Riviera Maya

The Riviera Maya area--on the Yucatan Peninsula between Playa del Carmen and Cancun--is rapidly becoming one of the more popular vacation resort regions of Mexico, partly because it is located a short flying distance from  the east coast of the United States. The resort is located on the beach between Puerto Morelas and Playa del Carmen. To get there you fly into Cancun.  A car is recommended to get around the area, although the resort offers rides from the airport to the resort. Often, we rent a car the second day, go to the grocery Mega in Playa del Carmen, then tour the parks nearby.

​

The  Resort includes luxury levels from the Mayan Palace, to the Grand Mayan to the Grand Bliss, and even up to the Grand Luxxe.  The higher levels have their own exclusive pools.  The map at the right shows the plan.

​

None of the buildings on the resort are over three stories high and all are built away from the beach.  Because of that, none of the rooms are considered to be ocean-view, although from all of them you have great tropical views.  Also, the site is completely planted in native plants and trees--a natural jungle.

​

Benefits for this resort are

• Vidanta has developed a very good shuttle service here, so you don't have to wait too long to get where you want to go.

• The beach has beautiful sand but is difficult to swim in because of rocks.

• There are several inviting pools close to the beach, including the new Beach Club (available to Grand Luxxe and Grand Bliss people only). 

• The popular Cirque du Soleil show has been introduced in a new building built on-site.   The shows can include dinner. 

• There's lots to do nearby, including nature and archeological parks, such as Xel-Ha, Xcaret, and the very famous Tulum.

• There are many swimming and snorkeling sites nearby.

• The towns of Cancun and Playa del Carmen both include large stores such as a Walmart or a Mega to make your grocery shopping easy. 

The El Manglar Golf Course, located on-site, is a par 54 Jack Nicklaus design 18-hole course. The natural landscape places the holes between native jungle vegetation and several lakes. The course is quite challenging, but also welcoming to children--we have played this course with our grandchildren.  There are no caddies.