Mexico offers world-class dive sites, pristine white beaches and culture. What’s not to like? Jeannine Williamson reports
Mexico’s Caribbean coastline is a draw for all types of holidaymaker, with its laid-back lifestyle, powdery white beaches, world-class dive sites and spectacular heritage.
It also boasts some of the country’s most luxurious resorts, and high-end tourism in the Yucatan Peninsula. This covers the Mayan region and Caribbean coast and is
a key sector being targeted by the tourist board in the UK.
Best for families: Cancun
Why? In the early 1970s the Mexican government looked for the best location for a tourist resort and this is it. Near-perfect weather, safe beaches and fantastic snorkelling and diving areas have made it the country’s top destination. Many Cancun hotels have children’s pools and clubs and are all-inclusive.
Family-friendly attractions include the 18-acre Wet’n Wild water park, which is centrally located in the hotel zone. At Garrafon Natural Reef Park at Isla Mujeres, a
25-minute boat ride from Cancun, highlights include swimming with dolphins and, for the over-13s, the chance to speed across the sea on a zip wire.
Sample package: Funway Holidays offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Flamingo Cancun Resort and Plaza from £865 per adult and £605 per child, aged two to 11, sharing a standard room, including flights but excluding transfers.
Best for spa and relaxation: Puerto Morelos
Why? Despite a growth in tourism in the last two decades, Puerto Morelos has retained its fishing village roots. It takes around 15 minutes to walk across the town.
It’s ideal for clients wanting a quiet holiday away from the larger resorts. Several hotels do not allow children under the age of 13.
In recent years, Mexico has opened some world-class spas and several are located along this stretch of the Riviera Maya. Local plants, fruits and herbal remedies are used in many of the treatments.
Sample package:Carrier offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the adult-only Paraiso del Bonita, home of Mexico’s first thalassotherapy spa, from £2,250 per person, including flights and transfers.
A complimentary dinner is included for travel up to November 25 and between December 1 and 16.
Best for culture lovers: Tulum
Why? The resort takes its name from the ancient walled city that once defended the area against invaders. Today, Tulum is one of the most visited of all Mayan ruins.
Dating back to 1200AD, Tulum occupies a stunning location perched on a clifftop overlooking the sea. Nearby is the Xel-Ha ecological park where visitors can explore a labyrinth of waterways through the tropical jungle, swim in lagoons and discover cenotes, the freshwater sinkholes or natural wells that are prevalent in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Sample package:Kuoni offers seven nights’ all-inclusive in a deluxe garden view room at Dreams Tulum, where the ruins can be seen from the beach, from £1,384 per person, including flights and transfers.
Best for active holidays: Playacar
Why? The sophisticated sister of neighbouring Playa del Carmen is the most central location on the Riviera Maya, making it an excellent base for sightseeing. The area is also a paradise for sports enthusiasts, with sea and land-based activities.
Scuba divers can head out to the Great Mayan Reef, and the island of Cozumel, renowned for its diving and snorkelling, is an hour away by fast catamaran. Closer to the shore there is windsurfing, kitesurfing and cave diving and Playacar also has an 18-hole golf course.
Those with energy to spare can head to the lively nightspots of Playa del Carmen, just two miles away.
Sample package?Cosmos offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret from £929, including flights, transfers and one day’s free entry
to Xcaret Ecological Park.
Best for luxury: Mayakoba
Why? It might be the new kid on the block, but upmarket Mayakoba is already making quite an impression. Accommodation is from the luxury players including Rosewood, Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental and Banyan Tree. The properties, all with golf courses and spas, have recently opened or will be open next year.
Situated on a protected stretch of the Yucatan coast 30 minutes from Cancun, Mayakoba will soon boast one of the highest concentrations of luxury developments in the world.
It’s worth pointing out that the idyllic 1,600-acre coastal enclave is a real place, rather than the creation of hoteliers, and all the developments have had to comply with strict environmental guidelines to protect the local environment.
Sample package:Seasons in Style offers seven nights’ room-only in a lagoon suite at Rosewood Mayakoba from £2,405, including flights and transfers.
All prices shown are for October to December.
