribbean, if not the world. Cove after cove of impossibly deep blue waters bite into this lush coastline, where the rainforest meets the sand. You can swim into deep, cool cave systems, or around the coast to private, pocket-handkerchief sized beaches to laze the day away. Or, alternatively, find a spot on one of Riviera Maya's busier, facilities-packed resort beaches. The sand remains cool and clean wherever you lay your towel.

Eating Out

The region's resorts are awash with eating opportunities - the Mexican cuisine here tends towards TexMex, with steaks and nachos mingling with burritos and enchilladas. The choice is overwhelming. Big entertainment barns offer grills and beers, evening cruises offer romantic dining at sea, swanky hotels present haute cuisine at reasonable prices, and everywhere there are seafood, Mediterranean, Italian and straight-up burger joints (well, America's not too far away) to tempt you.

Shopping

Shopping along the Riviera Maya is colourful, appealing and good value. And there's plenty of variety. You can find lots of roadside stores, air-conditioned malls and craft markets selling made-in-Mexico produce. Look for Yucatan's semiprecious stones (amethyst, onyx and lapis) inlaid into Mayan-inspired silver jewellery for great value souvenirs that will last a lifetime. Elsewhere, sombreros and hammocks, beach wraps and sandals make inexpensive gifts.

Nightlife

From Punta Brava to Punta Allen with Tulum, Akumal and Puerto Aventuras in between, the nightlife in Riviera Maya is as pulsating as you want it to be. Yes, there are loud and lively nightclubs aplenty, attracting a young and bubbly crowd, but there are casinos, show bars and traditional 'Cantinas' offering a far more authentic atmosphere too. It's best to ask at your hotel where the current hotspots are. Chances are, if you've chosen a larger hotel, its right under your feet!

Attractions and Activities

Cancun and the Riviera Maya offer several ecological parks for the region's visitors. These bright, well managed parks are half jungle adventure and half theme park fun. From thrill rides to swimming in underground rivers, wild animal enclosures to ancient ruins, the areas excellent ecoparks are well worth a visit. XCaret and Xel Ha are the best. Just offshore, the Great Mayan Reef is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere. Highway 307 along the coast in Quintana Roo is the Mayan Riviera's M1, running from Cancun all the way down to the tiny nationality of Belize. The road is never more than a kilometre from the coast. En route you'll enjoy delightful tourist towns and resorts worth a visit.

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