“Travel broadens the mind – but you must have the mind.”
My mind is certainly broadened after each trip to the Riviera Maya, specifically Playa del Carmen (Playa), the majestic Mexican playground on the edge of the Caribbean Sea!
Many of us pasty folks are content lying around on a lounger and doing nothing on holiday. No matter how relaxing, laying on the beach in a margarita-induced coma is difficult to justify when travelling in the eco-oasis known as the Mayan Riviera.
There are so many reasons to travel to the magical Yucatan Peninsula so I’ve carved out some of my favourite from A to Z!
Akumal means “Place of the Turtles” (20 minutes south of Playa) and Akumal is a major nesting site for turtles from May through November. It is also a beautiful laid-back beach resort town rich in history where the tourists go to “escape” tourists! It’s considered a diver’s paradise, with beautiful reefs and lots of cenotes for cave diving.
Beaches! “Playa”, Spanish name for beach, enjoys one of the most amazing stretches of white soft sandy beaches. All public beaches in Playa are maintained by the city and this means that seaweed and garbage is cleaned up daily. A major beach project pumped 2.6 billion cubic feet of sand onto the beaches to expand and restore them due to storm erosion.
Cozumel is a half hour ferry ride from Playa & home to the world-famous Palancar Reef which Jacques Cousteau discovered in the ‘60s & regarded as one of the finest diving spots in the world. Swim with sea turtles, dolphins, take a lobster dinner cruise or visit Paradise Beach and enjoy the inflatable water park, trampoline, parasailing etc.
Deep sea fishing charters will take you along the Yucatan coast where you can reel in a prized marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi and barracuda. Many charters include lunch, beverages and bathrooms.
Eco-parks abound as eco-travel is on the rise particularly along the Riviera Maya’s coastal corridor. You can snorkel the magical lagoons, explore underground caves and waterways or stroll the jungle or swim with dolphins & manatees.
Flora and Fauna – Playa is surrounded by hectares of unspoiled jungle. Wildlife lovers will be amazed at the variety of indigenous animals and birds that can be found comfortably coexisting with visitors. The tropical jungle also holds a treasury of incredible plants, many of medicinal value for the Maya.
Golf – the Riviera Maya is becoming a popular golfing destination & the following highly rated courses have been designed by major names in modern golf design. El Camaleon at Mayacoba, Iberostar Playa Paraiso, Riviera Maya Golf, and Grand Coral Resort & Golf. www.rivieramayagolfcourses.info
Hidden Worlds Family Cenote Park is a one-stop adventure destination that offers unique jungle adventures including cenote snorkelling, zip lines, and rappelling. Oh and try the “Avatar”; a roller coaster zip line! Hidden Worlds was featured in the IMAX movie, “Journey Into Amazing Caves”. (see side pic)
International flare is a major part of Playa’s charm. This international influence is seen in architecture and the food. There’s a “Little Italy” section north of Avenida Consituyentes. Other than great local Mexican food, you’ll find outstanding Italian, Argentinean, French,
Japanese, Thai food found in Playa too!
Kite boarding or kite surfing is one of the most exhilarating sports and combines aspects of surfing, wakeboarding, paragliding, and more. The Riviera Maya offers the perfect wind conditions for long distance race kite boarding. Take a lesson at PDC Kiteboarding (www.pdckiteboarding.com)
Stay tuned for A to Z part two next week!
Playa Gal” (a very satisfied client working to promote Playa Beach Condos & Villas!) salgal@playabeachcondo.com(PS- Click on the feed and visit my ongoing blogs!)