Riviera Maya

If you are looking for a luxury resort, Riviera Maya is one of the best options: the very best standard of accommodation with the best amenities, as well as virgin beaches with clear, calm waters that are great for snorkelling and diving. The Riviera Maya consists of 150 km of Caribbean coastline and extends towards the Mexican peninsula of Yucatán, from Puerto Morelos to Punta Allen. It is characterised by white sandy coves, with a few rocky outcrops where the fresh water flows into the ocean.

By far the most distinctive geographical area in the region is the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest reef system in the world. This huge underwater formation stretches from the tip of the Yucatán peninsula southwards towards Guatemala. It hosts up to 100 different species of coral and 500 species of fish, and sea turtles too. What's more, whale sharks pass through this area for their annual migration. Those wanting to dive in are guaranteed an unforgettable experience as they explore the marine life that makes the Riviera Maya a paradise for divers. Hundreds of businesses along the entire coast offer guided tours, so visitors can choose whichever trip best suits their level of experience and interests.

The options for guests in hotels at the Riviera Maya are not limited to the beach. A quirk of nature has formed a network of underground rivers beneath the coast, the largest in the world. At many points the waters rise up to the surface, where they form pools, better known as cenotes. No two cenotes are the same: some are overshadowed by enormous rocks, whilst other are open to the sky, surrounded by jungle vegetation. Swimming or diving becomes a spiritual journey as you join the ancient Mayas, who themselves revered the cenotes. The clear waters make it possible to observe the different marine species, even the tiniest fish, in incredible detail. In fact, the cenotes are amongst the greatest treasures for underwater photographers. Qualified divers can venture into the caves accompanied by a guide, offering the expedition of a lifetime. Divers can encounter limestone formations that resemble giant columns and icicles, shoals of glittering fish and even such treasures as jade and gold that the Mayans threw into the pools as gifts to their gods.

The hotels on the Riviera Maya are outstanding, both as a starting point for adventures and as a place to relax at the end of the day. Needless to say, the service is always a top priority, and the amenities include huge swimming pools, direct access to the beach and stunning restaurants where you can sample freshly-caught seafood and specialities of Mexican cuisine. What's more, the staff are trained to help guests plan their activities, whether they want to swim with dolphins, see monkeys in their natural habitat, or plunge into a jungle on one of the zip-lines at one of the nature parks in the area.